Datejust 36 Random Thoughts

[GRabens]

I'm currently in my late 40's, but have loved Rolex watches since I was about 16+/-. I've previously owned DJ 36mm in both SS, SS & 18k YG, SS & 18k RG. I currently own a couple of 40 mm Subs and no DJs. I'm contemplating adding another DJ to the collection. While I like larger watches and I currently own 40, 43, 44, 46, and 47 mm, I feel like the 36mm DJ is the classic. The dial variations of the 36mm DJ over the last 25 yrs were more interesting and better than current offerings in my opinion (Tapestry, Pyramid, Jubilee/Computerized Rolex-Rolex, etc.). I do have reservations of going back down to 36mm, but it didn't bother me previously and I like the Pyramid Roman dial configurations. I think my reservations are only because I'm comparing the 36 DJ to the currently 41 mm offerings. I am interested in hearing opinions of others that have/have not gone the 36 mm DJ route. Most older DJs 36 and DD 36 can currently be had for a deal due to the current trends. I know most will probably say 36mm is a ladies size, but I recently picked up a 31 mm for my wife as I think that is the classic ladies size. Thanks in advance for your commentary.


Guy

[tifosi]

The only DJ I'd ever buy would be a 36mm. You aren't alone. 41mm is too large for the design of the watch IMO.

[douglasf13]

It's all about dial size. The older 40mm GMT/Exp II/SubDate all wear similarly to the 36mm DJ/DD/Exp, because they all have about the same dial size. Just pick your function.

[Wolfgang427]

36mm is the classic size period. If ladies want to wear them so what? I wear what I want not what others want.

[Trailboss516]

Some watches just work at 36mm...for any gender. The datejust and day date are 2 fine examples of where 36mm is the classic, and sweet spot.

In my humble opinion, there is too much dial in a 40mm DD or 41mm DJ. The watch ends up being almost "not real." After trying on both 40mm and 36mm day dates, I go with the 36mm. Of course that's just for me and my wrist size and shape, everybody is different.

[kieselguhr]

Me personally think the 36mm diameter is the perfect size for the design of the DateJust/DayDate model regardless of wrist size. The larger models to me seem to have excessive dead space on the dial and the bezels unusually large. Particularly when fluted.

[Tresco]

Agree with the last couple of comments, my DJ and DD are both 36mm and I’ve never considered them too small, they’re not too showy and perfect next to a shirt cuff.

My sports watches being 40mm and quite big on my wrists get worn on more casual occasions.

[fskywalker]

This thread needs some pictures!

36 MM size gets my vote on either DJ (TOG below)



or DD models:







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[jdcdpm52]

I have a 41 two tone fluted on oyster and 36 SS fluted on jubilee. had the 41 first and all other watches are 40 or larger. Was really worried about 36 being too small. But honestly, it looks perfect. Now when I wear the 41 the dial almost looks clown like and too big. The proportions look off. But I still wear it because with the oyster bracelet it looks really sporty compared to my jubilee 36 so they both have a place in my collection and I enjoy them both. But I want to add a two tone jubilee DJ down the road and it will definitely be a 36!

Regarding the modern dials, my 36 is the new blue fluted dial. It’s amazing! Check it out!

[Turpentine]

36mm is perfect


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[BiG JeEzY]

There are people who love the 41 and dislike the 36 while others love the 36 and dislike the 41.

I personally feel like I'm somewhere in between those two groups of people.

I think the best size will come down to three things: 1) Your wrist size, 2) the metal configuration of the watch, and 3) the dial color.

For all SS models, I actually prefer the 41mm size. As for the TT and solid YG/RG, I prefer the 36mm sizes.

As for dial colors, I prefer lighter shades for 36mm watches and darker shades for 41mm watches.

In my case, I have a 6.75 inch wrist and went with a TT Datejust 36 with champagne dial which I love. However, if I were to go the SS Datejust route, I would go with the 41mm and would either pick a blue dial or a Wimbledon dial.

Hope this insight helps.

[Turpentine]

36 mm is perfect






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[burnthesehills]

I owned the DJ41 and thought the dial was too large for my wrist which is 7.25” and I have larger than average hands and arms.

I currently wear a 44mm Panerai and an Omega Seamaster 300M as my daily watches but would definitely consider a 36mm DJ especially with an interesting dial.

[Trailboss516]

The 36 also allows the day date bracelet to shine. I found the 40 on my wrist to cover up the beautiful bracelet more than I was expecting. The bracelet in my opinion is a huge part of the beauty and wraps the package up nicely.

[JoseR]

I had the DJ41 and sold it because it wasn't getting any wrist time. If I were to purchase another DJ it would be the 36mm. For my wrist, it's perfect.

[indianmachine]

36mm is a classic size. The mint green or palm current offerings are cool.

Many great choices if looking for a vintage. I used to have the grey ghost London Fog dial which I enjoyed.

[Watchsprings]

36 is perfectly sized. Did someone say Palm dial?

[cerendigit]

I used to be a 40/41mm-guy. Then I tried 36mm datejust and 36mm explorer

I can’t go back to 40mm watches.

[TimeAZ]

The DJ36 is a great size. It's very comfortable, timeless, and perfectly proportioned. Fits great for a wide range of wrist sizes. Probably a good fit up to 7.5 inch and above that, then maybe too small.

Part of the reason it works so well is that it still has a 20 mm bracelet. Think about that. The band is the same width as the older sub (114060, 116610LN). Dial size and crystal dimension are basically the same too. The only thing missing from that "36" diameter size is the larger bezel on the sport model.

Personally, I like the silver or white dial pairing to the DJ36. Optically it makes the dial look a little bigger and I also think it blends with the bracelet and case a little more harmoniously. The sunburst effect on the silver is gorgeous. I also really like the old white OP36. That one also has amazing dial details that must be seen in person.