DateJust 41mm - the perfect dress/sports blend? - your views...

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by Tools

I don't think that any 41mm watch is going to slip into the "dress" category very easily.... So, I would say the New DJ II is not a cross over, but a casual, business, to semi dress watch..

For those of you who like to wear pie-tins strapped on your wrists when you "dress up" for an evening out at the Taco Bell, then perhaps...

But for the rest of us who actually do know the difference between white tie, black tie and business attire.........it's a no-brainer...

......

Appreciate your point of view, and although James Bond isn't to everyone's taste, being the marketing/fashion circus that it is in recent films, I doubt that they would have coupled a 42mm (and +mm) Omega with the finest Tom Ford Italian tuxeudos had it not have looked 'appropriate'. The core of the character is suave suit/tuxeudo focused anyhow.

As I have learned on here, the most formal of occasions would traditionally call for a pocket watch (or none at all), followed by a black leather banded wristwatch and so forth. Times have moved on. According to style experts, you dont wear 'white tie' or a white tuxeudo at a venue anywhere outside of the carribean/tropics... Its all opinion anyhow, I dont want to get into a 'fashion' debate with people on here. What I would however like to point out is that many people on here argue the case that 40mm Black subs can be worn with tux's, yet remove the bezel, add a millimeter, and add elegance with baton dials etc and it is suddenly inappropriate? Let put the case of 1mm into perspective guys. Lighting for example, or the size of your cuff would surely have more of an effect on the perception of its size in passing?

Right, my debate is over, I dont want to spark off another 'clothing suitability' thread

[jameshe]

And dont get me wrong, if I had $100k to spend on Rolexes (I wish!) then yes, there would be more appropriate choices in my arsenal for dress, and equally sport/casual. Because I would have a pure dress/pure sports model for each instance. What I was trying to get at here is whether this model would cross into both categories effectively. The omega seamaster was always famed and marketed as this, but having owned one, I found it leaned more toward sports. Which would be correct. Its a diving watch.

[vambeck]

I hear what your saying man, i just dont know will it cross over right...

[JJ Irani]

James,

You definitely made the right choice in the dial selection department.

Of all the new 41 mm DJs, that is the BEST dial, without a doubt. That baby looks so damned good in the picture, I can only imagine what it will look like in the "flesh" so to speak.

Great choice, my friend......can't wait for you to get it a few months down the line.

Best - JJ

[Tools]

Ah young grasshopper..

Evoking a fictional action hero and Corporate Sport Watch marketing strategies as an example of proper attire is a stretch.

Further, arguing that "many on the forum" who think a green or black Sub is suitable for everything, including a tux, makes it alright from a fashion sense, is also a stretch..

I suppose that there are those who will still wear tennis shoes with a tux too, or the Hollywood set who loves to wear their shirts untucked... It still doesn't make it appropriate..

Your question was a one of "clothing suitability"......"Is the 41mm DJ a dress/sport watch", but now you seem to want to argue that it is (as well as a Sub).........do not be offended if others do not share this view..

[vambeck]

couldn't agree more Tools, you got some good fashion morals my friend

[Yume-sama]

In general I don't hang out with people who will mock me for wearing even my cheapest $10,000 Rolex

Wear what you want. You're not having tea with the Queen, are you?

[jdc]

I think it is a nice looking watch congratulations, does it have a matt dial? Regarding the dress/sports debate it does not seem to fit either for me but would look good with casual clothes and probably a suit

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

James,

You definitely made the right choice in the dial selection department.

Of all the new 41 mm DJs, that is the BEST dial, without a doubt. That baby looks so damned good in the picture, I can only imagine what it will look like in the "flesh" so to speak.

Great choice, my friend......can't wait for you to get it a few months down the line.

Best - JJ

Thanks JJ - your words as ever hold so much value on here!

[boa2]

Originally Posted by vambeck

Hi James,

Its funny i was just going to start a new thread named " 36mm for a dress watch, 40mm for sport watch, opinions please" I consider the DJ 36mm to be a dress watch or a watch that looks good with a shirt and suit. The 40mm such as a gmt or sub is a sports watch a watch for more casual wear. I have a sub lv that i love and a oyster that is 36mm with a fluted bezel which i love also but certainly looks better with a shirt. Just my opinion, Iam sure loads will disagree!!

MAN, do I love that watch!

[RolexPete32]

Originally Posted by vambeck

Hi James,

Its funny i was just going to start a new thread named " 36mm for a dress watch, 40mm for sport watch, opinions please" I consider the DJ 36mm to be a dress watch or a watch that looks good with a shirt and suit. The 40mm such as a gmt or sub is a sports watch a watch for more casual wear. I have a sub lv that i love and a oyster that is 36mm with a fluted bezel which i love also but certainly looks better with a shirt. Just my opinion, Iam sure loads will disagree!!

Could not agree more. I have a sub LV and an Air-king. I can not picture a 41 mm date-just but will have to soon as it will be at the AD near Sept.

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Wear what you want. You're not having tea with the Queen, are you?

Well, being in London and all... haha, only kidding Perhaps I may get the opportunity in my lifetime one day

[jediz]

Dude - bottom line - do you like it? Would you feel comfortable wearing it?

No matter what you get someone is going have a problem with it.

You could get that Plat DD and wear it with a tux and there will be a person calling it gaudy.

You could play it safe and not wear a watch (and save money), but that's no fun.

My opinion is that the watch you posted is pretty awesome.

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by Tools

Ah young grasshopper..

Evoking a fictional action hero and Corporate Sport Watch marketing strategies as an example of proper attire is a stretch.

Further, arguing that "many on the forum" who think a green or black Sub is suitable for everything, including a tux, makes it alright from a fashion sense, is also a stretch..

I suppose that there are those who will still wear tennis shoes with a tux too, or the Hollywood set who loves to wear their shirts untucked... It still doesn't make it appropriate..

Your question was a one of "clothing suitability"......"Is the 41mm DJ a dress/sport watch", but now you seem to want to argue that it is (as well as a Sub).........do not be offended if others do not share this view..

Thats cool Larry, everyone is entitled to their opinion and perhaps I didnt communicate what I wanted to get across effectively.

In all lightheartedness, i'm approaching 21 and live in London, a major fashion capital - clothing advice will be wasted on me! Watch advice however is something else Respect your comments, and will enjoy the watch.

[boa2]

Originally Posted by jameshelliwell

Thats cool Larry, everyone is entitled to their opinion and perhaps I didnt communicate what I wanted to get across effectively.

In all lightheartedness, i'm approaching 21 and live in London, a major fashion capital - clothing advice will be wasted on me! Watch advice however is something else Respect your comments, and will enjoy the watch.

I wouldn't worry about it. Whatever the written dress rules are, I see more people than not in NYC wearing Air Kings at formal events, and G-Shocks with business suits. If you encounter someone who is actually put off by it, and voices their opinion to you, call the men in the white coats.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by jameshelliwell

Thats cool Larry, everyone is entitled to their opinion and perhaps I didnt communicate what I wanted to get across effectively.

In all lightheartedness, i'm approaching 21 and live in London, a major fashion capital - clothing advice will be wasted on me! Watch advice however is something else Respect your comments, and will enjoy the watch.

Since we're communicating... I have some pictures of me somewhere from a few years ago at a "black tie" formal (NFR) event with a short waisted hand tailored Tuxedo Jacket, Wrangler blue jeans, Crumrine Presentation Buckle, Resistol 20x Beaver hat, Tony Lama boots....and yes...a TT Sub.....properly black, of course.

It's always about what is appropriate for the ocassion...not always "wear what ya got".

.....................

[STEELINOX]

the 36 is "dainty" for lack of a better way to knock the venerable 36. The 41 is the best way for a "man" to go IMHO. So yes, even though I once owned a fluted 36, I would not be caught wearing it ever again...
Thanks,
Randy

[Otto]

Originally Posted by rolexgiants

41mm is in the right direction for sure...... the 36mm is just too small for a man... im looking forward to seeing the 41mm in person...

Sigh...

[AJF]

Originally Posted by Otto

Sigh...

I can feel the chill winds of that 'unwanted season' gathering in the distance.

AJF

[Otto]

Originally Posted by jameshelliwell

Guys, now that a couple of months have passed since Basel, I would be interested to hear your (respected and valued ) opinions on the updated DateJust 41mm.

As I am sure that any of you who have read my posts on here are more than aware, I am indeed a fan and have put myself down for one when they reach AD's around September time (dont let this influence your posts, please)



In my opinon (and I am relatively new, so read into this however you wish) I feel that the larger, redesigned 41mm DJ is the perfect (well, 'perfect' is a strong word) blend of use in a casual (sport) and formal (dress) environment - especially with the black stick dial and oyster as per the image above...

Okay, so not so literally in terms of features and functionality (i.e. chrono, bezel, gmt hand etc) but you get what I am trying to say - it is a good sports/dress blend IMO. The Daytona looks great both sports and dress, but would you wear a chrono with a dinner suit in particular? Equally, the milgauss - the second hand ruins this for wear with a dinner suit IMO, and there is no date window for everyday or 'sports' functionality (e.g. Subs, GMT's etc)

I dont intend this to be a 'what looks best with a Tux' thread, or a comparison between Daytona's/Millies/other models (after all, it is personal taste) so please come forward with your views on the DJII and its cross-environment suitability!

CHEEEEERS guys

James,

From the photos, I suspect the 41 mm DJ will look better in person to me than the DD II. I particularly like the watch in the photo you posted. I'm not sure why; but something about the overall design of the DJ II seems more balanced to me than the DD II. It's probably a distinction without a real difference and exists only in my mind; just personal preference at work.

I think you're right that 41 mm makes it more of a blend between a sports watch and a dress watch, if for no other reason than size; but traditionalists rightfully will say the DJ is not a dress watch. I wear my Daytonas with my business suits; also a no-no to traditionalists; but since I wear a suit to work every day, I choose to bend the old classic rules because I want to wear my watches in the real world and life is only so long. You should consider, however, that I was born in the rural South in the US, so I am a redneck at heart. My idea of classic is neo-classic redneck. I mean no offense to fellow rednecks everywhere; nor do I mean to imply that anyone who wears a sport watch with a suit is a redneck; or that rednecks just like larger Rolex watches, or that 36 mm is no longer a true redneck's watch; or ... oh, never mind!

In any event, congratulations on your decision. The decision between 36 mm and 41 mm is, as you noted, a personal preference decision; and in this case, you can't go wrong. If you like larger watches, but want a versatile watch you can wear almost anywhere, the DJ II seems like the right ticket for you.

Otto

[Desperado]

DJ 2 for me is the best combination! this will be another iconic Rolex

[Cato]

I would rather Rolex had come out with a totally new model than change a classic like the DJ (or DD for that matter).

[DVR]

The thing I do not seem to be able to understand is this. (stupid me):

The dial size of a DJ and DJII (or DD and DDII) are almost identical.
But people like rolexgiants keep insisting the 36's are too small.
So just because some have a bigger bezel and case the watch is a "mans watch" ??

Is the elegance of a smaller bezel and case lost on these people ?

Were all our great ancestors, proudly wearing 36's, sissy boys ?
Or are we all giants now and we need a bigger case and bezel to fill up our mighty wrist ?

I have watches from 36 to 44, they all look great !

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by DVR

The thing I do not seem to be able to understand is this. (stupid me):

The dial size of a DJ and DJII (or DD and DDII) are almost identical.
But people like rolexgiants keep insisting the 36's are too small.
So just because some have a bigger bezel and case the watch is a "mans watch" ??

Is the elegance of a smaller bezel and case lost on these people ?

Were all our great ancestors, proudly wearing 36's, sissy boys ?
Or are we all giants now and we need a bigger case and bezel to fill up our mighty wrist ?

I have watches from 36 to 44, they all look great !

I wouldn't have the guts to say it to some poor bloke that had 8 inch wrists and wore one; just wouldn't b right. I think they look great too 'cept, just not on me !

[Wildwing]

A 41mm Datejust is a step in the right direction. To complete the task, Rolex should add the Day datewheel, add the President bracelet, but keep all of it in stainless steel. As a 36mm Datejust owner, that would be one hell of a nice watch.

[austinmc]

I think that time will tell that the larger Rolex direction was a passing trend.

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by DVR

The thing I do not seem to be able to understand is this. (stupid me):

The dial size of a DJ and DJII (or DD and DDII) are almost identical.
But people like rolexgiants keep insisting the 36's are too small.
So just because some have a bigger bezel and case the watch is a "mans watch" ??

Is the elegance of a smaller bezel and case lost on these people ?

Were all our great ancestors, proudly wearing 36's, sissy boys ?
Or are we all giants now and we need a bigger case and bezel to fill up our mighty wrist ?

I have watches from 36 to 44, they all look great !

I think we all need to put this debate to bed once and for all. I dont believe that any of us (well, certainly not myself) are saying that the 36mm is now 100% inappropriate for modern day wear/ownership, and 41mm+ is now 100% the only option for ownership/modern day wear. No. What I am saying is that as times have changed (and indeed fashion/dress sense) so has the suitibility of certain watches in everyday environments.
I know for example D. Craig has a collection of quite a few (vintage in many cases) Rolexes. However, when he was in training for the bond film (he has let it go somewhat since!), he was a big guy. Put him in jeans and a t-shirt, and a 36mm may have looked a little on the small side (not 100% inappropriate, but a little small), whereas a 40mm milgauss or 42mm SMP wouldnt necessarily look 100% inappropriate in being 'too big'. In my opinion, I would be surprised if anyone has ever commented on a seamaster or indeed Sub/GMT etc looking 'too big' in the 40-42mm category.

Also, take another 'big guy'. Imagine (for the Americans here) your average professional NFL player (6'1", 200lbs+ plus right?) rolling round with a DJ on his wrist. Or indeed, for the UK crowd, a rugby league player (or lawrence dallalgio) with a 36mm watch on a forearm that resembles an oak tree. There weren't as many people built like this (certainly not in europe anyhow outside of the forces) in the 50's and 60's. Ronnie coleman wearing a DJ!? Please. 41mm on an 'average' build person looks far from 'big'.

As somebody who works out regularly and has a few friends in these professional sports circles, I can assure you that they are big blokes (some of their legs are the average persons waist circumference!) and a 36mm watch would look miniscule (like their wive's watch) on their wrist.

Rant over, but after all, Rolex, the manufacturer (and I know this is going to be a controversial statement) have now branded the 36mm the 'ladies' model. Do you mean to tell me that 'you know better than them'? If 'yes', then it is purely opinion which cannot over rule anyone else's opinion. End of.

41mm stainless steel DJII is far from a Breitling or Planet Ocean, c'mon, get a grip guys

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by Otto

James,

From the photos, I suspect the 41 mm DJ will look better in person to me than the DD II. I particularly like the watch in the photo you posted. I'm not sure why; but something about the overall design of the DJ II seems more balanced to me than the DD II. It's probably a distinction without a real difference and exists only in my mind; just personal preference at work.

I think you're right that 41 mm makes it more of a blend between a sports watch and a dress watch, if for no other reason than size; but traditionalists rightfully will say the DJ is not a dress watch. I wear my Daytonas with my business suits; also a no-no to traditionalists; but since I wear a suit to work every day, I choose to bend the old classic rules because I want to wear my watches in the real world and life is only so long. You should consider, however, that I was born in the rural South in the US, so I am a redneck at heart. My idea of classic is neo-classic redneck. I mean no offense to fellow rednecks everywhere; nor do I mean to imply that anyone who wears a sport watch with a suit is a redneck; or that rednecks just like larger Rolex watches, or that 36 mm is no longer a true redneck's watch; or ... oh, never mind!

In any event, congratulations on your decision. The decision between 36 mm and 41 mm is, as you noted, a personal preference decision; and in this case, you can't go wrong. If you like larger watches, but want a versatile watch you can wear almost anywhere, the DJ II seems like the right ticket for you.

Otto

Great post Otto, I think that it could well be to do with the domed bezel option (not currently available on the DJII) and the day wheel that makes the DDII appear wider and more 'bloated' as reports have expressed on here.

As the day window is an arc across the top of the dial, this may well make the dial appear wider with a higher arc. Optical illusion. Also, this pushes the rolex symbol and text down a few mm, making the vertical space appear lesser, perhaps emphasising the width of clear dial space horizontally?

What you think?

Good point re: the daytona by the way

[AJF]

Originally Posted by jameshelliwell

Rant over, but after all, Rolex, the manufacturer (and I know this is going to be a controversial statement) have now branded the 36mm the 'ladies' model. Do you mean to tell me that 'you know better than them'? :

I suggest that you read the Rolex press release once more...this time word for word. As what you state about the DJ 36mm range is not correct.

AJF

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by jediz

Dude - bottom line - do you like it? Would you feel comfortable wearing it?

No matter what you get someone is going have a problem with it.

You could get that Plat DD and wear it with a tux and there will be a person calling it gaudy.

You could play it safe and not wear a watch (and save money), but that's no fun.

My opinion is that the watch you posted is pretty awesome.

What a first post jediz! You have pretty much summed up this entire forum