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Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) vs Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"
Two timepieces compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) ($10,000–$25,000) and Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" ($10,000–$25,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) emphasizes Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer engineering while the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) | Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 31mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 | Automatic Caliber 3235 |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer | Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day) |
| Power Reserve | About 42 hours | 70 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel | Oystersteel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) features a 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel case at 31mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops protection. The Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers Oystersteel construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 vs Automatic Caliber 3235
The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) runs the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 (Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer, About 42 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" uses the Automatic Caliber 3235 (Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day), 70 Hours reserve) at standard. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
31mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 31mm, the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with About 42 hours, against Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops and 70 Hours on the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) if you prioritize Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 with About 42 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"
Choose the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" if you value Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic Caliber 3235 with 70 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) and Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" 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.