Is the Date Just underrated?

[blatchcorn]

I get the vibe from most Rolex owners that the Date Just isn't that special because of the high volume production. And they are relatively easier to find from an AD compared to other models.

In spite of that I think it is a fantastic watch:
1. Versatile to function as casual or formal depending on the exact spec
2. Classic design and sizes
3. So many combinations of colours, materials, sizes, braclets, bezels, and dials that could make a lot of Date Justs more unique than Black Subs et al
4. One of the cheaper Rolex watches

I don't own a Date Just, but I have a few configurations in mind that I would buy instantly from an AD

[Paka]

No.

[Harry-57]

Underrated? Can you walk into an AD, buy any configuration you like and walk out with it after getting a 20% discount?

If you can, it is.

I'm a Sky Dweller lover. I don't need a DJ. If the Sky Dweller did not exist I would have a couple of DJs. Quintessentially classic Rolex - classy, stylish, user friendly and durable. Goes well with anyone and anything.

[Number3]

A SS DJ41 with fluted bezel has a higher MRSP than the iconic Sub date. Rolex certainly don’t under rate them.

[Rashid.bk]

Short answer is no. To the general public at large the Datejust is the quintessential Rolex. It is unmistakable in design and heritage and I would say the most timeless and classic Rolex watch that is as difficult to buy in some configurations as most other references.

[Old Expat Beast]

I don't think the modern DJ is underrated at all. Basically it's just an expensive watch with a date function, and a name that no-one can explain.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by blatchcorn

I get the vibe from most Rolex owners that the Date Just isn't that special because of the high volume production. And they are relatively easier to find from an AD compared to other models.

In spite of that I think it is a fantastic watch:
1. Versatile to function as casual or formal depending on the exact spec
2. Classic design and sizes
3. So many combinations of colours, materials, sizes, braclets, bezels, and dials that could make a lot of Date Justs more unique than Black Subs et al
4. One of the cheaper Rolex watches

I don't own a Date Just, but I have a few configurations in mind that I would buy instantly from an AD

Well The DJ range has been Rolex biggest sellers world wide for decades that should tell you something. Great watches but not so hyped as many other Rolex models just look at the new old colour OP watches recently introduced. Now hyped to being the greatest things since slice bread, hype sells watches today and not the model reference. As many today buy the hype to just wear the hype thinking they have something special but like all Rolex watches just mass produced.

[Turbo Racer]

It is iconic in its very nature and I believe defines the brand more so than any other model to the general public followed closely by the sub. It conveys wealth and status and success in general better than any other watch bar none due to its ubiquity.

[JSolution]

Couldn’t think of a further term from under rated for this watch.

[bullies]

It’s a great watch. I sold one a couple years ago, but recently added one back to my collection

[Number3]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Couldn’t think of a further term from under rated for this watch.

Oh man.......

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Couldn’t think of a further term from under rated for this watch.

Classic

[Lightsped]

Love the DJ. So many options which allows DJ to be a dress watch or a sport watch based on how you configure it. Yes, DJ is a true Rolex icon.

[JRell]

Great watch had 3 of them, I just prefer a ceramic bezel.

[Krash]

I think it’s sort of underrated on TRF, but outside of TRF in the real world, it’s not.


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[ROlesorusLEX]

Underrated, no.

Underhyped, yes, thank god

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[mountainjogger]

No.

[joli160]

No, great watch

[JBowen2]

I think it’s often overlooked by enthusiasts (or hype) for the sport models. I’d say we take it for granted.

It’s not necessarily underrated bc most everyone knows what it is or has seen one.

I think at $8k it could be the best buy for modern Rolex. It can do everything, is arguably more comfortable than sport models and will never be out of style.


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[SoylentGreenChi]

Underrated? No, it’s one of the most popular Rolex references, has been for years, and for very good reasons.

I think what you might mean is that it’s not a « hyped » watch, which is also true. The very popularity and relative ubiquity of the Datejust (read: not underrated!) means that it cannot serve as a social marker of exclusivity in the same way that a Daytona, GMT II, or Sub can do. So it’s not a « hyped » watch and people don’t go nuts about them.

BTW, in the same _relative_ sense I would say a Submariner is « underrated ». Folks that want a hyped watch won’t love the relative ubiquity of the black Submariner, compared to say a Daytona or GMT II, or Kermit, but just like the Datejust, it’s a workhorse and super popular for good reasons.

So my response would be that it’s not underrated, it’s just not hyped.

[spellmanski]

It's one of the best!

[Annan]

Datejust is the reference that started my Rolex fever many years ago. This is my latest.

[blatchcorn]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

Underrated? No, it’s one of the most popular Rolex references, has been for years, and for very good reasons.

I think what you might mean is that it’s not a « hyped » watch, which is also true. The very popularity and relative ubiquity of the Datejust (read: not underrated!) means that it cannot serve as a social marker of exclusivity in the same way that a Daytona, GMT II, or Sub can do. So it’s not a « hyped » watch and people don’t go nuts about them.

BTW, in the same _relative_ sense I would say a Submariner is « underrated ». Folks that want a hyped watch won’t love the relative ubiquity of the black Submariner, compared to say a Daytona or GMT II, or Kermit, but just like the Datejust, it’s a workhorse and super popular for good reasons.

So my response would be that it’s not underrated, it’s just not hyped.

Well said. The correct phrasing is Date Just isn't hyped

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I don't think the modern DJ is underrated at all. Basically it's just an expensive watch with a date function, and a name that no-one can explain.

I think I read in one of my books that it was short for “Date just in time,” since the date changes right before midnight (rather than being slow moving throughout the day.)

[Seddyspaghetti]

No

[Wee-Willie]

Originally Posted by Turbo Racer

It is iconic in its very nature and I believe defines the brand more so than any other model to the general public followed closely by the sub. It conveys wealth and status and success in general better than any other watch bar none due to its ubiquity.

I hate that any Rolex is "Wealth & Status", I bought mine because I liked the looks & feels.
I bought my 1st Rolex in 1986, long before the hype & social media. I wanted an excellent watch that would last a life time

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by blatchcorn

I get the vibe from most Rolex owners that the Date Just isn't that special because of the high volume production. And they are relatively easier to find from an AD compared to other models.

In spite of that I think it is a fantastic watch:
1. Versatile to function as casual or formal depending on the exact spec
2. Classic design and sizes
3. So many combinations of colours, materials, sizes, braclets, bezels, and dials that could make a lot of Date Justs more unique than Black Subs et al
4. One of the cheaper Rolex watches

I don't own a Date Just, but I have a few configurations in mind that I would buy instantly from an AD

I think that the DJ in whichever configuration you choose is incredibly underrated, this is a watch that can go swimming, snorkelling, running, walking, hiking, work, lunch, the beach, dinner out, be a dress watch, sports watch, it is the general go and do anything and everything watch.

Yet for many people the DJ isn't worth a dime as it isn't in the sought after 'Sports' watch group. The DJ is what those horrible SA's at the AD try to get them to buy to gain entry to the lists of waiting.

We have to face facts, the DJ isn't a Submariner or GMT, nor is it an Explorer of land or Dweller of Sea and Sky, it doesn't have sub dials or a day in a window.

But, and it's a big but, the DJ can be worn by anyone, it comes in a variety of sizes to fit the look and style of any individual, it comes plain or with a flourish, single or dual metal, smooth or fluted and with faces of many colours.

The DJ is missed by those wearing blinkers as they believe that it is not worth a second glance, and that is good because those in the know understand that the DJ is possibly the best watch in the Rolex catalog as it is never out of place.

So let's leave the DJ as underrated, it is better that way, those that own one know just how good the DJ really is.

[dtwer]

I agree with the quintessential and classic aspects of DJ; nothing conjures up the nostalgic image of Rolex better than the DJ design.

[RogerOP]

The reason they are underrated is because for some reason all these guys having middle aged crisis'added to social media whores want to get "sport" "tool" watches and hyped up Daytona's, GMTs', Sub's etc to the point of scarcity and excessive grey market figures.

The DJ is a beautiful Rolex, it's underrated as most hype is surrounding sports watches as per the grey market.

I'm actually going to make a similar thread for the OP.

[IamJacky]

When compared to the professional lines like Submariner, GMT, Explorer, Daytona etc. the Datejust may seem underrated, but that's only because Rolex simply has so many great watches to offer.

To me the Datejust is just a classic, iconic, quintessential Rolex. It's just so versatile and can easily be an all-occasion watch, it is my first Rolex and what drew me to the brand to begin with, love the Datejust.