We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Perfect for refined lunches or evening receptions, this vintage 1990 Rolex Lady-Datejust in stainless steel brings understated elegance. Its 26mm case, blue dial with date, fluted bezel and classic Jubilee bracelet complement tailored looks and cocktail dresses alike, making it a timeless choice for milestones and everyday sophistication.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm (1990) ref. 69174? A: It’s a Swiss-made, automatic ladies’ Datejust in a 26mm stainless-steel Oyster case with a fluted bezel, a blue dial featuring the date under Rolex’s Cyclops magnifier, and a stainless-steel Jubilee bracelet. Compact and elegant, it’s ideal for smaller wrists and refined, everyday wear.
Q: Which movement does this model typically use? A: Late-1980s to early-1990s Lady-Datejust models like the 69174 are usually powered by a self-winding Rolex calibre with a quickset date (commonly the Calibre 2135). Exact movement can be verified on request for this specific watch.
Q: How do I wind and set the time/date safely? A: Unscrew the crown anti-clockwise. Position 1: manual wind (about 20–30 turns if the watch has stopped). Position 2: quickset the date. Position 3: set the time. Avoid changing the date between roughly 8pm and 2am to protect the mechanism. When finished, push the crown in and screw it down firmly.
Q: Is it water-resistant and can I swim with it? A: The Oyster case was originally rated to 100m, but water resistance on vintage watches cannot be guaranteed without recent gasket replacement and pressure testing. We recommend avoiding swimming or showering unless it has been freshly serviced, re-sealed and tested. Always keep the crown fully screwed down.
Q: Does a 1990 Lady-Datejust have a sapphire crystal and Cyclops lens? A: Most examples from this era feature a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with the Cyclops date magnifier. If you’d like us to confirm the crystal type on this exact piece, please contact us.
Q: What is the bezel made of on ref. 69174? A: On 69174 models, the fluted bezel is typically crafted from 18ct white gold paired with a stainless-steel case. We can confirm the bezel material for this specific watch on request.
Q: Will the bracelet fit my wrist, and can it be resized? A: This watch fits wrists up to approximately 16.75cm as listed. The Jubilee bracelet can be sized; additional links can often be sourced subject to availability and may incur a fee. Share your wrist measurement and we’ll advise before dispatch.
Q: How accurate should I expect it to be, and when should it be serviced? A: A well-maintained vintage Rolex should keep good time, though tolerances vary with age and service history. A full service every 5–10 years is generally recommended, or sooner if you notice running fast/slow, moisture, or reduced power reserve. Keep the watch away from strong magnets and have gaskets checked periodically.
Q: How can I verify the reference and production year? A: The reference is typically stamped between the lugs at 12 o’clock and the serial at 6 o’clock (bracelet removal required). This piece carries an “E”‑prefix serial consistent with around 1990. We’re happy to verify details and share additional photos on request.
Q: How does the 26mm Lady-Datejust compare to the later 28mm? A: The 26mm offers a more petite, vintage proportion, while the 28mm provides a slightly larger, more modern presence. Choice depends on wrist size and style preference; both retain the Datejust’s timeless design cues.
Q: What’s included, and how do you guarantee authenticity and support? A: This listing is delivered with no accessories unless stated otherwise. A Retro Tale professionally authenticates every item and provides a 12‑month mechanical guarantee, free insured DHL shipping, a 14‑day return policy, and 0% customs fees for EU buyers. Contact us for any specific details or documentation you’d like to review.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Womens watches
/ Lady-Datejust
42%
off retail price
• Stainless steel case, 26mm
• Blue dial with date display
• Fluted bezel
• Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
• From 1990
• Vintage
