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The DateJust Conversion


TeeJay

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While I don't claim to be an expert or even particularly knowledgeable about this particular model of watch, the DateJust has recently won me over, and I wanted to share a few feelings and observations about it. According to Wikipedia:

"The Rolex Datejust is an officially certified, self-winding chronometer wristwatch manufactured by Rolex. The Datejust was the first wristwatch with a date function, released in 1945."

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I've always been a fan of divers watches, the luminous markers, the timing bezel, the water resistance, the overall ruggedness of the watch: They all provided functions I needed and aspects I liked. I never really gave the DateJust range much credence, thinking them a PlayBoy's watch, a trinket/status symbol for the wealthy, rather than a serious 'daily wear timepiece'. A year ago, I bought my first DateJust, a simple model with a plain black dial and un-fluted bezel. Upon its arival, I immediately removed the oyster bracelet and fitted a black leather strap, recreating the watch worn by John Barrowman in his portrayal of Captain Jack Harkness (movie/tv memorabelia is one of my key interests) As Barrowman is a keen collector of watches, especially Rolex, I have long suspected that this watch was part of his own personal collection rather than simply costume provided by the wardrobe department.

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Not trusting the watch for wet wear was not an issue, as water would ruin the leather strap, but I found the watch a pleasant change from the divers watches I had worn. I was surprised to see that at night, the tiny dots of luminous material, reflected against the rehaut to create a luminous indicator almost equal to the hour markers of an Omega Planet Ocean :o This was obviously not the impractical watch I had initially dismissed the DateJust as. Not long after, I received parts for a unique DateJust project which is still on the drawing board (thanks for those parts, J :drinks: ) and I started to think of the DateJust as a watch better suited for suit wear. Fast forward a year, and my wife and I were invited to an 80s theme birthday party. What better wrist wear (other than a Casio) than a DateJust (or maybe a DayDate) I've never warmed to the DayDate line, and I knew that I wanted to avoid any gold, so I ordered a new DateJust with the same black dial as before, but with a fluted bezel and a Jubilee bracelet, the kind of watch worn by many 80s Executives.

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Initially, the watch was too shiny and polished for my taste. The flutes on the bezel reflected too much light, drew too much [of my] attention, just generally didn't 'feel right' for me to be wearing (maybe deep down, I felt like I'm not worthy of the privilege such a watch represented :pardon: ) The bracelet, on the other hand, was the epitome of comfort and understated elegance: With some gentle filing, I softened the edges of the flutes, reducing the harshness of the reflections, making the watch appear older and worn, and all of a sudden, it was perfect.

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:victory:

With its stainless steel bracelet, the watch could be worn while bathing, giving me another watch which could easily serve as a Daily Beater. The size of the case means that the watch was ideal for wearing with a suit, while the dial remained as clear and visible as that of a Submariner. The styling of the watch creates a versatility of wear which many larger watches lack. I admit, the fluted bezel does look more towards the showy side of things, especially when worn with casual clothes, but the flat-bezeled version would certainly wear as well with jeans as with a suit without looking in any way showy. In summary, I would suggest the DateJust to anyone in mind to try a smaller watch, or simply looking for something more dressy. Also, given the massive variation of options across the line, there is a wider freedom of finish and hardware which makes it is less likely to get called out than a watch with a more limited range :)

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Thanks for reading :good::drinks:

[Edit to add]

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+1 for the DJ. One of my favorites and, arguably, the most recognizable watch of the planet. The reps are pretty good, as well.

I had a generic TT DJ clone when I was younger (not real gold, so no issue with my allergy) it was a really easy watch to wear, and I must admit, I've found my new DJ to be equally wearable :) Once I can get it off my wrist long enough to get the lume upgraded, I can see myself wearing it much more than I originally planned :tu:

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I'm currently stuck on my SS white faced DJ. I put it on about 3 weeks ago after replacing the dial and haven't taken it off since. It's knocked the Pam 288 off my wrist for a while.

I don't care if it is "an old man's watch". I find it iconic and I'd forgotten how comfortable the DJ can be after wearing a Pam for a while..

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I'm currently stuck on my SS white faced DJ. I put it on about 3 weeks ago after replacing the dial and haven't taken it off since. It's knocked the Pam 288 off my wrist for a while.

I don't care if it is "an old man's watch". I find it iconic and I'd forgotten how comfortable the DJ can be after wearing a Pam for a while..

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That's a really nice piece, I can see why it's getting prime wrist-time :good: The TT behind it really reminds me of my old watch, but with my gold allergy, I couldn't wear one :bangin: I totally understand what you mean about the 'old man watch' vibe, especially the fluted/jubilee combos and linen dials, but at the end of the day, they really are nice :)

Very nice writeup TeeJay,

Inspired me enough that I think I might have one built... or even just order one. :)

Thanks, and glad to have been of inspiration :good::drinks: If you can track down the exact model you want, definitely a good watch to order :) I have a very specific white-dialed model I want to get next, it's just a question of tracking it down at a reasonable price :lol:

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Great write up TJ. I miss my franken DateJust a lot. It is one watch I seriously regret selling.

Thanks, bro :drinks: As above, I'm no expert on DJ's, but seeng as they're seldom in the spotlight, I thought I'd share some musings following my change of heart towards them :) Not sure if a case of my tastes maturing, or nostalgia for my first DJ clone, but I'm certainly feeling this new one :) I think the revelation was only delayed as the one on leather didn't see constant wrist time for me to fully appreciate it :)

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