Soliciting Datejust Opinions

[BradSomrak]

I'm interested to see people's opinions on a decision I'm wrestling over:

1) Vintage 1601 DJ;
2) New DJ, 36 mm; or
3) New DJ 41

My inner struggle is the romanticism I have with vintage watches versus the technology/benefits of a new watch, e.g., anti-magnetic properties.

I'm not leaning one way or the other just yet, but I'm getting sick of the struggle and need to make a decision.

What say you, good people.....

[csfischer20]

I loved every DJ I had. My favorite was the 16234 with a blue stick dial, and jubilee bracelet. Perfect combo between new and old imo. I do love the dj2 as well, but haven't owned one. I've had the other 2 and the one in the middle with quickset and acrylic.

[watchwatcher]

(3. Best DJ out there, IMO.

[Maiden]

I had a 1980 16014 (pics below) acrylic crystal, 3035 movement, quick set date. A nice mix of vintage and modern. That could be an option, movement was flawless, sold it to pick up a 18238. I will be getting another at some time and think I will go with the six digit version. The 36mm size still gives it that vintage feel IMO. Go with your gut!

[Marcus09]

New 36 all the way!


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[vladamir15]

Dj2 then dj 36 mm imo

[blue16613]

Loved the 1601. Like for many, it was my first Rolex.

Never had any interest in the DJ II. When the Day Dates and Date Justs went the "II" way I was turned off completely.

I was immediately attracted to the DD40 and am planning to add a DJ41 to my collection. "Happy Days Are Here Again!"

[CDNWatchNut]

I would go with the traditional 36mm (blue sticks / fluted bezel on jubilee please) if it was my every day wearer, only watch. In a small collection, I might just think about the 41 as an option.

[BradSomrak]

Originally Posted by CDNWatchNut

I would go with the traditional 36mm (blue sticks / fluted bezel on jubilee please) if it was my every day wearer, only watch. In a small collection, I might just think about the 41 as an option.

It would not be an everyday wear; it would be part of a small collection with a sub and Speedy.

Thanks all. I appreciate the ongoing opinions.

[Richard Carver]

The 5 digit DJ deserves a look as well. All the joys of a quickset with all the charms of an acrylic crystal. Really nice watches. :)

16030 Engine turned bezel.

[Gerardus]

I would go for "the classic".
A mint 5 digit or a BNIB36mm DJ.

[Verdi]

36 mm rules when it comes to DJs.

[iliketime]

Classic 5 digit datejust for me. Got rid of a two tone and cash in a trade, but i wouldnt say a datejust isnt in the future.

[GradyPhilpott]

This is my favorite DJ.

[locutus49]

I owned a 1601 and loved it. But unless your heart is set on vintage, I would buy the newest and best model for YOUR wrist size. I prefer improvements over romantic ideas, but that is me.

[kilyung]

For me, any DJ with super jubilee clasp. Very disappointed not to see it on the DJ41.

[motoikkyu]

I vote 1601. I've owned 3, as well as a 1603. Reason: I have a sick affection for the "wide boy" dials and hands. You can't get that in the quick-set. It's a workhorse movement, there are millions of them around as parts donors, and if you scratch the crystal, you can polish it out with toothpaste. All that fun for under $2K. Unless you absolutely in love with how the new DJ looks on you, go 1601!

[Jack T]

Mine is a 116234, you've reminded me how much I like it, need to get it back in rotation. It really is a versatile, beautiful watch. The newer version, vs vintage, isn't all that technically advanced, except for the clasp, but the lines, how it sits on the wrist, just perfect.

[Juantxo]

Buy a new watch. With old watches you never know what you'll get and soon you'll wish you had bought new. I like the 36mm Rolex, my wrist is almost 7 3/4", better than any other. However, the new movement on the 41mm is something to consider. But if 41mm is too big for you, just go for a classic, never bested, 36mm. DJ.

[mementomori1983]

Based on your post I think you'll be very happy with a modern DJ 36 on a jubilee bracelet. A DJ 36 gives you nearly all the technology upgrades of the past few decades, and all of the charm of a watch that retains many of the desirable characteristics of the vintage models (traditional case size, traditional dial options, jubilee bracelet).

I was generally a snob for 5-digit references. I've owned a 16014 and a 16220. My perceptions changed when I got a 116234. The super jubilee is a substantial upgrade. I never thought I'd like the somewhat fatter and high-polished lugs, but I got over that very quickly when I saw how well it complimented the fluted bezel. Rolex knew exactly what it was doing with this change.

Loved the 116234 so much that I've since added the two-tone version (116233) to the collection. These are probably the only 6-digit models I'll ever own. Just great watches, IMO.





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[AK797]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

(3. Best DJ out there, IMO.

[jaySL350]

i have both,,,my 16013 i love but my dj2 in wg and ss is the boss,,,
light,understated compared to my blnr and maybe my fav ever watch,,
i wont take her off except for cleaning lol,,,
very best of luck ,,
any of those your interested in are lovely watches,,,jay

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by kilyung

For me, any DJ with super jubilee clasp. Very disappointed not to see it on the DJ41.

My bet is that with time (if not now) one will be able to order the super jubilee clasp with the DJ41.

Same thing with dials. Right now some are shown with the oyster bracelet but not with the jubilee (and vice versa). I have to believe if a particular dial can be had with one bracelet it can be had with the other. Of course with the important caveat that you don't want to put a dial for the steel and gold DJ41 on to a SS DJ41.

Time will tell, I suppose.......

[ukflyboy]

5 digit DJs are in my opinion the best value Rolex buy out there at the moment. You benefit from the same movement as the 6 digit but for less than half the price when buying used. I actually prefer the more classic looks of the 5 digit dial and can take or leave the hidden clasp, so it's a winner!

[BrownDog09]

If I can pull off a 34mm Date you will totally good with the 36mm Datejust. I'm not a small guy. I'm 5'11" 195 and 7" wrists.




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[crowncollection]

Get a few 1601's they are great value imho


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[Rocket_Man]

I don't know what watch you should buy, but for me it will be the DJ41 Blue Stick with Fluted dial. I have a vintage 5-digit but I don't wear it anymore. The new DJ41 is an improvement on the DJ2 in every way for me anyway. New movement, better styling.

[subking86]

Either one is great! I loved my DJ. Unfortunately, we sold it 2 weeks ago to fund a Cartier for my wife. I will be adding either another 36 or the new 41 at some point in the future. Probably a few more years as I just got an Aqua Terra (38 mm) and checks the same boxes as the Datejust.

[playmore009]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Get a few 1601's they are great value imho


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Now I know where all the wideboys are!


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[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by playmore009

Now I know where all the wideboys are!


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cheers


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