Rolex Day-Date 40: First Impressions & Sizing Debate

Arie - Mr Orange · 2015-07-18T15:57:25Z

Explore the Rolex Day-Date 40 through a collector's eyes. Arie - Mr Orange reviews yellow gold, platinum, and rose gold versions, sparking debate on sizing and aesthetics.

Arie - Mr Orange

WPS member · Rolex forum

16 replies9016 views3 photos

Arie - Mr Orange shares his initial impressions of the Rolex Day-Date 40, a model that sparked considerable discussion upon its release. His post offers a candid, on-the-wrist perspective across different metal and dial configurations, highlighting the importance of experiencing a watch in person. This article synthesizes community reactions to the Day-Date 40's sizing and aesthetic choices, providing valuable context for collectors considering this reference.

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As I was waiting for an extra link being added to my little 15202ST for summer I couldn't help trying on the new Day Date. Finally Rolex has made the perfect size Day Date. 40 mm! The 36 mm is for girls. And the Day Date II (41 mm) just looks wrong in any way possible. Funny how 1 simple mm can mess a watch up completely. I have this feeling that if Rolex would make a 40 mm Sky-Dweller it would get the attention it deserves.

Yellow Gold

Don't know which dial is nicer. This one, or the Roman numeral one? The Roman numeral dial is perhaps a bit more playful? On the other hand indices with applied lume are quite nice too right? Functional and cool. I always like seeing a bit of shiny lume in the dark. One thing is for sure; I was pleasantly surprised by this version. The yellow gold looks really cool (on me). Old Skool yes, but nevertheless certainly up to par and for some odd reason better than the rose gold version. Will Yellow Gold get a revival in the near future?!? Too bad no Sundust striped dial for this one. Wonder how that would look.

Platina

My favorite! Sigh.... Love that dial. Playful. Summery. Pop Art/Comic like. Modern/youthful. The price tag however is a bit disturbing. In several ways. Plus it is a very heavy piece. Literally. Feels like you have got a brick on the wrist. Will that be annoying long term? Or would one get used to it? The bracelet is heavy too so that does give it balance. It is not top-heavy. The metal colour makes it a more everyday kind of watch than YG or RG. And the diagonal motive dial (as Rolex calls it....I would call it Pop-Art motive) design makes it even more versatile. I would like to have one. This trying on session made me greedy.

Rose Gold

This picture didn't turn out not that great colour wise (phone-pic). It looks like yellow gold, but it is the rose gold one. This watch does not suit me. It was the one (after the platina) I (thought) I liked best (with the sundust striped dial), but after having it on the wrist I would definitely favor the YG one. To my own surprise mind you. That just shows how important it is seeing a watch in the metal and not only online or in a magazine. Oh and Rolex...if you are reading this (lol) please make a silver Sundust striped dial! That would look perfect in the Everose case. Just saying.

This message has been edited by Arie on 2015-07-18 16:01:49

Key Points from the Discussion

The original author clarifies that his comments on 36mm being 'for girls' refer to modern Rolex watches, acknowledging that vintage 36mm pieces are period-correct and worn with pride on his 'Western European farmer's wrist.'
Several contributors challenge the author's strong opinions on the 36mm and 41mm Day-Date II, with one proud owner of multiple Day-Date IIs stating that the 41mm looks 'as right as can be' to them.
One user emphasizes that 36mm remains an elegant and classic size, particularly for a dressy watch like the Day-Date, and that personal preference for size can vary greatly.
The importance of trying on a watch in person is underscored, as online images or magazine photos cannot fully convey how a watch looks and feels on the wrist, influencing personal preference for metals and dials.
Despite the platinum Day-Date 40 being a favorite, the author notes its significant price tag and weight, questioning long-term wearability and comparing its value proposition to other interesting watches available for the same sum.
One user suggests that the 40mm and 41mm versions are hard to distinguish without a side-by-side comparison, advising the author to choose based on dial preference and assuring that one gets used to the weight of a platinum watch.
A contributor reinforces the 36mm as the 'perfect size for an elegant, subtle dress watch' and finds the 40mm more harmonized than the 41mm, but still prefers the classical 36mm.

The Discussion

Arie - Mr Orange

Jul 18, 2015

note

just to be clear: did not post the failed picture of the Everose Day Date 40

el1125

Jul 18, 2015

New 40mm

looks fantastic!

amanico

Jul 18, 2015

If 36 mm is for girls, then all the Daytona Paul Newman and Explorer Lovers will be happy

To know that they are girls... Even if I am sure that there are some girls among the owners. 36 mm is quite an elegant size, Arie. Especially for a Day Date, which is a dressy Rolex. Now, I agree with you that it is mandatory to see watches in the real before judging them. There is a world, and a big one, between virtuality and reality. Last week, I fell in love with a YG 1675... Because I saw the good one, at the right moment, in the reality. Revelations. Will you end with one? Best, Nicolas

Speedie74 aka Mr. Torquise

Jul 18, 2015

I agree with Nicolas,

36 mm is the perfect size for an elegant, subtile dresswatch. I never liked the 41mm version, and not impressed with the new one, but it is more harmonized than the 41 mm one. But the real classical is the 36mm! Yours, Adam

ninolitaliano

Jul 19, 2015

I agree with Adam and Nicolas

DD is perfect in 36 happy sunday, nino

GhostInTheMachine

Jul 25, 2015

very nice

that is a very sharp example!