Why won't Rolex make a 38mm datejust?
It seems like the perfect size for everyone, but they just haven't done it. Even a 39mm would be acceptable like some of the Tudors, maybe, but instead you can have a 36 (too small) or a 41 (too big). It makes no sense.
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Dean
I'm pretty much done with collecting now, but I've certainly got a good variety of affordable watches. As an occasional YouTuber, I'm a comedian not an influencer. Skmei is the new Casio!
United Kingdom
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Last active: 4 hrs ago
7.25” / 18.42 cm
If you try on a modern 36mm Rolex, you know how long the lugs are. The lug to lug for the 36mm models is 45mm and wears true to size. And the 41mm models have shorter lugs with lug to lug at only 47.5mm, so it wears like a 39mm Tudor BB58. The proportions are right and a 38mm in between is not really necessary.
I've tried them on and the 36mm feels like a girl's watch. In fact i said to the AD, don't you have anything a little bit bigger, and he just laughed. The 41 feels like a Citizen or an Accurist in how badly it fits a normal human being. The current sizes just aren't working for me. I can't do a Tudor because they are just horrible fat things with rough finishing.
You may have to look towards other brands. Rolex is not going to make anything apart from the classic 36mm and 41mm.
I agree the 41 feels very big. But I think the 36 is just right in its classic size.
I've tried them on and the 36mm feels like a girl's watch. In fact i said to the AD, don't you have anything a little bit bigger, and he just laughed. The 41 feels like a Citizen or an Accurist in how badly it fits a normal human being. The current sizes just aren't working for me. I can't do a Tudor because they are just horrible fat things with rough finishing.
I'm a normal human being with a 7 1/4 inch wrist and 36mm is just fine.
You could get yourself a Datejust homage from Cadisen: they make them in 38mm.
Yeah, I did that. The size is perfect, but the overall quality is pretty bad. The Miyota movement is actually surprisingly good, so far, but the rest of it is very disappointing. The bracelet would be okay too if the end links were cut straight and actually fit the watch properly. https://www.watchcrunch.com/wruw/2023-03-04#comment-365373
TBH I had not expected that.😮 That particular Cadisen datejust version I would not have picked, partly because of the Roman numerals, partly because one AliExpress customer actually had concrete quality complaints about this model. Would be nice to see a watchcrunch review of this model, with all its warts exposed.
The datajust is not my style (whether original or homage), and I am not a bracelet guy anyway. Thus the finer points of bracelets I yet fail to appreciate.
I only own one Cadisen myself, and that was of decent quality.
We have a @cadisen guy here on watchcrunch that might be interested about feedback of this sort.
Have you had a look at the Aqua Terra 38? The dials are quite stunning in person.
'Cuz Rolex doesn't really care what the end consumer actually wants.
38 mm would be too small for me! Stop thinking that all people have your size wrist.
No significant demand? 🤔
What about an oris big crown? You can get them in 38mm
Well, yeah, but no other brand is really worth anything to anybody anyway. The other brands are all just so much junk to scratch the itch for those who would instantly throw the lot away if a Rolex dropped in their laps. Stranger things have happened though. Nobody would have thought that Rolex would have made a 42mm Explorer 2 or increased the Submariner to 41mm with a 21mm bracelet either.
To be honest, I'm too old to care all that much. It won't add or detract from the last years of my life in any way to have one or not have one, but it's something which should provoke a discussion, and Rolex aren't going to get my money until they make a watch that fits me. I bet I'm not the only one here who feels that way.
It appears you have been taken in by Rolex marketing.
Well, yeah, but no other brand is really worth anything to anybody anyway. The other brands are all just so much junk to scratch the itch for those who would instantly throw the lot away if a Rolex dropped in their laps. Stranger things have happened though. Nobody would have thought that Rolex would have made a 42mm Explorer 2 or increased the Submariner to 41mm with a 21mm bracelet either.
To be honest, I'm too old to care all that much. It won't add or detract from the last years of my life in any way to have one or not have one, but it's something which should provoke a discussion, and Rolex aren't going to get my money until they make a watch that fits me. I bet I'm not the only one here who feels that way.
Do you want a Rolex for yourself, or because "everyone else " wants one? (Trust me, they don't)
Have you considered the Cellini Moon phase?
https://www.rolex.com/watches/cellini/m50535-0002.html
At a mere €27,000 at retail and a comfortable 39mm, it could be just the watch to scratch that itch. #thinkingoutsideofthebox
Have you tried on a DJ 41? Or just looking at the number? Despite the 41 in the name, they are not actually 41mm. They measure at 39.5mm. Many photos and vids on the internet to help. Good luck with the hunt.
Rolex has been making 36mm sizes like forever. It never stopped people from buying them then and not now. The fact is that there is a minority of people who would want a 37.5 or 38mm watch. But that would be going against their history which they are very proud of. I guess that's just their way of saying that the ball is always in their court 😉
You don’t like Tudor you said they were “ Carnival prizes “ these are their 39 mm Black Bay series and the Ranger . I agree about Rolex not really supplying the 38mm & 39 mm . If you could forgive Tudor ( the sensible man’s Rolex ) opinion & I still applaud you for strongly holding your own opinion:)
I was surprised how much larger the 36 felt with a Steel bezel and silver dial. I have huge wrists btw.^^
Hoping for the call soon...
I agree the 41 feels very big. But I think the 36 is just right in its classic size.
41 is big?
39 is the sweet spot for me. That would be the most ideal size. They would definitely line up to purchase.
41 is big?
For a Datejust it feels big to me. I prefer the classic size in that watch.
For a Datejust it feels big to me. I prefer the classic size in that watch.
Fair enough, my favorite watch is my Ploprof homage and its 54mm I love massive steel watches.
Fair enough, my favorite watch is my Ploprof homage and its 54mm I love massive steel watches.
Yeah the size is dependent on the watch for me. I happily wear a 42mm diver and 39mm GMT. Also have a medium Santos which is around 34/35mm. And of course a 36mm DJ.
I don’t think I could pull off a 54mm beast tho! 😅😩
Yeah the size is dependent on the watch for me. I happily wear a 42mm diver and 39mm GMT. Also have a medium Santos which is around 34/35mm. And of course a 36mm DJ.
I don’t think I could pull off a 54mm beast tho! 😅😩
Its as close as I'll ever get to my grail watch. 🙂
It’s not like they there are cases full of 36s that they can’t sell. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.