36 or 39 OP

[lencap]

Greetings!

I've recently posted several times trying to find a watch to replace my 1981 TT DJ36, part of a matching set that I bought for myself and my wife all those years ago.

To make a long story short, I gave my DJ to my son on his 21st birthday, nearly 25 years ago. That watch was special, not only my first Rolex, but the reason for buying them when I did was it was my wife's 30th birthday. That was nearly 4 decades ago, and she still wears that watch daily and doesn't ever want to replace it.

I miss that watch and in all the years since I gave it to my son I've had many watches, but none of them had the same memories of the DJ. In other posts (feel free to look them up, if you like) I've come to realize that what made that watch special were the circumstances surrounding its purchase, and regardless of what I now buy those memories will never be part of any new watch I may buy.

Last year a bought a Black Bay 58 (another long post) after initially buying the BB 41 and finding it to be too heavy and unbalanced for my 7.25" wrist. The BB58 fits very well, is a Rolex "cousin" and keeps remarkable time. The problems some express about having too much gilt is actually not a problem for me at all - I prefer it, likely based on my "Senior Citizen" status. The 58 also was the most recent watch in a line of Rolex replacements since 1996 when I gave my son my Rolex. Speedmaster Pro, SeaMaster, Grand Seiko, Black Bay 41 and others filled the gaps, but each failed the "one watch collection" criteria. I've come to realize that a one watch collection is a challenge, so I'm willing to extend to two watches.

So, finally the question. I'm celebrating my 70th birthday later this year, and it seems to me if I'm thinking about getting another Rolex as my second watch I shouldn't wait too much longer. (I went recently went to Lowes to buy LED bulbs, and couldn't find the designer type that I wanted. I asked the clerk for help: "Why bother?" was his reply, implying that they'll outlast me).

The new TT DJ41 is priced at a level that I can afford, but find difficult to justify at over $13K. My BB58 was about $4K with tax and both the metal bracelet and the Tudor black/gold strap.

I considered the Sky Dweller (I love everything about it, except the size - especially given my issues with the Black Bay 41). The price is also an issue, but for not much more than a DJ41 it seems like a bargain (yes, it will be a long wait). My AD also suggests that given my issues with the BB41 and the great fit with the BB58 (he went out of his way to get me that watch for me with a very short wait - I'll only buy a Rolex from him for his outstanding service and extra effort), that getting the OP may be a better option to pair with the BB58.

I'd like to get the white dial, and despite my 7.25" wrist I also like the smaller 36mm case instead of the 39. The problem is that the white dial on the 36 has an outer rail showing the minutes in 5 minute increments around the entire dial. The 39mm dial is cleaner - just the stick markers on the hour and a discrete black dot above the marker to show precise location.

So, finally my question. Given that the BB58 fits well, even if it is larger than my prior 36mm Rolex from 1981, and it's basically the same size as today's 39mm OP, do you think that the 39 is the best choice for my needs? That's what I'm leaning toward, especially with the lack of minute marks on the 39 dial. My only hesitation is that there were rumors of Rolex updating the movement in the 39 this year, but with COVID there's no way to know what may happen. It would likely bother me to have a new movement next year, if indeed that is a possibility.

I still love the Sky Dweller, but as a kind poster noted in that thread: "How will you feel having a watch that size when you turn 80, and will you be able to read the all white dial with cataracts?" He has a point!

Thanks in advance for the comments. They are much appreciated.