DJ 36 or 41?
 

Greetings -

I've posted before about a "70th Birthday" watch to mark the occasion. Years ago I bought matching TT DJ models for myself and my wife - 24mm for her, 36mm for me. That was standard Rolex sizing in 1981 when I bought the watches. I didn't consider the 36mm small or large, I just assumed that Rolex knew what it was doing and if they made a 36 as their most popular model, that must be the right size. I gave my DJ to my son on his 21st birthday. My wife continues to wear her DJ daily, and has for nearly 40 years. She doesn't want to update it, feeling the smaller 24mm size fits her perfectly. It's been serviced regularly, and runs and looks fine.

For the big "70" I've considered the Sky Dweller (love the complication and execution, but concerned about size on my 7.25" wrist), the 39mm OP white dial (like the watch, wish they had updated the movement to the 70 hour capacity), and currently own the Tudor Black Bay 58.

My thoughts were to get a White Dialed Rolex to make a two watch collection, but now I'm wondering if that's the best approach. I'm fully retired, and my formal meeting schedule is nearly non-existent. I wear an Apple Watch daily during my long walks (5 miles/day), and find I really don't wear my BB58 all that much. So the idea of having two watches sharing wrist time seems redundant.

I'm now considering getting a single watch as my all around daily/dress/everything watch. The issue now is that Rolex makes the DJ in 36 and 41 sizes - no 39, which seems like the "sweet spot" for me. The newer Maxi case seems to wear a bit larger on the wrist, so the DJ 41 comes pretty close to the Sky Dweller, even though the SD is a bit thicker on the wrist, and weighs nearly a half pound!

So, the first question is if I decide for a single Rolex watch, am I on the right path with the DJ line? Does the Maxi case make a big difference in how the watch feels on the wrist?

Second line of questions - Given my limited use of watches in retirement, should I just keep the BB58 and be done with it? I have both the bracelet and the fabric strap - changing them out over the hot summer months. The watch fits pretty well, but truth be told the lack of micro adjustments in the metal band is a bit of a pain in the summer as my wrist swells in the heat. The BB58 is highly accurate, and even though some don't like the gilt look, for me it's fine. It's not nostalgia for me - I lived through it.

Third - does the two watch collection still have merit? The idea of a simple no date/complication black dial with a useful timing ring (BB58) paired with a OP 39 white dial gives me two complimentary looks - both simple, basic watch dials without distraction. Pairing with the DJ adds the date, which is somewhat useful, and I'm a sucker for the fluted bezel. I'd order with in stainless, Oyster bracelet for the OP, likely Jubilee/Bezel for the DJ. Still having problems deciding on the 41 or 36 size - local ADs don't have stock to compare.

Last point - I can financially afford any of the above solutions, but feel somewhat concerned about being frivolous with finances. I'm concerned about my children and grandchildren, especially the challenge of financing college. Buying a watch won't preclude any of the grandchildren going to college, but it likely will be better used as an investment for their future than for a celebration of a birthday.

Thanks in advance for your comments - I find forum members knowledgeable and friendly - a wonderful combination, especially for confused senior citizens looking for advice.

You will want to go with the 41 sir. Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel is the winner on that watch. It has great wrist presence and very comfortable. I have a hair above 7.5 inch wrist and it does wear a bit smaller compared to my DD 40's. I also have a Sky and it's really not my cup of tea. I have probably worn the Sky twice in the 2 years I have owned it.

The DJ 41 is a very fine piece, however of course any watch pales into insignificance compared to family/education/etc. Personally I would stick with what I had, but good luck with whatever you decide :cheers:

Buy whatever makes you happiest. Don't be concerned about leaving something behind for your family. I say this because you can simply tell them to sell your watch collection after you pass away (if that is what you wish). If its a Rolex they will get most if not all of the money back.

I am 32 and just recently purchased a 36mm Rolex and I feel it is perfect on my 7inch wrist.

As a daily and everyday watch, I’d definitely go with the DJ 36. Very comfortable, easy to wear, tough enough to last a lifetime and just an all around classic that you can’t go wrong with. Decisions, decisions...

I would go with whichever one fits your wrist better

115200- it wears like a 36. Also try on OP34.

I vote for an expensive DJ41 and community college.

Yup, who needs edukashun anyway? :chuckle:

congrats on being 70. the large datejust would be nice and there countless of dials to choose from or you can spend it on travel

You happily wore a 36 for decades, rest assured you can still do that with the new DJ 36.

None of your models of interest have a maxi case. If you're fine with the thickness of the SkyD case, your 7.25" wrist should accomodate it well.

7in or above 41
7in or below 36

My opinion

The kids here all think bigger is better. If you like how your dj looks and feels, then the 36 is the way to go. I think the bezels on the 41s look way too wide.

OP 39 won't give you the adjustment you desire. I think the DJ 41 would be great, BUT........
Now if I were you, for the size, comfort, bezel and no date function, the Daytona is a slam dunk! Go ahead......you deserve it!

Whatever you decide, wear it in good health

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...b698af2743.jpg


Skydweller on a 7 inch wrist. Only photo I could find I’m not currently wearing it. It actually looks bigger on the wrist on this super close up shot.

It wears amazingly, my favourite watch by a mile for the mean time.


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A Skydweller is going to truly be a statement piece on a 7.25" wrist due to the lug to lug length.
A DJ 41 is going to be a very fashionable interpretation of modern tastes:thumbsup:
IMHO:cheers:

I should add - although my wrist size is relatively small, I am quite big in stature which I believe is also a factor of having a large watch - not just wrist size.

Dj 36 !

My advice would be to try any watch on before buying. I also have a 7.25" wrist and my limit is 42mm but it really depends on the watch case & lugs. I've tried on maxi case Rolexes and it's just about at my limit.

A 2 watch collection has plenty of merit as does 3, 4, 5.... :)

A new DateJust TT fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, 41mm would be a big gift for your 7.25 wrist. Is a 70th birthday!!! made it BIG! And keep the other watches. The BB58 for the weekends!

Enviado desde mi SM-G975F mediante Tapatalk

36. I’ve worn almost nothing else since getting it


https://i.imgur.com/JZEcJfM.jpg

I have a 7.5-7.75 in wrist depending on the weather and have owned several DJ II's over the years. It is not a popular watch but fit my wrist well and maybe you should give it a look. Short of that the DJ 41 would be my choice as the size is proportional to your wrist and you have a lot of choices for dials. I would get it on the Jubilee bracelet with the fluted bezel. I also like white for a dial color. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Dj 36.

DJ41 is perfect for your wrist size.

I have 6 3/4 inch wrists, the Sky Dweller fits just fine and I wear it very often. However, I travel internationally (normally) quite often so it may not be as useful for you.

Dj 36 blue dial red date wheel

Hopefully you can go to the AD soon and start doing some trying on. Given your wrist size, I am thinking DJ41 is your best bet of the options you provided. Also, seems like you have been pretty conservative and reasonable with your finances, so I would definitely treat yourself.

I've been a DJ36 wearer for many years and have had several. The size seemed OK for my 6.75" wrist. I also had a GMTII and an EXPII so sizing up in rotation wearing did not seem to be an issue. I was really attracted to the DJ41 when it came out. Long story short I bought one in 2017 and it has become my daily wearer, not to mention now being my one and only Rolex.

36mm

DJ 36mm, SS with blue dial, smooth bezel what a superb combo

41 is my preference.

I have an under 7" wrist so my choice would be the 36 DJ. Classic. If I were you, I'd try on the 36, 41, and also the 39mm OP - you mention you like it but were concerned it's not the new movement. Will it really matter to you if you don't have a 70hr power reserve? The movement will be fine.

I am sure I am in the minority, but if it were me (in your shoes), I'd get rid of the BB58 and any other watches, choose the watch I like most on my wrist and wear it daily - wether it be the DJ 36 or 41, but most likely the OP39 is the sweet spot (or for me personally the OP36), by the way the OPs only come with an Oyster bracelet, there's no choice, but the fact that it's brushed is huge bonus. If you wear the OP39 daily, you don't have to worry about the power reserve. Problem solved. :cheers:

Good luck with your decision... I have thought about it a lot lately myself and I think I am leaning towards the 36 OP over the 36 DJ - to me the DJ is really nice, but too much flash for an everyday wear for my tastes. The OP is almost perfect, the only thing I don't like is the slightly fatter lugs vs the newer DJs, but when I went to the AD to try both on, it's not nearly as pronounced as it is in photos. When you compare to the DJ, you can see that the DJ's lugs are slimmer though. It's the one thing really holding me back from making a decision... but when I do, it will likely be the only watch I really need and I probably would get rid of all my others. Maybe keep something dressy for the few times I wear a suit.

By the way - your screen name - lencap - I have seen it before on other forums. Maybe photo forums?

Don’t worry about having more than one watch. If the Tudor 58 completely did it for you, you wouldn’t be considering adding a Rolex. It seems you miss having one.

It’s very noble you to want to help your grandkids, but I doubt $8K will be the difference in whether they will go to college or not. Besides, their dad (your son) can help considering they are his kids and he was gifted an awesome Rolex by his dad (you).

Now to the watch. If you are convinced you are going white dial, the OP39 is great choice in value and appearance. Simple. Elegant. Timeless. No debating the size.

If you want a date —- I’d try on a 36 and a 41 at your local AD. Given your wrist size, either will work with you. I think once you see them on the wrist, you’ll know. Go jubilee on the bracelet.

Good luck!

I personally feel the DJ36 is perfect, have you tried both on?

This.

I love the 36 and fits perfectly on my 6.5" wrist but on 7.25" I'd def go with the 41.

DJ36 blue fits my 6.75 inch wrist perfect. In terms of proportion, here is 36 against cousins.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...9f0415b1_c.jpg

I got 7.25” wrists and I honestly think 36 fits better than 41.


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The 36mm is perfection. The 41mm is an ever evolving experiment.

Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions, but I'm still not sure what I'll do.

I still haven't been able to try any of the watches on that I'm interested in - there's no inventory, but I'm told that next week Rolex expects to reopen and ship some product. I love the idea of the Sky Dweller, but $15K+ for a watch, especially one that weighs over half a pound seems a bit challenging, both physically and mentally.

The Daytona is a possibility, but I owned a SpeedMaster Pro, and didn't really like the way it fit, or the "busy" face. It's considered a classic design, but the lack of being really waterproof made it less useful for me than I had expected. I had the Seamaster as well, enjoyed both, but they weren't "The Ones". The Daytona in steel is priced at levels that make no sense to me, and combined with my less than in love feeling for the Speedy, I'll likely pass.

As I consider my options now, on the one hand the Tudor BB58 is a fine watch, fits me well, and I have both the Tudor bracelet and fabric straps to change the look.

On the other hand I've missed my Rolex DJ since giving it to my son (I don't regret that for a minute - just miss the overall "vibe" of the 36mm DJ). When I bought that watch I was "on the way up" in my career, and having a Rolex was an accessory that signaled that you were "part of the club". Sorry to be so crass, but back in the early 1980s in the finance field that's just the way it was.

In addition to the BB58 I also have a Seiko Presage Shippo dial watch that I've worn only a few times. The dial is elegant and unique, but I never really bonded with the watch. The formal strap makes it less of an everyday watch as well. I'm also a "numbers guy" and the idea of a movement with +/- 2 second/day accuracy appeals to me. The Seiko is a good watch, and may reach that timing mark when properly calibrated, but it's still not a true high end design.

Since I'm thinking about creating a higher end two watch collection I'm wondering - WHY? Why do I need two watches if almost all of my days are casual, and I've no real need for a high end watch, let alone two of them? I haven't got a good answer.

So, I'm wondering if getting a Rolex as a single watch is the best choice in the long run. That would let me wear and enjoy one watch, just like I did with the 36mm TT DJ all those years ago. Back then I never thought about adding a watch to my "collection". I didn't consider myself a collector then (nor do I now), it was just an accessory that was needed for the work environment that I was in.

The 36mm size still appeals, even with the move to larger size cases. I remember "Mr. T" wearing a 36mm Rolex in an ad back in the day - at 5'10" and 230 pounds of muscle not many people would suggest that a 36mm on his wrist looked too small!

So, if I go 36mm the DJ in steel with Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel may be the best option, BUT they don't offer it with a pure white dial with markets instead of numbers! The 39 OP has the white dial I like, but they haven't updated the calibre to the 70 hour reserve. If I do make the move I want to make one final purchase and be done with it. So far, it seems whether I go 36mm or 39mm in size there will still be some compromise.

Maybe the thing to do is nothing for now, and wait until Rolex offers a 36mm white stick dial, or updates the 39 OP movement.

Final point - my AD is a really good guy. He went out of his way to get me the BB58 when that watch was as hard to get as a steel Rolex is today. For that reason I'd likely offer to trade my watches back to him - both the BB58 and the Shippo. I realize I'd take a bit of a hit compared to selling privately, but I appreciate the effort he made to get what I wanted when no other dealer would even consider it.

So, if I do nothing for a bit, maybe I can get on the wait list for either the 36DJ or the 39OP, and it may arrive before my birthday in the early Fall.

Any thoughts are welcome, and thanks again for the help.