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Old 4 February 2024, 07:43 PM   #1
thedane
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Did anyone change their mind regarding DD36 over DD40?

Hi all,

I understand the topic of size of Day-Date 36 vs the size of the DD40 has been discussed numerous times, and preferences vary - but I find the topic fascinating since I am drawn to both sizes. One is considered classic and traditional, the other more current with similar size as the sports Rolex models.

So, I am hoping current and future owners will share their purchase and owner experiences -
Did you choose one size and later regret you did not go with the other size?
Do you ever feel your DD40 is too large or the DD36 too small in diameter?

Finally, a controversial question - would a 38 mm Day-Date be the ideal bridge building release? Updating the size of the 36 mm, but not too drastically?
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Old 4 February 2024, 07:50 PM   #2
jamesbondOO7
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36 or nothing.

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Old 4 February 2024, 10:19 PM   #3
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40 is the only size I'd consider. 36 is too small for my personal taste.
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Old 4 February 2024, 10:31 PM   #4
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This is a debate I'm having. The 36mm is a classic, and the proportions are absolutely PERFECT. The DDII was all wrong and that's why it didn't last.

The DD40 is much, much better than the DDII, and I'd say it's 95% there in terms of proportions, and easier on aging eyes.

Where I go south a bit on the DD40 is dial choice. Very few of the current dials excite me. The blue romans on the WG and the diamond Onyx dial on the YG are my favorites but otherwise meh.

Also, there are a ton of 5 and 6 digit 36MM watches on the secondary market. I could get one of those AND a new TT GMT on Jubilee which I quite fancy for the same or less money than a new DD40.
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Old 4 February 2024, 11:35 PM   #5
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Had a couple DD40, 7 inch wrist. DD36 all the way for me. Most comfortable watches I own and are just right for me.
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Old 5 February 2024, 12:09 AM   #6
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I had a 18238 YG DD 36, moved it for a current YG DD 40, now thinking about going back. They are both awesome, but there is something special about the smaller, classic size. Just can’t decide if I want new or older (118238).
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Old 5 February 2024, 12:20 AM   #7
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When I first got a DD for my 60th, It was yg white roman 36mm, coukd have bought the DD 40, both available for sale (2018). Decided on the .36mm as classic. Loved it and save done $. I was given a discount.

Had for 2 years and after I bought a good daytona, love the extra weight of gold, so traded for a DD40. Then a rose gold and a wg DD40 follow.

I recommend DD40 for the weight, 36mm if you are a classic guy and size works for you visually better. If I got a vintage one 36mm, which I have always liked the idea of a vintage bark finish, I would be comfortable as I am comfortable w watches that are small or larger.

The weight of more gold in a DD40 is a great feel.


I must say people comment “I like your President!” when I wore the 36mm, DD 40 I get “ Beautiful watch!” or “Nice heavy piece you got there!”
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Old 5 February 2024, 12:34 AM   #8
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I also think 38mm is the way to go on this one. Have a 40 but actually prefer 36, but in-between would be perfect.
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Old 5 February 2024, 12:48 AM   #9
1William
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I have a 7.5-7.75 inch wrist and as much as I like the classic 36mm it wear too small for my tastes. I have the DD II and find it perfect for me.
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Old 5 February 2024, 02:22 AM   #10
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I have owned several 36mms and tried on several 40s. The 36 does it for me.........BUT, I have think a 38mm might just be the perfect size.
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Old 5 February 2024, 09:45 PM   #11
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I am facing the same issue for my next DD acquisition.

Currently I have a YG DD36 and a WG DJ36 (with an OEM leather strap) and they both fit well in the classic sense. I have always felt that any smaller these watches would seem small on my 7 inch wrist.

I want my next DD to be the platinum version which I understand will be much heavier than YG. As YG wears "bigger" than Platinum, I am thinking a DD40 in platinum may be the path forward, however, no one seems to have both the DD40 and DD36 in platinum in stock to try on/compare.

My concern is while the DD40 in platinum may look fine from a size perspective, it may be too heavy.

Thoughts/input?
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Old 6 February 2024, 03:04 AM   #12
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if they got rid of the 36mm and made it a 38mm that would be a crime. a 36 and a 38 OK but you always need the original. I personally think the larger ones look out of proportion and are too showy. go with the 36 no questions.
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Old 6 February 2024, 03:27 AM   #13
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36mm is now woman’s size
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Old 6 February 2024, 03:29 AM   #14
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keeping one of both. one 36 and one 40. Both have their place
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Old 6 February 2024, 05:43 AM   #15
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I love my DD40’s and would never go to a 36 DD. I had a DJ 36 but it got absolutely no wrist time so I sold it.
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Old 6 February 2024, 10:12 AM   #16
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36mm is now woman’s size
Always good to get a laugh on the forum.
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Old 6 February 2024, 10:23 AM   #17
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36 too small for my taste. The 40 is just perfect!
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Old 6 February 2024, 10:46 AM   #18
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40mm unless you have a small wrist.
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Old 6 February 2024, 10:50 AM   #19
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Striking a balance, I say 38 is just perfect.

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Old 6 February 2024, 11:00 AM   #20
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40 for me. I have a 7.5” wrist so 36 just seemed far to small


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Old 6 February 2024, 12:00 PM   #21
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Both beautiful but 36MM for me. My wrist is tiny!

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Old 6 February 2024, 12:09 PM   #22
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I own the 40 DD and a 36 OQ DD and I love both. The OQ has a bigger body and the links closer to the body of the watch are wider than the 36 DD but tapers down so it looks larger. 36 DD have been worn by men of all sizes and can work for most but the 40 is a great size too.
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Old 6 February 2024, 03:02 PM   #23
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I moved from 36 to 40 and never looked back.
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Old 6 February 2024, 03:42 PM   #24
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36 all day


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Old 6 February 2024, 03:58 PM   #25
alphadweller
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Depends on wrist size. I've tried 36mm and find it difficult to mentally adjust. You need small wrists to pull it off.
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Old 6 February 2024, 04:35 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1William View Post
I have a 7.5-7.75 inch wrist and as much as I like the classic 36mm it wear too small for my tastes. I have the DD II and find it perfect for me.
Beautiful watch, seldom see a DDII, it seems to be smiling.
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Old 6 February 2024, 10:42 PM   #27
1William
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Beautiful watch, seldom see a DDII, it seems to be smiling.
Thank you.
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Old 6 February 2024, 11:04 PM   #28
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I prefer the 36 but I can pull the 40 off as well, the meteorite 40 is my Rolex grail.
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Old 6 February 2024, 11:13 PM   #29
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I wouldn't say I changed my mind. I still prefer the 40mm to the 36, but in the past few years for whatever reason I'm swinging back towards loving vintage watches and the 36mm is perfectly suitable size and dare I say perhaps has better proportions.

I have a 7" wrist for reference which is important cause I don't think there's wrong or right. The DD40 is very well balanced and sized. I think if you have anything less than a 7" wrist, the DD40 will probably look too big.
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Old 7 February 2024, 12:21 AM   #30
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I owned one a 36 but I think 38 is perfect for me.
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