Datejust 41 as a Rugged Everyday Alternative?

[Humanindc]

I would ultimately like to get a SubC new for a major life event. But in the meantime, I've been looking into getting a Datejust as a sort of everyday watch, a sporty alternative to an Explorer but in the same vein.

For example, I'm lately looking at a 126300 - black stick dial, smooth bezel, oyster bracelet. I never, ever thought I'd consider one without a fluted bezel.

I'm curious, has anyone else gone this route, have thoughts for/against? What configurations do you recommend? Can a smooth bezel still look 'right' on this watch?

[jltait]

All up to personal preference. Different strokes etc. The dj offers options for every taste. That said is your heart is set on the sub, just go for it. No reason to wait.

[2x4]

I wear mine everyday Monday thru Friday.


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[TheWatchmen]

Buy what you really want, you’ll likely end up losing money otherwise...trouble is, often times you finally get that Sub or GMT or whatever then realize you like the Datejust or Explorer better...part of this crazy hobby is experimenting. I had a DJ41, 42mm Polar Exp II, Submariner, GMT II...all amazing and beautiful, but all eventually sold. I still have a few watches but only one Rolex - a 39mm Explorer and I will not sell it. I had to cycle through other models that I thought were keepers to become content with just one...curiosity slaked, and I like not itching for “another Rolex” anymore. All I’m really saying is your tastes will likely change, and that’s a good thing. Best of luck and remember to just have fun with it

[Jostack]

DJ makes a great everyday. Once you get past the first couple/few scratches, you’ll love it. Mine easily gets the most wrist time. Actually, I’ve been considering thinning the herd because I don’t wear the others much.

[Singslinger]

I would describe the DJ as a suitable everyday watch, but not necessarily rugged.

Mine is the DJ41, blue stick dial with fluted bezel.

[subprimero]

Save up for the watch you want and in the meantime learn as much as you can. You may find that by the time you have the money saved you will want a different watch

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by Humanindc

I would ultimately like to get a SubC new for a major life event. But in the meantime, I've been looking into getting a Datejust as a sort of everyday watch, a sporty alternative to an Explorer but in the same vein.

For example, I'm lately looking at a 126300 - black stick dial, smooth bezel, oyster bracelet. I never, ever thought I'd consider one without a fluted bezel.

I'm curious, has anyone else gone this route, have thoughts for/against? What configurations do you recommend? Can a smooth bezel still look 'right' on this watch?

Go for it - life is short! Maybe a lighter dial since your future Sub is black. Dark rhodium maybe? You might end up wearing the Sub everyday and the DJ for dressier events. That's what happened to me!

[Gepetto]

A DJ is actually a very versatile watch that's perfectly suitable for everyday. I've got an older one (1601) and it works with a suit, tux, and jeans and t-shirt. Of course, for each occasion that are watches that might be better suited, but the DJ can pull it off.

That being said if you want a Sub, get one, too, if you can.

[STLrolexfan]

I have a silver dial Datejust II, which is very similar to the DJ 41. I wear it every single day. It goes with everything.


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[Randyp905]

I am considering the same thing. I have an old DJ from the mid 80,s but it seems small now


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[214270Explorer]

Tis a Rolex. Tis rugged. And it fits just about any situation.

[campfire]

Sure a DJ will be rugged enough for everyday. My choice is dome/oyster. But many many configurations to meet your preferences.

That said, if you really want a Sub, then get a Sub even if you have to wait a few months more.

[smk210]

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I would describe the DJ as a suitable everyday watch, but not necessarily rugged.



Mine is the DJ41, blue stick dial with fluted bezel.

I was thinking the same too. It's durable enough but not rugged.

[timlaw]

agree with advice to buy the one you want as even paying a modest premium may be cheaper in the long run

however I love my Wimbledon DJ41 - I went for the jubilee and the smooth bezel as I took the view the watch stands out enough without the white gold bezel and I did not want to pay the extra as well

[Humanindc]

Thanks everyone for the responses so far. This is truly a great forum where folks will take some time to offer reflections and advice.

For a little more context, I've actually got an Aqua Terra blue dial now that deciding on replacing. It's a great watch but I can't help but think that a Rolex would check similar boxes for a bit more. Like another here, I've got a mid-80s DJ and would enjoy knocking around with something else given its sentimental value.

If only ADs had stock where I could actually try these on haha.

[SearChart]

Too big and shiny IMO.

[Hendrikus]

I have a DJ41, blue dial on smooth bezel with jubilee. I find the smooth bezel does make it a more versatile, sportier and good every day watch. I keep the fluted look for a Day-Date.

[1Orologio]

Originally Posted by jltait

All up to personal preference. Different strokes etc. The dj offers options for every taste. That said is your heart is set on the sub, just go for it. No reason to wait.

+1

[1Orologio]

Having owned both (owned so many DJ variations) I could say that the DJ will give you many many options on variations. I also believe the DJ is super versatile from tux to jeans to shorts.

As another person said, if your heart is set on something, just go for it!

Good luck

[Gwai]

Originally Posted by timlaw

That is a great picture, Tim!

Cheers
Marc

[Solo118]

Would you be open to an OP 39mm? It does not have a date function, but it has a brushed bracelet and same smooth bezel as the DJ you like. They come in many dial options as well. I had one for a bit, and thought it was the perfect daily wearer.

[timlaw]

Originally Posted by Gwai

That is a great picture, Tim!

Cheers
Marc

thanks Marc but its easy with a photogenic watch

[rchuah]

I actually think the jubilee + fluted bezel is too dressy for daily wear. Get the oyster bracelet for Daily wear. My 2 cents

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[paul cbc]

I think the Black stick dial, smooth bezel, and Oyster bracelet is one of the "sportier" combinations for the DJ.

Hopefully you can try one on soon!

Let us know what you decide.

[Pauln]

It would work fine as an everyday watch. I’m not sure what you mean by “ a sporty alternative” to the Explorer. The Explorer is sportier, IMO.


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[Xenon]

Try on a 36mm Datejust as the proportions are just right.

The 41mm just looks and feels big and awkward and clumsy.

[BMess]

I've been wearing mine everyday for 3 years. I have fluted with jubilee and diamond indices. I think a smooth bezel with oyster bracelet is the perfect everyday watch. However, I would not call it rugged. I had a DJII smooth.oyster before my DJ41 and the DJII was also always on my wrist. I like the DJ more than the sub. The DJ can be dressed up and looks a little more formal under certain circumstances than the sub (at least in my experience).

DJII smooth/oyster


Current DJ41


Sub that I was bored by

[Overwound]

It's rugged like a Sub in daily function but not looks and with less water resistance. Since most people do not swim further down than a few meters, never mind one hundred, the DJ is plenty good for everyday wear as long as the styling suits you.

I think either bracelet with a smooth bezel on the DJ41 is an excellent everyday option.

[Europrojektzjimmy]

I have the DJ41 Black Stick Smooth Oyster and wear it every day and love it! It absolutely looks sporty with this combo and goes with everything!