First Rolex - Datejust 36mm?

[eaf124]

Hi all,

I am ready to purchase my first Rolex. After a visit to my local AD, I have decided that I am interested in a pre-owned datejust 36mm. The particular watch that I was looking at had the fluted bezel, white dial, roman numerals and jubilee bracelet. See pics. I have a few questions and am hoping the community can help out:

-This watch was from 2000. Am I making a mistake buying an older watch? Should I be looking for something 2010+? (I should note that this watch is an excellent condition, comes with all of the boxes and papers, still has the hologram on the back and was just serviced)

-I understand that the Jubilee bracelet was updated in 2005. I prefer the new hidden clasp. If I were to hold out for a 2005+ datejust, can I expect the price to be similar to the one I am considering (≈$4,000 USD). Does it make sense to wait? I have heard "buy the seller" and I am confident in this watch and AD.

-While I do really like this datejust configuration, I have seen many for sale exactly like it. Does this mean that this configuration is less desirable then say a black dial for example?

-I am 6'3" with 6.75" wrists. I really like the look and feel of the 36mm but am still trying to decide if the watch is large enough. Any rationales or guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help. I am looking forward to purchasing my first Rolex timepiece.

[1911 Man]

Welcome to the Forum.
You are not making a mistake buying an older watch, many people purposely buy vintage Rolexes (which I don't think this is old enough to be considered vintage). You just have to know what you are getting, compared to what you are getting in a newer model.
The later version of that watch with the hidden clasp (reference 116234 or 116200 for smooth bezel) has the exact same movement, the 3135, inside, so a newer watch will not be more reliable, but the older one might need to be serviced sooner.

The newer case is a little chunkier, with thicker lugs, so it depends on what you like. The bracelet itself is stronger, but if the older one is in good shape, it should last for decades, so long as you care for it reasonably.

The hidden clasp reference was made from 2005 (or 2006, not exactly sure) until 2019, when the model was updated again, and the hidden clasp was discontinued. So if you want a newer watch, and want the hidden clasp, they can still be found NOS, or used, but you will pay more. A used 116234 seems to be listed at around $6000, give or take.

As for size, I also have a 6.75 inch wrist, and I wear a 36mm DJ, but I am also only 5'10". I wear it daily, and think it looks fine. I have also worn a 40mm Sub, and hope to get another one soon.

You will see a lot of threads on this forum regarding size, some say wear what you like, others say certain sizes are too big for some, or too small for some. I fall into the camp that if you have tried it on, and like it, get it. Ryan Gosling, who is supposed to be a style icon, regularly wears a 34mm Rolex. I think that the 36mm wears better with a suit than a 40mm would. But that is just my opinion.

Good luck. Get what makes you happy, and enjoy it.

[jackminny15]

The size is definitely a personal opinion thing. I don't know exactly how big my wrists are but I am stocky at 5'10 and 220. I also just got my first Rolex, a DJ 36 fluted jubilee with black dial. It's a gorgeous watch, but I definitely have those moments where I think to myself it's just a little bit too small on my wrist. That said, if you like the DJ model, I think the 41 (which I also tried on) is a bit too big. I really think the OP 39s are the perfect size, but the look just isn't as nice as the DJ.

I would try a 41 next to a 36 and think hard about it before you buy. You don't want to drop thousands on a watch and then instantly have buyer's remorse.

[doramas]

Originally Posted by eaf124

Hi all,

I am ready to purchase my first Rolex. After a visit to my local AD, I have decided that I am interested in a pre-owned datejust 36mm. The particular watch that I was looking at had the fluted bezel, white dial, roman numerals and jubilee bracelet. See pics. I have a few questions and am hoping the community can help out:

-This watch was from 2000. Am I making a mistake buying an older watch? Should I be looking for something 2010+? (I should note that this watch is an excellent condition, comes with all of the boxes and papers, still has the hologram on the back and was just serviced)

-I understand that the Jubilee bracelet was updated in 2005. I prefer the new hidden clasp. If I were to hold out for a 2005+ datejust, can I expect the price to be similar to the one I am considering (≈$4,000 USD). Does it make sense to wait? I have heard "buy the seller" and I am confident in this watch and AD.

-While I do really like this datejust configuration, I have seen many for sale exactly like it. Does this mean that this configuration is less desirable then say a black dial for example?

-I am 6'3" with 6.75" wrists. I really like the look and feel of the 36mm but am still trying to decide if the watch is large enough. Any rationales or guidance would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help. I am looking forward to purchasing my first Rolex timepiece.

I also have a Datejust 36mm 16234 with almost 31 years and I use it every day and I am delighted. If you like it, don't be afraid. It's a great watch that will outlive you

[eaf124]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm a bit more confident about buying a watch of this size/vintage.

As far as the 41mm, I tried one on and it seemed a bit big and bulky for my taste so I will be going back to my AD this week to take a second look at the 36mm pictured above. In the meantime, I am trying to locate a black dial similar to doromas' as I have yet to see one in the flesh.

I am really enjoying the hunt and have a feeling this is will be the start of a large collection :). I will keep everyone posted. Thanks again for all of the insight. This forum is an invaluable source of information.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by eaf124

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm a bit more confident about buying a watch of this size/vintage.

As far as the 41mm, I tried one on and it seemed a bit big and bulky for my taste so I will be going back to my AD this week to take a second look at the 36mm pictured above. In the meantime, I am trying to locate a black dial similar to doromas' as I have yet to see one in the flesh.

I am really enjoying the hunt and have a feeling this is will be the start of a large collection :). I will keep everyone posted. Thanks again for all of the insight. This forum is an invaluable source of information.

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[Ny325]

Looks good. I have a SS 36mm DateJust, smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet, white dial, Roman numerals. It gets more wrist time on my 7 1/2 wrist, than my SS Submariner Date. It’s a simple and classy watch.

[BigBoy17]

Had two dj36 and sold both after a short time, they are small watches for a BigBoy. If your a larger male i would not recommend a dj36 as it looks like your wearing a womens watch. Pics below of dj36 and dj36 turnograph which wore slightly larger due to bezel

[eaf124]

Originally Posted by BigBoy17

Had two dj36 and sold both after a short time, they are small watches for a BigBoy. If your a larger male i would not recommend a dj36 as it looks like your wearing a womens watch. Pics below of dj36 and dj36 turnograph which wore slightly larger due to bezel

Despite being tall, im not that large - about 195lbs - so I'm thinking I can get away with the smaller size but still considering. In the 2nd pic, I'm wearing the dj36 on my right and the dj41 on my left.

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[eaf124]

Originally Posted by BigBoy17

Had two dj36 and sold both after a short time, they are small watches for a BigBoy. If your a larger male i would not recommend a dj36 as it looks like your wearing a womens watch. Pics below of dj36 and dj36 turnograph which wore slightly larger due to bezel

Despite being tall, im not that large - about 195lbs - so I'm thinking I can get away with the smaller size but still considering. In the 2nd pic, I'm wearing the dj36 on my right and the dj41 on my left.

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[g00n]

40mm+ for you my man.

[BigBoy17]

Dj41 for sure.

[eaf124]

Update: After going back and seeing the watch again, I have decided to pass. I continue to question the size and worry that I will hesitate every time I put it on my wrist. Being that this will be my first Rolex, I prefer to wait until I find the one that I absolutely cannot live without.

In the meantime I am shopping other brands. As of right now, a speedy has caught my attention, photo attached. I am thinking a pre-owned or gray market makes sense as the savings are large. Are there any additional watches that I should be looking at in the ≈4k USD price range? Hoping to find something special that I will hold as my collection grows. I will be buying this for a milestone birthday.

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[peterpl]

The DJ41 looks better proportioned on you.

If your doubting yourself before you make the purchase dont do it. It means you know inside already the 36mm is too small. Trust me we have all been through this many times. As soon as there is doubt it means its not for you/

Just pay a few grand extra and get the 41

[MasonDixon]

Originally Posted by eaf124

Are there any additional watches that I should be looking at in the ≈4k USD price range? Hoping to find something special that I will hold as my collection grows. I will be buying this for a milestone birthday.

Take a look at the Oyster Perpetual 39. For an additional $1000 or so, you can get a nice preowned piece that would always have a place in your collection.

[eaf124]

Originally Posted by peterpl

The DJ41 looks better proportioned on you.

If your doubting yourself before you make the purchase dont do it. It means you know inside already the 36mm is too small. Trust me we have all been through this many times. As soon as there is doubt it means its not for you/

Just pay a few grand extra and get the 41

I agree with you, doubting a purchase of this magnitude tells me I should hold off. While I like the DJ41, it's a tad big for my taste. I am thinking the Omega Speedmaster 39.7mm is the perfect size for me, not to mention the versatility that it offers when paired with additional straps.

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[eaf124]

Originally Posted by MasonDixon

Take a look at the Oyster Perpetual 39. For an additional $1000 or so, you can get a nice preowned piece that would always have a place in your collection.

It's undoubtedly a beautiful watch, but not quite what I'm looking for this time around.

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[javier]

It is nice, go for it with no doubt

[Verdi]

36 mm is absolutely fine.

But price wise makes more sense to go for a brand new one. I would rather pay 6500 for a new one than 4000 for an old one.