Got the call (email) - sort of

[john18inch]

Hi everyone,

Long time lurker here, but looking to buy my 3rd Rolex for my son's college graduation in 2 weeks (first 2 were years ago for my wife SS OP, then S/G DJ jubilee w diamond dial). Those were the days where I walked in, picked what I wanted and took it home. Just imagine my surprise with the world we live in now with all the AD games!

Anyhoo, a few months ago she decides let's get our son a watch for graduation, so I thought ok a Rolex. I figured a nice entry level 36mm OP with a black dial. Went to the mall (Bhindi in Glendale), found out about the whole "wait list" thing, so decided ok what the heck put me on it. Been doing once a month follow-up, either by text or in-person. It's been over 3 months but same answer, nothing still.

So, 3 weeks ago, I called another AD in Beverly Hills, thinking well if Rolex is going to allocate chances are they won't pass up Beverly Hills right? The lady I spoke to just took my info over the phone, didn't even ask me to come down to the store. Yesterday, I get an email saying that still no 36mm OP yet, but she does have both a 36mm (blue dial) and 41mm (black dial) DJ, both smooth bezel and oyster bracelets if I'm interested. What do you guys think? It's not the OP I was originally looking for, but pretty much looks like an OP but with the date. Thanks everyone

[Andad]

Buy the one your son likes best.

He will be the one wearing it.

[Neil McCauley]

DJ is a timeless watch and a great choice, I'm sure your son would be happy with either choice.

Depending on your son's wrist size (is he a big lad or smaller/average?), that might be the decider on the 36 vs. 41mm thing. The 41mm can look like a fairly large watch if you don't have the wrists to carry it off.

[996marty]

Always tough buying for someone else but I’m sure he’ll love any

[travisb]

The Datejust is a timeless classic that I'm sure any son would be grateful to receive as a gift. Nice gesture by you and your wife.

[Will866]

Blue dial looks amazing but depends how big he is.

[HERITAGE82]

Blue dialed Datejust would be my choice.

[Rolexken]

Definitely get a DJ but 36mm v 41mm depends on wrist size.

[Tylerlsu2008]

DJ is better than OP anyway.

[Joearch]

Nice folks at Gearys will take good care of you.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by travisb

The Datejust is a timeless classic that I'm sure any son would be grateful to receive as a gift. Nice gesture by you and your wife.

Welcome to the forum

[CarlOver]

Take your sone to the AD and have with check out the DJ and the OP. Let him decide and get it for him when it’s available.

[MRBolton]

I'd take the DJ over an OP personally. Having the date is very useful.

[BillA]

The DJ any day of the week, especially 41mm. If you buy the 36mm watch and it is too small, your son will never wear it again and you wasted your money. Personally, I do not like 36mm watches on men, but that is me.

[KatGirl]

Can’t go wrong with 36 DJ. Unless your son is very large, it will look perfect. Lots of guys here wear 36 mm DJs. If he’s your size, try it on, and you’ll know how it will fit him. Great gift for his academic achievements. Congrats to the whole family.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[texan_guy]

Rumor has it if you don't accept what the AD is offering, you'll be blacklisted from that store.

[BlondesNwatches]

Let your son be part of the process. Do a fun reveal of what you’re getting him and then go to the AD. I think OP 41 in black would be solid

[Bro Watch]

If I may offer my opinion, I believe the DJ 41 mm watch would be a more suitable choice for your son, as it is traditionally considered a men's watch.

Sent from my SM-S911U1 using Tapatalk

[TimeAZ]

I would get that Black dial DJ41, smooth bezel oyster.
Incredible watch that could easily be a do-it-all, perfect daily for every day.

[john18inch]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the input, feedback and suggestions. I decided to go with the blue 36mm DJ, as my son is on the slim side, about 5'9" and I used to call him twig arms lol. My wrist is about 6.5 and I'm assuming he's pretty close but I don't want to make him suspicious by asking him watch related questions.

I'd love to take him in for the whole experience which would be awesome, but he goes to school in the bay area and graduation is less than 2 weeks away so I'll be bringing it with me instead. If he comes to visit over the summer, we can definitely take a trip down to the AD to look around and say hi.

And to whomever said it, it was Geary's. I said hmm I don't remember mentioning that but Beverly Hills was probably the dead giveaway

I'll post some pics after I get the item probably sometime next week

[TheDogHouse]

Originally Posted by john18inch

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the input, feedback and suggestions. I decided to go with the blue 36mm DJ, as my son is on the slim side, about 5'9" and I used to call him twig arms lol. My wrist is about 6.5 and I'm assuming he's pretty close but I don't want to make him suspicious by asking him watch related questions.

I'd love to take him in for the whole experience which would be awesome, but he goes to school in the bay area and graduation is less than 2 weeks away so I'll be bringing it with me instead. If he comes to visit over the summer, we can definitely take a trip down to the AD to look around and say hi.

And to whomever said it, it was Geary's. I said hmm I don't remember mentioning that but Beverly Hills was probably the dead giveaway

I'll post some pics after I get the item probably sometime next week

Perfect choice, he is going to love it!

[SoylentGreenChi]

Outstanding choice, truly.

[BraveBold]

Great choice.

36mm is in the range of ideal size based on what you describe and blue dial is fantastic.

[TickTockChuck]

Originally Posted by BraveBold

Great choice.

36mm is in the range of ideal size based on what you describe and blue dial is fantastic.

I fully agree, the 36mm DJ would be the best size based on your description. Date function is handy. The blue dial is nicer than the black imho. Congrats and hope your son enjoys this wonderful watch. Cheers!

[DC116710LN]

Originally Posted by john18inch

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the input, feedback and suggestions. I decided to go with the blue 36mm DJ

Great choice. A very thoughtful gift that your son can wear for decades to come. Congrats

[john18inch]

Ok TRF fam, as promised here are some pics of the watch! But I have to share this near heart attack story with you all!

So, the last conversation with my AD was just this past Monday afternoon, she said we're all set and I would be there at store opening today (Wednesday). I got there a little early, texted her to let her know I was here, but no reply. I'm like hmm, that's weird as she always replies right away. So I waited half hour and then the doors open with a guard outside. I ask the guard is (name withheld for privacy) here, and he and the other salespeople give me a puzzled look and said "she doesn't work here anymore" I was like what, I just talked to her 2 days ago I have all the texts and emails too. They were like sorry she moved to the other location, so you have to go there. This goes back and forth for a while, with nobody knowing what's going on. I offered to show them the emails/texts but they said you have to go to the other location.
So, I go outside thinking wait, am I in an alternate universe here lol I decided to go back inside and ask for the manager and lo and behold, she was there along with my salesperson! Apparently, they were finalizing some of her transfer stuff as she just got the news Monday evening, and she only came by the store to pick up her stuff before heading off to the new location. So, just a little bit of confusion and weird timing but hey it happens, she got promoted (yay!), so it's all good!

She was very nice, took care of the sizing, boxed everything up, and even gave me a glove and magazine! The black bag they said was for security to be discreet walking outside hahaha!

Well, they wouldn't be able to get the engraving done in time before I leave for the graduation but it's lifetime free engraving and sizing so another reason to come back! Thanks all for the recommendations and feedback, enjoy the pics!

[john18inch]

Hi everyone,

My son graduated college today (yay!) so we gave him his graduation/birthday gift (bday is in a few days). He was very surprised to say the least, but he instantly loved it! What really surprised me was just how small his wrist is (the bottom of his wrist is literally the width of the clasp or a tiny bit smaller!) When I had the AD size it to my wrist (6.5 or so) and she kept the full links but moved the clasp spring bar to the innermost notch. When my son tried it on, it was waaaay too loose and kept spinning around and going upside down. So, I removed 2 links (1 top, 1 bottom) and the watch fits much better now, though it still has some play, but that's ok for when it gets warmer. I'm glad we went with 36mm instead of 41, as that would've been too big lol.

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions and making our son's day super special!

[Pboned]

Awesome gift! Congrats on his graduation too!

[CarlOver]

Great story…great watch. Hope he enjoys it. I think offering to buy a gift and taking the person shopping is a great way to make it happen as well. Best you!

[Bazil]

Hope he enjoys it, really nice touch ..