The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 22 February 2021, 02:00 AM   #1
jl1861
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Canada
Posts: 3
First Rolex - thoughts?

Hey everyone, I'm looking to get my first Rolex to celebrate a special occasion and even after watching a million videos and trying them out, I'm pretty conflicted on which I should get. My choices right now are the Explorer I and a blue DJ 41 with a smooth bezel + jubilee. I realize they're two very different styles but I love the look of them both.

The most notable watches I have in my collection are the Omega speedy and IWC pilot, and I would want the Rolex to be complimentary. I'm usually a more casual dressing guy but I heard that the DJ can be very casual as well and I do have to go business casual at work.

Any thoughts to help me make up my mind?
jl1861 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 02:56 AM   #2
kieselguhr
"TRF" Member
 
kieselguhr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Nick
Location: Las Vegas
Watch: 1601
Posts: 10,623
First Rolex - thoughts?

My advice is to get the one that has been on your mind from the get go and you constantly think about. That way whenever you glance for the time it puts a big wide smile on your face.

Either watch works for any occasion. Although members here will have you believe that the Datejust is only appropriate with formal/business attire and you need to be dressed like Indiana Jones to wear an explorer, I feel that way of thinking is a self imposed mental limitation.

The truth is you can wear any watch in any attire for any occasion and no one but you will care.
kieselguhr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 02:58 AM   #3
Dj_masse
"TRF" Member
 
Dj_masse's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Parts Unknown
Watch: ALS Lange 1 Daymat
Posts: 309
Quote:
Originally Posted by kieselguhr View Post
My advice is to get the one that has been on your mind from the get go and you constantly think about. That way whenever you glance for the time it puts a big wide smile on your face.

Either watch works for any occasion. Although members here will have you believe that the Datejust is only appropriate with formal/business attire and you need to be dressed like Indiana Jones to wear an explorer, I feel that is a self imposed mental limitation. The truth is you can wear any watch in any attire and any occasion and no one but you will care.

agree with this. Get what you desire at the end of the day. No number of opinions will change that. You can’t go wrong with either one of those pieces. Good luck with your choice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Rolex 116519 (WG OF)
AP 15450 (Blue)
Rolex 14270
Rolex 16570 (Polar)
Dj_masse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 04:00 AM   #4
brucethemanlee
"TRF" Member
 
brucethemanlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: 1 of 13 Colonies
Posts: 8,575
Quote:
Originally Posted by kieselguhr View Post

The truth is you can wear any watch in any attire for any occasion and no one but you will care.
agree with above

but if i were to choose I'd get the explorer....
brucethemanlee is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 03:01 AM   #5
Mystro
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Mystro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: The Mystro ;)
Location: Central Pa.
Posts: 15,511
A DJ is a signature Rolex look. Usually a DJ or a SS Sub is the most popular first Rolex. I personally would want a fluted bezel on my DJ41 because its "THE" iconic Rolex look. I think the DJ will go anywhere in and out of the water and could be your only watch if need be. That puts it in the "vacation watch" or "Travelers watch" category since it has a 100m WR.
Mystro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 03:02 AM   #6
ROLEX*
"TRF" Member
 
ROLEX*'s Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: ROLEXROLEXRO
Location: ROLEXROLEXROLE
Watch: ROLEXROLEXROLEX
Posts: 761
Both are fine but have you ever consider the oyster perpetual Tiffany blue?
__________________
To each their own and your mileage may vary.
"In the time of our life, live—so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it." — William Saroyan
ROLEX* is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 03:49 AM   #7
Oyster Sauce
"TRF" Member
 
Oyster Sauce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 1,866
Either of those options will complement your Speedy and IWC nicely, and both are at home in a casual environment. If I were to choose between the two I’d go Explorer. It is a great one and only Rolex, and a great one and only watch. If you do happen to get bitten by the Rolex bug, you can always get a DJ later (and perhaps even with the iconic fluted bezel). Best wishes
Oyster Sauce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 03:50 AM   #8
zion_rasta
"TRF" Member
 
zion_rasta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Planet Earth
Watch: GMT II ceramic
Posts: 1,590
DJ41 would be my pick
__________________
Sky Dweller WG 326139
GMT II 116710LN
Submariner 1680
Sold - Daytona 116523; YM 116622; Datejust 16233
zion_rasta is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 03:57 AM   #9
stark1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Northeast
Watch: Rolex/AP/ALS/Omega
Posts: 1,505
Good suggestions provided above already, but based on your current lineup, I'd say the DJ would be more complementary to your overall collection. That would be my choice. There's also so much variety when it comes to DJ, so customizing to the version that works best for you could be a fun and personal activity.
stark1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 08:39 AM   #10
Easy E
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: GA
Posts: 5,080
Quote:
Originally Posted by zion_rasta View Post
dj41 would be my pick
+1
Easy E is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 04:09 AM   #11
Guinness58
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Idaho
Watch: Sub 5 Digit
Posts: 205
Quote:
Originally Posted by jl1861 View Post
Hey everyone, I'm looking to get my first Rolex to celebrate a special occasion and even after watching a million videos and trying them out, I'm pretty conflicted on which I should get. My choices right now are the Explorer I and a blue DJ 41 with a smooth bezel + jubilee. I realize they're two very different styles but I love the look of them both.

The most notable watches I have in my collection are the Omega speedy and IWC pilot, and I would want the Rolex to be complimentary. I'm usually a more casual dressing guy but I heard that the DJ can be very casual as well and I do have to go business casual at work.

Any thoughts to help me make up my mind?
You already have two watches with black dials, I would go with the blue DJ.
Guinness58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 04:39 AM   #12
RaZCaL
"TRF" Member
 
RaZCaL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Watch: 116500,116610,VCO
Posts: 847
I would strongly consider fluted bezel and oyster with blue dial. Very versatile as you can go causal and dress up.
RaZCaL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:01 AM   #13
MiDoon
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Michigan
Posts: 236
Quote:
Originally Posted by razcal View Post
i would strongly consider fluted bezel and oyster with blue dial. Very versatile as you can go causal and dress up.
this!
MiDoon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 04:43 AM   #14
Rori
"TRF" Member
 
Rori's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Middle East
Watch: Rolex / Tudor
Posts: 3,592
Quote:
Originally Posted by jl1861 View Post
Hey everyone, I'm looking to get my first Rolex to celebrate a special occasion and even after watching a million videos and trying them out, I'm pretty conflicted on which I should get. My choices right now are the Explorer I and a blue DJ 41 with a smooth bezel + jubilee. I realize they're two very different styles but I love the look of them both.

The most notable watches I have in my collection are the Omega speedy and IWC pilot, and I would want the Rolex to be complimentary. I'm usually a more casual dressing guy but I heard that the DJ can be very casual as well and I do have to go business casual at work.

Any thoughts to help me make up my mind?
I wanted the DJ to be my first Rolex. When I tried it "DJ41" I felt it's a bit small to my taste, maybe I was wrong but if you ever decide to go the DJ way, my advise to you is to get the fluid bezel, it's DJ DNA.Them you option the oyster bracelet if you're sporty dressed guy or the jubilee if you're more formal. Amazing watch.
__________________
Good watches are made to tell time but some brands are obsessed to tell it in the most beautiful way possible.
Rori is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 04:50 AM   #15
RJRJRJ
"TRF" Member
 
RJRJRJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 3,495
Based on your comment about you hearing that the DJ can be casual, it sounds like that's the one you're eyeing, but are just worried about that aspect. If that's the case go for it. It can definitely be worn with casual attire.
RJRJRJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 04:52 AM   #16
RotorSelfWinding
2024 Pledge Member
 
RotorSelfWinding's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Austin, TX
Watch: 126610LN
Posts: 229
Cannot go wrong with either options. I have the Explorer but I want the DJ
RotorSelfWinding is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 08:45 AM   #17
Andad
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Andad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Eddie
Location: Australia
Watch: A few.
Posts: 37,533
I do own suits but haven’t worn one for more that 12 months.

I wear all my watches with jeans and tee shirts.

They are watches - I wear them - they don’t wear me.
Attached Images
 
__________________
E

Andad is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 09:02 AM   #18
Oxfordian
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Real Name: Martin
Location: England
Watch: Sea Dweller
Posts: 3,117
Go with the watch you want, these decisions are important and you need to pick the watch you want to wear and not what someone else think you should be wearing.

Now, I don't have an Explorer but do have the DJ albeit with a Rhodium dial rather than the blue, for me it is a watch that I can wear at any time, whether formal with a work shirt, casual down the pub or on the beach, it just works on any occasion.

Enjoy hunting down the watch.
__________________
Martin

Small Rolex, Omega, Seiko and Oris Collection
Oxfordian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 09:11 AM   #19
DCJD
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Washington, D.C.
Posts: 1
I'm in a similar boat in the market for my first Rolex. I wear suits more often than most for work but not everyday. That being said I want a versatile watch and debated the Explorer II and a blue dial Datejust for some time. I spoke with my local AD about the DJ and he is currently working on it. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
DCJD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 09:13 AM   #20
UK_
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: London
Posts: 412
I (pre pandemic) wear suits to work every day.

I bought a DJ41 blue, sticks, smooth bezel on jubilee.

A nice watch, but really regretted not having the fluted bezel, and that is how a DJ is supposed to look.

I replaced it with the fluted version, and love it.

But, no matter what anyone ways, it is a dressy watch. I think it looks out one place with casual, and especially outdoor type clothes, which I wear a lot of.

So I have a LV Sub incoming.

I personally don’t see the appeal of the explorer, the Sub and the DJ are pure Rolex through and through.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
UK_ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 09:24 AM   #21
Benzsiam
2024 Pledge Member
 
Benzsiam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: USA
Watch: Rolex/AP/PP/ALS
Posts: 6,002
Blue DJ 41 or Explorer I would be a very good start with Rolex. You can acquire directly from the boutique/AD and start a good relationship with them for future purchase.
__________________
Rolex: 116621, 126333, 126711CHNR, 114060, 116500LN White, 126660 JC, 126710BLNR, 126710BLRO, 116610LV, 126610LN, 126610LV, 116508 YG Green Dial, 124300 Turquoise, 126719BLRO Meteorite dial, 228235 Olive dial ,126755SARU, 116505 RG Black dial, 326934 Blue Sky D.
AP: 15451ST Blue, 15500OR w/Bracelet, 14790SA, 14790BA, 26022BC(Salmon) PP: 5524R, 5712G, ALS: Time Zone 136.032, Cartier: WGSA0030, WSSA0061, YG Oct. 2965, Carree 2961, YG Carree, Tank W5000156 Breguet: 7137BA, MontBlanc: 109996"
Benzsiam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 09:39 AM   #22
Boaters
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Real Name: Mike
Location: Pacific Northwest
Watch: 116610LV 16710 SD
Posts: 10,653
DJ 41 fluted bezel and IMPO a blue dial
Boaters is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:04 AM   #23
RotorSelfWinding
2024 Pledge Member
 
RotorSelfWinding's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Austin, TX
Watch: 126610LN
Posts: 229
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boaters View Post
DJ 41 fluted bezel and IMPO a blue dial
That's the one I want. Maybe some day.
RotorSelfWinding is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:08 AM   #24
Justinmg
"TRF" Member
 
Justinmg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Real Name: Justin
Location: FL
Watch: PO/EXPL
Posts: 3,371
I’d get the dj but with a oyster bracelet, best of both watches
__________________
////////////////////////////////
Member of The Nylon Nation

Does it do anything? It tells the time.
Justinmg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:11 AM   #25
Ohiorolex
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: USA
Posts: 229
My first Rolex was a sub. I would recommend establishing a relationship with an SA at an AD and starting with the ultimate Rolex, a submariner. No matter what your finances are or how your tastes evolve based on what you wrote in your post you will never regret a sub. No matter what your AD says they are plentiful. Show your interest and you can get one within a few months at the most.
Ohiorolex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:14 AM   #26
Seddyspaghetti
"TRF" Member
 
Seddyspaghetti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Uranus
Watch: 116500LN
Posts: 4,789
Explorer bc I’m not a fan of djs with smooth bezel.
Seddyspaghetti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:18 AM   #27
rmagoo57
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
rmagoo57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Ron
Location: Detroitish
Watch: GMT II/Sub/Exp II
Posts: 2,560
Since you're hooked on the smooth bezel, go with the Explorer I. Later you can add a lighter dialed DJ, fluted, jubilee for a perfect duo. After that, ........
rmagoo57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:22 AM   #28
Spartan King
"TRF" Member
 
Spartan King's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: South Florida
Posts: 31
I really like the smooth bezel DJ and oyster bracelet with blue dial. Very versatile watch. For me though the DJ is the right size. The Explorer is a great looking watch also, just a bit too small for me.
Spartan King is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:19 AM   #29
Flintstone
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New York
Posts: 634
It doesn't matter which one you get now. You'll soon still want the other one and put those wheels in motion too. It's how we are wired.
Flintstone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 February 2021, 10:24 AM   #30
alonsowwss
"TRF" Member
 
alonsowwss's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Mexico
Watch: DateJust 41
Posts: 468
You can add some sprinkles to it ;)




Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
__________________
Enjoying: ♛126622 Rhodium///♛116500LN White///♛126610 LV///♛126710BLRO///Drive de Cartier Moonphase///Santos de Cartier ADLC///Speedmaster Sapphire 3861///Tudor Black Bay 58
alonsowwss is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.