5 Things to Know Before Buying a Rolex Datejust

Thinking about buying a Rolex Datejust? There are a few things to keep in mind before making such a purchase. This watch has so many options, so many combinations to choose from, that it can be easy to make a mistake. We'll tell you what you need to know before investing in the crown.
0:00 Know Your Options
3:35 Pricing & Popularity
5:13 Key Dates & Improvements
7:16 Vintage vs. Modern vs. Neo-Vintage
9:06 Datejust Alternatives
11:16 BONUS
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[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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 😂

[@Treetopflyer777]

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

[@eduardotoledano]

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

[@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.

[@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,

[@benmoore7946]

Educational! Muchas gracias.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Conversus]

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

[@tommyreusse3858]

great video. very informative

[@billwayzata]

Great discussion.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

your presentation style is wonderful. Well done!

[@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.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

People are less cliché'd and far less snobby.

[@dinomoschovis7261]

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

[@RAJohnson713]

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

[@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

[@m.e.p.r]

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

[@RAJohnson713]

Exactly

[@Herbf173]

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

[@cecaju9516]

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

[@bradcolby3624]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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).

[@ammh2501]

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

[@ihatekrys3888]

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

[@memaster246]

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

[@wqsnsr8]

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

[@zRain_]

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

[@zackywacky112]

i love your polo!! where is it from

[@jacobosaldarriaga]

Aqua Terra is a perfect alternative

[@jrs109]

Which watch is the host wearing in the video?

[@michaelrussell2406]

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

[@TheSkatereel]

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

[@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.

[@paulrobinson4846]

Superb 😊

[@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.

[@skyworks1621]

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

[@nickjanssen]

Very useful, thanks.

[@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 !

[@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

[@andyhart5669]

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

[@tdl2920]

Omega Globemaster as an alternative in the Omega line.

[@trimoblie]

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

[@josefsbeach]

36mm Linen Dials are worth a mention here 😍

[@yoelalmeida3259]

indeed

[@trimoblie]

Omega Aquaterra?

[@FzjClay]

Love my Tudor BB54

[@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.

[@jaimerivera2545]

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

[@monkeedo]

what ?😂😂

[@ShambaBasher]

Blue dial fluted is the best one!

[@eddiedimitris1981]

Speedmaster 57 is a good alternative

[@rickjason215]

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

[@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!

[@fxr6613]

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

[@sagarpradhan9809]

Great

[@payatavassoli7048]

Aqua Terra

[@vipnetworker]

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

[@ShambaBasher]

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

[@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

[@dutchcoiner]

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

[@JediRamen]

Roman or Stick dial?

[@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.

[@reedpeterson719]

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

[@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.

[@jaswagg85]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@00950w]

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

[@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.

[@Hollywoodfish]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@vipnetworker]

OP > DJ No need to set a date. I know what day it is. Simplicity for the win 🙌

[@smiffter97]

Aqua Terra?????

[@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.

[@j.nilsson5362]

Fluted dial? Isn´t it Motif dial?

[@Chrono24Official]

"Fluted-motif dial" is how Rolex describes it in press releases, but the motif at play is the fluting, so people call it the "fluted dial" for short.

[@j.nilsson5362]

@@Chrono24Official I see. Thank you, I like your videos so it wasn’t a complaint, just a question! :)

[@josephkelly1909]

Keep in mind the datejust 41 is NOT 41mm..it’s 39.5 and for some people (like me) that matters A LOT. Iearned the hard way.

[@ransom1004]

Don’t pay extra for a box. Original paperwork, sure, but a box is interchangeable and second hand dealers use their boxes as needed, not as they came.

[@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)

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

DJ in +/- 38.5 size for 2024 anyone?? 36 is just too small for many and 41 too large (for a DJ).

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Agree!

[@RAJohnson713]

The 36mm is bigger than you think. Fits great on my 7inch wrist.

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

@@RAJohnson713 Thanks , your comments give me hope.... I'll go try one on soon at the AD. : )

[@user-qq8jn5bb4m]

Lume on hands is way too narrow compared to hour markers, this has always bugged me and therefore will never buy one.

[@mercedesman4774]

Where is the best place to purchase a Datejust?

[@Chrono24Official]

We have over 35,000 on our site right now

[@devilmaycry0917]

the 41mm version is actually 39.8mm so technically it's a 36mm vs 40mm comparison

[@righter07rg]

I am always amused by the fact that only very few geeks seem to know about the „mechanical Oysterquartz“ watches, which offer the Genta design case of the Oysterquartz with a real mechanical movement inside (Reference 1530 and 1630)

[@defresh4612]

Lol. The first time I saw one I was just getting into Rolex and a guy in my jury duty pool had one on. It looked amazing but I saw it ticking and just assumed he had a fake Rolex w a cheap quartz movement in it. Couple years later I learned about the oysterquartz and realized my mistake. 🤦‍♂️

[@neil4701]

"No vintage watch will be perfectly accurate" - not true, unless you mean that no watch can be perfectly accurate. Many vintage watches can be regulated to much better than COSC standards after a full service. As you mentioned IWC when talking about DJ alternatives, why not mention the original Yacht Club?

[@apageii]

This video is weird. DateJust means-36mm, fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet. The only choice that needs to be made is do you want stainless steel, two tone or presidential. This is the way.

[@monkeedo]

first : when all buyers think they'll do money with it ,))))

[@cyrusnensey4772]

I like apples and Asian pears

[@PabloTBrave]

Pelagos and date just are not competitors . Normally i like more sporty so I wear my pelagos LHD as a daily and my DJ 126334 for more dressy occasions

[@spittinvenom9843]

The Tissot Gent Powermatic 80 is just as nice and a fraction of the price

[@ithper]

Lol can’t compare

[@Drew10006]

I think the dj looks better then sub 😅 although sub beautiful just quite lot fakes in circulation

[@OngoGablogian185]

Do people actually want the palm motif? Doesn't look like it retains value.

[@ithper]

Ugly

[@hakarn-rz4829]

I wish I knew how feminine the jubilee bracelet looks in real life. Having been offered both and held both in my hand, I can honestly say the jubilee felt like something id pick for my wife. It had too much going on and took away from the actual dial. Fluted oyster was a great option. It kept the manliness of the oyster bracelet and kept the central focus on the dial

[@griv5048]

Globemaster

[@anthonyvargas8704]

I wish I could have one but I'm poor and can't have one but I'm still going to get a plastic watch 😞⌚