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Old 20 April 2014, 08:25 AM   #1
patrickjb
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Rolex Rookie can't pull the trigger....

Hello All,

I've been viewing this board for quite some time now, just created an account recently as I've decided I'm going to purchase my first Rolex! First, I'd like to say congratulations on all of your collections, they are quite nice and show a wide variety of tastes globally.

I walked into my AD today, with the Explorer II in mind for my first purchase. I think it's an extremely versatile watch, and love the fact that you very rarely see one in the wild. Unfortunately, once I put it on... all of the lust that I've felt for that beauty went away. It just didn't look right while sitting on my wrist, oh well - on to the next.

The next watch the AD pulled out was a Submariner, lovely timepiece - but not for me (although it looked better on the wrist). I'm trying to go against the grain here.

Finally, the AD pulled out the Datejust in white, blue, and black. I put it on, and found it absolutely perfect looking in blue and black.

My question is, to all of you horological savants is: how versatile is this watch? Would it look normal with jeans, t-shirt etc.?

I started to get cold feet once the AD started talking about people in client facing roles (I work in technology, and sit behind a computer for 10 hours a day). It also isn't as sporty as the Explorer II, Sub and the others.

Maybe I just have cold feet, maybe I'm just confused, probably both - I'd appreciate any input you can provide, thanks in advance!
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Old 20 April 2014, 08:30 AM   #2
James K
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The watch should be a reflection of you, not your profession. Usually the "right one" calls to you and you're drawn to it. If the DJ gives you those feelings then perhaps it's the right one for you.
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:56 AM   #3
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Quote:
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The watch should be a reflection of you, not your profession. Usually the "right one" calls to you and you're drawn to it. If the DJ gives you those feelings then perhaps it's the right one for you.
This is a great answer. Take you're time. Eventually one will stand out.
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Old 20 April 2014, 08:31 AM   #4
Tridor
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The Datejust is one of the most versatile watches out there. It can be dressed up or down as necessary, and always looks like it belongs. Did you look at a TT Datejust or a SS? The TT is a bit dressier than the SS, but either one looks great with jeans or a tux. I love mine.
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:58 AM   #5
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the datejust is one of the most versatile watches out there. It can be dressed up or down as necessary, and always looks like it belongs. Did you look at a tt datejust or a ss? The tt is a bit dressier than the ss, but either one looks great with jeans or a tux. I love mine.
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Old 20 April 2014, 11:03 AM   #6
520Matt
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Blue stick, with
Fluted bezel is the one you should get
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Old 20 April 2014, 08:47 AM   #7
goog53
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I'd recommend SS DJ2 with blue Roman numeral or stick dial with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet.
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Old 21 April 2014, 06:10 AM   #8
nickb732
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I'd recommend SS DJ2 with blue Roman numeral or stick dial with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet.
same, except smooth bezel and oyster bracelet.
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Old 20 April 2014, 08:48 AM   #9
mjclark32
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The datejust goes with anything anywhere, great choice
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:03 AM   #10
AboutTime
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The Datejust is always a great choice! And ...there are many Datejust configurations to consider since the watch offers two case sizes (36 mm DJ or 41 mm DJ II), different material choices (stainless steel or stainless steel and gold), two bezel styles (fluted or smooth), two bracelet styles for the 36 mm DJ (oyster or jubilee), and many dial color/style choices. Take a look at the Rolex.com website and ask to see your Rolex dealer's catalog.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:06 AM   #11
mike
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As stated you can't go wrong with the DJ. Pick the combo you like and go for it.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:10 AM   #12
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The datejust goes with anything anywhere, great choice
Have to agree with MJ... DJ would go with anything from a bathing suit to jeans and a t shirt all the way up to a nice suit. Welcome to TRF, really great bunch here!
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Old 20 April 2014, 08:56 AM   #13
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DJ is a great watch albeit one of the most common I see in the wild. Saw 3 on my flight back from Atlanta this week, yet each one was different. A woman's with MOP diamond dial in TT with a jubilee bracelet, a men's blue dial with Arabic numbers and oyster bracelet and a men's silver dial with stick markers, fluted bezel and oyster bracelet. So many configuration options that it can be customized to your taste. Great first Rolex IMHO.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:12 AM   #14
Wesley Crusher
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The Datejust can be dressed up or down very easily. Whether you are in a suit and tie or shorts and sandals, the Datejust always looks nice.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:14 AM   #15
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Depends on bezel choice, etc. Also, check out the milgauss.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:21 AM   #16
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DJ is a great looking watch with anything at all. Pull the trigger. You won't regret it.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:24 AM   #17
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Try the smaller, previous Explorer II (16570). Smaller on the wrist and easier on the wrist, too, if you are typing all day.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:33 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickjb View Post
Finally, the AD pulled out the Datejust in white, blue, and black. I put it on, and found it absolutely perfect looking in blue and black.

My question is, to all of you horological savants is: how versatile is this watch? Would it look normal with jeans, t-shirt etc.?

I started to get cold feet once the AD started talking about people in client facing roles (I work in technology, and sit behind a computer for 10 hours a day). It also isn't as sporty as the Explorer II, Sub and the others.
Given that you
  • were drawn initially to the Explorer II (with its orange accents)
  • liked the dark-dialed Datejusts
  • are looking for something that can dress up or down
  • are "trying to go against the grain"
I recommend trying the 116400 black dial Milgauss with the clear (non-GV) crystal. You never see them out in the wild (unlike Subs and Datejusts). It also sounds like the black dial variation is going away, having disappeared from the latest edition of Master Catalog.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:39 AM   #19
Angrypuppy
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Maybe the Explorer 1.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:41 AM   #20
Hairdude1
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You can't go wrong with a DJ II! Happy hunting
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:42 AM   #21
joe100
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The DJ is a classic choice.
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Old 20 April 2014, 09:43 AM   #22
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I'm wearing the black dial 42mm explorer II. Looks great on the wrist, can wear for all occasions. Stealthy. My next will be the 36mm DJ II TT jubilee, white stick dial. An absolute classic!
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:00 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickjb View Post
I started to get cold feet once the AD started talking about people in client facing roles (I work in technology, and sit behind a computer for 10 hours a day). It also isn't as sporty as the Explorer II, Sub and the others.



Maybe I just have cold feet, maybe I'm just confused, probably both - I'd appreciate any input you can provide, thanks in advance!
There's another thread that's become massive which deals with occupations of Rolex owners.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=42184

I wouldn't worry about your day job, it's what you do at night that counts anyway.

Have fun with the choice. I don't think you can go wrong either way. And a DJ is a great choice. You could always test the waters by going vintage and spending 1/3 or less on one from the 70's or 80's. Then you can get your next one sooner!
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:00 AM   #24
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When it comes to the DJ, consider bezel, bracelet and dials. They can be mixed to achieve that proper balance between casual and dress. Try on as many as you can, most AD's have several on display.

Also try on the Explorer I, considered by many, myself included, one the most versatile watches in the Rolex line. Finally, the Oyster Perpetual, 116000, a beautiful, simple timepiece that goes with anything.

Take your time, try on lots of watches, they're not going anywhere.
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:04 AM   #25
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Hi,

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Datejust. A Datejust was my first Rolex, and I still have one in my collection today. They are versatile, can go anywhere, they look appropriate in almost any situation, and being Oysters are as tough and reliable as you could possibly want in day-to-day life.
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:09 AM   #26
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Hi welcome to the forum. Funny thing, I visited 2 AD's here in Boston today as well. I already have a gmt ii c and was fully intending to buy a no-date sub to add the collection. Once I tried it on it really didn't sing to me like I thought it would. I also tried on a black dial Explorer II it was just too large for me. Anyway I digress. As others have said the Date Just is probably the most versatile watch Rolex makes. You can wear it with a suit or sweat pants. If you like it I say go for it. Don't listen to the sales people one attempted to school me on the virtues of 904 steel today. They don't know what their talking about (generally).
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:13 AM   #27
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DJ2 blue dial is a stunning watch and the one for you. If you want it a little more dressy and classical go fluted otherwise smooth bezel for more sporty.
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:16 AM   #28
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Just pick the one that you don't want to take off your wrist. The DJ is fine on any occasion.
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Old 20 April 2014, 11:13 AM   #29
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Icon6 The DJ or DJ2 is a good choice

The DJ (tt Thunderbird) was also my first auto Rolex. Still have it after 24 years. However, I recommend you look at the other models, try them on and one (or two) will sing to you.
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Old 20 April 2014, 10:20 AM   #30
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Pull . . .

Good luck in your choice

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