The Rolex Lady-Datejust reference 6517 appeared in 1957 as part of the 65XX family, which brought the Datejust’s self-winding chronometer and date display to a women’s Oyster case. Early examples used the calibre 1035, derived from the 1030 with a date module and beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour; around 1964 it was replaced by the calibre 1161, a 19,800 vph movement with a Microstella regulated balance and a Breguet overcoil hairspring, which measured only 20 mm wide and 5.4 mm high. Neither movement hacks or has a quickset date. The case is a small Oyster with a screw-down back and crown, and auction examples measure about 25 to 26 mm; Bonhams describes a circa 1963 piece as 25 mm. All 6517 variants share a fluted bezel, and the dial carries the magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock.

The 6517 was made in steel, in Rolesor steel and 14k yellow gold, and in solid 18k yellow, white or rose gold. It was offered on the five-link Jubilee, the three-link Oyster or, usually for the solid gold models, the President bracelet, all with hollow riveted links and cases that still have lug holes. Dial options went beyond champagne and gold to black, white, blue and grey, a wider choice than on the smooth-bezel sister reference 6516; the 6519 had an engine-turned bezel. The 65XX series stayed in production until 1970. Rolex has kept the outward design of the Lady-Datejust practically unchanged since, apart from an increase to 28 mm in recent years.

Collectors see the 6517 as one of the most plentiful vintage Rolex references, which keeps it relatively affordable compared with the brand’s vintage sports models. Enthusiasts praise its well-regarded calibres and the lug holes that make strap changes and servicing easier. Auction estimates reflect that accessible position: Bonhams estimated a circa 1963 rose gold example at 2,200 to 2,800 pounds. The reference 6517 is no longer produced, but the Lady-Datejust continues in the current collection with modern movements and a larger case.