About the tear&wear of the average Rolex Datejust

[valdim]

Hi there,
I realize this is my first post to this forum. So, thank you for having such a great place for Rolex enthusiasts.
I intend to buy an aftermarket Rolex 36 or 41, Sapphire crystal.
For me this would be a huge leap up in the watch-o-pedia and one of the biggest personal spending in my life. My intention is to wear the watch everyday, not in special occasions.

I work on a desk, with a computer, but sometimes I go out to ride a bike, to do some crafts in the basement workshop. We go to vacations at the beach or have picknicks at the mountains. Not something too extreme, but it happens
That's why I am wondering what is it to have a watch in similar circumstances in terms of eventual risks scratching, pitting or similar wear?
I am a person who cares for his belongings, but * don't want my whole attention to be on a watch, no matter it is an expensive (to my standards) one.
I guess for vacations I would change the bracelet with a NATO one. But which besel is more rigid - fluted or smooth? If it needs polishing which of the 2 is easier or cheaper to repair?
What is your personal experience wearing everyday your Datejust, guys? do you have some simple rules you follow to protect it from accidental hitting or scratching, assuming it is your day to day watch?
Thanks in advance for giving your 2 cents.

[Booth9999]

It’s a watch, don’t think too much about it. Scratches and wear marks are part of its journey and what makes it special to you. The first one hurts but after that it what it was made to do. Mostly watch out for door jams and never take it off when your standing on a hard surface like tile as it can slip off and crack on the tile. That’s pretty much it for me, but I wear mine daily doing yard work or what ever. Congrats on being in a position to afford a beautiful time piece.

[Booth9999]

It’s a watch, don’t think too much about it. Scratches and wear marks are part of its journey and what makes it special to you. The first one hurts but after that it what it was made to do. Mostly watch out for door jams and never take it off when your standing on a hard surface like tile as it can slip off and crack on the tile. That’s pretty much it for me, but I wear mine daily doing yard work or what ever. Congrats on being in a position to afford a beautiful time piece.

[cm13]

I have a DJ41, with fluted bezel. It was originally on Oyster, but I've since purchased a jubilee after getting a GMT as a more daily wear...

If it's an everyday piece, I'd suggest a smooth bezel as it would be entirely steel (stronger metal) vs the white gold fluted.

I'd also suggest Oyster band - I now have my DJ on the Jubilee and it really, really changed the vibe of the watch to substantially more dressy.

I love it, but if it's your one watch, smooth bezel on Oyster is probably the best option IMO.

Good luck

[cm13]

I have a DJ41, with fluted bezel. It was originally on Oyster, but I've since purchased a jubilee after getting a GMT as a more daily wear...

If it's an everyday piece, I'd suggest a smooth bezel as it would be entirely steel (stronger metal) vs the white gold fluted.

I'd also suggest Oyster band - I now have my DJ on the Jubilee and it really, really changed the vibe of the watch to substantially more dressy.

I love it, but if it's your one watch, smooth bezel on Oyster is probably the best option IMO.

Good luck

[Kevin of Larchmont]

For God’s sake don’t put a DJ on a NATO. Just wear the watch and live your life. I have: swam, snorkeled, hot tubbed, split firewood, climbed fourteeners, worked on cars, worked on motorcycles, gardened, spelunked and crashed cars wearing one. My only observation beyond this is that a fluted bezel might be a bit formal for some of these activities.

You are more fragile than the watch is.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

For God’s sake don’t put a DJ on a NATO. Just wear the watch and live your life. I have: swam, snorkeled, hot tubbed, split firewood, climbed fourteeners, worked on cars, worked on motorcycles, gardened, spelunked and crashed cars wearing one. My only observation beyond this is that a fluted bezel might be a bit formal for some of these activities.

You are more fragile than the watch is.

[Bigdaddy38]

Originally Posted by valdim

Hi there,
I realize this is my first post to this forum. So, thank you for having such a great place for Rolex enthusiasts.
I intend to buy an aftermarket Rolex 36 or 41, Sapphire crystal.
For me this would be a huge leap up in the watch-o-pedia and one of the biggest personal spending in my life. My intention is to wear the watch everyday, not in special occasions.

I work on a desk, with a computer, but sometimes I go out to ride a bike, to do some crafts in the basement workshop. We go to vacations at the beach or have picknicks at the mountains. Not something too extreme, but it happens
That's why I am wondering what is it to have a watch in similar circumstances in terms of eventual risks scratching, pitting or similar wear?
I am a person who cares for his belongings, but * don't want my whole attention to be on a watch, no matter it is an expensive (to my standards) one.
I guess for vacations I would change the bracelet with a NATO one. But which besel is more rigid - fluted or smooth? If it needs polishing which of the 2 is easier or cheaper to repair?
What is your personal experience wearing everyday your Datejust, guys? do you have some simple rules you follow to protect it from accidental hitting or scratching, assuming it is your day to day watch?
Thanks in advance for giving your 2 cents.

Beware of double zippered book bags ! POF did this after having my DJ for only a few months!




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[burnthesehills]

It is a durable watch meant for everyday wear. If you start swapping out the bracelet too often, you risk more wear and damage IMO. The jubilee bracelet is great for hiding wear marks. Just enjoy the watch.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by valdim

Hi there,
I realize this is my first post to this forum. So, thank you for having such a great place for Rolex enthusiasts.
I intend to buy an aftermarket Rolex 36 or 41, Sapphire crystal.
For me this would be a huge leap up in the watch-o-pedia and one of the biggest personal spending in my life. My intention is to wear the watch everyday, not in special occasions.

I work on a desk, with a computer, but sometimes I go out to ride a bike, to do some crafts in the basement workshop. We go to vacations at the beach or have picknicks at the mountains. Not something too extreme, but it happens
That's why I am wondering what is it to have a watch in similar circumstances in terms of eventual risks scratching, pitting or similar wear?
I am a person who cares for his belongings, but * don't want my whole attention to be on a watch, no matter it is an expensive (to my standards) one.
I guess for vacations I would change the bracelet with a NATO one. But which besel is more rigid - fluted or smooth? If it needs polishing which of the 2 is easier or cheaper to repair?
What is your personal experience wearing everyday your Datejust, guys? do you have some simple rules you follow to protect it from accidental hitting or scratching, assuming it is your day to day watch?
Thanks in advance for giving your 2 cents.

Just enjoy it, wear it everyday and worry about cleaning her up once it gets serviced every 10 years. Also imho, get the fluted bezel, as the round bezel will be a pure scratch magnet.

These watches can outlive any of us, they can handle it all. Do not worry about the small things and ENJOY IT

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy38

Beware of double zippered book bags ! POF did this after having my DJ for only a few months!




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Exactly this! I just got a new Filson briefcase with a zippered top and so far have avoided scratching my watch but I have mistakenly stuck my left hand in there a couple of times! Be careful, it’s rough out there!

[Bigdaddy38]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Exactly this! I just got a new Filson briefcase with a zippered top and so far have avoided scratching my watch but I have mistakenly stuck my left hand in there a couple of times! Be careful, it’s rough out there!

Yep I write with my left hand but my right arm is dominate, but I always wore my watches on the right, so I have to remind myself all the time not to use my right arm to grab for stuff etc lol. I tried switching the watch to left wrist and it feels so weird I couldn’t do it!


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[Krash]

The more watches you have, the less wear and tear each individual watch will have.

With one watch, it’s going to get a lot of love. Scratches, dings and scrapes are inevitable, but some of the examples you see on this forum are extreme to say the least.


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[Gab27]

FWIW, the one thing I am pretty consistent about and have been since I got my first nice watch is not handling the watch over ceramic, tile, or concrete floor unnecessarily. The two times since the mid-2000s that I can recall dropping a watch was in grass and on carpet, both of which were inconsequential to both the cosmetics and movement.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Gab27

FWIW, the one thing I am pretty consistent about and have been since I got my first nice watch is not handling the watch over ceramic, tile, or concrete floor unnecessarily. The two times since the mid-2000s that I can recall dropping a watch was in grass and on carpet, both of which were inconsequential to both the cosmetics and movement.

Yes this is good protocol and something I always do I willl always do it over the kitchen side, or somewhere it car fall especially when adjusting the glidelock

[sj24k]

Find a watch you love. Wear it and enjoy it.


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[joli160]

The fluted bezel and jubilee hardly shows any wear compared to smooth and oyster. I’d go with that

[Ny325]

Both watches are extremely durable. I wouldn’t worry about scratches, because it’s going to happen. Just get a size ( 36mm/41mm ) that would look, and fit your wrist size. Remember, bigger isn’t always better. I love my 36mm white dial DateJust on my 7 1/2 inch wrist. Good luck, and enjoy your purchase.

[Ny325]

Both watches are extremely durable. I wouldn’t worry about scratches, because it’s going to happen. Just get a size ( 36mm/41mm ) that would look, and fit your wrist size. Remember, bigger isn’t always better. I love my 36mm white dial DateJust on my 7 1/2 inch wrist. Good luck, and enjoy your purchase.

[valdim]

I am thankful to all of you who sent comments!
Now I feel more confident.
Thank you.

[valdim]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

It is a durable watch meant for everyday wear. If you start swapping out the bracelet too often, you risk more wear and damage IMO. The jubilee bracelet is great for hiding wear marks. Just enjoy the watch.

Hi burnthesehills, what do you mean when you say it is "great for hiding wear marks."? How does this work?

[Tbird]

Hello Valdim, I would like to quote a previous message from me, which I think sums it all up well:

You know, with such an expensive watch, I was also worried about scratches and marks on my new datejust. But all the repeating messages here, that everything can be polished, and repaired, even new links or worn clasps can be replaced for plm 1500 Euros, and for example posts from watch polushing companies on instagram, convinced me that you can really really have and use your watch for a lifetime. Not misuse it of course, but just use and enjoy it. Just seeing online and knowing that damages can be fixed, is really comforting I want to say.

[valdim]

Originally Posted by Tbird

Hello Valdim, I would like to quote a previous message from me, which I think sums it all up well:

You know, with such an expensive watch, I was also worried about scratches and marks on my new datejust. But all the repeating messages here, that everything can be polished, and repaired, even new links or worn clasps can be replaced for plm 1500 Euros, and for example posts from watch polushing companies on instagram, convinced me that you can really really have and use your watch for a lifetime. Not misuse it of course, but just use and enjoy it. Just seeing online and knowing that damages can be fixed, is really comforting I want to say.

Thank you, Tbird. Would you PM me some link of watch polishing companies?
1500 euro...hm....This amount looks a pretty big portion from the budjet I intend to spend for an aftermarket DJ...Anyway, thank you!

[TimeLord2]

I got my Rolex from my Dad in 1987 or so when I was like 22. It's not a Datajust but I think this applies. It was a fairly expensive watch then but not crazy expensive like it is now. I beat the hell out of that watch and my Dad said the same thing but it was still just a watch. Did all the things you are currently asking about and more. As a result, the band was all stretched out and a few of the gold center links ripped. The bezel no longer rotated and the insert was scratched to hell and damaged on the edges. It went into a drawer for about 20 years as I didn't want to spend !K on a new bracelet but would never sell the watch as it was a gift from my father.

Fast forward to today, and as @BAS would say Rolex watches in general are just looked at as a money/investment thing to most people. I recently had the bracelet refurbished (Rolliworks) The movement serviced and the Bezel ring replaced so it works (Philip Ridley) properly and it now keeps amazing time! Got a new, not period correct, but new insert (Rolex RSC) and it looks almost new again. I bought a few period correct inserts as well just for kicks. It's on my wrist at the moment and while I am older, and questionably wiser. I have also replaced the end links with swiss end links that are not specific to this bracelet but fit a whole lot better! Tru collectors will frown on that addition. Kept the originals BTW… I just take it off when I'm going to be doing stupid shit with it. Kinda like the way it looks almost new again…

[GONZO2LR]

Man.......just wear it and enjoy...i smile every time i look to see what the time is or date....

rememberits just a watch....

[jnkay]

The fluted bezel can’t be polished without rounding the crisp angles, effectively ruining the bezel in my opinion. It can be recut probably just once, but Rolex does not do it and there aren’t many places that do. I have no idea how much it costs. The smooth bezels can be polished easily, multiple times. They are also less expensive to replace. I still prefer fluted bezels as far more attractive. Just know that either one will get banged up. I always see comments that fluted bezels hide scratches better. Not really! Depends on the lighting. And when it gets dinged, it’s very noticeable.

[boogeze]

buy a lived-in but overall good condition dj with fluted bezel. Smooth high polished bezel will show more wear and are not as desirable on the resale market. If it's your daily don't worry about scratches.

[Filipão]

My heirloom 6305 is 67 years old, having been worn by my father on a daily basis.

I too wear it quite often.

Don't worry, it's a Rolex.

[FloydRedford]

Originally Posted by joli160

The fluted bezel and jubilee hardly shows any wear compared to smooth and oyster. I’d go with that

This