36mm - I get it now

[mgsooner]

Okay so first of all I want to say, I’ve been on both sides of this “debate.” I owned the 39mm Explorer and loved it. I think there are merits to both 39/40/41 as well as 36 and I think everybody should wear what THEY think looks good on their wrist. There’s no right or wrong answer.

That being said, there’s something magical about the 36mm on the jubilee bracelet - particularly in the current iteration. Rolex has slimmed up the lugs and it seems like this is the closest thing Rolex currently offers to an integrated bracelet model. It also helps that the shorter links of the jubilee make for a snug yet extremely comfortable wear. I’m really enjoying it.

[WatchOut4It]

Just when I think it’s all figured out, this group makes me question my ability to make conclusive decisions. ;-)

The 36 looks great on your wrist. Now I need to find an AD that can help me confirm/invalidate my decision to pursue a 40mm DD! This is never ending!

[mgsooner]

And a shot that does the silver dial of this beaut a little more justice

[the dark knight]

I've been really tempted to pick one up myself, although I do have a vintage 16013. I guess I've come "full circle" in the size debate, I'm really drawn to smaller watches these days, primarily due to how much I love how my BB54 wears.

[Notepad12]

Having owned my 36mm Datejust for a few years now, it wears so very well and with the classic proportions, much prefer it over the 41mm.

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[996marty]

Looks great

[Chewbacca]

Comfort.

[Ketler]

I just came into possession of a 1603 from 1973. And although it’s not a watch I would have sought out and purchased, the size is growing on me.

And I haven’t worn anything smaller than 39mm in almost 50 years.

And it should be noted that I sport an 8” wrist.

[Hendrikus]

Fully agree - I love my sports watches in 40, 41 or even 43, but a DayDate or a DateJust seems to work better (for me) on a 36mm. I think it is the jubilee bracelet: on these models the design and proportions was intended to show more of the stunning bracelet and with the 40mm DayDate or 41mm DateJust you get more dial and less bracelet?

Maybe the original design and proportions of watch was the right one, and then the watch was 'stretched' over time to cater for popular demand?

Personal choice at end of the day - but I ended up seeing my DJ41 and DD40 and now have those models in 36 only. The other advantage is that the 36mm's remain easier to pick up and are cheaper!

[jb335]

All class


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[bp1000]

I've slowly been moving back down the size scale. I was all for modern dive watches 10 years ago. I figured out 37-39mm is what I like a few years ago despite having a 7.3" wrist.

Now I'm going even smaller, with quite a few 36mm dress watches, I've been looking at 36mm DD's and have a 36mm DJ since 2015. I'm even looking at vintage Patek's in the low 31-35mm range.

[OG1982]

Same here. It's taken me over 10 years to realise, smaller watches are pure class.

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by Hendrikus

Fully agree - I love my sports watches in 40, 41 or even 43, but a DayDate or a DateJust seems to work better (for me) on a 36mm. I think it is the jubilee bracelet: on these models the design and proportions was intended to show more of the stunning bracelet and with the 40mm DayDate or 41mm DateJust you get more dial and less bracelet?

Maybe the original design and proportions of watch was the right one, and then the watch was 'stretched' over time to cater for popular demand?

Personal choice at end of the day - but I ended up seeing my DJ41 and DD40 and now have those models in 36 only. The other advantage is that the 36mm's remain easier to pick up and are cheaper!

Your get wider bracelets on the DJ41 and DD40

[Harry-57]

My wife has an OP36 which I could wear all day happily. Nice fit, looks good, and is completely legible. There's no logical reason why it wouldn't work for me, I just prefer a bigger size.

There's a lot to be said for case and lug design in relation to wrist size and shape. I've got a 45mm that wears like a 40mm and a 43mm which wears like a 45mm - on my wrist.

[Henrimontgomery]

It really depends on your wrist and the watch. But this one is perfect for you!

[travisb]

Looks great on you!

[brandrea]

Very nice Matthew it’s really hard to beat that combo for comfort and fit

I’ve gravitated toward more traditional sized watches lately as well.

[cuibono]

Originally Posted by Notepad12

Having owned my 36mm Datejust for a few years now, it wears so very well and with the classic proportions, much prefer it over the 41mm.

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Agreed, proportions on the 36mm are perfect. I can't quite get myself to pick up a 41mm, it looks off.

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[*M5]

some things just stand the test of time

*7.5 inch wrist here

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[1William]

Very cool watch and it looks great on you. I have tried the 36mm in the DD, a friends watch, and while I like it, the size on my 7.5-7.75 inch wrist is not optimal for me. Nice that they make watches in all sizes so we can pick the one we prefer and looks the best for to us.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Rolex has slimmed up the lugs and it seems like this is the closest thing Rolex currently offers to an integrated bracelet model.

Agree with absolutely everything except this: if you think this is the closest Rolex currently comes to the integrated bracelet design, try the 124270. With ever so slightly more angular lines, and a little more aggressive lug and bracelet taper, it really captures the silhouette of an integrated bracelet watch.

[DavidUK]

Here's my old DJ36, 7.5" wrist...





And the DJ41 I "upgraded" too...



Well, which suits my wrist size better?

[Cru Jones]

For that combo, the 36 is a perfect choice.

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by DavidUK

Here's my old DJ36, 7.5" wrist...





And the DJ41 I "upgraded" too...



Well, which suits my wrist size better?

The larger one


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[Calatrava r]

To me that one is of the best models in the entire Rolex line-up. As another thread suggested, paired with a Sub (sans date), you own all the watches you will ever need.

[puma1552]

That watch looks great on you, OP. I agree, the ever so slightly slimmed lugs of the 12XXXX look much better than the 11XXXX series.

The Jubilee is supremely comfortable and should be slightly visible atop the wrist IMO. This watch just disappears on your wrist, as it should.

Originally Posted by cuibono

Agreed, proportions on the 36mm are perfect. I can't quite get myself to pick up a 41mm, it looks off.

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Agree, the 41 just doesn't look right to my eyes given it's using the same movement and with the date wheel where it has to be, Rolex clearly made compromises between stretching the dial outwards and stretching the bezel inwards, making for a very chunky bezel, especially when it's smooth.

[Law52]

My thought on the subject is that the 36mm is a excellent dress watch and gives the right balance. In the sports models a larger size is perfect.

[SkyJuice]

Originally Posted by chewbacca

comfort.

+1

[Snowballs]

Looks great!

[mgsooner]

Thanks everybody, as several have said wrist size definitely plays a role. My wrist is around 7” and honestly would be closer to 6.75 if I’d take off some pounds I need to take off. From my past experience trying Rolex watches on the pieces that were 36mm and on an oyster bracelet did look a touch small to my eye. Maybe my tastes have just changed since, maybe it’s “jubilee magic,” maybe a little of both.

I will say that I also really like the sportier look of the 40/41mm DDs and DJs, particularly when it comes to the flat bezel/jubilee combo.