Doc Considering First Rolex Purchase: torn between Submariner and DJ36

[Endoscopist]

Hi everyone,

I always thought that I would treat myself to my first Rolex when I finished my fellowship (Gastro), but COVID messed things up a bit (I was drafted to take care of COVID patients in my hospital) and it never happened.

I have been dreaming of getting one for probably 10 years. I am looking to start calling around to get one in time for my birthday in September.

I always thought I would get a Submariner. After 10 years of looking at one in pictures, I almost feel like I don't even want it anymore! My tastes, I feel, are evolving as I get older (35 now) and as my needs change.

I have been infatuated with the blue dial/fluted/jubilee DJ36 in white gold/SS for a year or so. I have a very slim 6.5" wrist and am a pretty thin/athletic dude.

I thought I would wear mostly pants and shirts to work, but because we're still post-COVID, everyone including myself is in scrubs. I anticipate I will alternate between the two at some point.

I am so torn. I probably want both watches at some point, but which should I get first?

I worry the sub will ultimately feel too big for me for daily wear although I've tried it on and it seemed ok.

I worry about not having a date function (I don't like the sub date)

I feel like the DJ36 is perfect size for my wrist, but the configuration I love I worry will be too flashy for daily wear.

What would you do in my case?

[downtorock]

Start with the DJ36. I can hear in your post you’re leaning that direction to begin the journey—you can always add a submariner down the road. Hope this helps!


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[jasber]

My preference a Sub!

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[csaltphoto]

I went through the same thing with the sub, having wanted one half my life. I realized what I really wanted though was the older, classic sub so I got a 5 digit.

That DJ you mentioned isn't that flashy in person. My financial advisor wears the same watch. Very classy and because it's a 36mm doesn't draw as much attention as you think.

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by Endoscopist

Hi everyone,



I always thought that I would treat myself to my first Rolex when I finished my fellowship (Gastro), but COVID messed things up a bit (I was drafted to take care of COVID patients in my hospital) and it never happened.



I have been dreaming of getting one for probably 10 years. I am looking to start calling around to get one in time for my birthday in September.



I always thought I would get a Submariner. After 10 years of looking at one in pictures, I almost feel like I don't even want it anymore! My tastes, I feel, are evolving as I get older (35 now) and as my needs change.



I have been infatuated with the blue dial/fluted/jubilee DJ36 in white gold/SS for a year or so. I have a very slim 6.5" wrist and am a pretty thin/athletic dude.



I thought I would wear mostly pants and shirts to work, but because we're still post-COVID, everyone including myself is in scrubs. I anticipate I will alternate between the two at some point.



I am so torn. I probably want both watches at some point, but which should I get first?



I worry the sub will ultimately feel too big for me for daily wear although I've tried it on and it seemed ok.



I worry about not having a date function (I don't like the sub date)



I feel like the DJ36 is perfect size for my wrist, but the configuration I love I worry will be too flashy for daily wear.



What would you do in my case?

The Datejust you described is EXACTLY the configuration I'll get when I do get one. I have a similar sized wrist and I tried one on - blue stick dial, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet...it looks PHENOMENAL!

Like you, COVID hit and at the moment I've postponed all my substantial purchases but when that happens, that's the watch I'll be getting.

Mind you, I already have a 16014, 6694, 214270, 216570 and a 116500 among various Tudors, but the Datejust 36 still looked gorgeous in my eyes. That blue really pops.

The Sub? Tried it on and it did nothing for me. Especially since I'm located in Hong Kong and every salesperson seems to be wearing one.

[zjd168]

The blue dial/fluted/jubilee DJ36 is a perfect watch, I brought one after many years of collecting ROLEX SS sport models. It is classic and the most comfortable watch to wear.

Too bad Rolex decided to drop the hidden clasp.

[Dsmith1974]

Sounds like an easy choice for you. The DJ36. You get the date, it’s a better fit for your wrist and suits your taste better.

I wouldn’t worry about it being flashy, It’s just refined.

The harder choice than sub or DJ is whether to get a DJ with an oyster bracelet or jubilee. There was a good thread on this a few weeks back..


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[77T]

If the DJ36 fits well, then a 5-digit Sub should also work. Less bulk than the current 6-digit ones.

And blue on a Sub is just great!



So maybe go for a nearly vintage one - like late ‘90’s-2000-ish.


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[JRell]

If you can actually get the sub, get the sub. Can always add the 36.

[kearez]

Go a head get the DJ, it’s a striking watch. I went through the same thing as you, Sub or GMT. Ended up trying on a DJ 36 on and fell in love with it, ended up buying it a year later down the road.

It will work with scrubs and shirt/pants.

[hdrazor251]

Based on your post get the DJ. It will scratch the itch (infatuation) that the Sub currently can’t reach.

[zaydans]

I have two subs but I picked this up yesterday. Didn’t appreciate the DJ36 before but I certainly do now, especially the blue dial. I have a 6.5” wrist too and either model works fine although the 5 digit 16610 fits a little better than the 6 digit model. Good luck, it’s a tough decision.




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[Endoscopist]

Originally Posted by JRell

If you can actually get the sub, get the sub. Can always add the 36.

believe it or not, I actually turned down 2 subs about a year ago (no date and date) because of financial reasons.

I appreciate all the posts on here. Keep em coming it really helps reading others opinions!!

[Endoscopist]

Originally Posted by zaydans

I have two subs but I picked this up yesterday. Didn’t appreciate the DJ36 before but I certainly do now, especially the blue dial. I have a 6.5” wrist too and either model works fine although the 5 digit 16610 fits a little better than the 6 digit model. Good luck, it’s a tough decision.




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that DJ is just beautiful. Do you find it to be super flashy? Any chance you could give me a wrist shot above and below? we have similar wrist sizes.

this is the 126234, correct?

[Kirsty87]

Have you considered the 36mm Platinum Day-Date?

[wcperkins]

I think I am in a good place to answer this. I just purchased the same configuration Datejust you’re looking into to complement the 114060 I already had and also have a 6.5in wrist. Up close the Datejust is beautiful and from a far (and so far) it is fairly under the radar. It feels like there isn’t anything on your wrist.

The 114060 is definitely chunkier and has more presence, but you end up getting used to it as it is a very comfortable watch. Between the two, I would say start with the Datejust and follow up with the Submariner, but you really can’t go wrong with either direction you take.

[Endoscopist]

Originally Posted by Kirsty87

Have you considered the 36mm Platinum Day-Date?

in my dreams, sure!

[JRell]

Or better idea - both! This is the 41, but get the same configuration for 36.

[Endoscopist]

Originally Posted by JRell

Or better idea - both! This is the 41, but get the same configuration for 36.

i feel like this may be my best option. get the dj36 now and in a few yrs get a new updated sub

[synrrgy]

Originally Posted by Endoscopist

i feel like this may be my best option. get the dj36 now and in a few yrs get a new updated sub

+1 or spring for both ;)

[campfire]

Can't go wrong with either. I love both.

I think for now the DJ36 will be good. Size is great. It's so easy to wear. It's elegant, but it's tough as nails. Sensing a slight leaning toward that for you right now.

And as others have said, you'll like get a Sub at some point. Either way, you're in a good spot. Good luck.

[Notepad12]

I would go for the 36mm datejust. Timeless and classic design with perfect size proportions

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[ROLEXster]

Blue dial DJs look awesome in any combination.
.
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[NYG1121]

I predict you will get the other within 6 months of the first. At least that's what happened to me when I started and then all downhill from there.. so don't worry because it is a win-win!

[Pw92676]

I would also go DJ36 here.

[StillTrying]

Originally Posted by Pw92676

I would also go DJ36 here.

+1


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[AJMarcus]

Have you considered a blue dial Yachtmaster 40? They are a nice understated piece that fits between the Sub and the DJ. Very good prices generally in the pre owned market. They come up often with TRF Trusted sellers.

[doramas]

The best-selling Rolex in the world is the Datejust. I chose it.

[Xenon]

36mm

[uscmatt99]

Congrats on finishing your fellowship and thanks so much for jumping on the COVID grenade If you're not in the biz, it's hard to appreciate how big a sacrifice that would be.

My only Rolex is an Explorer, and I bring it up as it splits the difference between a DJ and Sub. Wears thin, quite legible, sporty, touch of elegance with the smooth polished bezel while maintaining a brushed casual bracelet, and off bracelet (if you're into strap changes to change the look of the watch) it really flies under the radar. I've found I never need the date complication on a watch as I'm always at a computer at work when I need to know the date.