DJ 36 or 41?

[lencap]

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.

[socalwatchcollector]

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.

[Psmith]

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

[japenney]

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.

[Beckster]

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...

[offrdmania]

I would go with whichever one fits your wrist better

[Crazy Lugs]

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

[NachoNeal]

I vote for an expensive DJ41 and community college.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

I vote for an expensive DJ41 and community college.

Yup, who needs edukashun anyway?

[htc8p]

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

[lord91]

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.

[icnbne]

7in or above 41
7in or below 36

My opinion

[Brew]

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.

[GST15]

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

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Brew

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.

Agree 100%. The proportions are not the same with the new bigger versions. I prefer the classic proportions of the 36 vs 39 and 41. It’s a small detail, but those details are why we are on forums like this one.
I’d decide what dial you like best on a DJ 36 and go with that on a jubilee. If you really want to cover all the bases, pick up an oyster bracelet as well.
Now may be a good time to take a ride over to the local AD as the word on the street was that Rolex USA has sent their first shipment of post lockdown watches so you may be able to compare a 36, 39 and 41mm on the wrist.

[JSolution]

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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[Dirt]

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
IMHO

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Dirt

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
IMHO

+1. Congrats on the 70th, a major milestone.

[JSolution]

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.

[DG123]

Dj 36 !

[mmaggi]

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.... :)

[abozz]

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!

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[nick800]

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

[1William]

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.

[Ny325]

Dj 36.

[danyvw]

DJ41 is perfect for your wrist size.

[fsprow]

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.

[NeoAnderson]

Dj 36 blue dial red date wheel

[skyblue12]

Originally Posted by NeoAnderson

Dj 36 blue dial red date wheel

I agree.

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[johnorpheus]

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.