Datejust II Is Datejust X 2

[Ricochet]

I couldn't avoid the temptation to make a direct comparison between two great watches, having worn my YG/SS Datejust II for a week now and owning a YG/SS Datejust before. I hope that I would not get the ire of the traditionalists who continue to prefer the 36mm to the new 41mm, and to the few who hold the view that the ideal dresswatch size is something in between.

It started when I went to visit the Rolex boutique here in Manila and first saw it among the DJs, Subs, GMTs, etc. My first impression is that the YG/SS DJII clearly stood out among its peers. In fact, I remember thinking that because of the enormous presence of the DJII in the display racks, it would be just be a matter of time that Rolex will introduce a 43-44mm Daytonas, Subs and GMTs. As a guy with 81/2 wrist size, it would clearly be the most exciting period in my quest to collect more timepieces.

Wearing the DJII gives me immeasurable pleasure. It clearly smiles more than any of my other watches, certainly more than my DJ which had been one of my favorites for a long time. You can also tell, by the above-normal number of glances and the some who have the guts to ask, the universal appreciation from people when they see the watch in your wrist. So I kept looking for the reasons why. As of now, these are to me what are worth mentioning.

- although the increase in bezel size is only 22%, the width is almost, if not, double than that of the 36mm DJ. On the YG/SS version, the sparkle that the bezel throws out is certainly much more brighter. The fluted design also helps.

- although some would say that the Jubilee bracelet fits more to the fluted bezel design, the "hugeness" of the bezel makes it better paired with the solid gold links of the President bracelet. Again more gold more glitter. It also makes it masculine looking, if I may add.

- the proportion of thickness to size is also optimal. On the wrist, this makes the watch look bigger than what it really is. Comparing it to the oddly thick SDDS which I also owned before, the DJII looks just about the same size on my wrist.

- the proportional increase in size of the gold numerals is also a plus factor in this regard.

Let me add though that if Rolex came up with a DJII sized in between, the above features could not have been possible.

Here is a picture I recently took....

[JJ Irani]

Well done on that fine acquisition. It's a beautiful piece......but some more pics would be welcome.....also some of the bracelet and clasp.

Thanks - JJ

[DarkHorse]

A compelling post - but I'm a 36mm man through and through :)

[Ricochet]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Well done on that fine acquisition. It's a beautiful piece......but some more pics would be welcome.....also some of the bracelet and clasp.

Thanks - JJ

I will post more pictures later. Thanks for the compliment.:-)

[sturgeon123456]

From my personal point of view, the 36mm is more comfortable and more dressy when compared to the 41mm. I believe I am unbiased as I have owned, and currently own both models. I prefer the massive amount of dials that you can choose from on the 36mm but I prefer the size of the 41mm for a more "flashy/fashionable" overstated look. I hate neither, I love neither....I respect and enjoy both models equally.

[Ricochet]

My intention for posting is just to express my own impressions. Contrary views are acknowledged, accepted and respected.

[esm]

As much as there will always be a 36mm vs 41mm debate.... At the end of the day, the winner is Rolex

Personally I prefer the 41mm. Just dont like to feel a girls size watch on my wrist.
/flame suit one.....

[Shelby-villian]

Originally Posted by esm

As much as there will always be a 36mm vs 41mm debate.... At the end of the day, the winner is Rolex

/flame suit one.....

The winner is the customer. We can choose big or small. It's not like there is a debate and at the end, we can only choose one.

[esm]

Originally Posted by Shelby-villian

The winner is the customer. We can choose big or small. It's not like there is a debate and at the end, we can only choose one.

also true to a point. whether you buy one or two, Rolex is the making all the profit.

kudos to Rolex for letting their customers to be able to choose different combos and sizes

my DJII contribution

[RRGHOST1]

The DJ2 is now one of my favourites, yet the 36mm does nothing for me as its too small.

[R S]

Originally Posted by esm

personally i prefer the 41mm. Just dont like to feel a girls size watch on my wrist.
/flame suit one.....

x2

[HL65]

Nice looking watch.

[sturgeon123456]

well said esm + nice watch

[Gerardus]

I prefer the 36mm for DJ

[Sonny Crockett]

Originally Posted by rolexplorer2

The DJ2 is now one of my favourites, yet the 36mm does nothing for me as its too small.

me too

[B. Doggy]

I can't wait to try one on for size!!!

[petesjag]

I love mine too. I could not agree more on the proportions....

[jets]

Great post and nice watch. Just want quickly point out that the DJII has the oyster bracelet rather than the president bracelet. I agree that a jubilee wouldn't look as nice.

[rmcarlton]

Originally Posted by DarkHorse

A compelling post - but I'm a 36mm man through and through :)

x2

[Rolesor]

The DJ II is GLOOORIIIOOUUUSS haha It looks great on your wrist, thanks for that great write up and picture!

[Ricochet]

I stand corrected on the type of bracelet on the DJII. But thanks to all for appreciating my post.

Having said that, let me share some pictures of this wonderful watch...

[greenkawasaki]

I think if they made a 38.5mm datejust that would be perfect. ; )

[jets]

Beautiful watch.

[rokosh]

Beautiful watch, just looking at it made my day!
One of my grails, that one but with a white dial.

And is that rose or yellow gold? (my monitor is kinda tricksy today)

[Ricochet]

Originally Posted by rokosh

Beautiful watch, just looking at it made my day!
One of my grails, that one but with a white dial.

And is that rose or yellow gold? (my monitor is kinda tricksy today)

SS/Yellow Gold

[carlhaluss]

Kudos once again to Rolex for going larger, but not to a ridiculous extent. They could have gone to 43 or 44mm, but they kept within reasonable limits to be able to get the added features of the new models.
I have a few watches which are 36mm, and also a Milgauss which is 40mm. So it is very comparable in size to the DJ II. It is also my most comfortable watch. On the other hand, I have an Omega Aqua Terra 8500, which is 41.5mm. It is just a bit too large for me.
Having seen pics of the DJII 41mm, I would say it looks a bit larger than it is. However, I am certain it is a very comfortable watch.
It means now that Rolex customers - most of them - will have even more choice, as the chances are that many, such as myself, who are comfortable with a 36mm size will also find the 41mm to be comfortable.
Congrats on the beautiful watch. The Romans really stand out!
Cheers,
Carl

[esm]

Originally Posted by Ricochet

I stand corrected on the type of bracelet on the DJII. But thanks to all for appreciating my post.

Having said that, let me share some pictures of this wonderful watch...

love this one!

how do you like it when the sun hits and the YG bezel sparkles all over the place?

Originally Posted by greenkawasaki

I think if they made a 38.5mm datejust that would be perfect. ; )

38.5mm? why not go all the way to 39mm? then JJ would be all over it

[Joeben]

i think moving from a 36mm DJ to 41mm is a good upgrade. i'm partial to smooth bezels and have recently moved from a 34mm D to a 40mm Millie, can't imagine going back to a smaller watch. your watch looks great.

[esm]

Originally Posted by Joeben

can't imagine going back to a smaller watch.

41mm is the new 36mm

DJII is a handsome piece

[Ricochet]