Apples and oranges...

[mitadoc]

Hi there. Bit of torn between these two.
I know they are different,but not so .

Explorer - classic design, my preferred size, iconic dial and hands, great and secure clasp , no date function, edgy bracelet.

DJ - same size, black dial again, more comfortable bracelet design ( IMHO) , inferior clasp with no double security , but a date function which is very welcome, same WR,same size , same crown( is it?).

I believe both watches could be worn in same occasions ,however DJ is more versatile due to date ( kind of answering myself of the abovementioned ).

Price is almost the same (5150 and 5800 GBP).

What would you go for and why?
My intention is only one Rolex. Period.

Not sure if waiting times are similar. I sent an email to WOS for more information regarding these two.

Have a great day.
Dimi

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[samson66]

Datejust. A few reasons. It has a DATE. Trust me when I say if you only have one it should have a date function. The jubilee bracelet is beautiful and more importantly is is probably the most comfortable bracelet Rolex offers. It also works better in dressier situations than the utilitarian Explorer. It also dresses down just fine since you are not going for the fluted bezel.

p.s. I've never had an issue with the "inferior" clasp. Works perfectly.

[Widows Son]

Wow, that's a tough one. Can't go wrong with either. For me the only difference would be the date feature. If you're still working, having a date is helpful. But, the Explorer MAY retain it's value better. As for the bracelet, the oyster is very comfortable, I have them on my Date and Airking.

[Oyster Sauce]

My head says DJ -- having a date function really is convenient, and the DJ works well in so many situations.

My heart says Exp -- it is just plain cool! Best wishes

[Longhorn]

I reference the date on my watch way more than I'd expect. I noticed this when I went through a period of not having any watches with the date on it. Particularly at the bank or signing any documents. Like stated above, the DJ shown can dress down to the level of the Explorer more than the Explorer can dress up to the level of DJ for dressier occasions. That's just a banger of a piece. I like it, and am considering it for myself now!

[Oxfordian]

A one watch, DateJust, more adaptable.

The DJ can do everything that the Explorer can do plus a hell of a lot more.

[GreatScott]

Plus the DJ is man sized. Better lume on the explorer though.

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[Cambo]

Originally Posted by samson66

Datejust. A few reasons. It has a DATE. Trust me when I say if you only have one it should have a date function. The jubilee bracelet is beautiful and more importantly is is probably the most comfortable bracelet Rolex offers. It also works better in dressier situations than the utilitarian Explorer. It also dresses down just fine since you are not going for the fluted bezel.

p.s. I've never had an issue with the "inferior" clasp. Works perfectly.

This^^^

[Benzsiam]

DateJust with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet can be one watch for all occasion.

[StillTrying]

DJ.
You need the date much more than you think.


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[zewill]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

DateJust with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet can be one watch for all occasion.

He’s not asking about the DJ with fluted though.I would also say DJ, smooth,with jubilee - not the most seen combo (good!) but it looks great indeed date helps a lot. I agree, the bracelet Is inferior to pro models. EZ link helps when it’s hot but never managed to dial the fit. Regular fit is great, ez link makes it too big when hot. Other option is to have open ez link fit great when hot but then watch is slightly too small when ez link is closed.
I think Rolex cheaped out here, new DJ definitely should have gotten pro bracelet. They just wanted to segment their offering, at the expense of their users. Bad decision.

[jswing]

I'd get the Explorer. I'm biased, because I have an old one and am waiting for a new one, and I prefer no date/cyclops. The DJ is very nice though. I have considered one myself, although if I bought one I'd get a fluted bezel for the full DJ effect.

[DC116710LN]

I prefer the classic utilitarian aesthetic of the Explorer. It has subtle uniquely Rolex elements and can be easily worn on a bracelet or a strap. I have mostly time only pieces and personally am not often in need of date functionality, but if that's a significant issue for you then the Datejust is also a great choice. Let us know what you decide

[Yas.2k]

DJ looks better imo

[Arid]

I happen to have both in their 5 digit counterparts and I’m wearing the DJ a lot more than my 114270. The jubilee bracelet is super comfortable.

[t60]

I had an Explorer and sold it for a DJ. Date was absolutely necessary.

[AF_Rob]

If you’re always going to wear it, go DJ. It’s nice having a date function.

I’ve had a 5 digit Explorer and a 4 digit DJ and wore the DJ a lot more.

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[IamJacky]

This is a tough one but I think I will go for the Datejust because 1. the Date function 2. it is more versatile matching with different attire compared to the Explorer in my opinion 3. you can change bracelet/strap on the Datejust and have a complete different aesthetic to it.

[Tikandtokalot]

Explorer hands down much less bling and more tool.
Don't like the hassle of date setting or cyclops.
Watch for time
Calendar for date

[dannyp]

The 36mm Explorer is my all-time favorite Rolex. So it gets my vote. And my wrist. Love the current one and a big fan of the 114270 (and prior versions), too.

Objectively, I prefer the brushed case/bracelet and flip-lock clasp. I'm also partial to the more angular bezel. I've just learned to live without the date and it's been fine (though, with the Arabic 3-6-9, the "date window" is right once a month).

The two will also wear differently since the DJ still has a 20mm inter-lug width while the Explorer went down to 19. I understand that some find the taper too much, and therefore the bracelet to narrow, but I think it overall improves the wrist presence of the watch itself.

Try and see both in-person. None of the objective differences would be enough to get me to go against my gut instinct, though.

[bp1000]

Very tough and not seen this comparison before

Explorer

Everything from the subtle brush work to the simple dial and lack of bling and cyclops. It’s a very classic watch, has a lot of character, still feels like a tool watch, a solid wear.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by bp1000

Very tough and not seen this comparison before

Explorer

Everything from the subtle brush work to the simple dial and lack of bling and cyclops. It’s a very classic watch, has a lot of character, still feels like a tool watch, a solid wear.

Well said. I agree.

[mitadoc]

Not easy. I am more drawn to DJ36 ,tbh.

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[jswing]

Originally Posted by mitadoc

Not easy. I am more drawn to DJ36 ,tbh.

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There's your answer.

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[bremersm]

I was in the same boat as you regarding only one Rolex. I went with the Explorer 214270 and couldn't be happier.

[Scotboy]

It’s really down to how you feel when trying both on, which you should certainly try to do.

My personal preference is the DJ but then that’s probably because I have two DJ41s! The smooth bezel can be casual or dressy so really is a watch for all occasions. If you chose an oyster bracelet on the DJ it gets closer IMO to the look of the Explorer too. And the date is definitely handy!

[Yobber76]

Went thru this same process 3 plus years ago.
Datejust 41 for me. Part of this was the date function and part was having a watch that could work as both a dress and a casual watch. I went smooth bezel and oyster bracelet.
If i were to buy now, I would go fluted and jubilee, since I now have a SubC/date and a BLNR. Good luck with your quest.

[LA_LEC]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

A one watch, DateJust, more adaptable.

The DJ can do everything that the Explorer can do plus a hell of a lot more.

Really?

So the addition of the date function constitutes "a hell of a lot more"?

[J-rob]

I’d go DJ. For the 36, my favorite combo is smooth with jubilee.

[LA_LEC]

Originally Posted by bremersm

I was in the same boat as you regarding only one Rolex. I went with the Explorer 214270 and couldn't be happier.

I came to the same conclusion and agree that the 39mm Explorer is simply perfect - IMHO.