Explorer or Datejust II

[raykra]

I'm deciding between these two models. They're obviously very similar, but these are the differences I'm aware of:

- DJII is 2mm wider
- Date feature
- Locking clasp on Explorer
- Polished links on the DJII

Can anyone please help sway the decision one way or another? Thanks.

[warrior]

I'd pick the Explorer. Prefer the brushed bracelet and is more comfortable/versatile. Both dress and sport. Like the sleekness of it.

To me, the DJII is off. Its hour markers looker bigger than the hour markers of dive watches...and it's not a dive watch. Looks like a dress watch trying to look like a sport watch. I don't think it pulls off either ( dressy or sporty) too well. Looks kind of uncomfortable in its own skin if you know what I mean.

[raykra]

Originally Posted by warrior

I'd pick the Explorer. Prefer the brushed bracelet and is more comfortable/versatile. Both dress and sport. Like the sleekness of it.

To me, the DJII is off. Its hour markers looker bigger than the hour markers of dive watches...and it's not a dive watch. Looks like a dress watch trying to look like a sport watch. I don't think it pulls off either ( dressy or sporty) too well. Looks kind of uncomfortable in its own skin if you know what I mean.

I too prefer some aesthetics aspect of the Explorer: the hands, the 3-6-9 markers, and the brushed bracelet. However, that date function is a big deal to me. I'm imagining never again having to endure the embarrassment of sheepishly asking someone for the date. That's a big win. The aesthetic elements that I prefer about the DJII: the increased size and the embossed Rolex crown logo.

[Jack T]

Normally I endorse the Explorer over comparable watches in the Rolex line, primarily because I have one, but...this particular configuration of the DJ2 is quite nice.

The larger case size in the DJ2 is offset be the thicker bezel, so the Explorer dial actually seems larger (have heard it actually is larger). And while I love my Omega PO, at 42mm, I've decided that 40mm is the max for me. I want any watch intended for dress duty at or below 40mm.

Lack of a date complication is meaningless to me, but the PCL's are too flashy for my taste, at least in a watch intended for multiple uses. Sat behind someone wearing a DJ2 at the Boston College/FSU game two weeks ago. It easily catches the eye, even in random settings; I never realized how noticable the PCL's can be.

Explorer for me, but that DJ2 as pictured is not bad.

[raykra]

Originally Posted by Jack T

...but the PCL's are too flashy for my taste, at least in a watch intended for multiple uses...

Yeah, I slightly prefer the non-polished as well. I wonder how the PCL's will look once they get scratched-up?

[raykra]

I tried them both on a few weeks ago at my local AD. They feel really similar on your wrist, too.

[Degas]

DJII is nicer. And bigger (39 mm vs 42mm)

[Royalex]

I would choose DJ II, i need a date function.

[Roller07]

You can't go wrong with either one.

[Cc1966]

Both are great choices, but I enjoy the larger size and having the date handy.

[Trouble15]

I would personally choose the DJ II. I have no problem with the classic 36mm size & wear my DJ (oyster bracelet, doomer bezel) a lot and love it. The DJ II is just his bigger brother with a different movement.

[bobert]

That, my friend is a tough decision. Personally I like the dial/hands of the Explorer the best....but it's hard to beat the date function. The difference in size is not a factor for me....So; looks only, Explorer, functionality, DJ....glad I was able to clear that up for you....
-B

[raykra]

Do you think they would both function well as daily wears?

[samson66]

I also looked at both and went with the DJII (same one as pictured except blue face).

I liked that the DJ was a little bigger and more "substantial" looking. I preferred the all-sticks over the 3/6/9 look of the Explorer. Most importantly I really wanted the date window. That is one feature I use almost daily.

The polished center links give the DJ a little dressier feel - something I liked. If you want more casual maybe the Explorer would work better.

Both are great though and if cost is an issue the Explorer does save some $$$ over the DJII

[Survivor]

Come on.......this is a "No-Brainer".........DJ II without question!!!!!!

[BZA]

DJ II for me!

[raykra]

Originally Posted by samson66

I also looked at both and went with the DJII (same one as pictured except blue face).

I liked that the DJ was a little bigger and more "substantial" looking. I preferred the all-sticks over the 3/6/9 look of the Explorer. Most importantly I really wanted the date window. That is one feature I use almost daily.

The polished center links give the DJ a little dressier feel - something I liked. If you want more casual maybe the Explorer would work better.

Both are great though and if cost is an issue the Explorer does save some $$$ over the DJII

You have tipped the scale. I'm going for the DJII. Besides, it's not like this is the only Rolex I'll ever buy :)

[FTX I]

I also believe the 36mm DJ is better. cant say they ruined it with 41 but not so sure if Id get one

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I also believe the 36mm DJ is better. cant say they ruined it with 41 but not so sure if Id get one

tend to agree with that

[SLS]

Personally I like the fluted bezel on the DJ as it will hide more of the nicks & scratches. Of the two models you posted, I would pick the Exp, mainly due to the bracelet and the lack of PCL's. Plus, down the road if you should ever choose to sell it, your resale will be much better. If you do choose to go the DJ route, I would try to buy it from a GMD as you will save quite a bit. That said, you should be able to get a decent discount on a SS DJ from an AD as well. Good luck and have fun!
Scott

[Nidal]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Normally I endorse the Explorer over comparable watches in the Rolex line, primarily because I have one, but...this particular configuration of the DJ2 is quite nice.

The larger case size in the DJ2 is offset be the thicker bezel, so the Explorer dial actually seems larger (have heard it actually is larger). And while I love my Omega PO, at 42mm, I've decided that 40mm is the max for me. I want any watch intended for dress duty at or below 40mm.

Lack of a date complication is meaningless to me, but the PCL's are too flashy for my taste, at least in a watch intended for multiple uses. Sat behind someone wearing a DJ2 at the Boston College/FSU game two weeks ago. It easily catches the eye, even in random settings; I never realized how noticable the PCL's can be.

Explorer for me, but that DJ2 as pictured is not bad.

+1


Sent from my iPhone. Nidal

[Nidal]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Normally I endorse the Explorer over comparable watches in the Rolex line, primarily because I have one, but...this particular configuration of the DJ2 is quite nice.

The larger case size in the DJ2 is offset be the thicker bezel, so the Explorer dial actually seems larger (have heard it actually is larger). And while I love my Omega PO, at 42mm, I've decided that 40mm is the max for me. I want any watch intended for dress duty at or below 40mm.

Lack of a date complication is meaningless to me, but the PCL's are too flashy for my taste, at least in a watch intended for multiple uses. Sat behind someone wearing a DJ2 at the Boston College/FSU game two weeks ago. It easily catches the eye, even in random settings; I never realized how noticable the PCL's can be.

Explorer for me, but that DJ2 as pictured is not bad.

+1


Nidal

[mjclark32]

I'd got for the DJII, but it's a close one

[wingku]

Exp for me!

[samson66]

Originally Posted by raykra

You have tipped the scale. I'm going for the DJII. Besides, it's not like this is the only Rolex I'll ever buy :)

Did you just call me fat!

But seriously, I have loved my DJII and have never regretted getting it. I think getting the smooth bezel with the PCL's makes it a great "crossover" watch - a watch just as home with a suit and tie as it is in a t-shirt and flip flops. I know a lot of folks here prefer not having the polished center links but for me that is what made it perfect - the PCL's match the smooth bezel so perfectly. The whole package looks great.

And again I want to emphasize that having the date window is an important feature, one that I suspect you may regret not having if you go with the Explorer.

Both are really great watches that look great on the wrist. Both have their advantages, but the Datejust II took the win for me. Good luck!

[NIKO_AJ]

Explorer! :-)

[watchwatcher]

Kind of depends on what you have already, but I would go DJII in this case. Get the blue dial for an extra bit of color.

[raykra]

Originally Posted by SLS

Personally I like the fluted bezel on the DJ...
Scott

I like the fluted, also, but I didn't like it at first so for now I'm going to go with my gut. Later my collection may include other evolutions in my taste.

[blcblc]

DJ2 for me

[Hairdude1]

Exi!