Rolex Day-Date 36 or 40 sizing and recognizability?

[Watchfavourite]

I am pondering between Day-Date 36 or Day-Date 40 yellow gold. I Currently have Datejust 41 and contemplating on Day-Date possibly white dial. Does someone have experience from both Day-Date sizes? I am normal sized male if that helps. I wear a suit sometimes but watch should be a good for all occasions.

What I have understood is that Day-Date 36 is the "classic" size. And I have read that 36 has a better recognizability than Day-Date 40 because of the size factor. Is that true? I am also thinking is the comfortability better on smaller sized Day-Date? One thing that I also wonder that I currently have Datejust 41 so is the right option to buy the Day-Date 40 because of that? (Or has someone owning datejust 41 decided to go 36 route for one reason or another)

I would propably buy the watch new if I decide to spend the cash. Thanks for the help!

[Spectral_Method]

I have tried on the 36 and the 40, both look good and well proportioned. In my personal opinion watches are trending towards larger sizes, because of this I would opt for the 40mm. That being said it is a solid gold Rolex, no one will judge you for getting the 36mm. Get what you like best.

[TTalk]

Originally Posted by Watchfavourite

I am pondering between Day-Date 36 or Day-Date 40...

What size is your wrist? Get a string or a piece of dental floss and measure it.

I have read that 36 has a better recognizability than Day-Date 40 because of the size factor. Is that true?

Recognizability, no. There are more 36s in the world because that size has been in production for decades. But YG DD in either size makes its own statement.

The goal is to just get the size that works best for you.

And welcome to TRF.

[brandrea]

Coming from a DJ41, the DD36 might seem/feel small IMO, YMMV

Welcome to the forum

[garyk]

I think my 1983 DD President was 36, if so it was a good size...

[puckybadger]

40

[2nastie]

Classic or not, most individuals would choose the 40mm over the 36mm. It seems to be the trend right now where the larger size (if branded the same) is the more popular model.

I like the 36mm Day-Date. However, the dial options are dismal compared to the 40mm.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

Classic or not, most individuals would choose the 40mm over the 36mm. It seems to be the trend right now where the larger size (if branded the same) is the more popular model.

I like the 36mm Day-Date. However, the dial options are dismal compared to the 40mm.

This. Dial options are very limited on the 36. More geared towards women than a unisex watch which is too bad. Incredible no white stick dial is available on the 36.

[kirksingleton]

Honestly I don’t think anyone will notice or care. I bought the 40 fwiw

[Yachtbuoy]

It could be because I'm a vintage DJ owner, but I think the DD36 is just perfectly sized. If the DD is supposed to be that notch above the Datejust, then maybe the classic size of the DD36 will be a better fit and better differentiate it from the watch you already have. I wouldn't listen to anyone who says the 36mm DDs/DJs are too small, the case profile/thickness adds a heft that works in literally every occasion. Could always look at a used Day-Date if you want more dial variety.

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

This. Dial options are very limited on the 36. More geared towards women than a unisex watch which is too bad. Incredible no white stick dial is available on the 36.

I know right? I would have loved a classic white dial on white gold model or any of the gold metals for that matter. Very unfortunate!

[Yachtbuoy]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

I know right? I would have loved a classic white dial on white gold model or any of the gold metals for that matter. Very unfortunate!

Rolex have reintroduced a DD36 with a white dial and roman numerals, so they are at least paying some attention to the perfect sized watch, the 36mm.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Yachtbuoy

Rolex have reintroduced a DD36 with a white dial and roman numerals, so they are at least paying some attention to the perfect sized watch, the 36mm.

Not a big Romans fan and no lume.

[1995akcoop]

I’ve owned both sizes. Yes the 36mm is the iconic size because that’s all that was offered at the time. The 40 is the new classic. Hard to explain but its perfect in every imaginable way. Yes its a 40 but not a Submariner 40. The proportions are perfect. The bracelet is very solid and love the assurance of the ceramic inserts to prevent stretching. I believe the power reserve was increased considerably as well. It truly is a wonder piece. As great as my 36mm was, i don’t miss it at all. Good luck


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[kirksingleton]

I think they still produce the 36 mainly for the Asian and female markets. If you decide that the 36 is the correct one for you there are some great deals on used 36’s out there right now, the 40’s are really going up in price. If you want new, you can save some money getting the 36. Make sure that you get a band with the ceramic “tubes” so the band doesn’t get stretched out and sloppy with time. Supposedly the ceramic inserts will stop that. Good luck with your decision and make sure you post pictures!

[HogwldFLTR]

I've owned two 36mm DDs and would hope that a 40mm would stick although after two 36mm didn't I'm a bit scared to make the jump.

[tramplejericho]

I have just bought a 40mm in Rose with the white Roman dial, I’m 6ft and 200lbs, (14 stone ish) I think a 36mm would look too small, no doubt the 40mm is an imposing watch, it’s noticeable, but I don’t think it’s any more so than the 36mm

I would personally find it uncomfortable to wear a 36mm just from a practicality perspective.







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[TTalk]

Originally Posted by kirksingleton

I think they still produce the 36 mainly for the Asian and female markets.

And me. I've got a small wrist and will definitely go 36 when I re-up on a DD.

[alpharulez]

I heard someone say that 36DD is the perfect size


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[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by alpharulez

I heard someone say that 36DD is the perfect size


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Forgot to add a pic ;-)




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[huncho]

Originally Posted by kirksingleton

I think they still produce the 36 mainly for the Asian and female markets. If you decide that the 36 is the correct one for you there are some great deals on used 36’s out there right now, the 40’s are really going up in price. If you want new, you can save some money getting the 36. Make sure that you get a band with the ceramic “tubes” so the band doesn’t get stretched out and sloppy with time. Supposedly the ceramic inserts will stop that. Good luck with your decision and make sure you post pictures!

they will never stop producing the 36mm. it's not due to a specific market, it's because its a classic. it might not be selling as well with current trends but everything is cyclical and we will have to see what happens to the 40

[JParm]

DD40. EEEEasily.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by alpharulez

I heard someone say that 36DD is the perfect size

It was me.

[alpharulez]

Originally Posted by Onikage

It was me.

You bet


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[TriaXenginE]

36mm in YG. Iconic.

[Twisted Vicar]

I tried on the classic 36mm but it looked a little lost (in my eyes) on my wrist, so went with the 40 and couldn't be happier.

Remember, the DJ 41 is actually a tad under 40mm IIRC?

[dpt.calvin]

36. Classic. You already have a bigger watch in the DJ41.

[THC]

Had both, go 40 as the new ceramic band pins are worth every dollar and do not look back sir

[jimcarver]

I love the 36mm for the vintage feel (I have a 18038) but truth be told if I was spending the cash on a new one I would go for 40mm.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by THC

Had both, go 40 as the new ceramic band pins are worth every dollar and do not look back sir

Doesn't the new 36 have the same ceramic band pins? I would assume that to come on any new Rolex PM model.

I would agree though. I don't own a DD40, but I own a DJ41. And I have tried on a DD40 and a DD36. 36mm just looks too small on me. DD40 looks perfect. But depending on your wrist size and shape, YMMV.