Rolex DJ...looking for YOUR opinion. THANKS!!

[mtache]

Hi All. Just found this community and I will be a consistent contributor...not a 1 and done. I know with some forums people come on ask a bunch of questions and get great responses and never come back...nor respond to their original post!

Anyway, I had been wanting a Rolex for last couple years, and now ready to pull the trigger. I've been going to various shops and trying to get all the information I can. I'm a sponge! I just turned 38 and got a job promotion as a Project Manager (Civil Engineer). It's a significant promotion and deserves something to remember it by :).

So I love the 36mm Datejust. The simplicity of it..and how it can be both sporty and casual. I'm thinking vintage, but want to get something at the right price that won't depreciate too much, so I can upgrade or hand down and it still has good value. I want to get a two-toned, gold fluted bezel, white dial (maybe blue), and Roman numerals (in gold). This is my ideal watch, but I'm willing to compromise somewhat. Getting a watch made in 1982 (birth year) would be cool as well). I had been looking at the REF 16013 / 16233 types. I like the idea of vintage as they weren't made in such high quantities and presumably a better investment. I want the watch to be original...nothing custom at all.

I appreciate the jubilee strap more, but would like to wear the watch on a nice leather band most of the time (preferably a Rolex band). Getting the original jubilee band is not a priority especially since it would keep the price down.

Any thoughts / feedback would be awesome. Some of the jewelry stores are asking for crazy prices, and I'm totally comfortable buying online from the right person. I had an initial budget of around $4-$5k, but I really think I can find something for significantly cheaper if I spend the time looking. This is the fun part...right?!?

Thanks for reading!

MikeT

[Nikrnic]

Welcome Mike! It sounds like you've got your bases covered. With a little patience you should have no problem finding the right DJ Happy Hunting!!...

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Nerdywatch2]

Warm welcome mate

[Gwai]

Welcome Mike! My opinion is you've done all the thinking and research by yourself already so go out and get what you want. Cheers Marc

[Bizcut1]

Welcome!

As noted above, you are on the right track. You'll always remember your first hunt and
acquisition...good luck!

Ben

[AJMarcus]

Welcome aboard! The DJ is a classic Rolex for sure. Don’t forget there’s a wealth of knowledge on TRF and lots of it is archived in the many past threads.

[TickTockChuck]

Hey Mike, welcome to the Rolex Forum (TRF)! Sounds like you've given your first Rolex purchase a lot of thought. I buy new from Authorized Dealers (AD's), but from my readings here you need to be careful with used Rolex purchases to ensure the authentic item. Others here can recommend Trusted Sellers (in the For Sale section of this forum) or brick & mortar stores with good reputations for used purchases. You want something in excellent condition which has been checked over for authenticity and operation. Plenty of TT (2 tone) DJ36's have been made over the years, so supply is good. If I were buying a DJ I would get the matching jubilee braclet and add a quality aftermarket strap later. Many folks like to have the Rolex box and papers plus all removed braclet links if possible Take your time and enjoy the hunt! Let us know what you get with pics! Cheers!

[No SUBctitute]

Welcome to the community! I love your enthusiasm!

Originally Posted by mtache

So I love the 36mm Datejust.

36MM DJ is a great choice, depending on the size of your wrist. Have you had the 41 on your wrist? If not, maybe just slip it on to be sure.

Originally Posted by mtache

I'm thinking vintage, but want to get something at the right price that won't depreciate too much, so I can upgrade or hand down and it still has good value.

You say you want vintage so you can minimize loss when you upgrade or so it has good value when you hand down. First, if you think you want to upgrade, it will be cheaper to get the watch you really want now. Second, if you want to hand it down, why not think about new? A 40 year old watch today, will be 80 years old in 40 years. It will require more care and feeding than if you buy a new watch now.

Originally Posted by mtache

I like the idea of vintage as they weren't made in such high quantities and presumably a better investment. I want the watch to be original...nothing custom at all.

Buying vintage is more tricky and its harder to be sure that every single piece on the watch is Rolex OEM. Also, I wouldn't presume that vintage will be a better investment. It might be, but it might not be. If you get a good price on a new DJ36, it may hold its value very well. Like you said, you may want to hand it down anyway, so the value is less relevant.

Originally Posted by mtache

I appreciate the jubilee strap more, but would like to wear the watch on a nice leather band most of the time (preferably a Rolex band).

The bracelets are SO nice, that if you get a new DJ36, you may find you really enjoy wearing on the bracelet. If you want leather, there are plenty of good aftermarket straps. I would be less concerned about getting a watch with a genuine Rolex leather strap.

Enjoy your search! And maybe give the new DJs a look, if you feel so inclined. But just get what you love without too much thought about investment potential.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by mtache

So I love the 36mm Datejust. The simplicity of it..and how it can be both sporty and casual.

DJ is a nice model that can truly be a GADA (go anywhere do anything) watch.

Originally Posted by mtache

I'm thinking vintage, but want to get something at the right price that won't depreciate too much, so I can upgrade or hand down and it still has good value. I want to get a two-toned, gold fluted bezel, white dial (maybe blue), and Roman numerals (in gold). This is my ideal watch, but I'm willing to compromise somewhat. Getting a watch made in 1982 (birth year) would be cool as well). I had been looking at the REF 16013 / 16233 types. I like the idea of vintage as they weren't made in such high quantities and presumably a better investment. I want the watch to be original...nothing custom at all.

OK, so to start with this. Vintage might not be the best watch for you. Getting a vintage because it is your birth year watch makes sense. Or if you have preference towards vintage feel. However if you are simply going for vintage because you feel it is superior as an investment and/or is cheaper, I don't think the vintage DJ is a good idea. First of all I don't think they will go up a lot at least relative to other Rolex watches. Especially the TT. Have you actually gone and tried on those watches? You might like the feel of newer watches way more as they feel more solid and rigid. Also the vintage comes with its set of drawbacks. Quality is not the same as modern DJs. It can rattle. Some of them have acrylic crystals. Older movements that will genearally need more servicing. The bracelets that feel tin canny. And before somebody disagrees with me, I'm not saying vintage is bad. It has its appeal. It's just not for anyone. And if someone is looking at vintage just to get a great deal, then IMO it's the wrong watch for them.

Originally Posted by mtache

I appreciate the jubilee strap more, but would like to wear the watch on a nice leather band most of the time (preferably a Rolex band). Getting the original jubilee band is not a priority especially since it would keep the price down.

I don't think the TT DJ ever came from factory with a strap. They always came on a bracelet AFAIK. As to whether you need the bracelet, it depends. Same as box and papers. If you plan on selling the watch later on, the full set will add value to the watch. A watch with just the watch head on an aftermarket leather or NATO will sell for less than the watch on a jubilee bracelet in original box with papers.

Originally Posted by mtache

Any thoughts / feedback would be awesome. Some of the jewelry stores are asking for crazy prices, and I'm totally comfortable buying online from the right person. I had an initial budget of around $4-$5k, but I really think I can find something for significantly cheaper if I spend the time looking. This is the fun part...right?!?

If you aren't dead set on vintage and TT I'd look at more modern 116200 and 116234. Going new is not always the best decision at least in terms of value, but going modern used might be the sweetspot in this case. They have solid end links, solid center links and feel more substantial than vintage watches do IMO. They also have newer movement that is more likely to do well without servicing for longer. You can always look for TT versions by checking 116203 and 116233, but they are significantly above your budget.

[Rags]

Welcome to the forum Mike. My Datejust was my first Rolex. You'll love it & then you'll want another & another & another.. Happy hunting pal..

[mtache]

Thanks for all the feedback. I went to a Rolex AD in Tampa FL today. I got to try on the 2019 36mm and 41mm. I have a smaller wrist, but the 41mm did feel/look better. The 36mm felt more petit.

Also, I definitely noticed the weight difference between the older models and the newer ones. The AD told me that the newer models have solid lugs. Does anyone know when this change occurred? Is there a specific year of a recent watch (say 2008-2020) where there have been any significant improvements?

I'll check around to see what I can find for a used 41mm, as that is what I think I need. Thanks for the comments....it got me to drive into Tampa to check out the AD and get more feedback, although the rep wasn't as knowledgeable as I would have expected.

I'll continue to explore the threads for more information as suggested! Thank you all!

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by mtache

Thanks for all the feedback. I went to a Rolex AD in Tampa FL today. I got to try on the 2019 36mm and 41mm. I have a smaller wrist, but the 41mm did feel/look better. The 36mm felt more petit.

Also, I definitely noticed the weight difference between the older models and the newer ones. The AD told me that the newer models have solid lugs. Does anyone know when this change occurred? Is there a specific year of a recent watch (say 2008-2020) where there have been any significant improvements?

I'll check around to see what I can find for a used 41mm, as that is what I think I need. Thanks for the comments....it got me to drive into Tampa to check out the AD and get more feedback, although the rep wasn't as knowledgeable as I would have expected.

I'll continue to explore the threads for more information as suggested! Thank you all!

Solid links happened when 6 digit DJ came out. So 16233 is hollow, 116233 is solid. As for finding the 41, be careful. There are two models you might find listed as 41 and it may be confusing if you don't have the knowledge, DJII and DJ41. DJ41 is the current DJ that Rolex sells as 41mm. It has a 39.5mm case that is closer in proportions to DJ36. DJII was actually 41mm and has a case with chunkier proportions. DJII models are 1163xx and DJ41 are 1263xx.

[mtache]

Originally Posted by georgekart

Solid links happened when 6 digit DJ came out. So 16233 is hollow, 116233 is solid. As for finding the 41, be careful. There are two models you might find listed as 41 and it may be confusing if you don't have the knowledge, DJII and DJ41. DJ41 is the current DJ that Rolex sells as 41mm. It has a 39.5mm case that is closer in proportions to DJ36. DJII was actually 41mm and has a case with chunkier proportions. DJII models are 1163xx and DJ41 are 1263xx.

That clears a lot up! I tried on the 1263xx and it fit very well on my smaller wrist. So the 39.5mm case it what I'm going to look out for. The true DJ41 is probably too big.

Are most sellers on here legit...if they are established on this site or is it best to have a relationship established (which is difficult to do with everyone of course)?

Thanks,
MikeT

[mtache]

I noticed a for sale posting from today that was the exact watch I was looking for (from my original post above)....except now I think I want the DJII. I couldn't even include the link for you all because I need to have 10 posts. Nonetheless, I was going to respond to the post and I don't have privilege to do so. Does that just come with time? Not sure how that works.

[dm05.fsu]

Hey Mike,
You should definately check out DavidSW in Orlando. He has a good collection. Also Addy616 is located in orlando and are very knowledgeable.

[mtache]

Thanks.

[joli160]

Welcome Mike,

Up to a good start by trying models on your wrist instead of looking at pictures only.

In your introduction post you mentioned looking for the best price.
That's not always the best approach, look for the best condition you can find.
Go with one of the trusted sellers so you don't get burned as there are many charlatans out there. Slightly more expensive than other sellers but peace of mind is worth it

[navbuhr]

Originally Posted by georgekart

Solid links happened when 6 digit DJ came out. So 16233 is hollow, 116233 is solid. As for finding the 41, be careful. There are two models you might find listed as 41 and it may be confusing if you don't have the knowledge, DJII and DJ41. DJ41 is the current DJ that Rolex sells as 41mm. It has a 39.5mm case that is closer in proportions to DJ36. DJII was actually 41mm and has a case with chunkier proportions. DJII models are 1163xx and DJ41 are 1263xx.

Very informative thank you

[mtache]

Originally Posted by joli160

Welcome Mike,

Up to a good start by trying models on your wrist instead of looking at pictures only.

In your introduction post you mentioned looking for the best price.
That's not always the best approach, look for the best condition you can find.
Go with one of the trusted sellers so you don't get burned as there are many charlatans out there. Slightly more expensive than other sellers but peace of mind is worth it

There is a seller on here selling a 39mm Oyster Perpetual REF 114300 for $4250 (2017). Never been polished and looks like mint condition. I wish the center links were polished like the oyster bracelet with the Datejust (or is it the same????...can't tell from the photos). I love the blue dial on it!! What do you think about this?? I'd put it on a leather strap for leather strap for daily wear. I'm starting to fall in love with the polished (non-fluted bezel) after seeing them in person.

They don't offer this watch in a Jubilee Bracelet, right? I couldn't find anything.

[Loverolex2020]

Originally Posted by mtache

Hi All. Just found this community and I will be a consistent contributor...not a 1 and done. I know with some forums people come on ask a bunch of questions and get great responses and never come back...nor respond to their original post!

Anyway, I had been wanting a Rolex for last couple years, and now ready to pull the trigger. I've been going to various shops and trying to get all the information I can. I'm a sponge! I just turned 38 and got a job promotion as a Project Manager (Civil Engineer). It's a significant promotion and deserves something to remember it by :).

So I love the 36mm Datejust. The simplicity of it..and how it can be both sporty and casual. I'm thinking vintage, but want to get something at the right price that won't depreciate too much, so I can upgrade or hand down and it still has good value. I want to get a two-toned, gold fluted bezel, white dial (maybe blue), and Roman numerals (in gold). This is my ideal watch, but I'm willing to compromise somewhat. Getting a watch made in 1982 (birth year) would be cool as well). I had been looking at the REF 16013 / 16233 types. I like the idea of vintage as they weren't made in such high quantities and presumably a better investment. I want the watch to be original...nothing custom at all.

I appreciate the jubilee strap more, but would like to wear the watch on a nice leather band most of the time (preferably a Rolex band). Getting the original jubilee band is not a priority especially since it would keep the price down.

Any thoughts / feedback would be awesome. Some of the jewelry stores are asking for crazy prices, and I'm totally comfortable buying online from the right person. I had an initial budget of around $4-$5k, but I really think I can find something for significantly cheaper if I spend the time looking. This is the fun part...right?!?

Thanks for reading!

MikeT

I think the datejust is great especially on the jubilee,,,,I would just keep checking for local deals one will pop up grab it when it does and take your time, I always took my time and always ended up with amazing deals

[mtache]

What does anyone think of the Oyster Perpetual 39mm? I can find a minty one for $4500, blue dial. Its a 2017 with warranty. Member is on here. I'm trying one on tomorrow to see fit.

[dwjez14]

Welcome to the forum. My thought is your about 2 hours away from davidsw. Take a drive up one day and you can see every single datejust or Rolex Model you would like to see. Decide then when you see in person

[djgallo]

Welcome. The DJ is a real classic take your time and you will find the right one for you.