My Brief Affair with a DD 40

[worldfamoussam]

After over a decade of wearing 36 mm Datejusts and Day-Dates, I decided to treat myself to a Day-Date 40 in March. Prices were down a little as the pandemic was getting started and I got a great deal. I traded my 18238 away in the process. As it happened, no matter how much I tried to convince myself that I loved this "grail", it just didn't make me smile the way I expected it to.

I finally accepted after 6 months that I missed the charm of the 1990s models - the lighter weight, the far more interesting dial choices, the look of old gold and brushed outer links. I flipped the 228238 for just a few dollars more than I paid and scoured the world for a special DD 36.

As luck would have it, within just a week or so, this 18348 came back from the RSC to a wonderful dealer I've worked with before. Whether or not bling is your thing, I love the diamonds surrounding the smokey brown vignette dial - which in the light is like a dark chocolate ganache combined with the gold's warmth. I kind of want to eat it ... or at least, sit down with a bottle of champagne and some Belgian chocolates while wearing it! I guess sometimes the familiar is the most comforting.

Here's a photo. Has anybody else switched back from a 40 to a 36?

[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by worldfamoussam

After over a decade of wearing 36 mm Datejusts and Day-Dates, I decided to treat myself to a Day-Date 40 in March. Prices were down a little as the pandemic was getting started and I got a great deal. I traded my 18238 away in the process. As it happened, no matter how much I tried to convince myself that I loved this "grail", it just didn't make me smile the way I expected it to.

I finally accepted after 6 months that I missed the charm of the 1990s models - the lighter weight, the far more interesting dial choices, the look of old gold and brushed outer links. I flipped the 228238 for just a few dollars more than I paid and scoured the world for a special DD 36.

As luck would have it, within just a week or so, this 18348 came back from the RSC to a wonderful dealer I've worked with before. Whether or not bling is your thing, I love the diamonds surrounding the smokey brown vignette dial - which in the light is like a dark chocolate ganache combined with the gold's warmth. I kind of want to eat it ... or at least, sit down with a bottle of champagne and some Belgian chocolates while wearing it! I guess sometimes the familiar is the most comforting.

Here's a photo. Has anybody else switched back from a 40 to a 36?

Is that rose or yellow gold?


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[worldfamoussam]

Originally Posted by alpharulez

Is that rose or yellow gold?


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Yellow! But I love that it looks a little rosey.

[Alan111]

Originally Posted by worldfamoussam

Yellow! But I love that it looks a little rosey.

I've seen a few 18238 safe queens that have developed a Rose patina. Going to buy the next one I see pop-up for sale.

[fskywalker]

Congrats! Am a fan of the 36mm DD size, not really at this point looking into “upgrading” to a 40mm model. If would upgrade my 18239 would probably be towards the now discontinued platinum model, either the 118206 or the older 18206. My 18239 says hi!




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[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by worldfamoussam

Yellow! But I love that it looks a little rosey.

Interesting. The brown dial would go very well with a rose gold.

Not sure about the diamonds though. In my head the WG DD 40 with meteorite dial and diamond batons is the max bling I could go up to.

Anyway my DD says hi! I prefer the white enamel dial




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[0ptimus_1]

36MM is king of the Day Date, at least for me lol. Forty mm is too much of a sport watch size.

[Patton250]

:

[Calatrava r]

You are spot on about more dial choices in the 36mm size. I too love everything about the 36mm which to me is a classic. I think both the 40 and 36 have a place in a collection.

[JParm]

Glad you found the one that was for you!

DD40 is not for everyone, and I'm happy that they make the 36 for those like you.

For me? DD40 oozes awesome, and it's the perfect DayDate for me.

[worldfamoussam]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Glad you found the one that was for you!

DD40 is not for everyone, and I'm happy that they make the 36 for those like you.

For me? DD40 oozes awesome, and it's the perfect DayDate for me.

That is a gorgeous color combo!

[kirksingleton]

I really like my dd40, it is the perfect “modern” size for me. I am not a diamond fan for men but enjoy!

[1William]

Congratulations.

[Sprezzatura!,]

You hit the nail on the head - ‘charm’.

There is definitely something you get from a 36mm that nothing else provides.

It’s the one size that looks great on all wrists.

[Danny83]

Congrats

[MattyL147]

Congrats you found what you like. There's definitely something for everyone.

Not trying to sound harsh, but it looks very feminine to me with all those diamonds. But then again, I don't have to wear it. As long as you like it!

[kenlperry]

Nice 36MM. I think it looks great. I think I like the 40MM just a little more for myself though. I love the heft and solid feel of the 40MM. But the 36MM looks just a good on the wrist IMO.

On a side note where do you guys live that think diamonds are for women only? Is that a regional way of thinking? I've see men(manly men) with diamond watches quite often in places like NYC, Miami, California, etc...

[Seddyspaghetti]

IMO the dd36 is the more classy look for me whereas dd40 is the more flashy look. Each looks have their own place.

[jvb.nc]

i have not been able to convince myself to buy a 36mm DD. one of my local greys had a ‘79 yg DD36 on a strap with papers. wanted a little too much for it but it had that “charm,” and i still want that bloody watch.


but for me - even with a 6 5/8” wrist (or smaller depending on the day!) i can’t feel comfortable in a 36mm watch. if i bought one and wore it, i’m sure i would do. but offhand i just can’t get with the size. can’t explain it. first serious watch was a 44mm breitling with the abyssal valjoux case. still love panerai and seadwellers.

the DD40 feels small to me, but looks right in my head. there is no wrong answer! (well, aside from not buying a daydate!)

[MattyL147]

Originally Posted by kenlperry

Nice 36MM. I think it looks great. I think I like the 40MM just a little more for myself though. I love the heft and solid feel of the 40MM. But the 36MM looks just a good on the wrist IMO.

On a side note where do you guys live that think diamonds are for women only? Is that a regional way of thinking? I've see men(manly men) with diamond watches quite often in places like NYC, Miami, California, etc...

I live in South FL and have spent quite a bit of time in Miami, so I guess you could say its "flashy" down here. So to answer your question, its not regional. I am just not a fan of diamonds on a men's watch.

Unless its some bust down (which I'm also not a fan of since I'm not a celebrity, athlete, entertainer, etc), I think diamonds come across as feminine. If it was just the hour markers it would be less, but the bezel makes me feel like I'm staring at my wife's watch.

To each his (her) own.

[envuks]

What a lovely piece and story.

Cheers to taking the time to understand what you truly love rather than simply going for what could be perceived as a “better” version by the crowds.

This semi-vintage 36mm version is spectacular. Well done!


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[rossi46]

Originally Posted by Seddyspaghetti

IMO the dd36 is the more classy look for me whereas dd40 is the more flashy look.

I'd agree with that. Always feel like the proportions/scale on the DD40 is a little off, too. Not nearly as bad as the disastrous DDII (thank God those were retired and forgotten about quickly), but still not as perfect as the 36.

The original design for a men's DD was 36mm and Rolex kept it that way for what, 50 years? That has to mean something.

Glad the OP was able to find the watch that once again sang to him!

[Oyster Sauce]

I'm glad that they offer the DD40 for those who prefer it's proportions/vibe, and I'm equally glad that you landed definitely on the size that you prefer. The 36 is a classic.

[worldfamoussam]

Originally Posted by MattyL147

I live in South FL and have spent quite a bit of time in Miami, so I guess you could say its "flashy" down here. So to answer your question, its not regional. I am just not a fan of diamonds on a men's watch.

Unless its some bust down (which I'm also not a fan of since I'm not a celebrity, athlete, entertainer, etc), I think diamonds come across as feminine. If it was just the hour markers it would be less, but the bezel makes me feel like I'm staring at my wife's watch.

To each his (her) own.

You must be in the wrong thread - I think you were looking for one entitled "Please opine on for whom it is appropriate to wear diamonds in your eminent wisdom" ... maybe try the search function.

I'm very much enjoying my new watch - thanks to all of you who decided to enjoy it with me. Everyone should wear what makes them smile. Please share any of your experiences switching between 40s and 36s.

[Maiden]

Congrats I love the 36 as well.