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Old 17 February 2024, 10:45 PM   #1
ktn387
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Dilema between DJ 36mm and Sub ND as the GADA watch for one watch guy

Hi TRF members,

I have a dilema between DJ 36mm (black dial) and Sub ND as the GADA (go anywhere - do anything) watch. I want to buy and use it as a life time watch.
I'm also a one watch guy.
And luckily, I could buy at retail price.
So, please give me advice and your opinions with thanks.


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Old 17 February 2024, 10:46 PM   #2
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Here are they:




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Old 17 February 2024, 10:49 PM   #3
racerx
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Sub would be my choice. Is an Explorer an option?
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Old 17 February 2024, 10:51 PM   #4
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IMHO either would be suitable. It really comes down to what kind of watch you want to own.

From a wearing perspective, they are night and day. The Submariner will feel like a tank on your wrist compared to the 36DJ (especially if you buy it with a jubilee bracelet)

That said, the Submariner has a bit more to offer in terms of function, with it’s timing bezel and you do get on the fly adjustment with the glidelock.

Hopefully you can try them on to compare.
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Old 17 February 2024, 10:52 PM   #5
ktn387
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Sub would be my choice. Is an Explorer an option?

Thank you!
Exp 1 I've already had one but I didn't think that a keeper for me


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Old 17 February 2024, 10:56 PM   #6
ktn387
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IMHO either would be suitable. It really comes down to what kind of watch you want to own.

From a wearing perspective, they are night and day. The Submariner will feel like a tank on your wrist compared to the 36DJ (especially if you buy it with a jubilee bracelet)

That said, the Submariner has a bit more to offer in terms of function, with it’s timing bezel and you do get on the fly adjustment with the glidelock.

Hopefully you can try them on to compare.

Thank you so much from your wearing perspective opininon


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Old 17 February 2024, 11:02 PM   #7
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The Sub has always been the ideal one and only in my mind.
Either will do the trick but nothing better than a Sub for GADA.
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Old 17 February 2024, 11:03 PM   #8
ktn387
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Size comparison on my wrist:




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Old 17 February 2024, 11:04 PM   #9
ktn387
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The Sub has always been the ideal one and only in my mind.
Either will do the trick but nothing better than a Sub for GADA.

Thank you


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Old 17 February 2024, 11:10 PM   #10
GoGetter5832
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I have both. The sub is 1M percent your GADA. It’s also timeless. That’s my vote
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Old 17 February 2024, 11:12 PM   #11
ktn387
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I have both. The sub is 1M percent your GADA. It’s also timeless. That’s my vote

Sorry I dont understand "1M percent".
Btw thank you


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Old 17 February 2024, 11:16 PM   #12
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If you're a sporty type, I recommend the Sub, otherwise get the DJ.
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Old 17 February 2024, 11:20 PM   #13
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Sub has more functions and has the glidelock. Easy choice for me.
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Old 17 February 2024, 11:27 PM   #14
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sorry i dont understand "1m percent".
Btw thank you


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1 million percent
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Old 17 February 2024, 11:51 PM   #15
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Both are classics and stand out as iconic watches for Rolex. In the pictures above the Submariner looks more proportionate on your wrist. The 36mm DJ looks somewhat small but that could be the camera angle. The Submariner has the glide lock clasp and it is worth the price of admission just in itself. So nice to be able to adjust the fit precisely everyday. I have owned DJ models in the past and while I like them they never seem to stick for me. A Submariner is where I started more than 30 years and will always be. I prefer the ND version as the balance of the dial works so well for me. I currently have a 124060 and could not be happier and I had to choose a one and only that would be it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
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Old 17 February 2024, 11:58 PM   #16
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Subs are too chunky for my liking theses days. Look for a 5 digit sub date!
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Old 18 February 2024, 12:22 AM   #17
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“A one watch guy.” That won’t last long.

My vote would be for the Exp 1 you no longer own, a classic size with sporting intent.

Both of the options you have presented to us are so different. The DJ36 is the classic subtle old-school example while the Sub is modern in size and execution. Personally I think that they are so different that neither shines greater than the other on its own, they can only shine within the context of your daily life which we can’t know. Having said that the objective candidate for a daily driver is the Exp 1 based on classic size, weight, simple understated aesthetics and sporting intent.

Good luck in your decision and don’t spend too much time here or you’ll end up with all three.

Welcome to the forum.
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Old 18 February 2024, 12:28 AM   #18
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I had both.

Id go for 36mm DJ on oyster bracelet. It fits better the role of one watch good for every occasion and attire.
Try also the 41mm DJ on the same config before pulling the trigger.
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Old 18 February 2024, 12:32 AM   #19
ktn387
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Agamemnon View Post
If you're a sporty type, I recommend the Sub, otherwise get the DJ.
Thank you ❤️

Quote:
Originally Posted by S’portEye View Post
Sub has more functions and has the glidelock. Easy choice for me.
Thank you ❤️

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoGetter5832 View Post
1 million percent
Thank you ❤️

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
Both are classics and stand out as iconic watches for Rolex. In the pictures above the Submariner looks more proportionate on your wrist. The 36mm DJ looks somewhat small but that could be the camera angle. The Submariner has the glide lock clasp and it is worth the price of admission just in itself. So nice to be able to adjust the fit precisely everyday. I have owned DJ models in the past and while I like them they never seem to stick for me. A Submariner is where I started more than 30 years and will always be. I prefer the ND version as the balance of the dial works so well for me. I currently have a 124060 and could not be happier and I had to choose a one and only that would be it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Thank you ❤️
I’m now lean on the Sub ND

Quote:
Originally Posted by Watchman001 View Post
Subs are too chunky for my liking theses days. Look for a 5 digit sub date!
Thank you ❤️

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont View Post
“A one watch guy.” That won’t last long.

My vote would be for the Exp 1 you no longer own, a classic size with sporting intent.

Both of the options you have presented to us are so different. The DJ36 is the classic subtle old-school example while the Sub is modern in size and execution. Personally I think that they are so different that neither shines greater than the other on its own, they can only shine within the context of your daily life which we can’t know. Having said that the objective candidate for a daily driver is the Exp 1 based on classic size, weight, simple understated aesthetics and sporting intent.

Good luck in your decision and don’t spend too much time here or you’ll end up with all three.

Welcome to the forum.
Thank you ❤️
The Exp 1 seem boring to me after months
In that price range, I think Sub ND fits me better as the GADA watch
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Old 18 February 2024, 12:37 AM   #20
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Go Sub Date.

The 36 looks too small. I think you will end up like you did with your explorer 1.

Polar Exp II might be good with your skin tone as well.
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Old 18 February 2024, 12:38 AM   #21
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Based on your wrist shots, size-wise, get the Sub. Another option is the same DJ, in 41 mm. It comes down to dressy or sporty? What type of guy are you? If you did not like the Explorer, I’d say you should go with a DJ, but the 41.

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Old 18 February 2024, 12:48 AM   #22
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Sub all day imo


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Old 18 February 2024, 12:58 AM   #23
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I recognise this dilemma, as I was in the exact same predicament back in 2017. Ended up buying the date just and love it to bits, however now finding myself adding a sub date soon.

why? my current go-to is a smp and its just much more versatile (also size wise), and believe the same will be the case for a sub.

Both watches are perfect candidates for a GADA, but I would chose a sub, if I were to make the choice today

*Edit: Based on your pictures, then a 124060 for sure
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Old 18 February 2024, 01:02 AM   #24
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Have a look at oyster perpetual?
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Old 18 February 2024, 01:22 AM   #25
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DJ to me is the better all around watch.
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Old 18 February 2024, 01:53 AM   #26
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Quote:
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I had both.

Id go for 36mm DJ on oyster bracelet. It fits better the role of one watch good for every occasion and attire.
Try also the 41mm DJ on the same config before pulling the trigger.
I agree completely.

The DJ is unequivocally the best "one-watch" option and the more versatile watch. I think Oyster bracelet with silver or white dial would be a great choice. For your wrist size, a DJ41 would look great too
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Old 18 February 2024, 02:46 AM   #27
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I think it’s really a matter of your personal style. Even though people say you can wear the submariner with a suit, or that specific datejust with swim trunks. Personally, I think those two things that I just mentioned look a little bit off. I like that taste to be worn with a polo or anything more formal than that. Conversely, I would wear the submariner with anything less than a suit pretty much.
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Old 18 February 2024, 03:15 AM   #28
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Of those two, I opt for the DJ
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Old 18 February 2024, 03:20 AM   #29
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The Sub shouts Tool Watch, I can take anything! That's what you want in a daily wearer

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Old 18 February 2024, 04:12 AM   #30
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+1 for Sub
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