Confused - new to the Rolex world and looking for advice

[2kjv]

Hi everyone, I’m new to this so go easy on me! I’ve always enjoyed nice watches and am looking to get my first Rolex as a marker for a life event. I may buy more in the future but I’m by no means a collector.

I’ve eyed up the OP41 and DD41, as both are available with a blue dial which I really like. My question is, other than the date, what’s the difference?! There seems to be demand for the OP but less so for the DD? Is the price difference really appropriate? Am I likely to be considered worthy of being allowed to purchase either?! I have an appointment with my local AD now we are out of lockdown here in the UK, but welcome your thoughts...
Cheers

[MONTANTK]

The OP is more of an entry level Rolex model. It simply tells time and it’s a stainless steel piece. Of course it is still very much a quality watch. The DD40 is only available in precious metals and has a fancier movement due to the date function. Really only some of the platinum models are in higher demand along with the olive dial. Assuming you’re looking at the Day Date with a light blue dial, it may not be the easiest to find but man is it stunning! I tried one on a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully you can find exactly what you’re looking for!

[turkeysub93]

Assuming you are referring to the DJ rather than the DD...

Better shot at getting a DJ as the OP was recently updated so many folks are swooning over the newly introduced color dials.

AD should be helpful with the DJ

[Maiden]

Just for clarification I assume you meant the DJ 41 not the Day Date?


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[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by 2kjv

Hi everyone, I’m new to this so go easy on me! I’ve always enjoyed nice watches and am looking to get my first Rolex as a marker for a life event. I may buy more in the future but I’m by no means a collector.

I’ve eyed up the OP41 and DD41, as both are available with a blue dial which I really like. My question is, other than the date, what’s the difference?! There seems to be demand for the OP but less so for the DD? Is the price difference really appropriate? Am I likely to be considered worthy of being allowed to purchase either?! I have an appointment with my local AD now we are out of lockdown here in the UK, but welcome your thoughts...
Cheers

If you’re talking an OP41 versus DD40 … There’s a very big difference, as explained above. Are you actually asking about the DJ 41 verses OP 41?

[77T]

Once you see the models at the AD, you’ll notice some major differences like day and date for the DD.

For marking a significant life event, I’d say the DD is the better choice.


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[2kjv]

Apologies, newbie error, yes, the date just rather than the day date, my mistake.

[Qwarktastic]

As MONTANIK has said, DD40 is made available only in precious metals and has a day and date complication versus time only with the Oyster Perpetual. There's the DJ41 with time and date which is available in steel like the OP, just a little more dressed up than the OP with a polished centre link and polished lugs.

As with all things it comes down to what you personally like. Welcome to a fellow newcomer!

[nighthawk77]

OP is the entry point for Rolex and following an update in September 2020 its currently a very in demand model. This might make the availability of the OP more difficult to source vs the DJ. That being said, the blue dial DJ is also very popular and it wouldn’t be surprising if there is also limited availability on this model too.

Datejust is arguably one of the most iconic and best selling timepieces from Rolex’s catalogue. In addition to also featuring a date complication, the DJ is more configurable versus the OP. You can have a jubilee bracelet, or oyster bracelet with polished centre links compared to the OP’s brushed only bracelet. You can have a flat or fluted bezel compared to the OP’s domed bezel. You can even add diamonds to dial, or various motif dial designs if you don’t mind the 36mm diameter model.

Both are great, and either would make a great first Rolex. I’d consider whether or not you actually need the date though, as the £1500 price difference doesn’t get you much else if you look the lowest cost DJ alternative (smooth bezel/oyster bracelet).

Despite both being listed as 41mm models, both actually measure 39.something mm.

Good luck with your AD.


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[2kjv]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

You present pretty much my thoughts there, is the date function worth all that extra money? I guess if it means I can have the piece within a reasonable time frame I’d be prepared to pay the difference, but it seems a lot just for the date?

I’m hoping my AD will give an insight as to what sort of wait I’m in for, but I’m preparing for the worst and that’s even with being flexible on what I decide on.

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

OP is the entry point for Rolex and following an update in September 2020 its currently a very in demand model. This might make the availability of the OP more difficult to source vs the DJ. That being said, the blue dial DJ is also very popular and it wouldn’t be surprising if there is also limited availability on this model too.

Datejust is arguably one of the most iconic and best selling timepieces from Rolex’s catalogue. In addition to also featuring a date complication, the DJ is more configurable versus the OP. You can have a jubilee bracelet, or oyster bracelet with polished centre links compared to the OP’s brushed only bracelet. You can have a flat or fluted bezel compared to the OP’s domed bezel. You can even add diamonds to dial, or various motif dial designs if you don’t mind the 36mm diameter model.

Both are great, and either would make a great first Rolex. I’d consider whether or not you actually need the date though, as the £1500 price difference doesn’t get you much else if you look the lowest cost DJ alternative (smooth bezel/oyster bracelet).

Despite both being listed as 41mm models, both actually measure 39.something mm.

Good luck with your AD.


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+1 For your first Rolex, between the OP and DJ I would give the slight edge to the DJ, unless you're adamantly against a date function. Both are outstanding watches, but the the DJ is the template upon which pretty much all casual date function watches are based...an absolute icon. You can't go wrong either way. Best wishes

[JSolution]

Datejust by a long mile for me.

[joli160]

Both of them great watches, the DJ, fluted bezel on Jubilee would be my choice.
Good luck with your AD

[thenewrick]

The DJ is a thicker case, has the option for fluted white gold bezel and jubilee bracelet.

The dials are slightly different with the OP41 having the double baton markers at 3-6-9.

If you don't want any of the DJ options, get the OP41 and save a bundle.

[Little machines]

Welcome to the forum ! The DJ fluted bezel and blue dial and other color dials would be a great starter a little more money but I think you would be happier ( for several months ) and then the addiction starts ! Good luck!

[Zeppo328]

Originally Posted by 2kjv

is the date function worth all that extra money?

I find the jubilee bracelet significantly more comfortable, and it's not available on the OP. For this reason I am glad I went with a DJ instead of an OP. You may feel differently of course.

With Rolex, you can't be concerned about functionality vs cost. In the 21st century they are fashion accessories first and foremost. No Rolex is worth the money purely for the timekeeping function provided, even though from a functional standpoint they are among the very best mechanical watches available at any price.