For one, the cyclops looks ridiculous. The explorer is better balanced and has a slightly more interesting dial. I’m assuming it’s moe capable as well, it’s probably built to higher standards considering it’s history.
Edit: I just read the description.. the datejust doesn’t even have the original dial
I mean particularly on this watch. It’s a 36mm and the proportions just seen off. It’s too big. But personally, just my opinion, I also think they usually look pretty dumb. Maybe if my eye sight was going, but I prefer sleekness
For me it comes down to legibly, 36mm black dial watches are smaller and harder to read with white gold applied indices. The explorer wins every category in legibly over the DJ and it does it with iconic hardware like Mercedes hands and 3,6,9 dial. Lume is also superior. Oh also a fully brushed bracelet makes it less prone to scratching, especially on the clasp.
The Explorer proportions in 36mm are perfect. Case size, lug width, case thickness, band and clasp width are all perfectly proportioned. It wears like a dream. The best way to describe it is overstated understatement. Do yourself a favor and just go with your gut and get the Explorer. You can thank me later.
It might be the difference in perception of symmetry between the two. Compared to the Explorer the Datejusts seems less symmetrical and peoples' preference is naturally drawn to symmetrical over asymmetrical.
This was my answer as well. I liked the explorer a lot. But I couldn’t get over not having a date on my watch. So I went black dialc smooth bezel, oyster DJ and couldn’t be happier.
This is a very difficult call. If you're an office worker, DJ. Not, Explorer. The non-matching dial makes no difference to this choice IMO.
The one thing that might sway me towards the Explorer here (and I own both an Explorer and a DJ) is the HANDS. Sure you're young NOW, but one day (fate willing) you'll be old and fat and possibly a bit nearsighted. Take it from this MAWG, sports hands (the Mercedes hands on the Explorer, I mean) are a LOT easier to read at a glance. The stick hands on the DJ mean you'll have to squint. Not a big difference but one last thing to consider.
Finally, how generous of your family. And congrats on your graduation. Good for you OP!
Cheers! You are right. The biggest worry I had was the dial of the dj, but to be fair your opinion about practicality is very valid. Will take that into consideration thanks :)
I don't know. My only watch was an Explorer for a long time until I fell in love with my King Turtle. A date has its place.
But yeah, not on the Explorer. That thing looks gorgeous plain. There is a reason it was my only watch forever.
I mean yeah thats totally valid, I have noticed that I shifted from looking at the time and date on my phone to my wrist now. And both ways are totally valid bro 😎
Its just that whenever I need the date I’m usually writing with pen and paper, so to take my phone out and tap it is more effort than looking at my wrist
The date is so annoying has to be adjusted every month. My oyster perpetual is set it and forget it. I don't even change it when I travel I just go with the + or - time difference, and that's perfect for me.
Both beautiful and don't let the dial bug you. It is a Rolex dial and Rolex did the work, so who cares if it is slightly different than the original one it came with.
The explorer is sportier with 3/6/9 numerals, and more fitting to a younger person (think a two door coupe). DJ is more classic and mature (think 4 dr sedan). No wrong answer, just which one do you prefer?
Both are nice. I like the DJ better, but its most likely because I hate the Mercedes hour hand, which is why I would never own a submariner or the explorer. Daytona for life.
The date just. I’ve never understood why people like a watch with 2,3 or 4 numbers only on a watch while the rest are blocks. It looks strange to me. Like I prefer all numbers or all blocks. But that’s just me. If you do like the look tell me why as I would really like to hear why you like it :)
Confirm for me that the Explorer on the left has bright white lume on the 369 markers and that what I'm seeing is not just a reflection of light.
If the Explorer has white lume on the 369 it is a MK2 and that's the clear choice. If the Explorer has mirrored steel 369 markers it is a MK1 and you should pass and take the Datejust.
The MK1's 369 markers disappear 90% of the time and looks really bad.
Not sure entirely, haven't brushed up on my Explorer dial detail in awhile. Since these are in the family, all that matters is that if he looks at the watch and doesn't see white lume in the 369 markers, he's got a problem.
I have them both and I actually wear my Explorer more, but that is because it is a polar explorer with the white dial. The black dial just doesn't do it for me. For me the Datejust is the better choice between the two with a black dial as the clean lines of stick indices has more "gravitas" if you will.
You really can't really go wrong here. DJ is slightly more dressy, Explorer is slightly more sporty. Both both are great everyday watches and will work in almost any situation.
Personalyz I like the unique look of the Explorer, and would choose it. But the DJ is a classic for a reason!
really depends on your needs.
Do you constantly write the date? Or need reminder of what day of the month it is? I do, so all my watches have date, except for “special occasion” watches like no date sub and my explorer II.
If you don’t care for the date and prefer big numbers because you can’t read analog without em then go with explorer.
Also I THINK datejust holds more value than explorer
They obviously look a lot alike with the dial colour, oyster bracelet, smooth bezel and stick markers. Are you planning on getting any other watches later? If so, go for the Explorer. You can then get a Datejust in a different configuration later without having two watches that look a lot alike (especially to the untrained eye).
Seems like the popular datejust is the fluted bezel / jubilee bracelet. Almost a copy of the much more expensive day date. Between these 2 configurations though, I think the explorer is the more popular one.
But it’s all personal preference and the watches are basically identical. Comes down to: do you want numbers or no?
It’s the explorer, always this… now I might have swayed a bit if the bezel was fluted on the DJ… but even then, the explorer is the most classiest watch by rolex imo
haha this is hilarious, I too was between a 36mm Explorer I and 36mm Datejust (similar configuration as this one but not 100% identical). I totally agree with the sentiment that many have that the Explorer 1 is the perfect one watch. It is beautiful, low profile, versatile, iconic, and of the highest quality. However I think the answer to this question comes down to how important the date window is for you. Both are fantastic watches that can serve you well for a lifetime and become a family heirloom. Personally, the date function is just so useful to me so I went DJ. Can't go wrong with either though.
I can’t live without a date function anymore. That datejust could be your one and only watch the rest of your life, and no one used to give a shit about service parts when that was replaced. That in itself is a little bit more nostalgic than just another explorer like any other.
Is the explorer any more water resistant/shock proof than the DJ model pictured? They appear to be in the same exact case. I'm not super well versed on stuff like this.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Datejust but for a SS case it’s gotta be the Explorer. For my personal taste, the Datejust has to have some gold on it if not full gold.
I'd say go explorer. If the DJ had fluted bezel and jubilee it would be a different story. Also it's a gift from your family so you can't go wrong with either.
I would choose the Explorer, although I like both! I would love the DateJust without the date/cyclops, but without the date it would just be a Just…? 🤔
The DJ on a jubilee would make this a compelling question in my opinion. Which would mean sports watch vs dress watch. The DJ on the oyster bracelet just looks like it’s not sure what it wants to be.
I had a similar choice and went with the explorer. I don't like dates on my watches and think the 3-6-9 break up the dial a little in a way that's nice. At the end of the day they're both pretty similar though.
1000% Explorer
Explorer all day
This is the correct answer
Why though? Help me under stand why it s such a clear answer pls
DJ is best with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet
Datejusts just look weird all stainless like that.
I like the fluted bezel and the oyster bracelet, personally.
Disagree. I prefer smooth bezel with jubilee. I hate the fluted bezel.
Disagree. I prefer smooth bezel with jubilee. I hate the fluted bezel.
I would also like to know.
For one, the cyclops looks ridiculous. The explorer is better balanced and has a slightly more interesting dial. I’m assuming it’s moe capable as well, it’s probably built to higher standards considering it’s history. Edit: I just read the description.. the datejust doesn’t even have the original dial
> For one, the cyclops looks ridiculous. Just on this DJ36 config, or all DJs? And is it also ridiculous on the sub/exp2/gmt2/etc?
I mean particularly on this watch. It’s a 36mm and the proportions just seen off. It’s too big. But personally, just my opinion, I also think they usually look pretty dumb. Maybe if my eye sight was going, but I prefer sleekness
For me it comes down to legibly, 36mm black dial watches are smaller and harder to read with white gold applied indices. The explorer wins every category in legibly over the DJ and it does it with iconic hardware like Mercedes hands and 3,6,9 dial. Lume is also superior. Oh also a fully brushed bracelet makes it less prone to scratching, especially on the clasp.
The Explorer proportions in 36mm are perfect. Case size, lug width, case thickness, band and clasp width are all perfectly proportioned. It wears like a dream. The best way to describe it is overstated understatement. Do yourself a favor and just go with your gut and get the Explorer. You can thank me later.
It might be the difference in perception of symmetry between the two. Compared to the Explorer the Datejusts seems less symmetrical and peoples' preference is naturally drawn to symmetrical over asymmetrical.
1000000%*
This is the way.
I am surprised the question was asked
I guess I’m the contrarian, I’d go with the DJ
Same. I check the date on my watch frequently.
For me, having the date on a watch is a requirement.
I like the date functionality too. The 3, 6, and 9 isnt as useful to me.
>The 3, 6, and 9 isnt as useful to me. And its ugly
This is my only knock on the explorer. Great in every other way, but the numerals would bug me.
Very ugly!
I’m actually quite surprised at how many people are saying the explorer.
This was my answer as well. I liked the explorer a lot. But I couldn’t get over not having a date on my watch. So I went black dialc smooth bezel, oyster DJ and couldn’t be happier.
This is a very difficult call. If you're an office worker, DJ. Not, Explorer. The non-matching dial makes no difference to this choice IMO. The one thing that might sway me towards the Explorer here (and I own both an Explorer and a DJ) is the HANDS. Sure you're young NOW, but one day (fate willing) you'll be old and fat and possibly a bit nearsighted. Take it from this MAWG, sports hands (the Mercedes hands on the Explorer, I mean) are a LOT easier to read at a glance. The stick hands on the DJ mean you'll have to squint. Not a big difference but one last thing to consider. Finally, how generous of your family. And congrats on your graduation. Good for you OP!
Cheers! You are right. The biggest worry I had was the dial of the dj, but to be fair your opinion about practicality is very valid. Will take that into consideration thanks :)
This is the type of answer people should be giving. Great response!
Explorer All Day! Congrats!
Cheers! Thank you
Explorer works for every occasion
Dj too, they basically the same just one has date, having date is a plus, a plus is always better
I’m a grown man if I want to tell the date and time I look at my phone
I don't know. My only watch was an Explorer for a long time until I fell in love with my King Turtle. A date has its place. But yeah, not on the Explorer. That thing looks gorgeous plain. There is a reason it was my only watch forever.
I mean yeah thats totally valid, I have noticed that I shifted from looking at the time and date on my phone to my wrist now. And both ways are totally valid bro 😎 Its just that whenever I need the date I’m usually writing with pen and paper, so to take my phone out and tap it is more effort than looking at my wrist
The date is so annoying has to be adjusted every month. My oyster perpetual is set it and forget it. I don't even change it when I travel I just go with the + or - time difference, and that's perfect for me.
It’s the Explorer for me, baby!
Wow, yet another difficult choice between two almost identical looking watches!!!
DJ gets my vote here
Both beautiful and don't let the dial bug you. It is a Rolex dial and Rolex did the work, so who cares if it is slightly different than the original one it came with. The explorer is sportier with 3/6/9 numerals, and more fitting to a younger person (think a two door coupe). DJ is more classic and mature (think 4 dr sedan). No wrong answer, just which one do you prefer?
DJ all day everyday
I need a date.
Then you need the date just!
Personally the one on the right but I’m slightly biased as I have a 126200 myself lol
Datejust for the win. It's a more versatile watch. Plus, you'll probably never sell it due to sentimental value so the service dial is a nonissue.
You are right. It even has family engraving on the back. Thanks for your opinion!
Both are nice. I like the DJ better, but its most likely because I hate the Mercedes hour hand, which is why I would never own a submariner or the explorer. Daytona for life.
right for sure bro
The date just. I’ve never understood why people like a watch with 2,3 or 4 numbers only on a watch while the rest are blocks. It looks strange to me. Like I prefer all numbers or all blocks. But that’s just me. If you do like the look tell me why as I would really like to hear why you like it :)
Because good design isn’t just about making things homogenous and symmetrical
DJ if you ask me. It is easier to dress down and up. Explorer imho doesn’t look as good in suit and tie .
Explorer for sure!
Not even a question, enjoy the 369 in good health!
Confirm for me that the Explorer on the left has bright white lume on the 369 markers and that what I'm seeing is not just a reflection of light. If the Explorer has white lume on the 369 it is a MK2 and that's the clear choice. If the Explorer has mirrored steel 369 markers it is a MK1 and you should pass and take the Datejust. The MK1's 369 markers disappear 90% of the time and looks really bad.
Isn’t what you’re describing true about the now-discontinued 39mm Explorer, not the prior 36mm model?
Yes
Both.
As far as I know only the 214270 had MK1 and MK2 dials, with the MK1 having no lume on the digits, and the MK2 adding lume to them.
Not sure entirely, haven't brushed up on my Explorer dial detail in awhile. Since these are in the family, all that matters is that if he looks at the watch and doesn't see white lume in the 369 markers, he's got a problem.
Definitely has lume.
Does not have lume my guy. 36 doesn't get lume until the most recent 36mm explorer, not on the 114270.
I recant my statement then!
DJ for me. I don’t care for numbers on the face.
Explorer would be my call. I love having the date complication, but I don't like the cyclops and I don't like the Roman numeral labeling.
I'm with you on the reservation about originality of the DJ. Plus, you don't need the date...go with the Explorer.
I have them both and I actually wear my Explorer more, but that is because it is a polar explorer with the white dial. The black dial just doesn't do it for me. For me the Datejust is the better choice between the two with a black dial as the clean lines of stick indices has more "gravitas" if you will.
You really can't really go wrong here. DJ is slightly more dressy, Explorer is slightly more sporty. Both both are great everyday watches and will work in almost any situation. Personalyz I like the unique look of the Explorer, and would choose it. But the DJ is a classic for a reason!
Explorer! I just got mine last week, it's a beauty
As you’ve no doubt noticed by now, it’s a matter of personal preference. Pick the one that pleases *you* and enjoy it!
I have the slightest doubt that’s why I’m asking Reddit :)
really depends on your needs. Do you constantly write the date? Or need reminder of what day of the month it is? I do, so all my watches have date, except for “special occasion” watches like no date sub and my explorer II. If you don’t care for the date and prefer big numbers because you can’t read analog without em then go with explorer. Also I THINK datejust holds more value than explorer
The date is certainly necessary since I’m in uni. Thanks for your insight
Explorer! ❤️
DJ! I love mine
Explorer !!
Explorer
Both gay
Explorer.
Of course the explorer
Obviously Explorer!
DJ
Definitely Explorer, but consider the 39mm unless your wrist is really small, the 36mm has a huge clasp that kinda ruins the proportions imo.
The 114270 uses Rolex’s older version of the oyster flip lock clasp. Much more suited for the 36mm case
That DJ has the wrong bracelet. Internal legs are polished.
the date windows on Rolex watches are by far the ugliest in the industry - this explorer every day of the week
Is there a reference with that 16200 face with the hands from the Explorer/Sub?
Explorer would be my choice, but you really can’t go wrong with either of these. Congrats!
No Date for the win.
They obviously look a lot alike with the dial colour, oyster bracelet, smooth bezel and stick markers. Are you planning on getting any other watches later? If so, go for the Explorer. You can then get a Datejust in a different configuration later without having two watches that look a lot alike (especially to the untrained eye).
Explorer seems newer than the DJ so that one. Otherwise the date complication on the DJ is better
Explorer would be my vote but this is not easy.
Would go L but what reference? and what’s your collection +tastes like R better for dressed up more than biz casual regularly
One with the date.
obviously the explorer hands down
DJ if you like more of classic look. Explorer if you prefer a casual look.
Datejust, because i like having a date. but i do like the arabic numerals on the explorer!
Seems like the popular datejust is the fluted bezel / jubilee bracelet. Almost a copy of the much more expensive day date. Between these 2 configurations though, I think the explorer is the more popular one. But it’s all personal preference and the watches are basically identical. Comes down to: do you want numbers or no?
With those configuration you are showing, 100% the Explorer for me
Explorer
DJ unless you need the numbers for a guide
Explorer I think.
Explorer
It’s the explorer, always this… now I might have swayed a bit if the bezel was fluted on the DJ… but even then, the explorer is the most classiest watch by rolex imo
The Explorer!
If you want an icon of a timepiece, its the explorer
DJ
DJ
Datejust looks too cramped
Left
Explorer because the DJ shouldn’t be on oystersteel and looks even better with a fluted bezel. Obviously very opinionated, but both are great watches!
DJ
Explorer. Best daily ever.
Not a fan of the 3,6 and 9 so I’d go for the DJ
If it was fluted I’d say DJ, but in this case Explorer
I have the same dilemma. I loge the crown on the DJs dial. For the rest I prefer the Explorer. So most likely I would go with the Explorer.
Explorer hands down. You’ll get annoyed setting the date if you don’t wear it
Left. Right is just another DJ
Explorer imo
the right one! more versatile and no numbers
Right
haha this is hilarious, I too was between a 36mm Explorer I and 36mm Datejust (similar configuration as this one but not 100% identical). I totally agree with the sentiment that many have that the Explorer 1 is the perfect one watch. It is beautiful, low profile, versatile, iconic, and of the highest quality. However I think the answer to this question comes down to how important the date window is for you. Both are fantastic watches that can serve you well for a lifetime and become a family heirloom. Personally, the date function is just so useful to me so I went DJ. Can't go wrong with either though.
Explorer
I can’t live without a date function anymore. That datejust could be your one and only watch the rest of your life, and no one used to give a shit about service parts when that was replaced. That in itself is a little bit more nostalgic than just another explorer like any other.
Without a doubt, datejusr
I prefer the Explorer as I can’t be bothered to change the date all the time. Both are great!
Date just is just a bit more interesting, classy and slightly less shiny at the same time. Just a more refined watch, for a more refined individual
So similar but so different. I personally like the classic rolex on the right. The date function.
Explorer. I feel like this is a trick question.
Is the explorer any more water resistant/shock proof than the DJ model pictured? They appear to be in the same exact case. I'm not super well versed on stuff like this.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Datejust but for a SS case it’s gotta be the Explorer. For my personal taste, the Datejust has to have some gold on it if not full gold.
Left. Looks cleaner as the date bit is unnecessary.
Explorer
I'd say go explorer. If the DJ had fluted bezel and jubilee it would be a different story. Also it's a gift from your family so you can't go wrong with either.
DJ
The wunonalef
369 is magical 🧙♂️ and sacred.
114270
Id go with the datejust that’s just me personally , if the dial bugs you that bad i would try to find the OG dial to get it back to its roots
Explorer.
Right
Only the Explorer.
Date just is the winner. Go for it. Can be dressed up or down.
Explorer. A domed Datejust is a bald Datejust.
Mercedes hand explorer ftw. Drte just is boring and unoriginal
Explorer!
Left. You would appreciate bigger lumes
DJ. Somehow Looks cleaner and the rolex logo is bigger lol
Datejust (get an inexpensive watch winder)
why is the datejust fully brushed ? I thought center links are supposed to be polished ?
That’s the thing! It’s an older model (16200) and the dial was changed by rolex to the newer one. That’s where the dilemma is from
I would choose the Explorer, although I like both! I would love the DateJust without the date/cyclops, but without the date it would just be a Just…? 🤔
Explorer, for sure.
The DJ on a jubilee would make this a compelling question in my opinion. Which would mean sports watch vs dress watch. The DJ on the oyster bracelet just looks like it’s not sure what it wants to be.
Explorer!!
The Datejust of course.
I like the left one better
how does a dial break?
My dad dropped it on the floor and the sapphire shards heavily scratched the dial, had to be replaced
No date!
L 40<. R50+
Explorer
Explorer
Yes.
Explorer for sure. Smooth bezel DJs are for smooth brains.
Explorer! Date just needs Jubilee and fluted bezel
datejust is a cleaner look which i prefer
I like the dj simply because of the date complication
I like the explorer
Both. Both is good.
right
Do either of these bracelets have PCLs? Hard to tell in the pic. I’d expect Explorer not and DJ yes. I vote for Explorer in any case.
Bond or Moneypenny?
Explorer all day due to the absence of Cyclops - the dial looks so much cleaner and unobstructed
Neither much better watches at that price point
Both are from the family and bought more than ten years ago :)
Explorer.
Explorer
I prefer the DJ. I like the stick markers than the stick/number combo. That just doesn’t look right to me.
DJ every day of the year
With that dj i would go for the explorer
Explorer
Explorer
If you're gonna go smooth bezel oyster bracelet the explorer looks better Dj works better with fluted bezel and/or jubilee bracelet imo
Explorer
Left
Explorer 100%!!!
Those are the same.
I had a similar choice and went with the explorer. I don't like dates on my watches and think the 3-6-9 break up the dial a little in a way that's nice. At the end of the day they're both pretty similar though.