Midsize Datejust vs. Oyster Perpetual Date (for female)

[lek0708]

Hello! I've been lurking for awhile, I'm new here and looking for some input.

I'm getting ready to buy my first Rolex, only I can't decide what to get. I have it narrowed down to two watches:

a) SS 31 mm Midsize DJ, domed bezel with Rhodium Dial and Maxi Roman Numerals on Oyster bracelet (polished center links)

http://www.amazon.com/Rolex-Perpetua...044796&sr=1-10

OR

b) SS 34 mm Oyster Perpetual Date, domed bezel with Silver Dial and Sticks on Oyster bracelet (all brushed links)

http://www.amazon.com/Rolex-Oyster-P...043639&sr=1-25


I'm having a really hard time. I'm not a blingy/girly girl at ALL. I prefer simple, classic, and understated. I have a slender/avg frame (5'4, 120 lbs) 23yo, and I really love the look of a man's watch on a woman... What do you think I can pull off? Any thoughts?

I don't have a lot of concern about taking a hit on resale (as is rumored with the 31 mm Datejust), because I think women are really adapting over to this size, and I plan on keeping this watch for a long time.

P.S. Not buying Amazon... no worries ;).

[Idle Swede]

2 good choices.......

Welcome to the forum..

[Lisa]

Lauren, I'm partial to the 34mm Date - that's what I wear. I'm petite, too, and after wearing this watch for a year and a half, I have no regrets and think the size is perfect. When I first started shopping for a Rolex, even the midsize seemed big on me, but I quickly got used to the larger size on my wrist and am glad I decided on 34mm.

Also - I like the brushed links. They don't show scratches as much.

Congratulations on your decision to own a Rolex!

[lek0708]

Thank you! Thank you!

I think my AD is getting tired of letting me try on the watches lol... I've already brought my sister, and my mom over to give me their 2 cents.

Good point about the brushed links. Rolex now makes a 16 mm band (oyster, brushed) for their 31 mm oyster perpetual, and I'd rather have it on the DateJust than the polished center links oyster band that it comes with. Brushed is definitely my preference.

[kcmo]

Hi Lauren and welcome from another gal!

Of the two options you've shown, I also lean towards the 34mm. Larger is definitely 'in' and I bet you'd get used to it in no time. I personally wear a 36mm DJ (and 40mm professional models) and love it! My wrist is close to 6.5" for reference.

As much as I love roman numerals, I'm weary of the rhodium dial. It can be a bit difficult to read the WG hands against this dial in certain lighting. I lusted after a rhodium DJ for ages and after buying one and wearing it for a few weeks, the coloring started to bother me. I prefer the silver dial for this reason...not to mention the hands that come on this dial have lume which increases legibility.

I do like the new oyster bracelet with PCLs (polished center links), but the brushed oyster is classic and great for hiding scratches!

Good luck and come back with photos once you've bought your watch!

[lek0708]

Thanks for the input. Yeah... I don't have any vision issues, but it's definitely a good point about the legibility of the rhodium. I love a slightly darker silver/gray colors....currently Rolex offers rhodium, steel, and a gorgeous slate color on one of their Cellini Classic models. I'll have to make sure I can read it....

I may try a 36 mm on again just to be sure, but it seemed too big on my wrist (5.5 inches) not because of the case diameter, but rather the lug to lug measurement.

Lovely that you can pull it off though!

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by lek0708

Thanks for the input. Yeah... I don't have any vision issues, but it's definitely a good point about the legibility of the rhodium. I love a slightly darker silver/gray colors....currently Rolex offers rhodium, steel, and a gorgeous slate color on one of their Cellini Classic models. I'll have to make sure I can read it....

I may try a 36 mm on again just to be sure, but it seemed too big on my wrist (5.5 inches) not because of the case diameter, but rather the lug to lug measurement.

Lovely that you can pull it off though!

It sounds as if the 34mm would be perfect for you!

[Tools]

Both watches are similar, so, for looks, both are great choices..

I agree with Karis...the silver dial is really a warmer color and not so blindingly bright as the rhodium, and therefore, more easy to see in sunlight...

Let us know what you decide....

[lek0708]

Originally Posted by DIV

Do the DATE and the DATEJUST mid-size have the same case?

The Date is a 34 mm, where as the midsize DateJust is a 31 mm. Both are steel.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Hello Lauren and welcome.

I personally think both watches are classic pieces, and you can't really go wrong. My preference would be for the 31 mm. Good luck in your decision and please post pictures of your new acquisition. Faith

[DSJ]

After reading through the discourse here, my suggestion is to go with the 34mm, assuming you found it comfortable to wear when trying it on.

[Flyingsquirrel]

I love both of my 31mm's. Go with the one that fits you!

[Finley]

Welcome! I know what you mean about ADs who have received many visits to try things on! My vote is for the Date. Check out the thread on ladies' watches here...Lisa posted her Date there and it is stunning. I like the larger size of the Date over the midsize Datejust. Good luck choosing!

[Andad]

Hi Laura,

The style you have chosen is one of the best that Rolex have made.

Pix of my daughter Laura wearing the 26mm 179160.

[lek0708]

Originally Posted by Flyingsquirrel

I love both of my 31mm's. Go with the one that fits you!

Flyingsquirrel, are you a male or female? Just wondering.

[MrMojo]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Hi Laura,

The style you have chosen is one of the best that Rolex have made.

Pix of my daughter Laura wearing the 26mm 179160.

Now this made my eyes pop, its apart from the lugs beeing longer, exactly the same curves and design as the Milgauss case...now I understand why I fell in love with the Milgauss the second I saw it...its just a bigger DJ case! :)

[Flyingsquirrel]

Originally Posted by lek0708

Flyingsquirrel, are you a male or female? Just wondering.

Female

[lek0708]

Originally Posted by Flyingsquirrel

Female

And I take it you find your midsizes big enough.

I'm going back to my AD soon... to try things on again. I really think that the midsize is prettier - but I want BIG :). We shall see what happens. I'll keep you all posted.
:)

[Flyingsquirrel]

Originally Posted by lek0708

And I take it you find your midsizes big enough.

I'm going back to my AD soon... to try things on again. I really think that the midsize is prettier - but I want BIG :). We shall see what happens. I'll keep you all posted.
:)

I have a feeling you will go with the 34mm...Sounds like thats the size that will work! I'll post a pic later today to show you how a 31 looks on my wrist. Good luck..can't wait to see what you get!

[lek0708]

Originally Posted by Flyingsquirrel

I have a feeling you will go with the 34mm...Sounds like thats the size that will work! I'll post a pic later today to show you how a 31 looks on my wrist. Good luck..can't wait to see what you get!

A picture would help me out a lot - much appreciated!
-Lauren

[lek0708]

I'd wear my dad's 1971 GMT Master if I could... but he's not interested in letting it go...just yet.

[JPersat]

Maybe you should look into a 40mm....GMT, Sub, Explorer II....

[lek0708]

Originally Posted by JPersat

Maybe you should look into a 40mm....GMT, Sub, Explorer II....

You know. I've thought about it but I'm trying to stay in the 4-5k price range.

It's funny that I feel I can't wear a 36mm, but I could perhaps wear a 40mm. I believe it has to do with the length of the lugs - rather than the diameter of the case. The 36mm has much longer lugs than a 40mm.

[Flyingsquirrel]

Originally Posted by lek0708

A picture would help me out a lot - much appreciated!
-Lauren

Here is my DJ 26 mm, Yacht 29mm and the OP Midsize 31mm resp,

[ORAMED]

31 mm seems perfect for women. The 26 is nice too but some fine it a little difficult to read especially the champange dial.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by Flyingsquirrel

Here is my DJ 26 mm, Yacht 29mm and the OP Midsize 31mm resp,

I really like your taste, it's very similar to mine. I am in the process of trying to narrow down choices for a SS watch and I keep vacillating between the art deco face (3, 6 & 9), but on a rose face or keeping it simple by just getting a plain stick dial. Purchasing a new watch should be fun but this indecision certainly isn't.

[Flyingsquirrel]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

I really like your taste, it's very similar to mine. I am in the process of trying to narrow down choices for a SS watch and I keep vacillating between the art deco face (3, 6 & 9), but on a rose face or keeping it simple by just getting a plain stick dial. Purchasing a new watch should be fun but this indecision certainly isn't.

Thanks! Searching for the one you really want is the fun part! Let me know what you decide..i'm sure it will be a beauty.

[lek0708]

Thanks Flyingsquirrel for posting those pics! They all look great on you... I will get back to the AD soon and try and make my mind up.

P.S. Taffi - I feel the pain of indecision too! Good luck with yours.

[fastskater]

Hi Lauren,

My girlfriend has 3 mid-size watches, a 2007 Rolex black face "Explorer style" 31mm and a new 2009 White face 31mm w/the new Oyster bracelet design, fluted bezel, etc. She also has a mid-size Cartier SS Tank.

I've included pix of all, sorry, some taken in poor light with an iPhone so the resolution not that great. Anyway, she is very petite with slender, delicate wrists...the 31mm is definitely the way to go as the 34, 36, etc. do look nice even on small wrists but start to get a bit heavy as the day goes on. She even used to wear my 40mm Sub which I thought looked hot but the mid-size is her choice. These days she tends to wear the black, then white, followed by the Cartier as preferences. Good luck with your choice, I'm sure it will look fantastic on you and definitely send pix once you purchase.

David

[truong81]

Your gf has a great taste in watches :)

Originally Posted by fastskater

Hi Lauren,

My girlfriend has 3 mid-size watches, a 2007 Rolex black face "Explorer style" 31mm and a new 2009 White face 31mm w/the new Oyster bracelet design, fluted bezel, etc. She also has a mid-size Cartier SS Tank.

I've included pix of all, sorry, some taken in poor light with an iPhone so the resolution not that great. Anyway, she is very petite with slender, delicate wrists...the 31mm is definitely the way to go as the 34, 36, etc. do look nice even on small wrists but start to get a bit heavy as the day goes on. She even used to wear my 40mm Sub which I thought looked hot but the mid-size is her choice. These days she tends to wear the black, then white, followed by the Cartier as preferences. Good luck with your choice, I'm sure it will look fantastic on you and definitely send pix once you purchase.

David