Next Watch - DJ or Explorer?

[withnail_jet]

Here's my current stable – a 116710LN and an OP with a bit of an oddball dial:



For my next piece, I'm deliberating between a current production 214270 and a DJ 36 blue dial with stick markers, fluted bezel, and jubilee. I like them both equally, and can't really decide, so I was wondering what people here think...



OR



I don't really have anything "dressy" in my collection (not that I wear suits or dress up all that often), and I suspect next year's DJ will have the Oysterclasp, which I don't really care for.

On the other hand, the Explorer is just a great all-around, understated look, and I love the lume on it – although it might be said that its dial/hands are a little too similar to both of what I currently have in my lineup.

Decisions, decisions...

[arcentaur]

My vote goes to the DJ36 but I’d hold off until it’s fitted with the new 3235 movement (currently in the TT versions) hopefully next year.

[GradyPhilpott]

I have to say that the 116200 63600 is a very nice choice.

[withnail_jet]

Originally Posted by arcentaur

My vote goes to the DJ36 but I’d hold off until it’s fitted with the new 3235 movement (currently in the TT versions) hopefully next year.

...I hear ya, I just have a thing for the Crownclasp on the Jubilee bracelet for that seamless look, and I'm betting that when we see a 3235-fitted DJ36, it'll be paired with the Oysterclasp (like on the TT and DJ41), which I'm just not that big a fan of on that bracelet.

[jon_jon]

Unless you have a strong attachment to your OP with the unusual dial, I would sell the OP and get both the DJ and the Explorer, as they are both classic watches to add to any Rolex collection.

The Explorer sits very differently on the wrist compared to the GMT, so I wouldn't worry about it being too similar to the GMT.

[alpine29]

I voted for both, I really like both of those options. I currently have a Explorer 1, and if I had to do it all over again, that DJ would be in the running.

[arcentaur]

Originally Posted by withnail_jet

...I hear ya, I just have a thing for the Crownclasp on the Jubilee bracelet for that seamless look, and I'm betting that when we see a 3235-fitted DJ36, it'll be paired with the Oysterclasp (like on the TT and DJ41), which I'm just not that big a fan of on that bracelet.

I’d imagine they’ll allow customization though, based on the new website format. What I’m more worried about is that they might tone down the lugs and case like they did the current TT DJ36 versions, which look a tad feminine to me. I hope they’ll keep the squared off case on the 36. I’m eyeing the silver dial, fluted bezel, oyster bracelet myself. I got inspired by this review:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-datejust-review

[withnail_jet]

Originally Posted by arcentaur

I’m eyeing the silver dial, fluted bezel, oyster bracelet myself. I got inspired by this review:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/rolex-datejust-review

Heh, I've read/watched that countless times – in fact I started off wanting the silver dial myself, mostly on account of that article. I only recently changed my mind to wanting the blue dial, but I would be happy with either one!

[withnail_jet]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

Unless you have a strong attachment to your OP with the unusual dial, I would sell the OP and get both the DJ and the Explorer, as they are both classic watches to add to any Rolex collection.

The Explorer sits very differently on the wrist compared to the GMT, so I wouldn't worry about it being too similar to the GMT.

This may be just the ticket...

And since the Explorer doesn't have a bezel like the GMT, I suspect you're right about them being distinct. The only thing I meant was the black dials on both and the similar (same?) hands. (I have never seen a 39mm Explorer I in person)

[arcentaur]

Originally Posted by withnail_jet

Heh, I've read/watched that countless times – in fact I started off wanting the silver dial myself, mostly on account of that article. I only recently changed my mind to wanting the blue dial, but I would be happy with either one!

Awesome. I’m coming from the other end, wanting the blue dial at first, then the white and now the silver. Fickleness of the mind.

Following you now to stay in the loop.

[Nikrnic]

I'm a sports fan but can't say enough of how much I love the new DJ. I went for a new DJ41/126300 with the 3255 mvmt. I don't think the size wears too large at all, it's actually 40mm and seeing you have an LN makes we wonder if you tried one on for size...? Happy Choosing!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[EdwardC]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

I'm a sports fan but can't say enough of how much I love the new DJ. I went for a new DJ41/126300 with the 3255 mvmt. I don't think the size wears too large at all, it's actually 40mm and seeing you have an LN makes we wonder if you tried one on for size...? Happy Choosing!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

That’s my choice too. Did that exactly last month

[withnail_jet]

Originally Posted by Nikrnic

I'm a sports fan but can't say enough of how much I love the new DJ. I went for a new DJ41/126300 with the 3255 mvmt. I don't think the size wears too large at all, it's actually 40mm and seeing you have an LN makes we wonder if you tried one on for size...? Happy Choosing!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Actually, I have, and agree – I think it wears well, and my wrist size is average at best. I'd spring for it if not for that damned clasp on the Jubilee!

[1WatchDawg]

I'll bet if you look hard enough you can find a BNIB current production DJ36 in the specs you want. Remember that 3135 movement has been around for years and is extremely reliable.

[withnail_jet]

Originally Posted by 1WatchDawg

I'll bet if you look hard enough you can find a BNIB current production DJ36 in the specs you want. Remember that 3135 movement has been around for years and is extremely reliable.

I've tried three of that exact model on in the past two weeks – the hard part is deciding between it and the Explorer!

[jon_jon]

Originally Posted by withnail_jet

This may be just the ticket...

And since the Explorer doesn't have a bezel like the GMT, I suspect you're right about them being distinct. The only thing I meant was the black dials on both and the similar (same?) hands. (I have never seen a 39mm Explorer I in person)

As you mentioned, there are some similarities of the black dial and hands. I own both the GMT and Explorer and IMO there are enough differences between the two to own both in the collection. The 39mm Explorer I is not as hard to find at ADs compared to GMTs and Subs. So if you look around, you should be able to find an AD that has one for you to try on. IME it sits on the wrist more similar to a Daytona or an OP39.

But the DJ is nice too. I own the DJ2, but both the 36mm DJ and the DJ41 are classic watches that will wear well in virtually all types of settings.

[mmmmp]

Datejust all the way. Consider the DJ41, easylink, 70 hr. power reserve and new movement.

Mark

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[BVLDARI]

Based on your collection I would get the DJ. Or flip the OP and get both.

[CPRWATCH]

My vote went for the DJ .Bought this one 3 weeks ago & couldn't be happier . I thought the 36mm might feel small on my 7.5" wrist but it really doesn't, in fact it's really comfortable & you can feel it's there as it has a really solid feel to it . And while the jubilee & smooth bezel isn't for everyone , I think it's a great combination & really works with the silver dial as it has a sunburst look to it , but the blue dial does look great also .

[Cru Jones]

The DJ will give you more variety in your collection, but nothing beats getting the one you want most. From your post, it seems like you like the Explorer more?

In true TRF fashion, I chose the “get both” option , but you could also get the DJ first and then decide either to do the flip, stay put or simply change the OP’s dial to a more simple black/baton (you would get to keep “your watch”, spend less and get a similar “feel”).

Good luck with the choice(s)!

[doramas]

Both. OP goodbye

[1William]

I think based on what you own the DJ will enhance your collection and change thinks up a little. I like the explorer but it does not do it for me when you have the GMT in the collection.

[withnail_jet]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

My vote went for the DJ .Bought this one 3 weeks ago & couldn't be happier . I thought the 36mm might feel small on my 7.5" wrist but it really doesn't, in fact it's really comfortable & you can feel it's there as it has a really solid feel to it . And while the jubilee & smooth bezel isn't for everyone , I think it's a great combination & really works with the silver dial as it has a sunburst look to it , but the blue dial does look great also .

Hmm...maybe I should put silver back on the menu. That looks slick! I agree about the sizing – I think it looks perfect on your wrist, and I have about a 6.75" wrist, which is why I'm a tad leery of going with the DJ41 (although I tried one on and it didn't wear nearly as gargantuan as I thought, and as others have pointed out, it's actually a 40).

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

The DJ will give you more variety in your collection, but nothing beats getting the one you want most. From your post, it seems like you like the Explorer more?

Heh, that's the thing – it's pretty much a dead heat! I honestly don't know which I want. If anything, I'm leaning towards the DJ if only because I'm nigh on certain that pretty soon I'll only be able to get it with Oysterclasp.

Originally Posted by mmmmp

Datejust all the way. Consider the DJ41, easylink, 70 hr. power reserve and new movement.

See above – this might be under consideration for me if not for the clasp action. The only other minor niggle I have with the DJ41 – and it is minor – is that the 36's roman numerals outside the hour batons were replaced with arabic minute markings. For some reason, the roman numerals just look better to my eyes on that dial.

[rtalk]

I would do this. Flip a coin. If your heart is not happy with what the coin says, get the other watch.

[rmlovett1]

Keeping the gmt and adding the Exp & DJ, would make a great trio!

[TswaneNguni]

Keep the GMT and ad a DJ41 Jubilee,wg flluted and magnificent blue dial.

[Explorer-P]

I love my Explorer and would definitely recommend it. A perfect fit for virtually any situation.

[mixx23]

A plus for the DJ.

[withnail_jet]

...heh, I love the poll results. As of writing, damn near a 3-way tie, which translates to a landslide win for flipping the OP and getting the DJ + Exp! Next step is to decide the best way to sell the OP.

[kcmo]

Dj