Lady Datejust Advice

[Prince Namor]

Hello All!

My best friend has always wanted a classic two-tone (26mm) lady Datejust since she was 16. Since I'm her "watch friend" she's been asking me for advice. I don't want to give her bad advice since it's not my money I'm playing with so I thought I'd post some questions here.

Here are her requirements:

Her budget is around AUD $7,000 (USD $5,142.90).

She is not open to any other brands or Rolex models; the two-tone with a champagne dial and Jubilee bracelet is her grail - with or without diamonds.

She wants to purchase preowned so I suggested she buy from reputable dealers here in Melbourne and not to take a chance on eBay if she's unfamiliar with the model iterations.

I had a quick look on Chrono24 and was overwhelmed with the dizzying array of two-tone models offered within her price range. Many were below her price range and obviously older.

Are some two-tone models more desirable than others? Do they attract the same interest as male watches seem to in terms of the "collectibility" of certain models within a range?

If not, should I just suggest she buy the newest preowned model she can afford?

Her Datejust will be her GADA watch. She's not looking for an "investment" watch but will want to pass it on to her daughter as an heirloom.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Ben

[DLRIDES]

Go bigger

[Prince Namor]

Hi Don,

She's stubborn. She wants what she wants. (Shrugs)

[PepsiBezel]

As the 26mm has been discontinued, preowned is her only option. I think your advice of looking at local stores is a good plan. The 26mm, and ladies watches in general, are not as “collectible” as mens sport models.

They are not fast moving inventory for whomever has them — I would suspect lots of room to negotiate.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Prince Namor

Hi Don,

She's stubborn. She wants what she wants. (Shrugs)

Then that’s what she should get !

The daughter will likely have no interest in wearing it.

[Prince Namor]

Thanks guys. I'll pass on your advice.

Don: Perhaps that's the key to broaden her view. Get her daughter to come along and help her choose!

[Tanalasta]

I highly recommend walking into a Rolex AD and trying several on for size. At that price point it’s try before you buy. You must be a very good watch friend. Though your friend also has expensive taste.

[jfmiii]

Go 31mm.

My wife is very petite. The 26/28mm was too small for her and 34/36mm too big. 31mm is the sweet spot for a woman, imo.

[Xenon]

31mm is ideal for any lady

36mm only works on younger thinner hotter taller women IMHO

[joli160]

I like the 26 on my wife. She owns more but this classic lady size is very elegant.Buy the newest you can find

[Prince Namor]

Thanks for all your advice, gentleman.

She's now open to a larger size.

As we all know, the best approach is for her to try one on before she buys. Thanks again.

[dbacr]

My wife wears a 26 as jewelry because she can’t see the hands in order to read the time. She does love wearing my old sub. She’s now looking at a 31 or 34.

[Texex]

Originally Posted by Tanalasta

I highly recommend walking into a Rolex AD and trying several on for size. At that price point it’s try before you buy. You must be a very good watch friend. Though your friend also has expensive taste.

This, my wife went in to our AD to get a 28 or 31 mm. Ended up ordering a 36 that she loves. Shes 5'1" 110 with wrist the size of a broom stick but she loves it.

[Tools]

If it's been a grail watch, my advice would be to not settle for something else or let a bunch of strangers talk her out of it.

The TT ladies Datejust is still the favorite of the Country Club set at almost all but the most formal occasions.

[Tanalasta]

There was one on the Rolex buy and sell Facebook group Australia recently? Obviously Due diligence applies

[rolexfanforlife]

31 is perfect size for even a small wrist. My wife has one and has the smallest wrist and it looks great. Echo what others said, check 31 out

[Avs Fan]

My wife loves her 31mm TT Datejust. I tried to talk her into 36mm, but she knew what she wanted... and she was right. it's perfect for her.

[JRell]

I thought 36 is good for all ladies, but when my wife tried one on the lugs were way over her wrist. The 31 is a perfect size.

[Stuart B]

Originally Posted by Prince Namor

She is not open to any other brands or Rolex models; the two-tone with a champagne dial and Jubilee bracelet is her grail - with or without diamonds.

Thewatchgallery.com.au has a 1991 30mm two-tone on jubilee at $7,495. They have had it for a few months so there may be some room to negotiate on price.