Datejust 41: Chromalight (stick) vs Diamond dial

[Mandalorian]

Bit of a follow up to an earlier post. As I'm a newbie, I can't reply to that threat.

I'm purchasing a new Datejust 41: two-tone oystersteel and yellow gold, jubilee bracelet, fluted bezel, and black dial. I've seen and tried on multiple color combinations in store and this was just the "one" for me. It spoke to me.

The question is stick dial, the main feature being chromalight or diamond dial. I love the look of the diamond, but the chromalight seems like an incredibly useful feature.

This is going to be an everyday, almost 24/7 watch for me, so I can see a lot of versatility value of having the glow, but at the same time I love the diamond look. Price difference isn't an issue. Because I'll be utilizing it so much I'm not concerned about the bump.

In my last thread another poster said lifestyle info would be helpful, so here goes: Late 20s, work in management research/consulting in NJ. Watch will be worn in both work and casual settings. Work is (was at least pre-zoom) usually nice business casual, not a suit everyday but some days. I typically dress sort of "preppy" I guess, not much black usually pastels and lighter colors Pretty active, but have a Garmin GPS for running/biking, and don't have any nautical or diving pursuits.

Thanks!

Again I would have posted links to help y'all out, but the low post rules are killing me.

[MikeHendrick1978]

I like the Chromalight.....i just prefer lume over diamonds.....It is very striking....

[JRell]

If you like the diamonds get the diamonds. You will enjoy them much more than you use your lume. If you really need to see the time in the dark, with no light, you can use your phone. Send pics when you get! Great looking watch. I should add, I like the sticks better, not a huge diamond fan, but those that are love them. Go with what you want.

[MikeHendrick1978]

Diamond's seem to be more flashy....as a 42 year old myself, I had thought it would be neat to have diamonds when i was your age, but the older I get, the more understated i want to be and am buying something like that.

[Jack T]

You seem to like them, but I am not a fan of diamonds on a men’s watch under any circumstances. On a ring, yes, or perhaps a bracelet, but a watch, no.

[vh2k]

If this is a daily wearer, it has to work for business and pleasure. Are you dead set against Roman numerals? Romans can add formality and class without the flash and pretentiousness that diamonds can have. Diamond watches in front of clients isn’t a good look when you are young(er). Sticks or romans will allow the watch to “match” many more social situations.

All that being said, if your brain is telling you “I like the diamond dial” — get it.

[Eacast]

like both but personally i will opt for the chromalight, really usefull in low light and extrema darkness

[khofman]

Originally Posted by MikeHendrick1978

Diamond's seem to be more flashy....as a 42 year old myself, I had thought it would be neat to have diamonds when i was your age, but the older I get, the more understated i want to be and am buying something like that.

Practically also comes with age so think about what you really want - luxury timepiece or jewelry. If truly wearing 24/7 for years, I suspect you’ll grow to regret not having lume.

Case in point my brother in law got the same DJ you’ve described with Diamonds for an everyday watch. Now he wants an OP41 because “it’s a more practical daily driver”

Just be true to what YOU really want, chances are this won’t be you’re last watch anyway lol


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[Lamontsanders]

Get the sticks. You'll regret the diamonds in the middle of the night when you want to quickly see what time it is...and you have to dig out your phone instead of looking at your watch.

[UK_]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

Bit of a follow up to an earlier post. As I'm a newbie, I can't reply to that threat.

I'm purchasing a new Datejust 41: two-tone oystersteel and yellow gold, jubilee bracelet, fluted bezel, and black dial. I've seen and tried on multiple color combinations in store and this was just the "one" for me. It spoke to me.

The question is stick dial, the main feature being chromalight or diamond dial. I love the look of the diamond, but the chromalight seems like an incredibly useful feature.

This is going to be an everyday, almost 24/7 watch for me, so I can see a lot of versatility value of having the glow, but at the same time I love the diamond look. Price difference isn't an issue. Because I'll be utilizing it so much I'm not concerned about the bump.

In my last thread another poster said lifestyle info would be helpful, so here goes: Late 20s, work in management research/consulting in NJ. Watch will be worn in both work and casual settings. Work is (was at least pre-zoom) usually nice business casual, not a suit everyday but some days. I typically dress sort of "preppy" I guess, not much black usually pastels and lighter colors Pretty active, but have a Garmin GPS for running/biking, and don't have any nautical or diving pursuits.

Thanks!

Again I would have posted links to help y'all out, but the low post rules are killing me.

You get what you like obviously, but I really don’t like diamonds on a mans watch, and don’t think it’s a good look in front of clients for obvious reasons. But then again I am not a fan of two tone watches.

But, as good a lume looks in the dark after you have been somewhere light, I can honestly say I hardly ever use it to tell the time. 99% of the time you will be looking at your dial, it will be light. When it’s dark you have your phone.....!


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[Mandalorian]

Originally Posted by vh2k

If this is a daily wearer, it has to work for business and pleasure. Are you dead set against Roman numerals? Romans can add formality and class without the flash and pretentiousness that diamonds can have. Diamond watches in front of clients isn’t a good look when you are young(er). Sticks or romans will allow the watch to “match” many more social situations.

All that being said, if your brain is telling you “I like the diamond dial” — get it.

Roman numerals don't have full lume so I'd be getting neither diamonds nor full lume.

[NDAzone]

Diamonds. If you’re getting a Rolex, get the features that make it special. Buy a Timex for nighttime readability.

[huncho]

rolex diamond dials are really nice if it's your thing (i'm pro diamonds). you seemed to like it so i would go with that dial

i've also never needed lume. if i'm out at night i'll just use my phone to check the time

[cuibono]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

Bit of a follow up to an earlier post. As I'm a newbie, I can't reply to that threat.



I'm purchasing a new Datejust 41: two-tone oystersteel and yellow gold, jubilee bracelet, fluted bezel, and black dial. I've seen and tried on multiple color combinations in store and this was just the "one" for me. It spoke to me.



The question is stick dial, the main feature being chromalight or diamond dial. I love the look of the diamond, but the chromalight seems like an incredibly useful feature.



This is going to be an everyday, almost 24/7 watch for me, so I can see a lot of versatility value of having the glow, but at the same time I love the diamond look. Price difference isn't an issue. Because I'll be utilizing it so much I'm not concerned about the bump.



In my last thread another poster said lifestyle info would be helpful, so here goes: Late 20s, work in management research/consulting in NJ. Watch will be worn in both work and casual settings. Work is (was at least pre-zoom) usually nice business casual, not a suit everyday but some days. I typically dress sort of "preppy" I guess, not much black usually pastels and lighter colors Pretty active, but have a Garmin GPS for running/biking, and don't have any nautical or diving pursuits.



Thanks!



Again I would have posted links to help y'all out, but the low post rules are killing me.

Prefer the lume BUT if the diamonds were baguettes I'd pick the diamonds.

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[vh2k]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

Roman numerals don't have full lume so I'd be getting neither diamonds nor full lume.

Luminescent hands/indexes won’t be something you will ever use. However, you will look at the dial in the light 99.99% of the time. Choose the dial that LOOKS the best to you.

[teabags001]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

Bit of a follow up to an earlier post. As I'm a newbie, I can't reply to that threat.

I'm purchasing a new Datejust 41: two-tone oystersteel and yellow gold, jubilee bracelet, fluted bezel, and black dial. I've seen and tried on multiple color combinations in store and this was just the "one" for me. It spoke to me.

The question is stick dial, the main feature being chromalight or diamond dial. I love the look of the diamond, but the chromalight seems like an incredibly useful feature.

This is going to be an everyday, almost 24/7 watch for me, so I can see a lot of versatility value of having the glow, but at the same time I love the diamond look. Price difference isn't an issue. Because I'll be utilizing it so much I'm not concerned about the bump.

In my last thread another poster said lifestyle info would be helpful, so here goes: Late 20s, work in management research/consulting in NJ. Watch will be worn in both work and casual settings. Work is (was at least pre-zoom) usually nice business casual, not a suit everyday but some days. I typically dress sort of "preppy" I guess, not much black usually pastels and lighter colors Pretty active, but have a Garmin GPS for running/biking, and don't have any nautical or diving pursuits.

Thanks!

Again I would have posted links to help y'all out, but the low post rules are killing me.

Honestly and I’m going to get those hate responses but I’m telling you the truth. The Lume on Rolex is not all that great. And I feel on the DJ it’s not good at all. Yes I owned a DJ41 with sticks for 8 months and it was underwhelming. Even had the fluted and jubilee with black dial. I own 2 DJ41 diamond dials. For an everyday wearer I would suggest looking at the white gold and SS as it’s a little more versatile.





The sports models are better because the Lume plots are round so they have more Lume in a small space. The sticks are long and thin so I could rarely see any Lume after 30 mins. The Lume becomes very faint. You can barely see it unless you give your eyes about a minute to adjust. You won’t ever use the Lume in the middle of the night. You will check your phone.

I prefer the diamond dials as it makes the watch a little more interesting if anything and opens up the dial. Save the Lume for your sports watches. You will have plenty.


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[kearez]

Indexes would be my choice. Your DJ will already be more flashy due to the jubilee and TT. Also the lume on DJ isnt that great at all.

As others have mentioned if diamonds are calling your name get diamonds. Also tried any other dial variation? White with indexes?

[Mandalorian]

Originally Posted by teabags001

Honestly and I’m going to get those hate responses but I’m telling you the truth. The Lume on Rolex is not all that great. And I feel on the DJ it’s not good at all. Yes I owned a DJ41 with sticks for 8 months and it was underwhelming. Even had the fluted and jubilee with black dial. I own 2 DJ41 diamond dials. For an everyday wearer I would suggest looking at the white gold and SS as it’s a little more versatile.




The sports models are better because the Lume plots are round so they have more Lume in a small space. The sticks are long and thin so I could rarely see any Lume after 30 mins. The Lume becomes very faint. You can barely see it unless you give your eyes about a minute to adjust. You won’t ever use the Lume in the middle of the night. You will check your phone.

I prefer the diamond dials as it makes the watch a little more interesting if anything and opens up the dial. Save the Lume for your sports watches. You will have plenty.

Wow thanks! Fantastic advice. I was leaning stick, but honestly may need to reconsider diamond given this advice. I wouldn't probably be using it in pitch-black conditions, but it's really nice for dim settings like movie theaters, dark restaurants, unloading in the garage, etc.

Originally Posted by kearez

Indexes would be my choice. Your DJ will already be more flashy due to the jubilee and TT. Also the lume on DJ isnt that great at all.

As others have mentioned if diamonds are calling your name get diamonds. Also tried any other dial variation? White with indexes?

Looked at black, white, silver, Wimbledon, champagne, and Mother of Pearl. Champagne was actually my original first choice, but I just found black more striking. Champagne is certainly classic, but I like the sharper dial/index contract more with black. The Wimbledon slate color was really nice, but the roman numerals didn't have lume so it was kind of the worst of both worlds in that regard. White just wasn't for me. Silver was pretty nice, but it just didn't strike me as much as black. MoP was gorgeous, but pricey and I just didn't think it fit my personality that well.

[rmagoo57]

I would go with the sticks for a 24/7, work/casual, sort of preppy look. To me, diamonds say evening, dressy. Especially if it's your only "nice" watch. I would only opt for diamonds if you plan to add a more casual Sub or Explorer in the near future.

[Coppertone]

I was expecting the legibility of the lume to be better but on the DJ 41 but the hands and sticks are so thin, it is difficult to make out the lume. Also, it dims quickly. In the morning, it is still glowing but there is no way you can tell the time, at least with my 50 year old eyes. Having said that, it glows beautifully for at least a few hours and is useful when entering a darker space such as theatres. As far as diamonds, I personally don't like them on the Rolex but if you like them, go for it. You will get far more enjoyment from them than the mediocre lume, IMO...

[Mandalorian]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I read (and re-read) all of the comments and in the end, placed an order for the stick dial. I think the watch is already flashy enough with the colors I chose, so the sticks add a little bit of classical elegance, which is a nice balance. They also just seem a bit more legible. I also got in my truck this morning and realized that the (beautiful) lume matches the gauge colors at night, so it was maybe a little bit of a sign.

Will be sure to post pictures when it arrives, hopefully I can unhindered by the newbie rules at that point.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

Thanks for the advice everyone! I read (and re-read) all of the comments and in the end, placed an order for the stick dial. I think the watch is already flashy enough with the colors I chose, so the sticks add a little bit of classical elegance, which is a nice balance. They also just seem a bit more legible. I also got in my truck this morning and realized that the (beautiful) lume matches the gauge colors at night, so it was maybe a little bit of a sign.

Will be sure to post pictures when it arrives, hopefully I can unhindered by the newbie rules at that point.

Good call.

[Stewart_88]

Sorry to jump on your thread but I'm glad I've seen another newbie having a dilemma, I'm sick of waiting for a gmt so have decided to go for a DJ41 with jubilee for a smart watch as my air king is my every day wearer.

My dilemma has been with fluted or smooth, sticks or Roman numerals (not a fan of diamonds). And blue or white face.

Think you have chosen the best options as black looks really nice with the two tone. I'm so disappointed with the lume on my air king I've decided numerals but think you will be happy with it whichever you chose, always going to be an outstanding watch..... Can't wait to see pics

[UK_]

Originally Posted by Stewart_88

Sorry to jump on your thread but I'm glad I've seen another newbie having a dilemma, I'm sick of waiting for a gmt so have decided to go for a DJ41 with jubilee for a smart watch as my air king is my every day wearer.

My dilemma has been with fluted or smooth, sticks or Roman numerals (not a fan of diamonds). And blue or white face.

Think you have chosen the best options as black looks really nice with the two tone. I'm so disappointed with the lume on my air king I've decided numerals but think you will be happy with it whichever you chose, always going to be an outstanding watch..... Can't wait to see pics

I bought smooth, but am changing to fluted as I regret it.

The smooth sill like very much like your Airking, but both options are fantastic watches.


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[TruthBalance]

Sticks for me

[Mandalorian]

Originally Posted by Stewart_88

Sorry to jump on your thread but I'm glad I've seen another newbie having a dilemma, I'm sick of waiting for a gmt so have decided to go for a DJ41 with jubilee for a smart watch as my air king is my every day wearer.

My dilemma has been with fluted or smooth, sticks or Roman numerals (not a fan of diamonds). And blue or white face.

Think you have chosen the best options as black looks really nice with the two tone. I'm so disappointed with the lume on my air king I've decided numerals but think you will be happy with it whichever you chose, always going to be an outstanding watch..... Can't wait to see pics

No problem, great to hear from you!

For me the bezel was the easiest choice. Fluted is absolutely STUNNING and really elevates the watch IMO. I actually really liked the blue face. If blue face was an option with the two-tone, my choice would have been a lot harder.

[Stewart_88]

Originally Posted by UK_

I bought smooth, but am changing to fluted as I regret it.

The smooth sill like very much like your Airking, but both options are fantastic watches.


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Your right about smooth being same as my air king which is why I originally wanted fluted. It's mainly the jubilee I'm after and just not sure if the fluted and jubilee are too much together. Need to see in flesh.... But will still have me ages to decide.

Don't mind making a decision but I hate regrets