Sizing Opinions Wanted: Datejust 36 vs 41

[Mr_Tortoise]

Hi, I bought my first watch (a Submariner, ref 114060) a few years ago when my first child was born. The plan was to wear it for a few decades then hand it down. So far it's worked out wonderfully and I've loved every second of ownership.

Now that I have a second child, I need a second watch! The plan going forward is to alternate between the two watches every other day.

Initially I was considering the Explorer I as a compliment to the Sub, but I have since come around on the Datejust. I'm pretty settled on the silver dial and Jubilee bracelet, but I'm still deciding between:

- fluted vs smooth bezel, and
- 36 vs 41 case size

I tried on both sizes at an AD and while the 41 seemed more familiar coming from the Sub, I haven't ruled out the 36. I think either could work.

Also, while I love the look of the fluted bezel in photos, I'm a bit concerned about how flashy it will look in practice, especially since this is a watch I will be wearing just about every day, and I don't work in a formal business environment.

Unfortunately, I didn't think to take any pictures while at the AD, but I have included some pics of cutouts on my wrist as well as the 114060. For reference, my wrists are just about 7" in circumference.

Any thoughts/opinions welcome!!

[5nit]

100% 41, Fluted. No question for a man these days.

[Fatherof2]

36mm fluted for me.

I also have 7 inch wrists and tried both on. The 36mm looked much better and not too overbearing on my wrists.

You also have to keep in mind though that my 7 inch wrists will look different than yours despite having the same circumference.

Depending on color as well the lighter the color the "bigger" the watch will appear is what I've noticed.

I really don't understand where the notion of "men should be wearing bigger watches is". Perhaps it's just the modern fad but 36 is and will always be a classic.

[SCsailor]

36 is the classic. I’ve been wearing on for years. Also have a sub. I can’t imagine having a DJ that was nearly as big as a sub. The fluted bezel isn’t that flashy imo.


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[123Blueface]

Those that own and adore a 36 will prefer that one.
Those that love a more modern look and are use to a sub, will prefer a 41.
I have owned 36mm, Subs/gmts and DD40.
I say don’t go 36, you’ll regret it. Specially with your wrist and considering photos of wrists always show watch to appear bigger than actually is. This is coming from someone with a rather small 6.5” wrist who just got a Daytona and is having a hard time as feels too small at 38.5mm.

[samson66]

Based on how that Sub fits I would say 41 would work great for you. I'm not a 36 fan unless someone has really small wrists

[Calatrava r]

In your case I would go with the 36mm. More of an alternative to the 40mm Sub which you like. If you wear a 43-44 sports than the 41 may make sense.
The 36 is actually the best overall use of space on the dial. 41 accommodates the same size movement in a larger case resulting in more unused real estate on the dial.

[MichelleP]

I'd say go with the fluted 41mm.

[mgsooner]

Go into an AD and try on the 36. I did and was shocked by how small it looked. 6.5" wrists.

[joker_batman]

36 is the classic size for Datejust, so you won’t go wrong by picking that size.

[DJTOSUB]

Originally Posted by Mr_Tortoise

- fluted vs smooth bezel, and
- 36 vs 41 case size

These are the 2 most asked questions regarding the DJ (plus dial color). Everyone will have a different opinion. There are no right or wrong answers.

FWIW, I also have a 114060 sub, and choose a DJ41 blue dial, smooth bezel with jubilee bracelet.

Here was my reasoning.

IMO, the date window looks better with the DJ41. The larger size also compliments the sub.

I initially went with a silver dial but swapped it for the blue. Liked the silver in certain lighting situations, but blue looks great in all lighting. It really is special.

The jubilee bracelet provides a nice contrast to the oyster on the sub. It is also very comfortable.

Finally, I went against "popular" opinion and went with the smooth bezel. This was the most difficult part of my decision. I like both smooth and fluted - but the fluted was a little too flashy looking for me - especially with the jubilee bracelet that I wanted.

Best of luck with your decisions. I look forward to your incoming post.

[lmmrf]

Don't assume showrooms represent typical lighting conditions; I don't think the fluted bezels are overbearingly shiny in real life (though obviously they're flashier than a flat/domed bezel).

36mm vs 41mm is such a personal decision. As you can see, some people with big wrists hate the 41 and love the 36. Some people with tiny wrists hate the 36 and love the 41. I don't think it's something others can usefully advise you on.

[paul cbc]

My 2 cents: DJ 36 Silver dial with Fluted bezel on Jubilee.
A classic combo that will compliment your Sub well.

Let us know what you decide and post a pic of new watch on your wrist.

Good luck!!

[locutus49]

You have the wrist for a 41 and it will do better in resale if that is a possiblity down the road. But either would look good. A lot depends on the sizes you are used to wearing and how your eye likes the smaller size.

[FrontHeadlock]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Go into an AD and try on the 36. I did and was shocked by how small it looked. 6.5" wrists.

Funnily enough, I thought the opposite. For the style watch, I felt the 41 seemed a bit clownish on my 6.75 inch wrists. It felt like size for size's sake with no sense of purpose.

[FrontHeadlock]

As someone who prefers the 36, I think you can handle either size.

From a design perspective, the fluted is wayyy better and more quintessentially "DateJust" than the smooth bezel.

[Brew]

You can't go wrong with a classic 36, imo.

[Rado63]

The DJ41 doesn't measure 41mm it's actually closer 38.8 or 39 mm. So it is classically styled. Maybe 20 years from now everyone will want smaller watches, but today I would choose the DJ41 over the DJ36.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Go into an AD and try on the 36. I did and was shocked by how small it looked. 6.5" wrists.

Absolutely agree.

[MisterG12]

I posted on another thread but shows the differences pretty well. I have a 7” wrist for reference. My DJ 41 measures just shy of 41mm with the crown.



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[Nikrnic]

My DJ41 (40mm) has a much more slim trim fit than my 114060. I love mine on S/O. My wife loves her 36. Happy Choosing....

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[teabags001]

I’ve had the fluted with jubilee. Trust me if you don’t want the flash don’t get the jubilee. No one will notice the fluted unless they are closer then 5 feet from you. They will notice the jubilee from 25 feet away. That bracelet is amazing when it comes to flash. The smooth bezel is quite flashy on the jubilee and imo looks more modern and a better everyday wearer plus you save 2k. And the DJ41 is 39.5mm so it’s a perfect size for a 7 inch wrist imo. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and it looks small on me. But it’s been growing on me to give it another chance. My business partner and wife both have 2 tone DJ jubilee and they always look new.


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[SearChart]

A watch doesn't have to fill your whole wrist though... I don't get why people want the biggest that they can pull off.

[002]

Originally Posted by SearChart

A watch doesn't have to fill your whole wrist though... I don't get why people want the biggest that they can pull off.

[erick-GP]

I tested both and 41 without doubt, the 36 is a classic measure but I saw it too small.
I have 7 inches wrist, good luck !

[Hosum]

For what it's worth, here's one more data point / opinion: I had the same decision to make between the 36mm and 41mm this past weekend. Went into the AD and tried both sizes, but left with a 41mm jubilee with fluted bezel.

I have a smaller wrist at 6.75" and normally wear 39-41mm Grand Seikos before getting this as my first Rolex. I also heard/read that 36mm is the classic size that will be timeless so I wanted to give it a try. But hey, after trying out both, I still liked the look and feel of the 41mm better. As others stated, the DJ 41 is closer to 39.5mm, plus it is low-profile enough where it hugs my wrist without feeling bulky. I asked myself if I could see myself wearing this 20 or 30 years from now, and the answer was Yes. That answered my timeless question.

As for Fluted vs Smooth, I sought out fluted bezel because I wanted something very different from my other watch brands. My other watches (Grand Seiko, Omega, etc.) don't have a fluted bezel and I wanted to make sure my Rolex would be unique. Most importantly, I just love the look of the fluted bezel. That shine is beautiful. My stance is if you do like the look of the fluted bezel better, who cares if folks at work will see it as too flashy---it's already a Rolex, how much more would the extra shine move the needle on the flashy spectrum?

Congrats on your second child! Cheers!

[DKS2375]

Here is the one I wear daily. It’s 36mm and my wrist is 7 inches. It’s perfect with everything from a suit to shorts and a t-shirt. Also, the new models wear larger than the older ones due to larger lugs.

I have both a GMT and an Explorer II that are each 40mm. For the DJ I personally prefer the 36mm.


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[JAGDJ41]

A someone who’s just picked up a 41 you can guess my preference.

For me the decision came down to envisaged wear. I’m very rarely in a formal suit, where 36 would excel in my opinion.

Instead I wear smart casual (no jacket but shirt) to the office and casual shirts at the weekend. The 41 blends between these roles more comfortably and can still pull off a suit when required.

For me, if the collection is small for now, 41 wins.

[R G]

Originally Posted by MisterG12

I posted on another thread but shows the differences pretty well. I have a 7” wrist for reference. My DJ 41 measures just shy of 41mm with the crown.



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No offence, but this photo doesn't actually help anyone.

The DJ41 is further up your wrist then the DJ36, meaning that they are being worn on different size parts of your wrist/arm.

Not only that, but you're comparing a DJ on a bracelet and a DJ on a leather strap.

It's not a direct comparison on any level.

[Brew]

Originally Posted by SearChart

A watch doesn't have to fill your whole wrist though... I don't get why people want the biggest that they can pull off.

I think this is an internet/social media thing. My theory is that folks in the herd like to stand out, so a bigger watch is preferred, "OMG! Look at my big ROLEX!!!"