The Chap's Guide: Omega Aqua Terra vs. Rolex Datejust
I follow a YouTube channel called The Chap's Guide who covers men's fashion, watches, etiquette, etc. Today he rolled out a Omega AT vs Rolex DJ video - worth a watch.
https://youtu.be/1gpsFYk4ndE?si=D0YVKnk2vaKZI23Q
I'll withhold my thoughts and opinions, but would like to hear yours!
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Salty
Interested in collecting diverse brands.
Delaware, USA
Member since
Last active: 1 hr ago
I saw it today. I do not completely agree with this guy. I mean I agree that Aqua Terra is technically superior watch. I agree that it is much easier to get Aqua Terra at AD. But he was talking about something, that he called "it", and Day Just had Aqua Terra did not. I think Aqua Terra has "it", it its "it" is not smaller than Rolex's "it". Especially if you consider AT teak dial, and not shades dials. I'll take AT over Rolex any time.
BTW, I also think Daniel Craig has more "it", then "Tom Cruise".
I would buy a AT over a DJ. I prefer the look of the watch and frankly couldn’t be bothered with the nonsense I would have to put up with at a Rolex AD.
I do agree with that guy. The "it"/wow factor is just missing on the AT. What I think the AT is missing/different is that it's more of a sports watch trying to be a dress watch while the DJ is a sporty dress watch.
AT is larger in size, has thicker looking lugs and bulbus looking shape. giving it a more compact and squarish making it a more sporty design imo. The DJ 36 has really long and slender lugs making it more dressy and elongated, like a rectangle. Dj41 kinda looks more squarish too since the lugs are thicker and it just doesn't look "right" to me.
It's kinda like a Cartier tank vs santos. Tank is more rectangular making it look more dressy and the Santos being more squarish is sporty. You can also look at older subs and modern subs and see that maxi case make the watch more squarish and compact making it more sporty.
DJ36 is also more refined and has a more coherent design. AT ends up being a blingy sports watch when I look at it in person especially when it's on the metal bracelet. The rubber strap version of AT looks better imo.
The Datejust is so much more better looking it’s not even a contest. The case and lugs, the bracelet and the dial work better. The only thing the AT wins on is the no cyclops. But then the date window is such a weird shape it just puts me off anyway.
My opinion only 🤷🏻♂️
AT. All day, every day.
They are too different in the configuration shown. A fairer comparison would be the DJ with a domed bezel and oyster bracelet which would put them in a similar price category and be visually more similar. I would need to try on an AquaTerra before I could make an informed decision. It is a shame the 38mm isn't available with the teak dial.
I would take the OP over the AT but the AT over the DJ. Can't like a Cyclops I'm afraid. 😕
I really enjoy the content he makes. It’s important to keep in mind that, in this video, he does make it clear that he has a bias, and he certainly gives the AT a fair shake in spite of that bias. When it comes down to the “it” factor, it is quite obvious that this variable is entirely subjective, making it somewhat of a swaying point for each individual.
For what it’s worth, I think the AT is an excellent watch and is obviously the “go-to” if you want a GADA Omega. Between the two, I’d have to go with the DJ. If you want the more substantial, “tooly” option, you go with the oyster bracelet and smooth bezel, and spend hardly any more than you would on the AT. If you want something that goes a bit more dressy, the DJ has you covered with a jubilee and fluted bezel.
One of the biggest factors for me is the oyster case. I’m a sucker for the classic oyster case, it’s one of my favorites. It’s elegant and curvaceous but inspires total confidence in its durability. My Explorer has taken on its fair share of scratches and scuffs and, to me, looks just as great as it ever did.
I saw the video and he is of course entitled to his opinion but I prefer the AT. People have this sickly obsession with value retention when it comes to their Rolex watches yet those same people buy BMW and Mercedes Benz vehicles and lose money hand over fist but it's okay because they like them. Very few people buy Rolex watches these days for their horological prestige and craftsmanship, rather they buy them to impress others with an option to sell later. I also think that the AT has a lot to offer and the so called x factor is highly subjective... But hey, to each his own.
The Datejust everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.
I do love the AT though, but with the teak dial (white or blue dial).
I think I’ve seen a couple of his videos before. Is he always outside? Must be cold enough that he never took his gloves off. Weird that he would choose the outdoors for his videos.
I saw it today. I do not completely agree with this guy. I mean I agree that Aqua Terra is technically superior watch. I agree that it is much easier to get Aqua Terra at AD. But he was talking about something, that he called "it", and Day Just had Aqua Terra did not. I think Aqua Terra has "it", it its "it" is not smaller than Rolex's "it". Especially if you consider AT teak dial, and not shades dials. I'll take AT over Rolex any time.
BTW, I also think Daniel Craig has more "it", then "Tom Cruise".
Agree, this was my biggest disagreement - totally think the DJ can be preferred and lose head to head, but the 38/41 AT with teak dial IMO have "it", as do the 38mm new bold colorway models IMO. It's his opinion and totally valid from his perspective, but seemed very off the consensus and a "hot take" - not that he is one to make those per se.
I would buy a AT over a DJ. I prefer the look of the watch and frankly couldn’t be bothered with the nonsense I would have to put up with at a Rolex AD.
Yeah, same here. I think it is more versatile and prefer it's movement. Plus, the teak dial, esp. green for me, is such an amazing dial in the AT case.
I do agree with that guy. The "it"/wow factor is just missing on the AT. What I think the AT is missing/different is that it's more of a sports watch trying to be a dress watch while the DJ is a sporty dress watch.
AT is larger in size, has thicker looking lugs and bulbus looking shape. giving it a more compact and squarish making it a more sporty design imo. The DJ 36 has really long and slender lugs making it more dressy and elongated, like a rectangle. Dj41 kinda looks more squarish too since the lugs are thicker and it just doesn't look "right" to me.
It's kinda like a Cartier tank vs santos. Tank is more rectangular making it look more dressy and the Santos being more squarish is sporty. You can also look at older subs and modern subs and see that maxi case make the watch more squarish and compact making it more sporty.
DJ36 is also more refined and has a more coherent design. AT ends up being a blingy sports watch when I look at it in person especially when it's on the metal bracelet. The rubber strap version of AT looks better imo.
Great points - while verys similar, the DJ is def the more dress leaning piece. I think that is why I like the AT so much, as for my preferences it can dress up, but dresses below dress level more easily and sharply than a DJ (esp. fluted bezel models). Great analyses and points,.appreciate you taking the time.
The Datejust is so much more better looking it’s not even a contest. The case and lugs, the bracelet and the dial work better. The only thing the AT wins on is the no cyclops. But then the date window is such a weird shape it just puts me off anyway.
My opinion only 🤷🏻♂️
No doubt - the DJ is iconic and the lore impact piece for many/most people. I really like my blue dial DJ with the fluted bezel (36mm) and concede it gets more recognition then my green teak dial, although it gets entry of recognition as well. Really only the AT and DJ get recognized out in the wild, mainly in formal business settings.
AT. All day, every day.
It's hard for me not to go AT when I go to business meetings over my DJ, part of my Omega bias. So totally concur.
They are too different in the configuration shown. A fairer comparison would be the DJ with a domed bezel and oyster bracelet which would put them in a similar price category and be visually more similar. I would need to try on an AquaTerra before I could make an informed decision. It is a shame the 38mm isn't available with the teak dial.
Agree an OP vs AT would be the better comparison, and needs to be the 38AT with teak dials. And my BIGGEST gripe ever with Omega is that there is no 38mm green teak dial - love my 41mm and it fits great, but 38 is so much better on wrist for my preferences.
I would take the OP over the AT but the AT over the DJ. Can't like a Cyclops I'm afraid. 😕
The cyclops is so polarizing - I am one of those who like it. But totally get why it's not for everyone
I really enjoy the content he makes. It’s important to keep in mind that, in this video, he does make it clear that he has a bias, and he certainly gives the AT a fair shake in spite of that bias. When it comes down to the “it” factor, it is quite obvious that this variable is entirely subjective, making it somewhat of a swaying point for each individual.
For what it’s worth, I think the AT is an excellent watch and is obviously the “go-to” if you want a GADA Omega. Between the two, I’d have to go with the DJ. If you want the more substantial, “tooly” option, you go with the oyster bracelet and smooth bezel, and spend hardly any more than you would on the AT. If you want something that goes a bit more dressy, the DJ has you covered with a jubilee and fluted bezel.
One of the biggest factors for me is the oyster case. I’m a sucker for the classic oyster case, it’s one of my favorites. It’s elegant and curvaceous but inspires total confidence in its durability. My Explorer has taken on its fair share of scratches and scuffs and, to me, looks just as great as it ever did.
Great analysis! Have to say no disagreements. Personally I prefer Omega AT case with it's lyre lugs, as they seem to allow their cases it the wrist better than their size belies. The OP with oyster bracelet and smooth bezel totally the best comparison against an AT - preferably 38mm with teak dial.
I saw the video and he is of course entitled to his opinion but I prefer the AT. People have this sickly obsession with value retention when it comes to their Rolex watches yet those same people buy BMW and Mercedes Benz vehicles and lose money hand over fist but it's okay because they like them. Very few people buy Rolex watches these days for their horological prestige and craftsmanship, rather they buy them to impress others with an option to sell later. I also think that the AT has a lot to offer and the so called x factor is highly subjective... But hey, to each his own.
Totally concur. I think for Ash, the host of the video, his Rolex bias and intent to provide fashion advice that provides the strongest fashion sense to others drives the lean towards Rolex. For style and presenting to others, Rolex is the watch the vast majority of people recognize and make judgement (good or bad).
The Datejust everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.
I do love the AT though, but with the teak dial (white or blue dial).
I think I’ve seen a couple of his videos before. Is he always outside? Must be cold enough that he never took his gloves off. Weird that he would choose the outdoors for his videos.
Agree the teak dial is the best AT dial - no question.
As for Ash always being outside, yeah he seems to always be out on his property. Sometimes he is out by a little cabin he has out there - but regardless of season he seems to always be outside - mainly with the same tree line/bush backdrop.
The cyclops is so polarizing - I am one of those who like it. But totally get why it's not for everyone
It's my OCD. I don't even like a date at 3 o'clock 🤯
It's hard for me not to go AT when I go to business meetings over my DJ, part of my Omega bias. So totally concur.
The Omega bias is real! I feel that.
The cyclops is so polarizing - I am one of those who like it. But totally get why it's not for everyone
Me too. Love, love the cyclops. I guess you only “like” it.
It’s not for every watch though, I think it’d be weird looking on a 1908, or a Calatrava.
Always like a date though, I don’t know what I’ll do if I get an OP.