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

[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?

[Carew]

36 old school take him with you and try them on.. tell him they are for you and then ask him to put them on so you can see the difference!

[BraveBold]

DJ41

I like 36mm watches but given everything you wrote, DJ41

[Skully]

Dj41

[bjdub]

I think taking his preferences into account, you gotta go with 41...

Of course he will appreciate the extraordinarily thoughtful gesture regardless, but try to focus solely on which watch will maximize his enjoyment as opposed to what you think he should add to his collection. Especially since this is likely the only Rolex he will ever own.

Congrats to your dad

[worldofoyster]

41 with fluted bezel

[Osmin]

Go with DJ41. Especially if he has big wrists.
I wear mine and it feels more like 39-40mm

[Lightsped]

Any DJ would be a great awesome gift. If he prefers larger watches, get him a DJ41. Maybe the larger watches are easier for him to see??

[Jackie Daytona]

I’m going 41. Especially if his preference is sports watches. The 41 really helps land it somewhere feeling like a perfectly balanced sport watch that is on the dressy side.

[Scott TX]

Fluted, jubilee, blue face. Let him pick which looks best on his wrist.

[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

[JRell]

Wrist size alone, no brainer 41

[Law52]

If the budget allows it, a TT, YG, Fluted Bezel, Jubilee with a Black Dial. It’s classic, dressy and shows one who has been successful in life.

[Recaro18]

7.5" wrists, DJ41 for sure!

[gnardex]

41 for sure: if his collection is all in the 40’s range,
This means he prefers this size!

[MichelleP]

If he prefers a larger watch, go with 41mm. I'd get fluted with jubilee though.

[jb335]

He has a big wrist and is used to 40mm+ watches, clearly you should get him the 41. It will be much more in his comfort zone. This is a no-brainer.

And I love 36mm watches


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[KatGirl]

If his preference is toward toolish type watches, may I suggest the 40 mm Explorer, instead? It would match his style preference, and still look great, with a sports coat and tie. Also, I think it’s a very special thing you are doing for your Dad. So, kudos to you!

Kat


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[Max7857]

I have a DJ 41 and most of my watches are 40+. That being said my son who is larger than me prefers the 36 and owns a DJ 36. When I wear his watch I must admit it is quite nice and I would have no problem owning one. Also one day when your father passes the watch will probably return to you. You should have something you enjoy wearing to honor his memory.

[Max7857]

I have a DJ 41 and most of my watches are 40+. That being said my son who is larger than me prefers the 36 and owns a DJ 36. When I wear his watch I must admit it is quite nice and I would have no problem owning one. Also one day when your father passes the watch will probably return to you. You should have something you enjoy wearing to honor his memory.

[Barada7]

The 36mm exudes elegance. It will be as relevant in 30 years as it was 30 years ago.

[77T]

Get the 41…


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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Max7857

I have a DJ 41 and most of my watches are 40+. That being said my son who is larger than me prefers the 36 and owns a DJ 36. When I wear his watch I must admit it is quite nice and I would have no problem owning one. Also one day when your father passes the watch will probably return to you. You should have something you enjoy wearing to honor his memory.

What an odd comment! His Dad is retiring! Let’s not put him in the ground just yet, O. K. ? Also, who gives a gift, hoping it will come back to them someday? My goodness!

Kat


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[Nik00]

DJ41 will do the job.

[TimeAZ]

Well, you could ask him, without directly informing him that you are buying a Rolex specifically. Just mention you want to gift him a watch and does have a preference about size. Do not even mention the sizes (36 vs 41), let him say what size he likes "smaller classic watch, larger sporty watch", etc.

For 7.5 inch wrist, IMO the DJ41 is the better watch.

Personally if I were in the position to buy my father a nice watch like this I would buy him a DJ41, on jubilee, with smooth bezel or fluted bezel, and the Wimbledon dial. A perfect match for him.

[subprimero]

I think that the 41 would be a safer choice, since he prefers larger watches. Go fluted with the Jubilee.

[cdm765]

Either is great.

You’re a good son! I hope my 2 year old grows up and pursues a hobby he loves.

[Yep]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

What an odd comment! His Dad is retiring! Let’s not put him in the ground just yet, O. K. ? Also, who gives a gift, hoping it will come back to them someday? My goodness!

Kat


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[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

[Max7857]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

What an odd comment! His Dad is retiring! Let’s not put him in the ground just yet, O. K. ? Also, who gives a gift, hoping it will come back to them someday? My goodness!

Kat


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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.