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49ers101hitters · 26 July 2018, 03:26 PM

Hey all,

Today I received the first Rolex watch that I have ever purchased new from an AD. It is the new Datejust 36 from Baselworld 2018. Upon recommendation from a fellow TRFer, I had it sent from Deutch & Deutch jewelers in Texas to where I work in California. Very pleasant people to work with.

On to the review!

The first thing you notice about this watch is the new case. The dimensions are phenomenal and harken back to the pre-maxi case days (now if only Rolex would change the sports watches—I digress).

I initially thought I would go with the champagne dial as an update to my vintage 1601 non-luminous champagne dial. But after seeing the white dial, I had no other choice but to get it. The level of detail is impeccable even for Rolex standards. The black minute markers really contrast well with the white dial and yellow gold hands and hour markers. Very similar design to the new oyster perpetual white dial but with yellow gold rather than white.

I hear many people complaining about the lack of hidden clasp on this new model. While I agree that makes for a very beautiful bracelet, the new easy-link clasp feels very solid and is very easy to operate. It is more traditional in a sense, although now it is two tone look which I prefer over the old steel-only clasp on my 1601.

Anyway, not much else to say. It’s an excellent watch and arguably Rolex’s most historically important model. It’s a practical watch that can be worn with anything (I would not wear my sub with a suit) and has more water resistance than you need along with luminous markers. The photos don’t do it justice but I know that’s what you all are most interested in.

Sometimes things happen when you wear a watch like this

henrylee · 26 July 2018, 03:35 PM

congrats!

lmmrf · 26 July 2018, 03:38 PM

That’s beautiful; congratulations. I look forward to the opportunity to buy a steel version of this watch. It’s nice that in the DJ and OP series Rolex gradually seems to be getting back to cleaner, simpler dials, without overly fussy chapter rings.

Is the difference in the case/lug shape from the previous 36mm Datejusts (1162xx) that noticeable in person? I was under the impression it was just a subtle change.

crbrown · 26 July 2018, 03:39 PM

Congrats! It was nice of them to wrap the box.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

49ers101hitters · 26 July 2018, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmmrf

That’s beautiful; congratulations. I look forward to the opportunity to buy a steel version of this watch. It’s nice that in the DJ and OP series Rolex gradually seems to be getting back to cleaner, simpler dials, without overly fussy chapter rings.

Is the difference in the case/lug shape from the previous 36mm Datejusts (1162xx) that noticeable in person? I was under the impression it was just a subtle change.

Yes, looks much better than the old design IMO

Quote:

Originally Posted by crbrown

Congrats! It was nice of them to wrap the box.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Was a very nice surprise

ancientmariner · 26 July 2018, 03:47 PM

Congrats!
Looks great on you

c41006 · 26 July 2018, 03:53 PM

Congrats!!!

uniqueMR · 26 July 2018, 03:57 PM

Congrats..

Flier · 26 July 2018, 04:10 PM

Noce

Sandpit · 26 July 2018, 04:26 PM

Wow these new DJs look very very sharp. The proportions are perfect. Congrats!

Jsol · 26 July 2018, 04:38 PM

The DJs are just iconic. Love this piece.

GFONG · 26 July 2018, 04:46 PM

Gorgeous! Congrats!

kwingy · 26 July 2018, 04:48 PM

Absolutely superb!!! That just oozes class! Enjoy.

HogwldFLTR · 26 July 2018, 04:53 PM

Looks great; congratulations!!!!

Bearwithme · 26 July 2018, 06:31 PM

Wow - absolutely stunning!

As the gent said above, I love the clean and simple dial. - modern, classic, classy.
Almost my perfect watch. Makes me question why on earth Rolex don’t offer this dial for the updated DJ in black?

Enjoy!!!

Rashid.bk · 26 July 2018, 06:54 PM

Very nice, such a pretty watch. Congrats.

mikkolopez · 26 July 2018, 07:37 PM

You got a winner there. I too liked how Rolex is going back to slimmer lugs vs the maxi on the DJ. Sexier proportions.

Wear it in the best of health.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

watchmework · 26 July 2018, 07:39 PM

Congrats Hugh!

Rolly.BT · 26 July 2018, 07:44 PM

Woah that looks beautiful man.. Congrats!

Sent from my A1601 using Tapatalk

AEC · 26 July 2018, 07:54 PM

LOVE that! Thanks for posting. Perfectly configured, I think.

travisb · 26 July 2018, 07:56 PM

Congratulations!! Great choice going with the white dial.

rmlovett1 · 26 July 2018, 08:02 PM

Beautiful piece! Congrats!

Patton250 · 26 July 2018, 08:03 PM

Wow congrats. Very classic, very beautiful. Nice choice.

1William · 26 July 2018, 08:59 PM

Congratulations. Looks great.

Mephist · 26 July 2018, 09:04 PM

Amazing, congratulations!

fskywalker · 26 July 2018, 09:21 PM

Congrats!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

SemperFi · 26 July 2018, 10:00 PM

Gorgeous watch. Congratulations Hugh!

scarlet knight · 26 July 2018, 10:05 PM

Nice watch.

Urosfan · 26 July 2018, 11:14 PM

Congrats

joli160 · 26 July 2018, 11:18 PM

Huge congrats, lovely dial indeed

26 July 2018, 03:26 PM	#1
49ers101hitters "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Real Name: Hugh Location: Silicon Valley Watch: Sub, 2xDJ, Zenith Posts: 246	First new Rolex! Hey all, Today I received the first Rolex watch that I have ever purchased new from an AD. It is the new Datejust 36 from Baselworld 2018. Upon recommendation from a fellow TRFer, I had it sent from Deutch & Deutch jewelers in Texas to where I work in California. Very pleasant people to work with. On to the review! The first thing you notice about this watch is the new case. The dimensions are phenomenal and harken back to the pre-maxi case days (now if only Rolex would change the sports watches—I digress). I initially thought I would go with the champagne dial as an update to my vintage 1601 non-luminous champagne dial. But after seeing the white dial, I had no other choice but to get it. The level of detail is impeccable even for Rolex standards. The black minute markers really contrast well with the white dial and yellow gold hands and hour markers. Very similar design to the new oyster perpetual white dial but with yellow gold rather than white. I hear many people complaining about the lack of hidden clasp on this new model. While I agree that makes for a very beautiful bracelet, the new easy-link clasp feels very solid and is very easy to operate. It is more traditional in a sense, although now it is two tone look which I prefer over the old steel-only clasp on my 1601. Anyway, not much else to say. It’s an excellent watch and arguably Rolex’s most historically important model. It’s a practical watch that can be worn with anything (I would not wear my sub with a suit) and has more water resistance than you need along with luminous markers. The photos don’t do it justice but I know that’s what you all are most interested in. Sometimes things happen when you wear a watch like this __________________

26 July 2018, 03:35 PM	#2
henrylee "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Socal/LA Watch: 116610LN Ceramic Posts: 3,223	congrats! __________________ ♛ Sub 116610LN 2011 ♛ GMT 126710BLNR 2021 ♛ GMT 126711CHNR 2020 ♛ Datejust 16233 X-series 1993 Ω Speedmaster Mitsukoshi 2019 č Cartier Tank w5200025 2021

26 July 2018, 03:57 PM	#8
uniqueMR 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: USA Watch: P A T E K Posts: 4,706	Congrats.. __________________ A. Lange & Sohne \| Audemars Piguet \| F.P.Journe \| Omega \| Patek Philippe \| Rolex \| Tudor \| ...and Othersss

26 July 2018, 04:38 PM	#11
Jsol "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Joyce Location: SF and NYC Watch: GMT, AP, DD, Posts: 641	The DJs are just iconic. Love this piece. __________________ IG @crownthewatch

26 July 2018, 04:53 PM	#14
HogwldFLTR 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Lee Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48 Watch: Too many to list! Posts: 33,697	Looks great; congratulations!!!! __________________ Troglodyte in residence! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599

26 July 2018, 03:38 PM	#3
lmmrf "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 69	That’s beautiful; congratulations. I look forward to the opportunity to buy a steel version of this watch. It’s nice that in the DJ and OP series Rolex gradually seems to be getting back to cleaner, simpler dials, without overly fussy chapter rings. Is the difference in the case/lug shape from the previous 36mm Datejusts (1162xx) that noticeable in person? I was under the impression it was just a subtle change.

26 July 2018, 03:39 PM	#4
crbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 142	Congrats! It was nice of them to wrap the box. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

26 July 2018, 03:47 PM	#6
ancientmariner "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Tony Location: UK Posts: 1,174	Congrats! Looks great on you

26 July 2018, 03:53 PM	#7
c41006 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Joshua Location: Atlanta Watch: Pelagos Posts: 7,933	Congrats!!!

26 July 2018, 04:10 PM	#9
Flier Banned Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Cy Watch: ROLEX Posts: 516	Noce

26 July 2018, 04:26 PM	#10
Sandpit "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Middle East Posts: 1,808	Wow these new DJs look very very sharp. The proportions are perfect. Congrats!

26 July 2018, 04:46 PM	#12
GFONG "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Galen Location: SG / HK Watch: Lange / Rolex Posts: 2,810	Gorgeous! Congrats!

26 July 2018, 04:48 PM	#13
kwingy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: UK Posts: 1,369	Absolutely superb!!! That just oozes class! Enjoy.

26 July 2018, 06:31 PM	#15
Bearwithme "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: UK Posts: 37	Wow - absolutely stunning! As the gent said above, I love the clean and simple dial. - modern, classic, classy. Almost my perfect watch. Makes me question why on earth Rolex don’t offer this dial for the updated DJ in black? Enjoy!!!

26 July 2018, 06:54 PM	#16
Rashid.bk "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas Watch: 12800ft = 3900m Posts: 11,173	Very nice, such a pretty watch. Congrats.

26 July 2018, 07:37 PM	#17
mikkolopez "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Philippines Posts: 2,301	You got a winner there. I too liked how Rolex is going back to slimmer lugs vs the maxi on the DJ. Sexier proportions. Wear it in the best of health. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ At my age now ... I have SEEN everything, I have HEARD everything, I have even DONE everything, I just don't REMEMBER everything.

26 July 2018, 07:39 PM	#18
watchmework "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: DC Watch: 126710BLRO, 116600 Posts: 7,869	Congrats Hugh!

26 July 2018, 07:44 PM	#19
Rolly.BT "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Australia Posts: 194	Woah that looks beautiful man.. Congrats! Sent from my A1601 using Tapatalk

26 July 2018, 07:54 PM	#20
AEC 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Tony Location: Orchard Park, NY Watch: Idiot Savant Posts: 3,376	LOVE that! Thanks for posting. Perfectly configured, I think.

26 July 2018, 07:56 PM	#21
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,500	Congratulations!! Great choice going with the white dial.

26 July 2018, 08:02 PM	#22
rmlovett1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Real Name: Richard Location: GA Watch: YTBD Posts: 23,512	Beautiful piece! Congrats!

26 July 2018, 08:03 PM	#23
Patton250 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Real Name: Brett Location: Florida Watch: 5205R Posts: 5,160	Wow congrats. Very classic, very beautiful. Nice choice. __________________ Morality does not derive from consensus. It only comes from one place. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Often times unbelief is disguised as wisdom Instagram - patton250

26 July 2018, 08:59 PM	#24
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,801	Congratulations. Looks great.

26 July 2018, 09:04 PM	#25
Mephist "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Earth Posts: 781	Amazing, congratulations! __________________ ...And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years...

26 July 2018, 09:21 PM	#26
fskywalker 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Francisco Location: San Juan, PR Watch: Is Ticking ! Posts: 25,183	Congrats! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Francisco ♛ 16610 / 116264 Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 310.30.42.50.01.002 / 210.90.42.20.01.001 Zenith 02.480.405 2FA security enabled

26 July 2018, 10:00 PM	#27
SemperFi "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Real Name: Angelo Location: Brooklyn, NY Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 42,164	Gorgeous watch. Congratulations Hugh! __________________ Rolex Submariner Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue Tudor Ranger 79910 Nomos Club Datum 733 Nomos Metro 38 Stowa Flieger Classic 40 * Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons *

26 July 2018, 10:05 PM	#28
scarlet knight "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Watch: Good ones Posts: 8,468	Nice watch.

26 July 2018, 11:14 PM	#29
Urosfan "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: NYC Watch: Me now Posts: 19,372	Congrats

26 July 2018, 11:18 PM	#30
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,763	Huge congrats, lovely dial indeed __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

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