First Rolex Purchase this Weekend: Advice or Input?

[BAYsic]

Hello,

I am a new poster ready to purchase my first "real" watch this Saturday from the local AD as a graduation gift to myself. I am looking at a new Datejust (Model 116234 or 116200). Not sure how the letters serial numbers come into play, but one that I was looking at started with a "Z" (I believe).

I am torn between two configurations of the Datejust. I am definitely going for a stainless steel with silver face and likely with the white gold fluted bezel. However, I can't bring myself to decide between a face with roman numerals or bars. I like both equally well. The bars seem more classic and conservative, while the numerals a bit more contemporary. I plan on having this watch for a very long time and hope to pass it down, thus my initial inclination is towards to the bars. However, I am young and will be wearing this watch both when I start work (large conservative law firm) and when I am hanging out with friends (casual dinners, picnics, etc).

And what about bands? I love the look of the jubilee with the fluted bezel. But I recently stumbled across a picture of a smooth-bezeled Datejust with an oyster band. It looked rugged yet refined and I found it especially pleasing. That particular configuration could work great with a suit or with a polo shirt and jeans. Should I forego the glitz of the fluted/jubilee band (which, correct me if I am wrong is more formal looking) and go with the more understated smooth/oyster (which I can dress up or down)?

In case I was wrong with my designation of the model numbers, or used the incorrect terminology in describing the different configurations, I have uploaded some photos I found on eBay of the different styles I am considering.

Any thoughts or advice? Thanks!

[Lol-x]

I would personally consider the silver dial with arabic numbers. They glow a wild cool blue colour

I saw a guy wearing a jubilee today and it looked great.

At the end of the day you need to get what works for you

[Cru Jones]

Congrats and welcome to TRF.

Both are super classic and elegant. Some might say that the jubilee band is an "older" style, but, I think it's just a matter of taste. An SS/silver dial DJ will look great for all occassions. Very dress up/dress down.


Good luck and report back with your final decision. With pictures, too!

[zak98]

welcome! great choice.. a classic. my R series (1987 or so) datjust is a silver dial with stick. i really like it. goes with everything. if i had a choice, a silver dial with arabic is really super looking. the more i see the DJ arabic dials, the more i like them.. the blue concentric dial with arabic is super! good luck and again, welcome.

[foobar]

I prefer it with jubilee. That say, Roman dial with jubilee

[Speed]

I say stick!

I am keeping an eye out for an older '80s or '70's SS DJ with a silver dial... Love the clean look.

[2th Dr]

My choice would be WG fluted bezel, stick dial, Jubilee bracelet, but it's your choice, and any of the combos you mention would look good!

[jameshe]

I have the Roman dial on the jubilee - it is an amazing combination. You cannot go wrong with the stick dial either - my GF thinks that the romans make it look a little 'feminine' to quote her.. I like it anyhow.

The stick rodium on the jubilee would be my second choice no doubt - equally beautiful and a bit less 'busy' on the dial (LUME also)

Dont worry about any factors other than this. Enjoy the experience of buying your first Rolex (I was in your position this time last year) and buy the one YOU like best - dont let other people influence you otherwise you may come to sell it for the one you truely wanted - and THEN resale price would become a consideration (it doesnt matter if you're never going to sell it anyway!)

[KKB]

I don't really like the smooth bezel, and I prefer the sticks. I like the Oyster bracelet, but only on the tool/sport watches, so my advice would be STICKS-FLUTED-JUBBIE.


No matter what you decide on.

[Roley]

Welcome to TRF. Being your first Rolex, I would go with the classic, white gold fluted bezel, stick dial, and jubilee bracelet. Cant go wrong.

[diversified]

The stick dial with the jubilee bracelet is definitely a classic that will be just as current 20 years from now as it is today!

[veidtadrian]

I have a similar DJ to the smooth bezeled one (with silver dial as well..though mine is on a jubilee and non roman).
Either choice would be fine but you should go for the jubilee bracelet!

[andrew79]

Roman dial, jubilee, fluted is the way to go.... looks elegant and classy at the same time....

[tomc8219]

116200 Silver dial, Smooth Bezel, polished centre links - Understated masterpiece!!!

[sakuraba]

Welcome to TRF, neighbor!

My vote would go to a roman dial on a super jubilee.

[Traveler]

Just buy one and enjoy it ! ..the is no real 'bad' choice among your options !

[sea-dweller]

Welcome ! You have a tough choice. But, try them on and see which one fits your style the best.

[tkc324]

Hi welcome to the forum... just like some of the people already stated... try them on and see for yourself in person. Take your time. YOu can go wrong with any of them!!

In my opinion, if you want a DJ... jubilee and fluted bezel is what defines that watch!! You can wait until a few years down the road to buy a Rolex with oyster brcelet ie Sub, DS, GMT2c...etc.

Personally i think the stick dial is the way to go... it will always remain timeless. Good luck with your selection and post some pics when you get it!

[springbar]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Congrats and welcome to TRF.

Both are super classic and elegant. Some might say that the jubilee band is an "older" style, but, I think it's just a matter of taste. An SS/silver dial DJ will look great for all occassions. Very dress up/dress down.


Good luck and report back with your final decision. With pictures, too!

Funny how fashion changes.

When I got my SS Datejust, people thought the Jubilee looked more modern, and the Oyster looked more conservative and old-fashioned.

Ditto the sticks vs. Romans.

The sticks are extremely elegant, and their sharp, mirrored edges really go well with the finely-machined look of the watch.

I find Romans to be a weird anachronism (pardon the pun) on clocks and watches.

It would be nice if Rolex would offer the regular DJ without the Day-Date style mini-Romans around the edge of the dial and go back to the simple Turn-O-Graph style half-second ticks, but alas.

Both bracelets are nice but the I prefer the Jubilee. And for what it's worth, Jubilees hide scratches extremely well.

[scottjb411]

I've had both combos that you've referred to, and I came to the conclusion that even though the modern inovations are nice, that the traditional aspects of Rolex are best. The jubilee is classic (especially the new hidden clasp style). And the stick markers with the slight illumination are simple, yet classic as well. I'm a fan of roman numerals, but I would go with the stick marker dial and jubilee bracelet. I also noticed that when I bought the new turnogrpah, that the polished area of the bracelet show scratches and scuffs easier than the jubilee. Regardless, congratulations on your first Rolex.

[Johny]

see if you can get a free service.

[MoosicPa]

It's a matter of preference, I personally prefer the Romans as opposed to the sticks. Also, I prefer the jubilee band with the fluted bezel and the oyster band with a smooth bezel. The fluted bezel is a little more blingy than the smooth bezel. Best of luck.

[tomallen]

I always felt the SS Submariner Date to be the quintessential first Rolex but that is just my 2 cents from the peanut gallery. Either watch you describe is a great choice, and you can see by the other posts opinions are varied. Buy the one that catches your eye and start saving for the next.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, buddy.

I'd go with the 3rd one - Romans on the Super Jubilee bracelet..........oh so dressy!!

[clarencek]

My vote is for the stick dial with jubilee bracelet. That style has been around forever and I'd be surprised if it ever went out of style.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by 2th DR

My choice would be WG fluted bezel, stick dial, Jubilee bracelet, but it's your choice, and any of the combos you mention would look good!

X2 Doc's got good taste

[Art 1]

I much prefer the oyster bracelet, the jubilee is too light and tinny for me.

[slcbbrown]

To me, the stick dial, WG bezel, and jubilee is the classic, but all these choices are great. I prefer the look of the jubilee which has a lighter and dressier appearance if you wear it to the office a fair share of the time.

I really like the roman dials but would have to think about giving up the lume. You might also consider the same watches with white dials-- another classic.

[Dr. Robert]

The first one....it's timeless, can be worn w/ anything, anywhere.

[ma93z71]

Smooth bezel and oyster bracelet is my preference.