DateJust II vs DateJust 41 my thoughts

[pauldlc]

Hi all, newbie here so be gentle...

I just recently purchased my very first Rolex - I have always been a huge fan of the Sub however since seriously thinking of buying a Rolex the DateJust caught my attention. Being new to the world of Rolex I went into my local AD and viewed the new DateJust 41 and was blown away, I thought this is a watch for every occasion unlike the bulky but handsome Sub.

I wanted to add my thoughts on my experience of buying the DateJust 41 and massively regretting it because thats exactly what happened. For a while I was playing with the idea of a DateJust II 41mm I saw on the grey market, brand new TT yellow gold ivory indexes and I was playing with the idea of the SS DateJust 41 with blue dial, yes I was torn between these two drastic designs. After a lot of thought I went for the DateJust 41 SS Blue Dial Smooth Bezel Oyster Bracelet from my AD. I got home put it aside and thought I will wear that in the morning. That morning I opened the box and something didn't feel right. I put it back and that day I popped into my local WatchFinder store and viewed a DateJust II 41 with fluted bezel, now yeh the fluted bezel is incredible but this watch was VERY different, like very very different.

The DateJust II is so different to the new model, the weight is incredible on the II and it's just a little beefier, the new DateJust 41 I feel Rolex has made a huge mistake, it's been slimmed down way too much and the new fluted bezel is smaller meaning less precious metal and real estate bezel loveliness.

It was a no brainer, I took back the DateJust 41 and purchased what I have now and for not a lot more. I got my stunning DateJust II 41mm Yellow Gold and SS Oyster Bracelet & Ivory Dial watch brand new with 4+ years Rolex warranty for £6800 BRNAD NEW WITH SEALS. This watch is incredible, the new DateJust is way too sharp edged a lot more cheap feeling and if anyone is thinking of a DateJust I would highly recommend finding a II over the new models any day.

What are your thoughts comparing the two? And your thoughts on the price difference? Has Rolex slimmed this classic down too much? Do we like the slimmed down bezel?

I know it's a matter of taste however if people knew and could compare I feel the DateJust II is a much superior watch than it's predecessor.

[tommy91]

Congrats it's a great watch. Personally I prefer the datejust 41 over the datejust II the proportions just look better to me.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by tommy91

Congrats it's a great watch. Personally I prefer the datejust 41 over the datejust II the proportions just look better to me.

Have to agree with this.

I also wanted a jubilee and that was never an option for the DJII. As you can tell by the number of people that have gotten the DJ41 on this forum, a lot of them wanted jubilee.

When I went to check out the DJ41 in person for the first time, my AD showed me a DJII next to it and I knew then I was right to never warm to the DJII. I never wanted a bigger, bulkier, or more "sporty" datejust. That's not what that model has ever been about. Those fat markers were a mistake.

The only real complaint that I can maybe understand is the use of a clasp. It may not look as clean, but the easy link adjustment is so nice to have.

I wish they had a roman option, but I'm sure they will add it later. Dial swaps are possible, so who knows. Maybe one day I'll switch from the white stick to a white roman dial.

One last thing. On paper the 3136 movement in the DJII is actually inferior to the 3235 movement in the DJ41.

[HK Islandboy]

Congratulations

I also prefer the dimensions of the DJII. Just wish it came in a jubilee strap

[jackjack305]

Originally Posted by tommy91

Congrats it's a great watch. Personally I prefer the datejust 41 over the datejust II the proportions just look better to me.

True for me as well

[donq]

Your wrist, wear what you like.

You don’t need us to validate your decision.

[Maiden]

I guess we all have different tastes, I prefer the 41 and still find it a little too large for this type of watch. Rolex knows their marketing and I am sure the market in general prefers the more elegant, slimmed down 41. But again who cares what the market or I think, you got what YOU love. Always the right answer. Congrats on your acquisition.

[faz]

Congrats on your purchase and glad you are happy with what you have, since that is all that counts.

From my experience on this site and previous discussions, you may find people who were into the 'classic' Datejust (36 mm) will normally like the new Datejust 41's proportions better, and they usually find that the Datejust II was a departure from the 'classic' and more of an attempt to make Datejust more modern/sport.

I myself find both interesting and personally even more drawn to DJ II, but DJ 41 is a beauty and what the 'classic' crowd will prefer.

[2807]

Glad you like what you have !
There is no wrong or right answer here.
They are both beautiful, and the slight changes are more prominent to those who lean one way or anther, and negligible to the average person.

Lucky you to have such a nice watch ! Enjoy that.

[Mystro]

I purchased the DJ2 over the DJ41. The DJ2 is actually 42mm in size. I feel between the thicker markers and hands, it’s a “sportier” interpretation of the DJ family. It was exactly what I was looking for in a classic Rolex look.

[Anestheticsaregood]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I purchased the DJ2 over the DJ41. The DJ2 is actually 42mm in size. I feel between the thicker markers and hands, it’s a “sportier” interpretation of the DJ family. It was exactly what I was looking for in a classic Rolex look.

Nice 996 C4S. I have a C2 and love it

[bbuckbbuck]

The DJII is not "actually 42"

[rkim11]

Originally Posted by faz

Congrats on your purchase and glad you are happy with what you have, since that is all that counts.

From my experience on this site and previous discussions, you may find people who were into the 'classic' Datejust (36 mm) will normally like the new Datejust 41's proportions better, and they usually find that the Datejust II was a departure from the 'classic' and more of an attempt to make Datejust more modern/sport.

I myself find both interesting and personally even more drawn to DJ II, but DJ 41 is a beauty and what the 'classic' crowd will prefer.

I just got the Datejust2 also and love how its a sportier version of the classic Datejust36 yet still very dressy too. The DJ41 is great too but it is a larger DJ36 whereas the DJ2 is a modern interpretation... the DJ41 reminds me of my dads DJ when he bought one when I was 10. I think its the size of the batons.

[rkim11]

Originally Posted by bbuckbbuck

The DJII is not "actually 42"

I believe its 41.2mm

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by rkim11

I believe its 41.2mm

That exactly what mine measured as opposed to the 39.7 or so for the 41. A bit closer to the mark.

[REFZ]

The combination of the slimmer case, slimmer fluted bezel, slimmer hour markers AND the jubilee bracelet made me buy a DJ41.

[The_Watch_Clocker]

why does rolex say the watch is 41mm and someone say's it is 42mm?
why wouldn't rolex say 42mm like they did with the explorer 2?

fake news. i believe rolex.

[OcdRob]

Like others have said its all in what YOU like. I prefer the bolder look of the DJ2 but the DJ41 is a very nice watch.

[watchwatcher]

Congrats on your new watch.

Sorry...I prefer the dimensions and the new movement of the 41.

[Boothroyd]

Welcome to TRF and congrats on a great new watch!

I prefer the DJII as well. To each their own, and glad you got what you wanted!

People are going to generally like the new DJ41 better because of the movement and sizing, but don't let that worry you. Plenty of happy DJII owners out there.

[GMT Aviator]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your new watch.
The TT Ivory Dial DJ2 is a real beauty. Probably the less seen of all the DJ2’s and like you, I was smitten with it and added it to my collection. It’s the loveliest watch I possess.
Regards the DJ2, I was so taken with the overall design I added two more to my collection before they were discontinued and couldn’t be happier.
The larger batons really add to a more youthful and sporty appearance and maybe less traditional Datejust look.
The new DJ41’s are a beautiful design also and of course come with the newer longer power reserve movement and a jubilee bracelet as an option, something that was never available on the DJ2.
I think it’s a shame Rolex killed off the DJ2. I’d like to think they may eventually command a premium on the second hand market due to the fact they had a very short run when considering how long the Datejust has been in production. They were but a blink of the eye in Rolex terms.
Their youthful design and break from Datejust tradition I think will always make them desirable to many.
I won’t be selling any of mine and feel lucky I bagged them when I did.

[Shamorai]

I also prefer the DJ2. In fact I waited until I saw the newly released DJ41, although only in TT at the time, before making the purchase last year.

[Rocket_Man]

After wearing a classic 36mm DJ for many years, when I first looked at the DJII I just couldn't do it. It looked bloated and overweight to me. I was happy to see the DJ41 return this classic back to its roots. Actually I wished they made it 1 mm smaller. There are those that like the DJII better. To each thier own, but the DJ41 is a great looking watch. BTW.. if you saw the TT DJ41 with Sundust dial I'd have bet you would have bought it. That dial is beautiful.

[2807]

This thread reminded me of how much I still like the DJ2.
I like both, but the 2 is a bolder good look.
They are both beautiful.

[DavidUK]

Originally Posted by Rocket_Man

After wearing a classic 36mm DJ for many years, when I first looked at the DJII I just couldn't do it. It looked bloated and overweight to me. I was happy to see the DJ41 return this classic back to its roots. Actually I wished they made it 1 mm smaller. There are those that like the DJII better. To each thier own, but the DJ41 is a great looking watch. BTW.. if you saw the TT DJ41 with Sundust dial I'd have bet you would have bought it. That dial is beautiful.

Same as me. DJ36 16233 for 15 years. Tried a DJII - too fat. DJ41 with jubilee sublime...

[10:10:31 28]

Originally Posted by The_Watch_Clocker

why does rolex say the watch is 41mm and someone say's it is 42mm?
why wouldn't rolex say 42mm like they did with the explorer 2?

fake news. i believe rolex.

Several people have measured them with calipers and the Datejust II is a bit over 41mm and the Datejust 41 is a bit under 40mm. As to why Rolex didn't just call it a Datejust 40 who knows? It's Rolex logic.

[Fuselierpa]

I prefer DJ2 also.

[toi]

I was excited to see dj41 till i tried one on.
Its definately a more polite watch vs djii .
I like dj41 stick dials slimmer sticks but with 7.5 inch wrists djii was more appealing to me.
Dj41 would be a better comparison to the original dj. I think they made it for datejust lovers who didnt like the bolder and beefier djii
Djii and dj41 are both nice choices to their potential buyers
I bougt the djii after trying both on though

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your DJ2

[retrojay2345]

41 over II any day