The Most Timeless Datejust Configuration?

[I.AlOthman]

Hi guys,


So there’s obviously many different possible configurations of the Rolex Datejust, especially when you look at past models. You can choose from a seemingly limitless number of different dial options (both color and indices) and several different case sizes. There’s also a couple different bezel and bracelet options that can be had in the Datejust line as well. On top of this you can also pick from a couple different metals to get the watch in (steel- Two Tone- full gold).

With this in mind, I am interested in hearing what you guys think the most timeless Datejust configuration is. Also, please note that your idea of the most timeless datejust might not necessarily translate into what your favorite one is or what you think the best “every day” datejust may be.

I personally think that the most timeless configuration of the DJ is as follows:
36mm- Two tone (YG+SS)- Fluted Bezel - Super Jubilee Bracelet (the one with the now discontinued hidden clasp)- White Dial - Roman Numeral Indices

I have been lusting after this particular configuration of the DJ for a while and actually picked one up NEW from my AD yesterday afternoon. This means that I may be just a little biased on this subject ;-P

Id love to hear what you think the most timeless configuration of the Datejust is, and while you are at it, let me what your absolute favorite version of this icon is.


From Kuwait With Love,
Ibrahim AlOthman

[Tricolore66]

I think 2-tone 36mm, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and champagne dial is the iconic Datejust. That just screams “50 years with the company” anniversary!

[MattyL147]

I was going to pick the exact same combo you did. Another one would be the same combo but with a champagne dial and stick markers. Probably 1a and 1b in my book.

[ThatExplorer]

American Psycho with the tap dial.


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[DJTOSUB]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

I think 2-tone 36mm, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and champagne dial is the iconic Datejust. That just screams “50 years with the company” anniversary!

Agreed. And this is probably the reason that it is my least favorite DJ.

[joker_batman]

Silver dial, fluted, jubilee, stick hand, no railroad track or anything but clean similar baton markers. Stainless steel has always felt like it has the most timeless classic appeal to me

[Brew]

My vote.



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[KeithP]

36mm, steel/fluted bezel/jubilee bracelet with silver stick dial.

TT champagne dial close second, but that is more iconic than timeless. I think that configuration is very much of a particular time.

[Brew]

Originally Posted by KeithP

TT champagne dial close second, but that is more iconic than timeless. I think that configuration is very much of a particular time.

10:13? I had the same thought, though, re: iconic v. timeless.

[Bluside]

The wife just picked out this one in 36mm....

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Bluside

The wife just picked out this one in 36mm....

Modern classic!

[MikeyV]

I have the same DJ41 TT, Champage, fluted, jubille.

I love it. It runs like a dream now too, after a few little growing pains. :)

[I.AlOthman]

Originally Posted by KeithP

36mm, steel/fluted bezel/jubilee bracelet with silver stick dial.

TT champagne dial close second, but that is more iconic than timeless. I think that configuration is very much of a particular time.

I actually completely agree with that. The champagne dial almost looks dated (still beautiful though) in comparison to other dial options. And exactly, something being iconic doesn’t necessarily mean its timeless.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

I think 2-tone 36mm, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and champagne dial is the iconic Datejust. That just screams “50 years with the company” anniversary!

Yup.

And all positive observations in my opinion.

[Dr. Robert]

I like all gold!

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[SCsailor]

This one


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[Rado63]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

I think 2-tone 36mm, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and champagne dial is the iconic Datejust. That just screams “50 years with the company” anniversary!

See above! If you got DJ41 in this configuration then modern classic.

[GradyPhilpott]

I'm a little biased, but I think this one is the most timeless.

Black sticks on Jubilee with domed bezel and roulette date-wheel in 36mm.

I do allow that some may feel that the fluted bezel would be more timeless, but I would argue that the gold fluted bezels are too prone to wear and that the stainless domed bezel and the stainless flat bezel are better for the long haul and therefore the most timeless of all.

[pepsiretail]

Yes, just because a configuration was very popular during the past does not necessarily make it the most timeless. It can be hard to unravel the question.

Perhaps the configuration doesn’t embody the timelessness? Maybe it is the watch itself?

My Everose was only introduced just over a decade ago and yet I can’t ever imagine it appearing dated.




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[mortum]

My nomination for the most timeless DJ would be 36mm two-tone, fluted, jubilee, champagne dial with sticks. That said, two-tone watches is not my cup of tea so, my own top choice will be this:

[TheGRman]

This one:
IMG_1479.JPG


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[lmmrf]

Originally Posted by joker_batman

Silver dial, fluted, jubilee, stick hand, no railroad track or anything but clean similar baton markers. Stainless steel has always felt like it has the most timeless classic appeal to me

Originally Posted by KeithP

36mm, steel/fluted bezel/jubilee bracelet with silver stick dial.

I agree with the above; steel, silver stick dial, fluted, jubilee. Try to buy a vintage Datejust from the 60s, 70s or 80s, and probably >50% of the examples are in this configuration or something very close to it. Two-tone only really became popular in the later 70s and 80s from what I know, and we've already experienced a 10-20 year period where many people felt those watches looked dated (though they're coming back now).

Originally Posted by pepsiretail

just because a configuration was very popular during the past does not necessarily make it the most timeless.

Fair point. What is "timeless" supposed to mean? I think it means the watch does not look too "of the moment" today, and would be successful, from a style and design perspective, if transported into either the past or the future. The configuration discussed above obviously worked in past, and I think it will continue to do so in future, in part because it has cemented itself in many people's minds as one of the most quintessential watch designs.

[kieselguhr]

Signature DateJust would be two tone yellow gold-solid steel, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, champagne dial. The one that’s everywhere.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by Brew

My vote.



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Pretty much this.

Minus the diamonds.

[kwcsports]

My pick is my own-

[SearChart]

36mm, fluted, two tone, champagne dial on a jubilee bracelet.

[Tangier11]

[acesguerra]

Here is my take on a timeless combo

1601
Matte black tritium dial
Fluted bezel
Jubilee bracelet




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[FrontHeadlock]

Originally Posted by KeithP

36mm, steel/fluted bezel/jubilee bracelet with silver stick dial.

TT champagne dial close second, but that is more iconic than timeless. I think that configuration is very much of a particular time.

We can pretty much end the thread with this post. It's spot on.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

I think 2-tone 36mm, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet and champagne dial is the iconic Datejust. That just screams “50 years with the company” anniversary!

agree