The Rolex Datejust 278240 is the current-generation Datejust 31 in Oystersteel, defined by a smooth domed bezel and a 31 mm Oyster case. It is the most understated way to wear a modern Datejust, and the reference Rolex offers in the widest spread of dial colours. Show more
Where the fluted-bezel 278274 and the two-tone 278273 announce themselves across a room, the 278240 does the opposite. Its polished domed bezel throws light in one clean sweep instead of breaking it into facets, which leaves the dial to carry the watch. That is why Rolex has released this single reference in so many finishes, and why it reads equally well under a shirt cuff or with an evening dress.
The 278240 replaced the long-running 178240, and the change was not cosmetic. It runs calibre 2236 with a patented silicon Syloxi hairspring and roughly 55 hours of power reserve — a generational step up from the movement in the outgoing reference.
Key Features of the Rolex Datejust 278240
Case and Dimensions (31 mm)
The 31 mm Oyster case is Oystersteel throughout, built around a monobloc middle case with a screw-down case back and screw-down winding crown. It is waterproof to 100 metres, and the sapphire crystal carries the Cyclops lens over the date.
Smooth Domed Bezel
The domed bezel is the point of the reference. Polished rather than fluted, it keeps the 278240 quiet enough for daily wear while the case and bracelet stay unmistakably Datejust.
Movement — Calibre 2236
The self-winding calibre 2236 beats at 28,800 vph on 31 jewels and holds about 55 hours of reserve. Its Syloxi silicon hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers underpin Superlative Chronometer certification, rated to -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet
Rolex offers this reference on either bracelet, and we stock both. The three-piece-link Oyster reads flatter and sportier; the five-piece-link Jubilee is dressier and drapes more softly on a 31 mm case.
Dial Options for the Rolex 278240
The dial is where this reference does its work, and the range is unusually wide for a steel Datejust. Finishes Rolex has offered on the 278240 include:
Pink — a sunray pink made in both Roman-numeral and index layouts.
Dark grey — a muted, almost slate finish that reads dressier than black.
Blue and bright blue — from deep navy Romans through to a lighter, brighter sunray.
Silver and white — the traditional pairing, and the easiest to wear alongside either white or yellow gold.
Black — Roman numerals against a dark ground, the sharpest contrast in the line-up.
Green — Rolex’s signature colour, and consistently the hardest of these dials to find.
Roman-numeral dials outnumber index dials in this reference. The index versions use Rolex’s Chromalight display, which holds a long-lasting blue luminescence in low light. Use the dial and bracelet filters above to narrow the grid to what is in stock today.
At Watch My Diamonds, Datejust 278240 watches range from $11,287 to $11,400 across 2 priced listings.
On this reference, dial and bracelet move the price more than age does. Coloured and Roman-numeral dials generally sit above silver or white index dials, and Jubilee examples tend to carry a small premium over Oyster. Every 278240 we list comes with its original box and papers.
FAQs
How much is a Rolex Datejust 278240?
It depends on the dial, the bracelet and the condition. The live range for the examples we currently have listed is shown at the top of this section, and the price chart below tracks how that figure has moved over the last twelve months. Unworn pieces with box and papers sit at the upper end.
What is the difference between the Rolex 278240 and the 278274?
The bezel. The 278240 has a smooth domed bezel; the 278274 has a fluted bezel in 18k white gold. Case, movement and bracelet options are otherwise identical, so the choice comes down to how much attention you want the bezel to draw.
Is the Rolex Datejust 278240 still in production?
Yes. The 278240 is the current Oystersteel Datejust 31 in Rolex’s catalogue. It succeeded the discontinued 178240, which is why pre-owned examples of the older reference trade well below this one.
What movement does the Rolex 278240 use?
Calibre 2236, Rolex’s self-winding movement with a patented silicon Syloxi hairspring. It runs at 28,800 vph on 31 jewels, holds about 55 hours of power reserve and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer at -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
Does the 278240 come on an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet?
Both. Rolex offers the reference either way and we stock both, so the bracelet is a matter of taste rather than availability. The Oyster is the flatter, sportier of the two; the Jubilee is dressier and sits more softly on the wrist.
Is the Datejust 278240 a women’s watch?
At 31 mm it sits in Rolex’s mid-size range and is most often bought as a women’s watch, though it suits any smaller wrist. If you want the same design in a larger case, look at the 36 mm Datejust 126200 or the Datejust 41.
Rolex Datejust 278240 Price Chart
Rolex Datejust 278240 • Last 12 months • Average
Over the last 12 months the average price for Rolex Datejust 278240 at Watch My Diamonds ranged from $10,324 (Dec 2025) to $11,492 (Jul 2026), averaging $10,999 across 12 tracked months. The current average is $11,343.63, based on 2 priced listings.
