First rolex questions from a n00b!

[Skibum0019]

Hi all!

So, I've been lurking here a while, soaking up all the great info from your posts, and I've finally gotten clearance from the better half to pull the trigger on a Rolex. I'm leaning toward the Datejust II silver stick, but I wanted to get a quick opinion from those willing to offer it.

First, with the oyster bracelet, I read a prior post that the oyster is often associated with the smooth bezel and the jubilee bracelet is more aligned with the fluted bezel. Is that still the case, or does it not really matter and either bracelet with either bezel works just fine?

Also, is a DJ2 as good of an "all-arounder" watch as, say, a sub or a GMT? like many folks, I tend to wear the same watch with a suit, jeans, khakis, t-shirt, etc..does the DJ work well for that, or is it more formal? I was also thinking the BLNR which I love, but I currently have a Tag Link Chrono (I know, not *quite* the same), but it's a sporty watch with a blue face which I don't have to worry about beating up on too much. I know...it's a nice problem to have, but if I could buy 3 or 4 of them, it wouldn't be an issue!

thanks again for all the great info!
Matt

[Lpugliese]

GMT is a great all around. If you are going with the datejustii it is not offered in jubilee.

[PaulRP]

Originally Posted by Lpugliese

GMT is a great all around. If you are going with the datejustii it is not offered in jubilee.

I second this - the GMT has a great feel on the wrist and looks great with most attire!

[watchwatcher]

The DJ2 only comes on the oyster, so you needn't worry about your first question.

It's a great watch. In my opinion the smooth bezel works better with the oyster and gives the piece a sportier look than the fluted. Especially with the dial combo you're looking at. Easily works with anything.

[crfsocal]

Its more about what sings to you...

the DJ2, Sub, GMT all can be excellent all around watches...

[Etschell]

Everyone should own a sub. I say sub before gmt but people will disagree. If you don't use the 24 hour hand or travel the sub may better suit you

[cruise_bone]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Everyone should own a sub. I say sub before gmt but people will disagree. If you don't use the 24 hour hand or travel the sub may better suit you

That comes down to personal preference.
I expect to have a Rolex collection of at least 5 watches. A Sub will never be part of that collection.

[archangelfire]

Depends on whether you want a dressier or sportier watch. Both DJ and GMT are good all-rounders. Try them out and decide.

If DJ, fluted bezel for sure.

[Skibum0019]

ahhhh...I was talking with a guy at work about it and they were talking about the jubilee bracelet, and I must have confused the DJ where it is available and DJ2 where it's not. thanks for the clarification!

I know, between the sub, GMT, and DJ2 it's such a tough choice. thanks for the advice, though.... unfortunately (or fortunately) they all sing to me in different ways and frankly, they're just such awesome-looking watches. (I know I'm preaching to the choir here!) :-)

[wokafu]

Sub as a 1st Rolex IMHO

[9*9*3]

Originally Posted by wokafu

Sub as a 1st Rolex IMHO

What is the 2nd?

[HogwldFLTR]

For me if I could only have one Rolex it would be the DJII; it is versatile both sporty and dressy. I think your instincts are good; Luke, reach out to the force. Or you can get a Sub which looks like all the rest of them, fwiw.

[rjstuf001]

IMO with all those polished surfaces and the silver dial, the DJII is definitely not in the same league as the Sub or GMT in terms of being an all-arounder. Maybe with the blue dial but still a stretch.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by rjstuf001

IMO with all those polished surfaces and the silver dial, the DJII is definitely not in the same league as the Sub or GMT in terms of being an all-arounder. Maybe with the blue dial but still a stretch.

GMT has PCLs. DJ is every bit as tough as the Sub and GMT.

[rjstuf001]

Originally Posted by Muzz

GMT has PCLs. DJ is every bit as tough as the Sub and GMT.

And the DJII has a polished case, and we're not talking about toughness but style. To me a 75% polished, dress-style, watch is not as much an all-rounder as, say, a 10-25% polished sports/hybrid watch like the Sub or GMT. Nobody's forbidding anybody from wearing a DJII with shorts and flip-flops, to each his own, but I wouldn't do it.

The OP asked for individual opinions, as in "what would YOU do?". Replying "if you like it wear it" all the time is meaningless.

[dave_dave]

Check out the gmt if you get a chance.

[OrangeSport]

The DJ (I or II) is one if the great alrounders. Unless we are getting hung up on watch etiquette then it's hard to see where it wouldn't be at home. A great watch for a one watch person IMO.

[james1787]

I think any of those choices, the DJ2, Sub or GMT can all go with pretty much anything.. from shorts/t-shirt to a suit. It's all a matter of what appeals to you. I would head to an AD and try some on for size and see which one 'calls out' to you.

As for me I like the sub as it flies a bit under the radar and has a nice clean dial. It goes with pretty much anything.

[ericg]

Go to NYC and hit all the big ADs there and try on all the watches you are interested in.

Then start to get a headache figuring out which one will be your first.

The great part of this headache is that every choice is a good choice. You cannot go wrong

[Tseg]

I copied this from another post I made:

In my opinion the BLNR GMT is the most functional and versatile watch Rolex makes and has ever made in its 100 year history.

Versus vintage GMTs:
- Black means night, blue means day
- No faux links on the bracelet
- More functional clasp
- More magnetic resistant
- Platinum numbers on highly scratch and fade resistant ceramic bezel insert

Versus other Rolex:
- Easy to read
- Easy to change time zones
- Moveable bezel for timing things
- PCL bracelet for both casual and more dressy occasions
- Date + easier to read due to the cyclops
- Etc...

Basically every part has a legitimate functional aspect that I happen to use fairly regularly. Plus, like most Rolex, its just a good looking, waterproof, well built watch. I also spend lots of time around water and the blue accent really looks amazing around water.

[playmore009]

I love the black on black so it was a toss up between the GMT and Sub for me. Between the two DJ2 and GMT, I would choose the GMT II because the ceramic is more durable than the bezel of the DJ2.

[Skibum0019]

Guys, thanks so much for all the feedback! I'm working though which way to go, but when I finally make the call, I will post pics! Thanks again!

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Skibum0019

Guys, thanks so much for all the feedback! I'm working though which way to go, but when I finally make the call, I will post pics! Thanks again!

Great...we love pics! Congrats in advance!!

[WS9D]

Get the one you like best right now as you can't make a wrong choice. What I can promise you, is that which ever one you choose, it won't be your last. Lol

I bought the GMT2c as my one end all Rolex. All that did was convince me to drink more of the kool-aid...I wear my gmt as my daily weekday piece and bluesy as my weekend warrior. Sadly my omega and zenith are sitting lonely in the safe. Although when cooler weather comes, I'll prob wear the zenith more. I'm rambling on, but just realize you will prob end up with two of the three. For starters, I'd go with the GMT. With the lower case back its a bit more comfy to wear than the sub. I like how the PCLs can dress it up a bit. It's also a tad bit less common than the sub. I've seen lots of subs in the wild, have yet to see another GMT.

[Spartacus]

DJII can handle it. I can't imagine anyone questioning the robust, workhorse nature of the DJ watches.

At the end of the day, you'll be buying another Rolex. It's just part of the deal. Start with the one that speaks to you, that feels and looks right. This is not a practical decision, it is purely an emotional, subjective connection...that you'll need to decide. Don't let the posts sway you....and its ok to walk out of the store planning for your next Rolex ;)

[cruise_bone]

The DJ2 in Silver is a great choice! Check out my picture to the left. ;)

I've attached another picture here. It was taken in Vienna, Austria at dinner on the day that I purchased it.

I would argue against others here saying that a Sub is the best all around. A sub is NOT dressy. That isn't to say it looks bad with a suit or a tux, it doesn't. But the DJ2 is both sporty and dressy. It does look great with a suit or a tux or a polo. Probably the best all arounder that you can get.

And you can save a couple thousand towards your next Rolex, the GMT or a Sub!

BTW, everybody has a Sub. Why would you want to be like everybody else?

[Wisher]

I am not sure how many Rolexes you have actually tried on at this point. Maybe you have tried them on and gotten a feel already for the different looks. Or maybe you haven't gone yet.

But, I what would I do, if this was the one and only watch forever?(tongue in cheek) I would lean toward the the DJ2. Depending on the model and color scheme, it can be a more all-purpose watch in terms of going with suits, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, etc., than the very sporty-looking Sub and GMT.
But you really have to see and try them on to get a feel for the "right" one, although there isn't a "wrong" one.

[Furbo]

Buy whatever you like and don't listen to others ideas of what you should get first.

[AK797]

I say get the DJ2 then spend some more time on here and no doubt the Tag will go for the BLNR, perfect duo then.

[joe100]

get the one you like. I like AirKings and GMTs so what do I know