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Actor Barbie Imperial spotted wearing Rolex

Barbie Imperial, one of the Philippines' most recognizable young actresses, was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Datejust 31 in the two-tone Rolesor configuration, reference 278273 — a piece that balances everyday wearability with genuine horological pedigree.

The Datejust 31 ref. 278273 is built on Rolex's 31mm Oyster case, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold on the bezel, crown, and bracelet center links — the classic Rolesor formula the manufacture has employed since the 1940s. This specific reference features a silver dial with Roman numeral hour markers and a factory diamond-set fluted-style bezel, elevating it firmly into dress-watch territory. The case carries 100 meters of water resistance and is secured by a Twinlock double-waterproofness crown. Power comes from the caliber 2236, Rolex's dedicated ladies' movement, beating at 28,800 vph with a 55-hour power reserve, a silicon Syloxi hairspring for antimagnetic performance, and Chronergy escapement. It is certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds per day.

The Datejust itself dates to 1945, making it the first self-winding waterproof watch to display the date in a window on the dial — a milestone that cemented Rolex's commercial dominance in the mid-century. The 31mm size was introduced to serve the mid-size market, sitting between the 28mm Lady-Datejust and the 36mm full-size model. The two-tone Roman numeral diamond dial variant targets a buyer who wants recognizable luxury signaling without crossing into full precious-metal territory, and it has found a loyal following in Southeast Asian markets, where yellow gold accents carry particular cultural resonance.

Barbie Imperial, from Daraga, Albay, rose to national prominence through ABS-CBN productions and has built a reputation as one of Philippine television's most bankable talents. Her choice of the Datejust 31 ref. 278273 reflects a preference for timepieces that read as polished and considered rather than ostentatious — appropriate for a public profile that straddles mainstream drama and aspirational lifestyle content.

At an official retail price of approximately $12,000 USD, the Datejust 31 ref. 278273 sits at a relatively accessible entry point for a Rolesor Rolex with diamond appointments. On the secondary market, authorized-dealer premiums have moderated since peak 2022 levels, with grey-market prices tracking close to or slightly above retail for this reference — making it one of the more attainable Datejust configurations currently available.