Rolex Day-Date 40 - Modernizing a Classic

[B737]

Maybe a stupid thing, but history makes the 40 tricky to swallow for me. The original 36 has been on a lot of great americans (and others) wrists making it a bit of the history. Same thing with the 36 DJ. This matter to me anyway. I guess you could argue that the 36 has been through changes as well, but for me these are more of improvements. Doing a 40 is like doing a 42 mm Speedmaster.

Again - this is just me, but I really like the piece of history that the 36 dj/dd represent... If this is not so important I guess the 40 could be a great piece.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by B737

Maybe a stupid thing, but history makes the 40 tricky to swallow for me. The original 36 has been on a lot of great americans (and others) wrists making it a bit of the history. Same thing with the 36 DJ. This matter to me anyway. I guess you could argue that the 36 has been through changes as well, but for me these are more of improvements. Doing a 40 is like doing a 42 mm Speedmaster.

Again - this is just me, but I really like the piece of history that the 36 dj/dd represent... If this is not so important I guess the 40 could be a great piece.

I think I know where you are coming from with your post. However, the DD 40 has just started to become available in some parts of the world and to compare it to the long standing history of the DD and DJ would not be a fair or just comparison.

Only time will tell if the DD 40 will be a classic.

[Starguru]

Do you think it would taint the classic to update the bracelet so that it has the new ceramic inserts? If the 36mm had that I would be more inclined to favor the original.

[sea-dweller]

Thanks for sharing! I would have to sell my house, in order to buy one!!!

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by B737

Maybe a stupid thing, but history makes the 40 tricky to swallow for me. The original 36 has been on a lot of great americans (and others) wrists making it a bit of the history. Same thing with the 36 DJ. This matter to me anyway. I guess you could argue that the 36 has been through changes as well, but for me these are more of improvements. Doing a 40 is like doing a 42 mm Speedmaster.

Again - this is just me, but I really like the piece of history that the 36 dj/dd represent... If this is not so important I guess the 40 could be a great piece.

Well...there's a lot that's changed from those times...homes, cars, technology, you name it. I think the 40 is a nod to the past but acknowledges the present as well. And aren't Speedmasters 42mm anyway?

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Well...there's a lot that's changed from those times...homes, cars, technology, you name it. I think the 40 is a nod to the past but acknowledges the present as well. And aren't Speedmasters 42mm anyway?

Well put, Larry.

[datejust24]

the textured dialed yellow gold DD is a stunner....and im in the minority in regards to the new romans on the platinum version...I think it's a work of art...the diamonds aren't my thing but I could live with them I suppose....also...the other yellow gold version with the vertical line dial is another beaut...I'm partial to the everose version as well....hell i'd take anyone of them...

[Willygallardo]

Nice watch but 36mm will always be the real President

[Lpugliese]

wow

[buddenfan]

In my honest opinion there is still no DD or Dd40 that looks nicer then this DD2
Now if they make this exact dial for the RG 40 then im all in!

[Chris.719]

From the articles i've seen the DD 40 looks amazingly well made but i still prefer the size of the original. The DDII looks awful at 41mm.
I like the roman numerals on yours.

[sep1234]

Originally Posted by Chris.719

From the articles i've seen the DD 40 looks amazingly well made but i still prefer the size of the original. The DDII looks awful at 41mm.
I like the roman numerals on yours.

I agree!

All the talk about the DD 40 over the past four months has given me the idea that the 36 mm might not be available. So, I started a thread to ask about that. In my opinion, modernizing this classic Day Date would mean updating the movement to Calibre 3255, ceramic inserts in the President bracelet, laser-etched dials, block-style Roman numerals, etc., but not necessarily increasing the size.

I would feel very "updated" and "modern" to have the new technology from the DD40 placed into the DD36.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by buddenfan

In my honest opinion there is still no DD or Dd40 that looks nicer then this DD2
Now if they make this exact dial for the RG 40 then im all in!

I am hoping the chocolate dial of the DD 40 will be like this. I have only seen one picture of it and it is very hard to tell.

[AS1]

Originally Posted by Eric Chan

I am hoping the chocolate dial of the DD 40 will be like this. I have only seen one picture of it and it is very hard to tell.

Could not agree more Eric, this is the dial we want!

[AndyWright]

Agree. Thanks for sharing.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by buddenfan

In my honest opinion there is still no DD or Dd40 that looks nicer then this DD2
Now if they make this exact dial for the RG 40 then im all in!

Amazing photo.

If I were ever to get a DD II, this would be the one.

[Eric Chan]

Had the pleasure of trying on the Day-Date 40 in Everose Gold with the chocolate Roman dial yesterday. All I can say is wow. In my opinion, this is THE dial for the Everose Gold model. My pictures do not do this watch justice and if I were on the market for DD 40, this most likely would be the one for me.

My only gripe (if you could even call it that) is the fact this chocolate dial unfortunately is not exactly the same as the on on the DD I I. Still beautiful, but just shy from being nearly perfect in my eyes.

[Headshrinker]

Eric, great report and pictures. Thank you.

[kunlun]

Very nice, Eric.

[beer]

thanks for the pics eric my next watch (well todays prediction anyway)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AK797]

Great pics Eric. How are the dials colours different? Which is lighter?

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by AK797

Great pics Eric. How are the dials colours different? Which is lighter?

Thanks, Neil.

The shades of chocolate are very similar, but there appears to be a greater sunburst effect on chocolate dial of the DD II, which I very much prefer. Also the Roman numerals on the DD 40 appear to be darker, which makes it harder to read. I do like the deconstructed roman numerals. It is too bad Rolex did not have the dial of your DD II for the DD 40.

[Naz737]

Thanks for the break down, Eric!

[GFONG]

IMHO, the two important features of the new DD40 are the ceramic inserts inside the bracelet links and the new 3255 movement. Rolex should embrace these two features to all DD.

For the dial, Rolex should provide more choices for customers.

[sep1234]

Originally Posted by GFONG

IMHO, the two important features of the new DD40 are the ceramic inserts inside the bracelet links and the new 3255 movement. Rolex should embrace these two features to all DD.

For the dial, Rolex should provide more choices for customers.

I agree!

I'm holding out for the DD 36 mm with the new 3255 movement and upgraded dial aesthetics.

I wish their website had more information on the DD40 dial choices as well. I am interested in a meteorite dial with diamonds.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by buddenfan

In my honest opinion there is still no DD or Dd40 that looks nicer then this DD2
Now if they make this exact dial for the RG 40 then im all in!

Rolex nailed it with this one

[Eric Chan]

Tried on the chocolate diagonal motif dial on Everose Gold the other day. I really like the chocolate deconstructed roman dial, but the diagonal motif dial is really growing on me. Much like Ken has said in his posts about his gorgeous YG DD 40, it is one of the best looking dials available for the DD 40.

Below are two shots of the different chocolate dials for the Everose DD 40. If were to move on a DD 40, it would definitely be between these two beauties.

[Lordofrolex]

imo the dd 40 is the best dd yet. Great size, i personally think there dials are amazing and overall look just seems perfect.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Eric Chan

Tried on the chocolate diagonal motif dial on Everose Gold the other day. I really like the chocolate deconstructed roman dial, but the diagonal motif dial is really growing on me. Much like Ken has said in his posts about his gorgeous YG DD 40, it is one of the best looking dials available for the DD 40.

Below are two shots of the different chocolate dials for the Everose DD 40. If were to move on a DD 40, it would definitely be between these two beauties.

Love the RGs obviously but I think I will go for a YG version next year. The diagonal motif is very interesting but I do like Romans on a DD. Will be fun trying to narrow down a model over next few months.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by AK797

Love the RGs obviously but I think I will go for a YG version next year. The diagonal motif is very interesting but I do like Romans on a DD. Will be fun trying to narrow down a model over next few months.

Agree with you about the roman dial. Roman dials and DD's just go hand in hand, however, the diagonal motif dial is an amazing alternative to the roman dial.

Already have plans for 2016, eh.... Always good to have plans.

If there are no new dials introduced at Basel, the silver deconstructed roman dial is absolutely stunning. I read on your other post that you like it too. Can't wait to see what you decide on my friend. Whichever model it is, I am sure it will be a beauty.

I saw one at my AD earlier in the year and thought it was amazing. Have not seen one posted here until now from Fremstar (Sam). Below is his picture of it.