5 Things to Know Before Buying a Rolex Datejust

[@Chrono24Official]

36mm or 41mm? Steel or two-tone? Oyster or jubilee? Smooth or fluted?

[@chriscoe7465]

36mm two-tone on a jubilee. Full Grandpa.

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

For me it’s 41mm, jubilee bracelet, fluted bezel, two tone with the Wimbledon dial.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Steel, 41, fluted with jubilee 😉

[@ammh2501]

Perfect configuration: of course 36mm for 7 to 7.5 inch wrist, Steel, black dial, jubilee and fluted.

[@vchim3310]

41mm, fluted, jubilee!

[@kbb_bbk]

My first (and probably only) Rolex is my 2022 Datejust 41 in two tone yellow gold and steel, jubilee, fluted, with a champagne dial. 30th birthday gift from my parents and wife. It is an absolute classic and a breathtaking watch, one that I will cherish and love forever. It is not something I wear daily as I have a wonderful collection of watches I love. However, any time I need “THE WATCH” for a small or large moment in my life, it is the only watch I reach for.

[@gastonfilms]

I just realized that I have had my Datejust for 38 years. I’m 58. It’s a lovely piece 🫡

[@animalrescuer80]

And no problem? Oh my

[@ChrisWolf75]

How much did you pay for it 38 years ago? If you don't mind, me asking.

[@RModillo]

@@ChrisWolf75 Sounds like a graduation present!

[@defresh4612]

I have a modern 36mm dj on jubilee. Every time I wear it I consider selling the rest of my watches as it is really the only watch I want/need. I’m not ready to be a 1-watch person, but if I had to sell all but 1 today… I’d keep the DJ.

[@markdegaute2125]

I did sell the rest. Apart from Casio for sport/gardening I had no need for anything else.

[@ptbot3294]

First two watches I had was a white dial Tudor prince date and then my late dad fluted two tone datejust in jubilee with gold dial. Now many watches and brands later, I'm waiting to buy the 36mm mint green dj (jubilee and fluted) to be my everyday watch. (Mom took over the Tudor and the two tone is a bit harder to wear with casual clothes. Also green has always been my favorite color) The others pateks, jlc, and etc are great watches but not something I could wear everyday mainly because they aren't as versatile and tough as a Rolex! I still enjoy all those other watches but yeah if I only have 1 watch, it would definitely be a datejust!

[@mocheen4837]

I have owned my Datejust for 25 years and have only worn it less than 100x. The same thing with my Submariner. Too many people make comments when they see me wearing the Rolex. Is it real? How can you afford it? It must be nice. I tend to wear my Panerai and Omega as most people do not recognize them.

[@soelaminwinthein]

all automatic watches nowsdays are just jewellary( acccessories ) . We do not need them anymore. I enjoy keeping them but not for functionality.

[@GrumblingForesight]

One thing that’s rarely mentioned when deciding between plain bezel+ oyster or fluted bezel + jubilee is that the fluted bezel and the jubilee links dont make scratches far less prominent than their smooth/oyster counterparts.

[@RModillo]

Sure-- but the smooth bezel and oyster are much more discreet and well-proportioned.

[@jethrojacinto2798]

The Datejust was my very first luxury watch I bought with my own money out of college. I went with the classic modern DJ blue dial 36mm/fluted/jubilee and I think it's perfect configuration.

[@Treetopflyer777]

I have the palm. I loved it since day 1. I never understood why people didn’t like it. It’s awesome.

[@darylwardsnyder4406]

Great presentation. Very thorough. When dismissing Omega as an alternative, perhaps you forgot, or didn’t know, the Aqua Terra comes in two sizes. The 41mm and the 38mm.

[@albertmeyer8983]

The Aqua Terra is a perfect alternative!

[@Chrono24Official]

Good call!

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Also the Globemaster.

[@bigj324]

I would like an aqua terra but can't stand its shark teeth like hour markers. If it had more conventional style markers, it would be the perfect alternative.

[@benten3524]

😂

[@flaviofelix99]

Exactly I was a bit confused as to why he didint mention it 😂

[@TravellingTechie]

Just as an aside I bought my Datejust 41 with an Oyster bracelet. For the Datejust range you can separately order a Jubilee from an AD as an extra bracelet. You cannot do this for every range however (i.e. GMT Master II).

[@Blkojo]

Excellent summation.

[@rogergrant455]

Very comprehensive video, Sir! Well done. 😊

[@greghassen4726]

The jubilee bracelet on the newest Datejust, does not stretch out , or if it does, it takes a verrrry long time, links were made more robust. It was improved back in early 2000s.

[@BAF605]

The most important point Thomas made here is that Datejusts are available at your Rolex AD. Excellent video.

[@ulrichschnier307]

BS "available". I'm on the waiting list for two different DJ's at two different AD's ... one's a simple steel DJ with Jubilee and smooth bezel, the other one's a yellow two-tone DJ with diamond dial. And I'm waiting 19 months, respectively 13 months by now ... Bucherer and Wempe ... "available" ... ROFLMAO ...

[@BAF605]

@@ulrichschnier307 If you can't get one now from an AD your face doesn't fit. Rolex have obviously decided they don't want you as a customer. Sometimes that happens. Always a bad move to deal with two ADs . Word gets around and the word is flipper. I'm not a big spender and I've had two steel Datejusts this year. I'd maybe buy a Tudor or go grey,

[@ulrichschnier307]

@@BAF605 I'm already wearing a GMT Master II "Pepsi" ... they KNOW that I am a customer ...

[@BAF605]

@@ulrichschnier307 I don't understand then. I'm into double figures of Rolex bought at retail, some hot, some not. I wanted all of them My only other buy was a Tag which I did want. Maybe find a better AD??

[@marcelrodriguez2067]

​@BAF605 face doesnt fit? That alone is a reason for anyone to simply not buy from rolex ever.

[@dinomoschovis7261]

Excellent video!! What about the Omega Seamaster Aquaterra? ;)

[@jacobosaldarriaga]

Aqua Terra is a perfect alternative

[@fungus70]

I bought a 41mm Datejust with oyster bracelet. Should have gone with the jubilee instead. It looks much better and doesn't scratch as easily as the oyster.

[@RAJohnson713]

36mm is the best size, I have a 7inch wrist and it looks great. Not too small at all.

[@JJL206]

How did we go from a smooth or fluted fixed bezel dress/sport watch to dive watches as worthy alternatives? Omega has an incredibly obvious alternative that isn’t a dive watch. It’s the first generation 39mm AquaTerra (followed by later models). The 39mm is the sweet spot for sizing and wearability. In some respects, it’s much better than a Date-Just or an Oyster Perpetual.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

People are less cliché'd and far less snobby.

[@skyworks1621]

Omega Aquaterra is just perfect a 38 mm, just the right size and price around 6 k new.

[@robynsjp]

I'm wearing a manual 37 mm1968 Omega 135.027 on 1098 bracelet today. Same idea as a vintage 36 mm DJ. Modern loud flashy pieces - the entire modern Rolex lineup in particular - is not my thing. I do dream - but only dream - of a 6542 or 5517 when it comes to Rolex !

[@greganderson7971]

I bought my 1st date just Rolex back in 2005 (100th anniversary Rolex), 41mm, two-tone, jubilee, fluted, blue dial, great watch still wearing it today, 20 years now still loving it, people still compliment how it looks,

[@Conversus]

What a cool guy. Just bought a DJ 36 mint green on Chrono24. Looking forward to it. Best regards from Berlin.

[@tomsawyerpn]

Aqua Terra is a perfect contender. Great movement and exhibition case.

[@hello_edu]

Hey, excellent video! Thanks for the great content 👏👏👏

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

your presentation style is wonderful. Well done!

[@bradcolby3624]

The blue 41 is my watch. I just love it. The fluted bezel was for me.

[@m.e.p.r]

36 / Stainless Steel / Fluted / Jubilee. It really isn't that hard 😅

[@RAJohnson713]

Exactly

[@bjjones1969]

Wonderful to have found this! Husband looking to purchase a Rolex for me. Which one? New to this. Looking at datejust unisex or woman. But I like case 30+. Any recommendations for someone just starting in the watch collection? Thank you

[@trimoblie]

Omega Aquaterra?

[@memaster246]

I can't take my eyes of the ap on your wrist 😍

[@RModillo]

My alternative, which I still don't regret, is the Nomos Club Neomatik Date in blue. 24/7, perhaps to be removed for the times when a VC Trad or Saxonia Thin is more appropriate. And I was never really a full-time watch wearer until I found that model.

[@rickjason215]

White Roman Numerals 41 with Jubilee with the bezel, by far the best Datejust.

[@wqsnsr8]

@ 2:27 what is reference for that date just....very informative video BTW

[@saromaliga5937]

I have 2023 Datejust flute Basel gold two tone olive dial Rolex. That was my dream and I bought just in time. ❤❤❤❤ happy happy 🎉

[@tommyreusse3858]

great video. very informative

[@ihatekrys3888]

@Chrono24Official and what watch are you wearing in video my good sir?

[@ammh2501]

Perfect configuration: 36mm for 7 to 7.5 inch wrist, Steel, black dial, jubilee and fluted.

[@walterlee4796]

Why didn't you mention Aqua Terra as a Omega alternative ? Seems like an obvious and purposeful omission.

[@mw3iSyD]

the video is about the rolex datejust. Not about alternatives

[@jaimerivera2545]

Does the Tudor Prince counts as a competition or cheaper option?

[@monkeedo]

what ?😂😂

[@simongoddard8490]

My palm dial, stainless, fluted, jubilee is the only watch I need for everything but manual work. The 36mm is perfect on my 6 3/4 inch wrist. My previous 41mm DJ was too big, 36mm hits the spot and was the size I should have originally gone for, though the palm dial was not available then. After an 18 month wait it all came good.

[@zRain_]

Planning on getting vintage DJ Buckley dial. Should I get it with original documents or not and is it worth it in general?

[@Herbf173]

Have the 16220 engine turned bezel and I love it 😍 daily for me

[@aymanhassan1719]

Omega Globmaster is a peace of exceptional quality and is a good choice as well as Aqua Terra

[@zulmaortiz1353]

I just purchased the Wimbledon 41, jubilee bracelet. I am still trying to understand what is the difference between the date and date just. Is it just the date option? Is there any difference in the mechanical of the watch?

[@rionwillard6188]

the Omega aqua terra would be more the comparison no?

[@zackywacky112]

i love your polo!! where is it from

[@josefsbeach]

36mm Linen Dials are worth a mention here 😍

[@yoelalmeida3259]

indeed

[@cecaju9516]

The Tudor non-diver Black Bay line is also a cost effective alternative. A cross between an OP and a DJ.

[@jrs109]

Which watch is the host wearing in the video?

[@vipnetworker]

I’m confused why you didn’t mention the Omega Aquaterra??? Also, a Tissot Gentleman Powermatic is a great alternative under $1,000 👍

[@andyhart5669]

36mm, jubilee bracelet, engine turned bezel, white dial with roman numerals. I have worn it everyday for 26 years.

[@asko7113]

The blue conical dialed DJ and the tuxedo dialed DJ are some of my favourite in the modern catalogue. Vintage DJ are timeless especially with a Linen dial

[@DC-si8xw]

i wear a silver/ black reverso with factory brown leather strap, the strap dresses it down and the wuick release is great i have multiple straps

[@billwayzata]

Great discussion.

[@strontvlieg01]

How do i find the two different closing mechanism for the jubilee bracelet? I like the one where the bracelet is uninterrupted with just the crown on 2:15.

[@TPINSC]

I have a 36 two tone yellow gold /stainless with a two tone oyster bracelet. I really wish I had gotten one that was more of an everyday style. I rarely ever wear it because it really doesn't fit my style anymore. I'm going to try a nice leather strap to see if that won't make it a little more ''me'' I bought it in 1992 and really haven't worn it much at all.

[@benmoore7946]

Educational! Muchas gracias.

[@ShambaBasher]

Blue dial fluted is the best one!

[@robxnl-nb]

For me it’s 41mm, Oyster bracelet, fluted bezel, two tone with the Wimbledon dial (126333)

[@michaelrussell2406]

Would love to see my Datejust II stainless fluted bezel blue dial paired with an Oysterflex bracelet. Possible?

[@yashpatwari6574]

Hey. I am planning to buy my first rolex and it will probably be my only rolex for a long time. I am confused between the datejust steel Wimbledon, steel gold Wimbledon, date sub black and the bluesy. Which would be the best looking watch for occasion wear. Thanks

[@Chrono24Official]

Hey! The all steel Datejust would be the most understated for more formal occasions, and the Bluesy would be the 'loudest' option. It just depends on what qualities you want to emphasize and what you'd want to live with day after day.

[@yashpatwari6574]

Thanks for your suggestion

[@apageii]

If it helps, my first Rolex was the Explorer. When I put it on it feels good. I love how smooth the seconds hand moves. The oyster bracelet is an instant classic and adds to the complex simplicity. That is an oxymoron but it’s the only way to describe the feeling. I can wear it with a suit or in street clothes or in pajamas watching tv in bed. Please try them on. Give it a good time on the wrist. The most important thing about buying a Rolex is not the model. It’s is this right for you? I honestly hated the Submariner when I tried it on. I was surprised. It’s because it didn’t feel like me. I tried the DJ and it was nice but flashy in a way that I wouldn’t want to wear it everyday. When I got to the Explorer, I got that feeling of nostalgia. It was like a childhood memory. Get the one that feels like that and you will never regret it.

[@TheSkatereel]

Love my 126300 in blue. At 100M WR, it’s my one in done with Rolex

[@dirkwesselmann9393]

I don't think that the Tudor Black Bay is comparable. For me, it's rather the Aqua Terra. I have both, Datejust 41 and Aqua Terra. I almost only wear the Omega - less pretentious (no rich kids or wannabes) and understated, particularly in work-environment.

[@danieldravot341]

I tried to buy a new Oyster Perpetual a few years ago but apparently I didn’t pass the dealer’s screening process so I have to content myself with a two-tone Oyster Perpetual Date with the gloss white and Romans dial, four various other Rolexes, forty-something everyday Omegas, a Concord Impresario El Primero triple date, triple register and a couple of Speedy Moon watches. Rolex can go pound sand.

[@tdl2920]

Omega Globemaster as an alternative in the Omega line.

[@eddiedimitris1981]

Speedmaster 57 is a good alternative

[@newunclehorse]

Sorry for the dumb question, I am new to collecting watches. I am looking to buy a datejust with a diamond dial, but they seem to lose a lot of value. Is that true, and if so why?

[@auddemars11]

Buy watch for your pleasure. And if it lose value, there is only ONE reason: supply-demand

[@MordDorr]

Do they come in full yellow gold?

[@mrworldwide2722]

Yes

[@chitowncarlos7362]

I have a DJ 41 w/white dial w/ on oyster bracelet & original fluted Wimbledon on jubilee love them both! But not as much as my Subs & original Batman!

[@trimoblie]

Would be better if you discussed the history of the cyclops lens, an iconic feature of the datejust.

[@mocheen4837]

The Datejust was my first Rolex. I started with a Movado then moved to Tag Heuer, Rolex, Omega, Panerai then back to Rolex.

[@anonFNanonLN]

Aqua Tera by Omega is a good alternative

[@SoulKilla1000]

I have the 16014 Rolex Datejust. My only complaint is that it hurts to wind and a pain to screw the crown back on.

[@frankies.5269]

Perhaps time for service, mine is buttery smooth …😂

[@SoulKilla1000]

@@frankies.5269 Perhaps. It is +2, -2 seconds a day still.

[@harrybrown1776]

The rolex datejust is one of the most beautiful watches u can wear on the wrist. Its recognizable, elegant snd u wear it bcos u want people to notice u. Dont waste time buying an omega and then spent all your time on the comment section explaining to everyone how great your watch is. A rolex watch dont need any spokesperson for it 😂

[@GyudonDream]

Roman or Stick dial?

[@paulrobinson4846]

Superb 😊

[@reedpeterson719]

I like Grand Seikos due to the fact they have inventory at their stores.

[@dutchcoiner]

To me, the DJ has always been the most attractive looking watch Rolex has ever made. Should be 36mm, jubilee, fluted for sure ✨

[@eduardoong2621]

I love your content! But where'd u buy your shirt haha

[@Chrono24Official]

Thanks! It's a cashmere polo from Vince that I bought secondhand for cheap

[@aagm.]

Excellent

[@andrewunzeitig335]

41mm much better for me but I like the bracelet on the 36 the way it goes all the way around also my wife could wear the 36. I don’t wear it that much so I sometimes wish I had gone 36 so we could both use it.

[@cnaarndt]

Great video, but I feel you missed several important points. I've been a Rolex fan since the late 1960s and an owner wearer for 40+ years. Several years ago, I did research on Rolex ADs and production numbers. All Rolex models have almost 1,200 combinations over the 14 model lines, but the DJ is number one at over 580 variations! This is something a Chrono24 intern could have researched in a few hours. Regarding Omega, no mention of the Aqua Terra as the direct alternative? Now, the most obvious omission, the Rolex Sky Dweller often called the DJ on steroids. It's 1mm larger in diameter and 1.5mm thicker. I've been a DJ fan for decades, but as a professional int'l airline pilot [GMT Master owner for 40 years] with 7.7"/19.4cm wrists, this watch is perfect for me, and scratches the DJ itch. I've owned a black dial steel SD version since 2019.

[@Chrono24Official]

Thank you for the excellent feedback here. We decided to keep the combination conversation more general as there are *even more* options to include when you consider the different eras of the Datejust available on the wider market. The Aqua Terra is an excellent alternative to the DJ - good call. And the Sky-Dweller was omitted because the starting price on Chrono24 is more than double that of a DJ41, and we wanted to keep the list to

[@cnaarndt]

​@@Chrono24Official Thanks for responding, all excellent points. I was fortunate to get my SD at an AD in HKG [no wait and no sales tax], but like you stated still over $10K.

[@Roy-vh9rp]

One thing you need to know before buying Rolex is that you simply can't trust Rolex sizes. Datejust 41 actually measures 39.5 mm across. And so forth.

[@richardbutler9466]

I purchased my Datejust in 1969 with the Thunderbird bezel and it cost $395.00. The Day Date or Presidential All Gold with the 18k Watch was only $1,000.00. Times have changed.

[@key4duty]

And how much did you make a month back then?

[@FzjClay]

Love my Tudor BB54

[@susmitaguha-d6b]

I was recently gifted on my birthday of Rolex watches I am really happy for my gift.

[@00950w]

Sir, everything is great in your video, except the mic quality.

[@payatavassoli7048]

Aqua Terra

[@Jwiggy8573]

Im going to get me a datejust 41 Wimbledon jubilee two tone

[@ccooper8785]

good old rolex. after all this time they are still incapable of colour-matching the date background to the dial. Even my aliexpress special can manage this....

[@mottyk8491]

I think rolex is timeless and recognized, no matter what it's statement

[@mitchmitchell9588]

10:09 apples to Asian pears. That’s good. Accurate and amusing. Not sure if people get it. But who cares?

[@SeniorChaChaCha]

6th thing to know, you’ll want them all.

[@smiffter97]

Aqua Terra?????

[@Hollywoodfish]

You don't think that the Tudor Royal fits in here?

[@Hlbkomer]

One thing about the Jubilee is that it’s a dirt magnet. The smalls holes get super disgusting super fast compared to the oyster bracelet.

[@ShambaBasher]

What that it’s a fantastic watch? Damn right.

[@larzometa]

Talking about bb58 after passing omega without mentioning the aqua terra is crazy

[@georgiosyiannakou5537]

What does he wear on his wrist though?

[@Chrono24Official]

Hey Georgio, that’s a vintage AP dress watch.

[@georgiosyiannakou5537]

@@Chrono24Official Thank you. Any chance of sharing the reference or the model please?

[@Chrono24Official]

That part is still a mystery to me, and AP’s archival extracts are a bit expensive, but you can find similar pieces by searching for AP dress watches on Chrono24 (lots of great deals out there)