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 dinner parties, boardroom meetings, or weekend gallery visits, this vintage 31mm Rolex Datejust ref. 68273 adds understated sophistication. With its steel and 18k yellow gold construction and champagne dial, it’s a refined companion for marking milestones or elevating everyday attire.
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 Datejust 31mm Ref. 68273 (1989)? A: It is a classic mid-size, two-tone Datejust featuring a 31mm Oyster case in stainless steel with an 18ct yellow gold fluted bezel, a champagne dial with a date at 3 o’clock under the Cyclops lens, and an automatic chronometer movement. This example comes on the stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold Jubilee bracelet and is a vintage piece from 1989.
Q: Which movement powers this watch and does it have Quickset date? A: The ref. 68273 is typically fitted with the Rolex Calibre 2135 automatic movement. It is COSC-certified and features a Quickset date, allowing you to adjust the date independently via the crown without moving the hands through a full 24-hour cycle.
Q: Does this model have a sapphire crystal and Cyclops? A: Yes. By the late 1980s, Datejust models like the 68273 were equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, together with Rolex’s signature Cyclops magnifier over the date for improved legibility.
Q: Is it water-resistant? A: The Oyster case was originally rated to 100 metres. However, for a vintage watch from 1989, water resistance cannot be guaranteed without a recent pressure test. Please treat it as splash-resistant only and avoid swimming or showering with it.
Q: Will the watch fit my wrist? A: This specific bracelet is sized to fit a wrist up to 17 cm. The Jubilee bracelet can be adjusted down by removing links; if you need extra length, additional links may be sourced separately.
Q: What is included with the purchase? A: This is a full set, including the original Rolex box, certificate/papers, and hang tag, in addition to the watch itself—ideal for provenance and collectability.
Q: Is the 31mm Datejust considered unisex? A: Yes. The 31mm “mid-size” Datejust has long been regarded as a versatile unisex option—perfect for slimmer wrists or those who prefer a more understated vintage proportion—often paired with the dressy Jubilee bracelet.
Q: How do I set the time and date safely? A: Unscrew the crown anti-clockwise. Position 1 is for manual winding. Pull gently to Position 2 to Quickset the date. Pull to Position 3 to set the time (the seconds hand will stop). Avoid changing the date between 9 pm and 3 am to protect the mechanism, and always screw the crown back down firmly afterwards.
Q: What is the condition of this piece? A: It is in Very Good condition (353326), showing light traces of use appropriate to age, with surface scratches on the case, case back and bracelet. Please review the photos for details.
Q: What does the serial number indicate? A: The serial L340379 places the watch in the L-series, corresponding to circa 1989 production—matching the year stated for this example.
Q: Is there a warranty and authenticity guarantee? A: A Retro Tale guarantees 100% authenticity for every item we sell and provides a 12-month movement warranty covering mechanical function.
Q: How often should I service this vintage Rolex? A: As a guideline, service every 5–10 years depending on usage and conditions. Vintage pieces worn daily may benefit from the shorter end of that range; arrange an inspection sooner if you notice timekeeping issues or moisture under the crystal.
SHIPPING TO THE US
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.
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 UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 2-4 business days.
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 all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
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.
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.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Womens watches
/ Lady-Datejust
34%
off retail price
• Stainless steel and 18k yellow gold Jubilee bracelet
• 31mm case
• 18k yellow gold fluted bezel
• Champagne dial with date display at 3 o'clock
• Automatic movement
• Comes as a full set with the original box
• Vintage
