[Need advice] Retirement gift for my dad - DJ 36 vs 41

[youneswatches]

Dj41 for me

[JJGreen]

Awesome gesture.

Based on your post and description I would go with the 41mm.

[FrontHeadlock]

Can I suggest that if you want to tone down the bling, that you go fluted/oyster instead of smooth/jubilee? I think the fluted bezel is just so quintessentially Rolex that a DJ/DD looks strange without it.

[TickTockChuck]

DJ 41 definitely for his 7.5 wrist. I think a 36 will look too small. Fluted bezel is always a nice classic look on the DJ. Good luck. Cheers!

[Carguy87]

As a fellow big wristed guy I vote for the 41 as well! Let us know which you pick!

[noshame]

I love the DJ36 and that's what I would buy for my 7inch wrist, but based on your information, I'd go with the 41. Very little chance that he'll think it's too big (if he's used to wearing 40mm+ watches), but there's a big chance he'll think the 36 is too small.

Love the blue dial with batons. I agree with a previous poster that fluted on oyster would be a perfect blend of classic DJ and sportiness. The smooth with jubilee is also very cool, and presidential looking (Biden's watch). Good luck. And a great gesture on your part.

[shredace]

A DJ is always a great choice. You stated that his current collection is “very tool-watchy” which tells me that he likes that type of watch and he is comfortable wearing them on a daily basis (if desired). Therefore, a Sub, Explorer, GMT or YM may suit him better. These are all beautiful watches that can be worn ay any time (including the DJ).

I pick DJ41 over DJ36 since he has a large wrist.

[OG1982]

Originally Posted by ryvius

Summary for those who don't want to read my wall of text: My dad has a large wrist and is retiring in the next year. I want to get him a 36mm Datejust as his first luxury watch but I'm worried he won't like it because its classical size.

My dad is retiring from teaching at a state university after 36 years.

He is a phenomenal dad - always putting the family first and sacrificing a lot for us. His career choice was not optimized for financial gains, so despite being an avid watch collector, his collection is very modest.

Which is where I come in. I thought about getting him a Grand Seiko but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the right course was a Rolex Datejust.

I'm leaning toward the stick blue dial w/ jubilee band and smooth bezel to balance out how blingy it is. I have almost a year to make it happen with an AD. Though I may go for full fluted/jubilee if the opportunity presents itself.

I'm also attempting to nudge him out of his comfort zone gently. His collection is very tool-watchy without a dedicated dress watch despite always dressing a little more formally.

So here's where I need your help and advice:

I want to gift him a 36mm classic datejust because all of his watches are on the larger side. But he also has a substantial wrist (7.5 inches). All of his watches are in the 40mm+ zone.

As many on this forum have commented, if Tony Soprano (who is a good proxy for my dad's build) can rock a 36mm, so can anyone.

I also think we're trending back to normal, classical watch sizes and this will be a good add to his not-very-diverse collection. But I'm worried he'll be disappointed because he clearly has a size preference.

I'm questioning if I'm being stubborn. And so I'm considering going the more sporty 41mm size for the Datejust.

I'm really, really torn. I want this to be a great surprise in celebration of an amazing career and I don't want him to be disappointed.

What would you do in my position?

Wow, lots of words for such a simple question...

I'd go with the 41mm. Sounds like he likes bigger watches and has a reasonable sized wrist. If it we for me, I'd take the 36, but I am happy wearing both the new Sub and a 36mm Explorer so used to the smaller size.

[BMess]

DJ41 fluted and jubilee without question.

[twinfo]

It is definitely the DJ41.

[tfjordan]

I’m with most and recommend the DJ41 since he obviously gravitates in the larger case range. There’s always a reason we lean toward size preferences. I own a plain bezel DJ41 green dial jubilee (and highly recommend the green dial because it is sportier, different from other DJ dials, not to mention absolutely gorgeous), and remember, the DJ41 bezel is 39.5mm as confirmed by many including me with a micrometer, not 41mm. The flat bezel/jubilee configuration is the way to go - fluted bezel/jubilee setup is pretty flashy on the 41. That distinction makes the decision a lot easier IMO.


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[airchitect]

I think you should take a hint from his collection. He likes large tool watches. You may like a DJ, he may like a Sub or GMT. Take him with you to try on and let him choose to make sure you don’t make a big ol goof.


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[karleone]

For a 7.5 inch definitely the 41mm

[Guppydriver]

He's already "told" you his preference OP! There is a reason all his watches are larger in size. Get him what you think he would buy!

DJ41 is a no brainer.

Plus...

NO WAY he would ever be disappointed. What ever you get him, it will be the most important reference in his collection.

Please eventually post pics of the gifting, I'm a sucker for this kind of thing.

[Michael T]

At 7.5 inches, you need to go 41 (its really under 40, just a bit). Also if his other watches are 40, he has already voted.

[DavidUK]

I retired at 63, last year, after 35 years.

I have a 7.5" wrist.

For 20 of those I'd worn a DJ36...





Then switched to a few 40mm-ish watches, including a DJ41...







I tried on a new DJ36 at Mayors this June but couldn't get happy with it after the larger watches. The eyesight comment is valid as most retirees will suffer impaired vision as they grow older.

I'd say, from my own experiences, definitely go DJ41.

[Colin10101]

It’s for him, not you, get what he likes!

[JSCP]

DJ 41 if new, DJ 36mm if vintage

[ryvius]

Thanks everyone.

Sometimes, you have a vision for an experience that's more about yourself than the person it's really for.

I'm going to pursue a DJ41 with blue stick dial and a jubilee bracelet. I'll give the ADs I work with some flexibility on the bezel type, and hopefully get something from an official AD within 10-11 months.

Cheers.

[Old Expat Beast]

Don't saddle him with a watch chosen by a bunch of randos from the interwebs. Take him out for lunch and a shopping trip and make it an event to remember, culminating in him getting sized for a watch he has chosen and will enjoy wearing. The memory and shared experience will be more important to him than the brand, so just take him out for a fun afternoon of watch shopping.

[geoach]

Originally Posted by Max7857

No one is putting anyone in the grave. Watches especially nice ones tend to be passed on. Wearing a watch handed down from a loved one often keeps many fond memories alive. I know I get much joy from wearing my late father’s watch. Yes it might have been an odd comment if between two entirely different watches where one might have been worn by his father and the other not. This is the same watch just different size. On several of my own watches I have asked for my sons opinion before buying on which he would be most likely to keep and wear when I’m gone.

[Daveh777]

Nice idea and gesture.
Unless your dad is a smaller watch guy, I’d definitely go with 39mm and above diameters.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by huncho

i would get him to pick, he would enjoy it much more if it's what he wants. sounds like it's 41 but you never know

This 100%

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Don't saddle him with a watch chosen by a bunch of randos from the interwebs. Take him out for lunch and a shopping trip and make it an event to remember, culminating in him getting sized for a watch he has chosen and will enjoy wearing. The memory and shared experience will be more important to him than the brand, so just take him out for a fun afternoon of watch shopping.

And this ^^^

[Agamemnon]

Like so many here, I recommend the DJ41 which is 39.7mm or so.

[1William]

I would go into a store with some exhibition models and let him try them on. Not just the Date Just but other models also. I have a 7.5-7.75 inch wrist and the 36 does not work for my tastes and the 41 is just ok for me. A SD43 is the one. Check it out.

[worldfamoussam]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

Wouldn't it make the most sense to get him the 36 mm representing the 36 years of his career?

I also have a 7.5" wrist and 36 is fine

I thought of this too and love the symbolism but I have to concur with those above who suggested that his wrist size and preferences lend themselves to the larger model.

To the OP - good on you for doing such a sweet thing for your dad. I hope that he will be thrilled with the watch but can only imagine he'll love the gesture.

[MJZRolex]

Another vote for the 41 since a larger watch seems to be his preference. I'm sure he won't be disappointed.

[boltz]

41 would be nice.

[Calatrava r]

I think your decision for the 41mm is the best choice here. Big congrats to your dad.