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Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) vs Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Two timepieces compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) ($10,000–$25,000) and Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) ($10,000–$25,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) emphasizes Rolex 2235, chronometer certified engineering while the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Rolex
Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) | Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 31mm | 31mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date | Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 2235, chronometer certified | Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer |
| Power Reserve | About 42 hours | About 42 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | Oystersteel with 18k white gold fluted bezel (white Rolesor) | 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) features a Oystersteel with 18k white gold fluted bezel (white Rolesor) case at 31mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops protection. The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel construction at 31mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date vs Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135
The Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) runs the Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date (Rolex 2235, chronometer certified, About 42 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) uses the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 (Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
31mm vs 31mm — different wrist presence
At 31mm, the Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) is similarly sized compared to the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at 31mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with About 42 hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) if you prioritize Rolex 2235, chronometer certified engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Rolex calibre 2235, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) if you value Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 31mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Datejust 31 78274 (steel, white gold fluted bezel, meteorite diamond dial, box and papers) and Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.