The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 1 September 2015, 05:41 AM   #1
Copasetic
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Real Name: Howie
Location: Florida
Watch: Varies
Posts: 578
Day-Date II vs Day-Date 40?

Now that more TRF members have tried on or obtained the new 40, I'm curious how the two compare. Not necessarily the movement and the technical specs, but wrist presence, size and look differences, dials, etc.
Thanks!
Copasetic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 08:25 AM   #2
dadonn2
"TRF" Member
 
dadonn2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Real Name: Dave
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,557
Hey Howie, a little research will go a long way here. There are a number of threads on this topic. The main differences are the new movement on the 40 and in terms of wrist presence, the drop in size from 41mm to 40mm. The actual small difference has become quite subjective where some feel it significant while others find it minimal. The discussions have waged over the change in overall proportions and how that impacted the watch. Having seen them both up close and on my wrist, I do feel the difference to be significant and far more than 1mm would suggest.
dadonn2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 09:06 AM   #3
Copasetic
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Real Name: Howie
Location: Florida
Watch: Varies
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by dadonn2 View Post
Hey Howie, a little research will go a long way here. There are a number of threads on this topic. The main differences are the new movement on the 40 and in terms of wrist presence, the drop in size from 41mm to 40mm. The actual small difference has become quite subjective where some feel it significant while others find it minimal. The discussions have waged over the change in overall proportions and how that impacted the watch. Having seen them both up close and on my wrist, I do feel the difference to be significant and far more than 1mm would suggest.
Thanks for responding. I have read most, if not all, of the previous threads on the subject. I was thinking people that have seen them both, and/or had them on, would have new information to share after viewing. As you have.
Copasetic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 09:32 AM   #4
rebel_1
"TRF" Member
 
rebel_1's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,132
To me the biggest difference is the size of the bezel. I'd also assume that one might "fit" better than the other based on different lug lengths. Either way, I can say that there is not enough of a difference between the fluted bezel variant for me to replace my RD DDII but there is enough of a difference with the smooth bezel PT one that has me wanting a DD40 PT!
rebel_1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 09:40 AM   #5
kunlun
"TRF" Member
 
kunlun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 1,970
When trying them both on, I felt that the new proportions of the DD40, while consisting of a number of small changes, make for a significant overall effect. The subjective feeling I had was that the DD40 is more dressy and well put-together on the wrist. Someone who wants a more sporty and chunky look would definitely prefer the DD2.
kunlun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 10:32 AM   #6
Racerdj
2024 Pledge Member
 
Racerdj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Indianapolis
Watch: Patek-Philippe
Posts: 16,832
I am looking forward to seeing them in person!
__________________
Rolex and Patek Philippe
Racerdj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 11:19 AM   #7
Colin10101
"TRF" Member
 
Colin10101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Real Name: Colin
Location: Toronto
Watch: 16710
Posts: 1,336
Having recently tried both on at an AD, the best way I can describe it is the DD 40 wears leaner. As it should, since it is smaller, but the difference feels larger than just 1mm. This can be attributed to the smaller bezel i suppose, and it makes the watch wear very nicely on the wrist.

The DD2, in my opinion (and consider that my wrists are 6' 3/4), feels bloated. It wears bigger. Its hard to describe since 1mm seems on paper to be very insignificant, but the DD40 comes off as a more proportioned watch.

The best thing you can do is go try it on. Before I did I was convinced there would be almost no noticeable difference. Boy was I wrong.
Colin10101 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 11:23 AM   #8
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 78,129
I've tried both and would say that for me, the aesthetics is not the reason I'd opt for one vs. the other. It's ALL about the new movement and end link design in the DD40
brandrea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 11:31 AM   #9
Maiden
"TRF" Member
 
Maiden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,652
I tried both on and what I found interesting is that when you look at your wrist you notice the DD40 is slightly smaller. However stand back 4 feet and look in a full length mirror and (at least to me and the salespeople in the store) you could not tell the difference in size or wrist presence between the 40 and the 41. Personally I think blown up internet pictures overstate the size difference. However we all admire our watches on our own wrists so if that what sings that is the way to go.
Maiden is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 11:36 AM   #10
tkerrmd
"TRF" Member
 
tkerrmd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Tom
Location: In a race car!
Watch: ME RACE PORSCHES
Posts: 24,123
If I were to choose today would go DD40


tkerrmd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 12:28 PM   #11
gummy
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
gummy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Thomas
Location: Midwest USA
Watch: AP PP Rolex
Posts: 3,348
To me the main visual difference is the appearance of the bezel...

Seems more size appropriate on the DD40.

and

More flat and "stretching" on the DDII.

I think both are nice but the dial on the platinum DD40 Stick dial is wonderful!
gummy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 12:30 PM   #12
PerioBear
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Real Name: Alex
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkerrmd View Post
If I were to choose today would go DD40



Nice. But I feel the size of romans are too large for the watch. Out of proportion?
PerioBear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 12:34 PM   #13
SUPERDOC
"TRF" Member
 
SUPERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: R.J.
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,546
I have to say that I found the differences very insignificant when I saw it in the display case... I actually didn't even give them a second look because I thought that I was looking at the DayDateII... then the sales lady said it was the new one, and I looked again and noticed the Roman Numerals...

On the wrist I found that I prefer my DD2... but I can see the appeal of the DD40...add the new movement in, and its a no brainer..

I agree with the statement that the hype, and macro Internet imaging is making a bigger deal out of the change...

either way...Beautiful..

The only question... sell DD2 before price plunges... or hold on until price soars...
__________________
@RJKAMA on Instagram
SUPERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 September 2015, 12:41 PM   #14
zama
"TRF" Member
 
zama's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Real Name: Craig
Location: Sydney
Watch: 4 Broken glass
Posts: 5,808
Quote:
Originally Posted by kunlun View Post
When trying them both on, I felt that the new proportions of the DD40, while consisting of a number of small changes, make for a significant overall effect. The subjective feeling I had was that the DD40 is more dressy and well put-together on the wrist. Someone who wants a more sporty and chunky look would definitely prefer the DD2.
My thoughts as well
__________________
Day Date 118206, Daytona 116509 & 116505, AP 25859ST
Gone but not forgotten and genuinely missed.....
Root Beer GMT, Sub, TT Daytona, YG DD Bark, Datejust(2 his & hers), AP RO, PP Aquanaut, Lange 1, Heuer Monza, Piaget Altiplano, GP Chrono, Seamaster, Tudor Sub, Tudor Chrono, Tudor Black Bay Bronze
zama is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 02:14 AM   #15
Sub/GMT
"TRF" Member
 
Sub/GMT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Europe
Watch: The White Gold Sub
Posts: 518
Here you can see the size differences between all three....



Left DD36mm middle DD40 (see also difference in endlink) right DDII 41mm
__________________

Platinum DD 228206 Diamond Baguette Ice Blue Dial - Skydweller 326934 Black Dial Jubilee - Rosé Gold Yacht-Master 126655 Oysterflex - Smurf 116619LB - Sub 126613LB - Sub 124060LN - GMT-Master II 116710LN - DJ 126334 Blue......
Sub/GMT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 02:21 AM   #16
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,515
Quote:
Originally Posted by Copasetic View Post
Now that more TRF members have tried on or obtained the new 40, I'm curious how the two compare. Not necessarily the movement and the technical specs, but wrist presence, size and look differences, dials, etc.
Thanks!
It's the new technical aspects that would draw me to the DD 40.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 06:19 AM   #17
Sub/GMT
"TRF" Member
 
Sub/GMT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Europe
Watch: The White Gold Sub
Posts: 518
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
It's the new technical aspects that would draw me to the DD 40.
For me it would only be the size that matters here. DD40 has great measures and if it is running well, it is okay buy me
__________________

Platinum DD 228206 Diamond Baguette Ice Blue Dial - Skydweller 326934 Black Dial Jubilee - Rosé Gold Yacht-Master 126655 Oysterflex - Smurf 116619LB - Sub 126613LB - Sub 124060LN - GMT-Master II 116710LN - DJ 126334 Blue......
Sub/GMT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 06:45 AM   #18
Oyster99
"TRF" Member
 
Oyster99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Real Name: Kris
Location: Holland
Watch: me go
Posts: 730
It looks GOOD!


Picture credit: Fremstar!
Attached Images
 
__________________
Instagram watchpage: k99app, feel free to follow me ;)
17014 - oysterquartz
Corniche Mistral40
Regards.
Oyster99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 08:57 AM   #19
second time
"TRF" Member
 
second time's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Here
Watch: GMT IIc
Posts: 363
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sub/GMT View Post
Here you can see the size differences between all three....

Those romans on the DD2 are much smaller than any others I've seen. Anyone know what's going on with that?
__________________
GMT IIc, Damasko DA36, Tudor Date+Day, GS SBGT035
second time is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 09:07 AM   #20
Racerdj
2024 Pledge Member
 
Racerdj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Indianapolis
Watch: Patek-Philippe
Posts: 16,832
Quote:
Originally Posted by second time View Post
Those romans on the DD2 are much smaller than any others I've seen. Anyone know what's going on with that?
Very true!
__________________
Rolex and Patek Philippe
Racerdj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 09:12 AM   #21
theken
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: USA
Watch: GMT-Master II
Posts: 3,417
I owned a DDII for about 10 months.
Last week, I sold my DDII after trying on the DD40 at a couple of the ADs I visited.
The differences are very slight but the size of the case and fluted bezel are asthetically more pleasing to me.
Additionally, I think the improved accuracy of the movement makes the DD40 the new flagship of the current Rolex lineup.
The president bracelet has also been improved with internal ceramic bushings to eliminate the stretching tendency of the previous versions of the bracelet.
I also like the new dial that is offered with the alternating Roman numerals and stick markers.
theken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 11:57 AM   #22
dadonn2
"TRF" Member
 
dadonn2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Real Name: Dave
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,557
Quote:
Originally Posted by Copasetic View Post
Thanks for responding. I have read most, if not all, of the previous threads on the subject. I was thinking people that have seen them both, and/or had them on, would have new information to share after viewing. As you have.
Gotcha. Point taken.

I completely agree with the notion that DD II is sportier vs. the perfectly proportioned lean appeal of the DD40. There is an understated elegance to the new one, in the context of gold Rolex's. Personally, I prefer the DD II for its personality and believe it looks better on my fairly large wrist.
dadonn2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 06:16 PM   #23
Mr DateJust
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Glasgow, UK
Watch: 16570
Posts: 909
The problem I always had with the DDII was that it was a watch designed to be 36mm "stretched" out to 41mm. The bezel and dial especially looked too large. The bezel on the 40 does look better and it has an overall better look but it is still a watch designed to be 36mm stretched out to 40mm so to my eye still doesn't look quite "right".
Mr DateJust is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 08:14 PM   #24
el1125
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 3,578
Quote:
Originally Posted by theken View Post
I owned a DDII for about 10 months.
Last week, I sold my DDII after trying on the DD40 at a couple of the ADs I visited.
The differences are very slight but the size of the case and fluted bezel are asthetically more pleasing to me.
Additionally, I think the improved accuracy of the movement makes the DD40 the new flagship of the current Rolex lineup.
The president bracelet has also been improved with internal ceramic bushings to eliminate the stretching tendency of the previous versions of the bracelet.
I also like the new dial that is offered with the alternating Roman numerals and stick markers.
Absolutely correct with the new ceramic material added into the bracelet
el1125 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 08:28 PM   #25
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
Great thread.

I tried on a 40 last week. It's beautiful.

Have to agree with the consensus that it's more of a dress watch. But hey, maybe that's exactly what it's supposed to be.

I like the "2" because it's sportier and IMHO goes better with just about anything. It's a wear everywhere do anything kind of watch.

Both great. I think it just depends on what the user is looking for.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 09:40 PM   #26
bigrustypig
"TRF" Member
 
bigrustypig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Jeff
Location: New Zealand
Watch: Rolex DSSD
Posts: 1,426
The DD2 has been my grail for some time now. I did quite a bit of research after the Basel launch, tried them both at the AD, and although the DD2 is heaps more masculine and certainly more substantial on the wrist, I was drawn to all the improvements on the 40.

IMHO, the best option would have been all improvements on the DD40 slapped into the DD2.
bigrustypig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 September 2015, 09:47 PM   #27
bigrustypig
"TRF" Member
 
bigrustypig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Jeff
Location: New Zealand
Watch: Rolex DSSD
Posts: 1,426
Quote:
Originally Posted by second time View Post
Those romans on the DD2 are much smaller than any others I've seen. Anyone know what's going on with that?
Very sharp eyes! The hour hand also looks shorter than the usual.
bigrustypig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 September 2015, 05:01 AM   #28
tomchicago
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago
Watch: 16710BLRO, 214270.
Posts: 2,717
It's an improvement but the bezel is still too large on the 40 imo. The 36 still has the nicest proportions.
tomchicago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 September 2015, 06:29 AM   #29
shirtguy
"TRF" Member
 
shirtguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: ny
Watch: sub-c Date
Posts: 1,322
36mm day date is the way to go
shirtguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 3 September 2015, 06:43 AM   #30
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,834
Quote:
Originally Posted by shirtguy View Post
36mm day date is the way to go
I wish I could agree as I think they look really nice. It would be so much easier too. I just find them to be way too small on the wrist. My wife wears a 36mm DJ and it looks fantastic on her.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.