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Otto · 10 April 2010, 10:28 PM

For some reason, I'm starting to like some of the Day-Date IIs, a watch model I severely criticized not too long ago.

Today, I went to a Rolex boutique to do a side-by-side comparison of my Day-Date (champagne dial with white luminova bars) and a Day-Date II (champagne dial with gold Roman markers). It's hard to say which I like best. I like the overall proportions of my Day-Date, but the the Day-Date II looks and feels great, too. Somehow, with the Roman markers it seems like a different watch to me. (Note: Since I like Roman markers and have been thinking of changing the dial on my Day-Date to a Roman markers dial, maybe that influenced my opinion of the Day-Date II.

)

There was a lot of glare in the shop so I reduced the saturation level a bit below in my quick point and shoot photos.

Maybe the DD II's too big for me; it's difficult for me to tell in a store; but regardless, one of these Day-Date IIs could be somewhere in my future.

I did note today, however, that the Day-Date is pretty substantial in bulk and size, too.

Earlier wrist shots of my current Day-Date.

The Day-Date II today one more time... The listed price is a bit high, to say the least.

InVision · 10 April 2010, 10:31 PM

36mm for me....

Mike

Ebruner · 10 April 2010, 10:34 PM

36mm without hesitation.

-Eddie

SLS · 10 April 2010, 10:34 PM

I personally love the Romans as well, have you considered a white dial? Tough call on the size though...I think I would stick with the 36mm DD.
Scott

Lol-x · 10 April 2010, 10:37 PM

Although I have a champagne dial DD myself I am not a fan of that colour dial, just because it can be difficult to see the hands easily and readily as they don't contrast with the dial.

I also prefer sticks to romans.

I think the DDII looks fine for size (very good in fact) on your wrist, but it is a weighty watch (my regular 36mm DD is heavy in itself compared to my 40mm SS watches) and it is your decision.

train-time · 10 April 2010, 10:38 PM

Otto, the 36mm for me

I have seen them side by side in the case and the fluted bezel on the DDII is disproportionately too wide to the rest of the watch IMO.

Speed · 10 April 2010, 10:49 PM

Otto...I have to be honest. I like your original Day Date on you.

It's perfect.

jameshe · 10 April 2010, 10:51 PM

Be different. If you are thinking about it and like the look on yourself somewhat, then go for it. Both look great, but I think that in a few years we will all be used to the larger case sizes and 36mm will feel more like a midsize. Not saying it is 'right' or will infact happen, but do it and don't worry about being judged by the wis community for buying th new version some see as being 'a big distasteful bling fad' - it won't make you any more like 50 cent!

Just MHO, and it would be cool to see you with one.

icnbne · 10 April 2010, 11:02 PM

36mm too, ofcourse without even the slightest hesitation

jets · 10 April 2010, 11:09 PM

Otto, today is your lucky day. Here is wifey's response to your post:

The DD II is a gorgeous watch, but it's also a more "fashionable" look that could go out of style eventually. It's something I think you would wear only as an everyday watch (not with a suit or tux). Keep in mind that the style today is larger watches. I, myself am getting a larger watch dial for that very reason. However, the DD is timeless and is a watch that you can wear both for everyday and will look very elegant with a nice suit or tux. In my opinion, I would update your DD dial to roman numerals and keep the DD. Again, it depends on what you want the watch to be. Casual OR Casual and Tux worthy. Hope that helps!

level · 10 April 2010, 11:09 PM

I'd stay with the classic 36 mm but you're right it is a tough choice.

BMAN8 · 10 April 2010, 11:15 PM

36mm Day-Date is a classic men's size but you can also pull off the Day-Date II.

boa2 · 10 April 2010, 11:33 PM

The 41mm could grow on me, but the 36mm never had to. It was perfect from the start, and still is in my eyes.

Thanks for the pics, Otto!

DS_Obsessed · 10 April 2010, 11:43 PM

I might get flamed for this, and I agree the bezel on the dd2 does look a little disporpotionate. But I like the dd2.

rpryan55 · 10 April 2010, 11:47 PM

Disclaimer: I own a 36mm DD, and it is absolutely one of my favorite watches.

That said, younger people than I seem to purchase YG GMTs or Daytonas when they purchase a gold Rolex. Those are, as you know, 41mm. So perhaps the trend is going toward a larger watch in all gold. The choice is yours, I suppose, but both watches look handsome on the wrist.

dannyny · 10 April 2010, 11:59 PM

bigger is always better may not be always the case, with that said the new one is way better...the 36mm looks like a mickey mouse watch...

bobernet · 11 April 2010, 12:10 AM

36mm, no question. I really think the larger watches look too casual. Fine for a sport watch, less so on a DJ or DD. Now, if you have 9" wrists, it's a whole different ball game, but for average sized folks, 36mm is it.

R1@160@alltimes · 11 April 2010, 12:12 AM

DDII

Sweramic · 11 April 2010, 12:33 AM

Tough decision Otto. I think that both the DD and the DDII fits you quite well and I think you would get used to the bigger size if you bought a DDII. You could always own both

dalip · 11 April 2010, 12:37 AM

DDII for me also....looks great on you

Renoir · 11 April 2010, 12:43 AM

The size is fine, by todays standards 41MM is not that big. To me the proportions are off, the case is too big for the dial and the bezel makes up- fills the proportion difference- it just doesn't look right.

I'll stick with my tiny 36MM DD....that's just me.

SCD · 11 April 2010, 12:44 AM

I don't like the Roman dial on the Day-Date because the "I" at 11 o'clock makes no sense. It's just a symmetrical decoration that has no other reason for being there. The number 11 is spelled "XI".

Chalk me up as one more vote for 36mm. It's more tastefully proportioned and more classy.

hhh007 · 11 April 2010, 12:45 AM

I would say stick with the 36 mm and do a dial change. I think the older 36 mm beats the new style DD hands down. For some reason whenever I see a new DD my eyes are immediatly drawn to the bezel and not the dial, I think Rolex made the bezel too wide on the new model.

CKLinLA · 11 April 2010, 01:01 AM

Like most of the posters, I also prefer the 36mm size/look, but from the pics,
your wrists are well able to carry the DD II as well. I think it comes down to
whether you like the new version well enough to want to own and wear one.

Watch Professor · 11 April 2010, 01:11 AM

36mm Proportions are better.

MitchSteel · 11 April 2010, 01:13 AM

36mm without a question.....unless you're into wearing gold bricks on your wrist.

Lion · 11 April 2010, 01:19 AM

Otto, I'll go against the grain as I feel that DD II looks great on your wrist and it's not too big. So go with your heart and first thought and pick that baby up!!!

Widows Son · 11 April 2010, 01:25 AM

The 36MM looks classy and in proportion. As much as I like Romans, on this model the stick markers look better.

gone-rolex-mad · 11 April 2010, 03:16 AM

36 mm DD all day long!

ersnyder · 11 April 2010, 03:20 AM

I'm definitely the minority, but I really like the big one!

10 April 2010, 10:28 PM	#1
Otto 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Japan Watch: Daytona and others Posts: 3,023	Battle of the Day-Dates ..which one wins??? For some reason, I'm starting to like some of the Day-Date IIs, a watch model I severely criticized not too long ago. Today, I went to a Rolex boutique to do a side-by-side comparison of my Day-Date (champagne dial with white luminova bars) and a Day-Date II (champagne dial with gold Roman markers). It's hard to say which I like best. I like the overall proportions of my Day-Date, but the the Day-Date II looks and feels great, too. Somehow, with the Roman markers it seems like a different watch to me. (Note: Since I like Roman markers and have been thinking of changing the dial on my Day-Date to a Roman markers dial, maybe that influenced my opinion of the Day-Date II.) There was a lot of glare in the shop so I reduced the saturation level a bit below in my quick point and shoot photos. Maybe the DD II's too big for me; it's difficult for me to tell in a store; but regardless, one of these Day-Date IIs could be somewhere in my future. I did note today, however, that the Day-Date is pretty substantial in bulk and size, too. Earlier wrist shots of my current Day-Date. The Day-Date II today one more time... The listed price is a bit high, to say the least.

10 April 2010, 10:34 PM	#3
Ebruner "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Eddie Location: Kentucky Watch: 118208 Posts: 2,510	36mm without hesitation. -Eddie __________________

10 April 2010, 10:34 PM	#4
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	I personally love the Romans as well, have you considered a white dial? Tough call on the size though...I think I would stick with the 36mm DD. Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

10 April 2010, 10:37 PM	#5
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,593	Although I have a champagne dial DD myself I am not a fan of that colour dial, just because it can be difficult to see the hands easily and readily as they don't contrast with the dial. I also prefer sticks to romans. I think the DDII looks fine for size (very good in fact) on your wrist, but it is a weighty watch (my regular 36mm DD is heavy in itself compared to my 40mm SS watches) and it is your decision. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

10 April 2010, 11:02 PM	#9
icnbne "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: J Location: Brisbane Watch: Rolex Omega Seiko Posts: 1,562	36mm too, ofcourse without even the slightest hesitation __________________ https://www.instagram.com/invites/co...ontent=5yeough

10 April 2010, 10:31 PM	#2
InVision Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Destin, FL USA Watch: Outerspace DayDate Posts: 2,662	36mm for me.... Mike

10 April 2010, 10:38 PM	#6
train-time 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Plankton Location: US Watch: less Posts: 4,161	Otto, the 36mm for me I have seen them side by side in the case and the fluted bezel on the DDII is disproportionately too wide to the rest of the watch IMO.

10 April 2010, 10:49 PM	#7
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Otto...I have to be honest. I like your original Day Date on you. It's perfect.

10 April 2010, 10:51 PM	#8
jameshe "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: James Location: UK Watch: AP ROC, SkyDweller Posts: 812	Be different. If you are thinking about it and like the look on yourself somewhat, then go for it. Both look great, but I think that in a few years we will all be used to the larger case sizes and 36mm will feel more like a midsize. Not saying it is 'right' or will infact happen, but do it and don't worry about being judged by the wis community for buying th new version some see as being 'a big distasteful bling fad' - it won't make you any more like 50 cent! Just MHO, and it would be cool to see you with one.

10 April 2010, 11:09 PM	#10
jets "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mario Location: CANADA Posts: 2,483	Otto, today is your lucky day. Here is wifey's response to your post: The DD II is a gorgeous watch, but it's also a more "fashionable" look that could go out of style eventually. It's something I think you would wear only as an everyday watch (not with a suit or tux). Keep in mind that the style today is larger watches. I, myself am getting a larger watch dial for that very reason. However, the DD is timeless and is a watch that you can wear both for everyday and will look very elegant with a nice suit or tux. In my opinion, I would update your DD dial to roman numerals and keep the DD. Again, it depends on what you want the watch to be. Casual OR Casual and Tux worthy. Hope that helps! __________________ ♛ DJII 116234 · Submariner 126610LV · Yacht Master 42 226659 ✿ Pelagos 25600TN Ω X-33 Speedmaster Skywalker · 1861 Speedmaster Modsukoshi · SMP 2254.50 · SMP 2230.50 NAC · Seamaster 300 166.0324 · Genève 162.037 Seiko SLA033 Willard · SKX007

10 April 2010, 11:09 PM	#11
level Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: U.S. Posts: 296	I'd stay with the classic 36 mm but you're right it is a tough choice.

10 April 2010, 11:15 PM	#12
BMAN8 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CAN Posts: 629	36mm Day-Date is a classic men's size but you can also pull off the Day-Date II.

10 April 2010, 11:33 PM	#13
boa2 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Howard Location: Utah Watch: Lover Posts: 3,942	The 41mm could grow on me, but the 36mm never had to. It was perfect from the start, and still is in my eyes. Thanks for the pics, Otto! __________________ "Facts and truth really don't have much to do with each other."

10 April 2010, 11:43 PM	#14
DS_Obsessed "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: J Location: Texas Watch: 116660 V Posts: 438	I might get flamed for this, and I agree the bezel on the dd2 does look a little disporpotionate. But I like the dd2. __________________ _______________________________ Currently wearing : 116000 V / 116660 V / PAM 292 / AP royal Oak Offshore Safari / Royal Oak Offshore Volcano / Tudor heritage / 116520 “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack”

10 April 2010, 11:47 PM	#15
rpryan55 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Dick Location: USA Watch: SubND,DD,SSDaytona Posts: 2,257	Disclaimer: I own a 36mm DD, and it is absolutely one of my favorite watches. That said, younger people than I seem to purchase YG GMTs or Daytonas when they purchase a gold Rolex. Those are, as you know, 41mm. So perhaps the trend is going toward a larger watch in all gold. The choice is yours, I suppose, but both watches look handsome on the wrist. __________________ “The only reason for time ....................... is so that everything doesn't happen at once." Albert Einstein

10 April 2010, 11:59 PM	#16
dannyny Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc Watch: Daytona Posts: 194	bigger is always better may not be always the case, with that said the new one is way better...the 36mm looks like a mickey mouse watch...

11 April 2010, 12:10 AM	#17
bobernet "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: Mountains Watch: ALS, AP, PP, Rolex Posts: 2,988	36mm, no question. I really think the larger watches look too casual. Fine for a sport watch, less so on a DJ or DD. Now, if you have 9" wrists, it's a whole different ball game, but for average sized folks, 36mm is it.

11 April 2010, 12:12 AM	#18
R1@160@alltimes "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA Watch: ♛ Posts: 4,408	DDII __________________

11 April 2010, 12:33 AM	#19
Sweramic "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Europe Watch: Movies Posts: 4,531	Tough decision Otto. I think that both the DD and the DDII fits you quite well and I think you would get used to the bigger size if you bought a DDII. You could always own both __________________ There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count, and those who can't. -Warren Buffet

11 April 2010, 12:37 AM	#20
dalip "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Dalip Location: Mumbai and Perth Watch: Rolex PAM Omega Posts: 18,656	DDII for me also....looks great on you __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------ *"The liar's punishment is not in the least that he is not believed, but that he cannot believe anyone else." George Bernard Shaw*

11 April 2010, 12:43 AM	#21
Renoir "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Renato Location: New York Posts: 2,396	The size is fine, by todays standards 41MM is not that big. To me the proportions are off, the case is too big for the dial and the bezel makes up- fills the proportion difference- it just doesn't look right. I'll stick with my tiny 36MM DD....that's just me.

11 April 2010, 12:44 AM	#22
SCD "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 511	I don't like the Roman dial on the Day-Date because the "I" at 11 o'clock makes no sense. It's just a symmetrical decoration that has no other reason for being there. The number 11 is spelled "XI". Chalk me up as one more vote for 36mm. It's more tastefully proportioned and more classy.

11 April 2010, 12:45 AM	#23
hhh007 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Howard Location: Midwest Watch: 18078 Posts: 604	I would say stick with the 36 mm and do a dial change. I think the older 36 mm beats the new style DD hands down. For some reason whenever I see a new DD my eyes are immediatly drawn to the bezel and not the dial, I think Rolex made the bezel too wide on the new model. __________________ Day-Date Bark Finish 18078, TT Datejust Turn-O-Graph Oysterquartz 17013 Explorer I 114270

11 April 2010, 01:01 AM	#24
CKLinLA "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: KL Location: Los Angeles Watch: Explorer II Black Posts: 1,480	Like most of the posters, I also prefer the 36mm size/look, but from the pics, your wrists are well able to carry the DD II as well. I think it comes down to whether you like the new version well enough to want to own and wear one. __________________ Explorer II 1655; Day Date 1803; Submariner 14060; Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660; 5-Digit Datejusts; Perpetual Date 1500 and 15000; Pelagos FXD M25707B; Omega Dynamic 'Targa Florio' 5291.51.07; 'Good Planet' GMT 232.30.44.22.03.001; Planet Ocean 215.30.40.20.03.002; Zenith Chronomaster Original 03.3200.3600/22.M3200.

11 April 2010, 01:11 AM	#25
Watch Professor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Myron Location: New York Watch: GMT IIC; Sub Date Posts: 3,166	36mm Proportions are better.

11 April 2010, 01:13 AM	#26
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	36mm without a question.....unless you're into wearing gold bricks on your wrist. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

11 April 2010, 01:19 AM	#27
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Otto, I'll go against the grain as I feel that DD II looks great on your wrist and it's not too big. So go with your heart and first thought and pick that baby up!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

11 April 2010, 01:25 AM	#28
Widows Son "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hudson Ohio Posts: 3,564	The 36MM looks classy and in proportion. As much as I like Romans, on this model the stick markers look better.

11 April 2010, 03:16 AM	#29
gone-rolex-mad "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Andalucia Spain Watch: WG daydate-Daytona Posts: 1,338	36 mm DD all day long! __________________ Choose to allocate your time to imbeciles at your peril!

11 April 2010, 03:20 AM	#30
ersnyder 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Eric Location: Long Beach CA USA Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 4,102	I'm definitely the minority, but I really like the big one!

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