Unexpected luck: how I got my Rolex Datejust

After @Pascal's in-depth discussion on two tone, I had to add some of my own thoughts on the matter.
Many people wouldn't consider two tone in their collection, thinking it's only for the elderly or maybe murderous investment bankers.
In spite of being neither particularly old at 29, nor being Patrick Bateman, I'd like to introduce you to one of my recent acquisitions: a 36 mm yellow Rolesor Datejust with a fluted Bezel and champagne dial.

For me, the Datejust may just be THE quintessential Rolex. While the professional models have exploded in popularity in recent years, I always had a sweet spot for their dress models. In addition to that, I always love the eighties / media set in the eighties (think Miami Vic, Scarface or GTA Vice City). That's why it had to be a Rolesor model with champagne dial, which may be a little old fashioned, but they just perfectly encapsulate the vibe of the decade for me.

A bit more than two months ago, when I bought my Nomos Autobahn, I asked my AD to put me on the list "just for fun". At that point, I was fully expecting to wait at least six months, if not a year. However, just four weeks later they had my exact configuration in stock. Luckily I had enough liquid cash available, so I didn't hesitate a second and picked it up at the earliest opportunity. I've now owned the watch for roughly a month and loved every second of it.

There is a lot to love:
Probably my most favourite thing is the fluted bezel. It reflects light beautifully, creating an exceptionally nice pattern. I just can't look at it enough.
The watch fits a wide variety of casual and formal outfits. For me, the sweet spot is the more formal end of business casual, think linen jacket and light chinos. It also looks great with a light suit made from tropical wool. I do wear it with dirty sweatpants and T-shirts occasionally though and I still think it fits - even if maybe not as nicely as my Autobahn. The relatively slim 36 mm case can be easily hidden below a cuff and is not obtrusive, in spite of its loud colour.
The Jubilee bracelet may be the most comfortable bracelet known to man (or at least to me). Its Easy Link system is very convenient on warmer days (although there is a slight drawback discussed below).
On the movement side, a 70 hour power reserve is a nice to have - definitely better than the 42 hours on my Nomos.
Last but not least and for many probably the best feature is, that you can actually buy this watch at retail price.

It's not "the perfect watch" though:
My biggest complaint is the white date window. While I don't mind the cyclops (that's kind of what makes it a Datejust to be honest), the white colour is a huge fail on a champagne dial. I know many people won't mind, but it does annoy me.
The screw on crown makes it comparatively tedious to set the watch - my Autobahn feels much nicer to set and has the same water resistance. I strongly believe screw on crowns should be reserved for professional models.
Finally, there is something that is kind of inherent to this kind of watch: yellow gold is quite prone to scratching. That fact is compounded as they don't offer the Datejust with a hidden clasp Jubilee anymore. The yellow gold on the Oysterclasp shows every tiny scratch, so if don't like that maybe consider a vintage model with Crownclasp.

Overall, apart from the white date window all of these feel like nitpicking. Would I buy the Datejust again? Damn yes. Will I still add lots of other pieces to my collection? Unfortunately for my bank account, also yes.

Reply
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Coming of age in the 80s, I can affirm that the DJ, and specifically the two-tone DJ, is the quintessential Rolex. Great looking!

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Amazing watch and suits you really well. It is also a perfect counterpoint to your Nomos. Me, as a date and cyclops hater, agree completely that a white date wheel is not pleasing on a champagne sun burst dial. However at Rolex everything is about function, so the contrast black on white with a cyclops is their gold standard. If you want a Rolex with a matching date wheel, you need to buy a white dial... maybe a Rolex Explorer II polar dial as a next watch ;)

I would not say it is the quintessential Rolex, this is for me the Oyster Perpetual. But if you think about the most recognizable Rolex, it is for sure a DJ or Day-Date in yellow gold. 

However what's missing is a black tie watch, the Nomos very sporty, the DJ slightly sporty, slightly formal.

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Pascal

Amazing watch and suits you really well. It is also a perfect counterpoint to your Nomos. Me, as a date and cyclops hater, agree completely that a white date wheel is not pleasing on a champagne sun burst dial. However at Rolex everything is about function, so the contrast black on white with a cyclops is their gold standard. If you want a Rolex with a matching date wheel, you need to buy a white dial... maybe a Rolex Explorer II polar dial as a next watch ;)

I would not say it is the quintessential Rolex, this is for me the Oyster Perpetual. But if you think about the most recognizable Rolex, it is for sure a DJ or Day-Date in yellow gold. 

However what's missing is a black tie watch, the Nomos very sporty, the DJ slightly sporty, slightly formal.

Just mention black tie watches to rub in that I’m not getting a honey gold A. Lange 1815 in the next couple of decades 😂

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I just came across this old post because I’m a proud owner of almost the identical watch (white dial is the only difference). I also had “unexpected luck” obtaining it. I walked into an AD for the first time to try on other brands and was given the opportunity to buy the Rolex datejust two-tone. No waitlist, No forms to fill out.

I agree with your comments about the fluted bezel. I can’t stop looking at it. Also, the jubilee bracelet seems to become one with my arm. It still brand new, so no scratches yet, but just a matter of time.

How often are you wearing yours?

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TimeIsOnMySide

I just came across this old post because I’m a proud owner of almost the identical watch (white dial is the only difference). I also had “unexpected luck” obtaining it. I walked into an AD for the first time to try on other brands and was given the opportunity to buy the Rolex datejust two-tone. No waitlist, No forms to fill out.

I agree with your comments about the fluted bezel. I can’t stop looking at it. Also, the jubilee bracelet seems to become one with my arm. It still brand new, so no scratches yet, but just a matter of time.

How often are you wearing yours?

Awesome, the white dial looks great (and with Rolex’ refusal to match the date colour may be the smarter choice…)!

I wear mine 2-3 days a week, rotating it with my Nomos. Still loving every second. So far, I only have minor scratches on the Oysterclasp. The watch itself basically looks like new.

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It's mostly the shimmering fluted bezel and the jubilee bracelet...