ROLEX DATEJUST 5-YEAR REVIEW | LIVING WITH A ROLEX DATEJUST 36MM FOR OVER 5-YEARS 

I just had my 4th year anniversary with my own Datejust 36mm blue dial/fluted/jubilee this past April, which was my very first luxury watch when I first started working my first big boy job. It's a true Rolex classic!

Your reviews strike an excellent balance between technical specifications and relatable personal experiences. The way you weave the two together makes for a very pleasurable viewing experience. Yours is a handsome piece indeed and I totally agree the appropriate size and comfortable wearing are among the most important factors in choosing a watch that will satisfy for a lifetime.

I think a DJ could be a 1 watch collection. I love my blue DJ41. It is utter class

I watch this wearing my own datejust ash and i agree it’s definitely the piece to grow old in ❤️

Your honesty is refreshing Ash, thank you, I really enjoyed this.

Thanks and I really appreciate your honesty. You don't need all those other chunky Rolexes, the Datejust is just perfect.

I am a relatively new follower so I was unaware of your history of military service and law enforcement. I was born in 1969 and served in the US Air Force. This was the year I bought my first Rolex. I enjoy your channel very much and am learning a great deal about the sartorial side of things (For 20 years I never had to worry what I was to wear. I’ve been stumbling around the last 12 as a civilian.). Thanks!

love your video. I recently sold my explorer 2 for a datejust 116233 roman dial and i am absolutely amazed by how classic the DJ is. It is so timeless and it reminds me about the golden old days back in 90s when rolex was on the rise and produce excellent tool watches, not so flashy as it is today. DJ is the one to go for collection !

Excellent review. Very well reasoned and detailed perspective. Always love hearing about your watch journey!

Dad 88, 8 year old Son. 888 ...... I agree, it's the ticket, 36mm DJ blue dial. Keep it. 5 year pockets of time sure seem to flow fast. Lovely video. Thanks for sharing

The lust for complications … at significant extra cost. Unless there’s a genuine use case for the owner, and I really hesitate to ‘judge’ anyone’s choices while they’re mid-journey, it’s very much a marketing-inflicted disease. (That’s on top of the step already taken to move into luxury in the first place). I love this story, and I think it resonates with many who have been caught up in the Rolex ‘tide’.

This is a thoughtful, honest discussion of your feelings about your first luxury watch purchase, Ash. -Thank you for sharing your journey with this particular timepiece. I bought my Rolex gold and steel Datejust with a black dial on a Jubilee bracelet in 2008, and I've worn it just about every day since that time. It can be dressed up or down, and goes with just about any outfit I might put together. On a cost per wear basis, I'd have to say that it's been almost a bargain over these past 16 years.

I bought my first Datejust in 1983 and I'm still amazed today at how I ended up with Rolex. Interesting, actually a watch like the Datejust would be completely sufficient, why are we so crazy and want more and more watches? You've been through the same drama as many other watch nerds. There are many other watch brands, maybe you could try a JLC Reverso Calendar. But I was just wondering if you hadn't worn a wristwatch before. It would be amazing that you suddenly got into watches. Speaking of the Datejust, there used to be a huge selection of watch faces. Today we can only dream of that, and that could be a bit of a reason why it has faded into the background today.

Well said Ash ❤

Absolutely love this video, and the others regarding Rolex and Cartier. As much as I want an Explorer 36 to add to my collection and accompany my DJ36 (fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, blue fluted-motif dial), and as much as I'd love a GMT-Master II, it is so great to hear how much you love the DJ36 and how it subjectively beats out even your Pepsi as an every-day wearer in terms of style, comfort, and and less hype.

Love your watch videos especially. Datejust is a timeless classic agreed.

I got 41mm blue fluted with oyster for my 40th!

Superb episode, Ash. Your Rolex journey and mine have similarities. I recently sold two larger Rolexes that I was not wearing. Now my collection is down to only 36mm Rolex watches: green dial OP 126000, Explorer 124270 and Day Date 18238. The Rolex Oyster 36mm case fits a wide variety of wrists perfectly, has elegant curves and is far more comfortable than the larger 40 and 41mm models. Cheers!

Hello ash, very detailed explanation about your DJ. I totally understand everything you said about the comfort of this jubille bracelet and the 36 mm size. I bought mine in March of 2003 and to this day I still wear it and had never been service for 21 years and still runs perfect. I have the SS jubilee bracelet with fluted bezels and diamons for the numbers and a pearl face. Super comfortable and still looks shiny and new.

Gorgeous watch! I just picked up a black datejust 41 on jubilee. Looking forward to starting my journey with it.

I have had my Seiko LX titanium spring drive for 5 years as of May 2019. It is a great watch with a great movement. No one is going to mug you for it. It is a superb watch. It is nice that you had your Rolex for that time. I am very happy with my Seiko LX.

Love the channel! I've heard you cite Tom Selleck wearing a Rolex in Magnum PI in a couple of videos. It's true though in the first three seasons of the show he wore a Chronopsort Sea Quartz. Momentum recently reissued that watch and it's a great affordable diver.

I actually have virtually the same watch(but with a Jubilee bracelet) on order with my AD at this moment. One reference number, 126234. I will be moving on a Tudor BB GMT to help with the finances of the Datejust, although it will only help to minor degree. So, hopefully in one year I will be celebrating my first anniversary. Cheers.

I’ve recently bought at 36 Wimbledon and it’s the best watch I’ve ever had. Love the datejust for the classic look and feel

What an absolutely beautiful choice! The quintessential Rolex 👌🏽

An absolute classic. I’ve loved my DJ41 and it always gets a lot of attention. Surprisingly more than my Daytona or GMT. Though I’m tempted to get a Skydweller now which would render it sold. But let’s see. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Well done Ash! I did get The (336933) Steel/Yellow Gold Sky Dweller 2 months ago. I wanted to get it for my 50th Birthday next year but I got it early. Now it sits with the Explorer II (226570) and the Triple Black GMT Master II (116710LN) . I love your Date Just Happy Anniversary !! I hope you do the other watches in your collection when the time comes up for them. Be well.

I agree, the Datejust is Rolex’s most versatile model. 20 years ago I bought a Datejust 36 and a 14060 Submariner. I wore both pretty equally, but when I dress up it’s always the Datejust. I rarely wear the Sub anymore, I prefer some Tudor watches that I have collected. Thank you for another fine video.

I must say Ash the Date Just is one of my favorites in the Rolex line. Love the bracelet and blue dial. And 36mm is a perfect size. Cheers Ron

Very handsome piece!

Really interesting video! Simpler so often is better.

Another excellent video. I think you have the same opinion about Rolex and how they do business as most of us do.

The Datejust really is the perfect watch. I’ve got the same blue 36 mm configuration, fluted, on jubilee bracelet but the modern version with the new clasp which has the quick link adjustment.

Great channel and delivery of content! I always look forward to the Rolex videos! Road to 💯k subscribers soon!

I did love your comment about not being a fool and getting permission before purchasing 😂

'Chagrin' is a wonderful rarely used word.

Ash -- I have a pair of customized Datejust 38mm homage watches -- a stainless with Presidential and two-tone with Jubilee -- as my office dress watches. As an economist i couldn't possibly bear the reputational effects of paying the full Rolex tariff (my clients would wonder "how careful is he with money, anyway?") so i got two of the better Chinese vendors to create these lovely examples for me with my office symbol and motto on the dial. The tasteful style and functionality is all that you say; more than perfect i think. Sadly, being at the end of my career means that i have progressively less use for them, but i have no desire for another dress watch. -- gary ray

Appreciate the candor, Ash, and yes I agree, the DateJust is truly a classic in 36mm. Can’t help but think the 41mm non-professional models won’t be in fashion forever. Unless your an NBA player. The proportions are probably just right for a man 7 feet tall!

Hey ash Nice little video 😁 I bought my 1st rolex sub back in the 90s @€1600 ! When you could walk in anywhere & pick one up 😮 Same again in 2000 buying my seadweller @less than retail ! If i remember rightly they gave me a €150 discount for cash 😂 Good old days 😂

In this videos I share your exact same sentiment with a grail I purchased with my wife back then right before I got married: my 2010 Breitling Galactic 41 with black dial and big date window. It has a modern rotating bezel and is my go anywhere do anything timepiece. Rarely anybody knows about my grail but I hope to get your perspective on it one day. I also have your Tudor GMT and I wear mines daily. It’s such a robust clean looking low key watch to wear as well….

I can't really decide of this subtype of watches are sporty dress watches or dressy sports watches, and I think that's the beauty of it. It would be at home both on the beach and and the board room. I have built (or at least assembled) a Seiko-based watch of this type, leaning somewhat into the Oyster Perpetual aesthetic. This is often the watch I bring when travelling, as I can wear for all foreseen activities.

I can see myself in that position in 5 years. When the time comes, I'm thinking the moon watch, sapphire sandwich. Beautiful watch, Ash.

Sounds very familiar. The “hidden clasp” is a real gem!! They should be like this still. I had one in white with Roman numerals. But as incredibly comfortable as the jubilee is, it was too much flash for me and the places I travel for work. So I sold it and opted instead for the new palm dial on an oyster and I had the entire bracelet brushed. Much more subdued and under the radar but still has the amazing versatility of the datejust. Such a great piece.

Get mine Tuesday

I just got me a mint green DJ 36 and I really love it for being so elegant but yet practical and utilitarian at the same time. Its my first Rolex after almost 10 years of trying watches and I think it will be my second watch in my forever-collection (first one being the Casio GW-5000U). For me, the DJ is not as much a dress watch as I am wearing it more as a daily wearer. As my third watch to complete my collection with a real dress watch I am looking at the A. Lange 1815 Up/Down at the moment.

I really wish they still did that type of bracelet on the newer models. Looks so much better than the clasp.

Still think it's a beauty of a watch. Bigger watches don't bother me at the moment, as long as the lug length is manageable (read Omega is way easier to wear larger diameters than say a Longines). I'd love to get a DJ at some point in the future. Currently on the list for a Exp1 though. Hoping to pass down my watches to my boys in the future too. Keep wearing it in good health. Thanks for the stories!

That’s a lovely watch! 36mm is a great size for the average wrist.

Enjoy your common sense attitude Ash. Lovely watch. Purchased a Rolex Oyster date in the late 1970s when I was 21.Still have it.Serviceing costs in recent years have skyrocketed.About 12 years ago I paid £165 which I thought was good value.Nowadays,I dread to think of a figure Rolex will charge.

This is the best summary of the watch world I have seen. Well done for your honest, hype-busting summary. I do think (just my view) you have made a further mistake with the Cartier. If I was your watch personal shopper I would definitely move you towards JLC. An ultra thin moon phase and Reverso for you Sir.

My favourite Rolex albeit 36mm black face with smooth bezel on an oyster bracelet is my preference.

Awesome watch , my most expensive watch is a Tudor Black Bay, but one day I want a Rolex too

I have a rolex airking 34mm since 2011,she is realy great,works perfectly with precise acuracy, of course she have some subtil scratch for being used all the time,but sincerly i dont have other watche so resistant...

I also started my watch journey in 2019 !! But my first "luxury" watch is a Dunhill DM7 which I treasure from 2004. Ash, perhaps do a video with a short comment on each one of your watches. It all seems quite impressive !

100% agree. Datejust (in 36mm) is the king. I have the same size wrist. The Datejust will be my next watch and I plan to wear it daily for the rest of my life. I thought I wanted an understated black dial, but I recently tried on the silver dial two weeks ago and it really resonated with me. Now I just can't decide between silver and black. I've also tried the blue and I quite like it as well. I'm not quite ready for purchase, so I can think it through. I really enjoy your videos, btw.

I thought you were fairly local to me. Also worth mentioning Taunton Watch Services - such a friendly, helpful guy in there. Living where you are, you should look into Fears Watches, very elegant, but wearable watches.

Rolex wasn't my first luxury watch but I do have the same watch same spec minus roulette date but in 41mm ( 126334 ), it's amazing and lovely , it gets good wrist time but doesn't get the most wrist time in my collection. It's too flashy and gets too much attention not always positive in some situations. The 41 still wears a little small compared to 40 mm in my collection, but what size you like but I can't understand why anyone with a normal sized adult wrist can say 41mm is too big. My pelagos LHD has a roulette date and I love the feature

I might just have to do that Caswell-Massey review for myself, Ash. Lol

Amazing piece..i would love to have that...they now want 7,950 for thay watch....i think they are really pushing it....although i love the watch. That price is very off putting...and in January it will go up

I own this exact timepiece. Only wear it on odd days.

I bought a two tone DJ41 in April 2019 and I must have worn it 20 times, I just find it too flashy for my style 🤔

Hi Ash! I consider buying a Datejust for my 60th birthday in 2026. When I purchased my first Rolex in 2016 for my 50th birthday I don’t like the Datejust at all. Mostly because of the cyclops. I thought it is an old’s man watch. But nowadays I quite like the idea of having a watch that suits my age and I could wear nearly every day. My goal is to shrink my current collection down to a handful significant pieces. And the Datejust could be the key stone. Best wishes, Claus

Ash, that is a very lovely watch. The only thing I’m unsure about is the cyclops window over the date and I think, for myself, I would prefer the Oyster Perpetual. However, I have just bought a Soner from Sweden. I’ll send you a wrist shot sometime🫡🙏

I am with you Ash! My Explorer 124270 is my one watch collection as I have 6.5 inch wrists & I am a hiker & wild camper so the watch fits my lifestyle, I recently got the call from my AD for a sub, I went to the shop & tried it on, it was HUGE! and looked silly on me. I kindly declined the opportunity to purchase it & didn't regret it. If you are looking to sell your other watches I would highly recommend Sonning Vintage Watches based in Wokingham, The RU-vidr Paul Thorpe recommended him to me as I had a 16610 sub to sell to buy my 124270, he was fantastic, I just had to send photos of the watch to him, we agreed a price over the phone & he even came to my house to pick it up & paid the money into my account in front of me.

Buddy you look like Clarence Bonagsr in Robocop 1. However you do very interesting watch videos. I can relate. Cheers to many more!

I completely agree! Wear my DateJust 41 (also blue dial fluted) all the time. So much nicer than subs, Exp2 and GMTs. The DJ is the epitome of Rolex. Put that in your pipe and smoke it wide boys! Lol😂

I registered my interest for a DJ 41mm blue dial. I told the SA any bezel/bracelet combo would do but I’m really hoping for the smooth bezel, jubilee bracelet configuration. I like fluted bezels but I think they look too dressy if I want to wear a t-shirt or polo with jeans, for example.

For those of us that aren’t too large, a 36mm Rolex is a great option. It’s always comfortable and never dominates the overall look. My preference is for the Explorer but I also like Datejust you have. Like you I’m lucky enough to have other Rolexes but they tend not to be worn often and might get sold. Rolex takes a lot of criticism but to some extent it’s a victim of its own success and I only have myself to blame really. Smaller watches (36-39mm) seem to be a trend now, thankfully, so more options appearing.

The datejust is probably the greatest ONE watch collection watch of all times.... (in my opinion)... 100m waterproof, anti magnetic to some degree, I have the beautiful two tone yellow gold with black anniversary jubilee dial with roman numerals in gold and the super-beautiful jubilee bracelet with the hidden clasp.. in 36mm. I have a few other watches but this simple datejust is so iconic, classy and sporty at the same time. Everyone recognizes a classic date just with a fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet and everyone loves them or comments on it. I am not a patek or ap guy, patek and ap lack something that the rolex has....I cant understand why I keep gravitating toward rolex watches....

Great looking watch. If… and this is a HUGE if… I were to ever buy a Rolex, it would likely be this one. Incidentally, I share your dad’s birthday. 🙂

This was a very engaging explanation, thank you. I'm on "the list" for a 41mm with the same configuration. BTW, you were wearing a sharp looking jacket, what is it?

It’s a beautiful watch.. personally I always struggle to wear a blue dial when not wearing blue/navy clothes.. so I mostly wear the Sub.. what‘s your opinion of matching the colors of your watch to the clothes you wear? Usually I reach out to earth tones.. Love your journey to the nirwana👍🏻

Ash, absolutely love your channel. And it's purely subjective, but you just sold the one Rolex sports watch that in my opinion was the winner. The explorer 1 was worn by Ian Flemming, the design language is quite perfect. This date just and that explorer is, again my opinion, chap nirvana. Love your channel, try to catch every video. Take my opinion for what it is. Carry on.

The continuous bracelet is such a beautiful detail! The 31 mm I bought for my wife has it and I’m so jealous. I know lots of people are kicking themselves in the ass for falling for the hype and that’s fair(thus the PF in my case). However, I believe in your case, the prostration should’ve begun after the submariner and not before. The DJ will always have a place in my collection…. When I get one 🤣. I’m a little proud for sticking around on the Rolex train now that it seems to be coming into the station. I like to think my A.D. appreciates it as well.

4:43: fun fact. he isnt wearing a Rolex as many people assume - he is wearing a Seiko.. Rolex wouldn't allow it as they didn't want to be associated with a psycho. That said, in the book, it does indeed say he is wearing a Rolex.

What a load of BS….So true Ash! These days ive calmed down my watch collecting journey and made considered purchases based on achievemnts. Next one is an explorer 1 for when me and the puppies complete the wainwrights, 3 peaks and welsh 3000s challenge. Ill feel like weve earned it then. Interstingly ive bought loads of watches over the last few years but keep going back to my Omega Constellation…similar to your DJ, it just doees everything. Cant explain it but just keep being drawn to it in my collection

Look forward to this. Ash I have a question.. I've been trying to get a great daily watch for a while, having gone through several Speedies, Aqua Terra, IWC mark XVI.. then I decided that the Explorer was the one. Tried it at AD and really was not impressed. I much prefer my little Smiths field watch.... But then I tried on an OP36 and loved it .... and I've gone full circle now, to a watch I really wanted a few years ago - datejust 36, white, roman numerals, on oyster bracelet with smooth bezel (the fluted look is a little too fancy for a daily, and it takes away from that wonderful roman dial I feel). So my question is, how is that watch as a daily driver in your opinion? I'm convinced I'd like to at least once own a rolex, and trying on that op was amazing in terms of feel on wrist. The datejust is more useful with the date feature for me, and also I really love the roman dial. I love how there is no lume - just beautifully crafted numerals and it's all solid white gold.. the train track on the dial, the crispiness of the white colour......I love the look, but.... Is this worth saving up for? And do you think it'll be more versatile than the jubilee fluted option?

Thank you for this amazing in depth review. I’m finally at the stage in which it’s financially possible to begin my luxury watch journey. I have an appointment booked next week with the AD in Taunton. How do you find them? I’ve heard they are very good at keeping wait times as short as possible in comparison to others. Anyway I’m hoping to purchase a 36mm mint green date just 🤞🏻🤞🏻

That is exactly the watch i would buy first from Rolex, simple, dressy but fine for every day use.

If it was me, I don't think I'd sell those other Rolex's. I seem to always hear about people selling "iconic" watches, then regretting it years later. But if I could get at Patek Philippe Calatrava for what I would get after selling those Rolex's, I'd to that in a heartbeat.

Thanks for your review! I‘m waiting on my AD‘s call for one of these. :) It will be my first Rolex and it will compliment my sport watch that I have. Edit: thanks for sharing your journey. I hope you can successfully sell your other watches and spend the money on something valuable to you, maybe a nice family vacation. :)

Great review. How durable do you think the white gold fluted bezel will last?

Didn’t know Taunton had an AD

I could not agree with you more about the advantages of the 36mm case size. I cannot wait for the fad of oversized watches to disappear. I am not seeing as many men wearing oversized watches with the bracelet so loose that they dangle over the back of the hand so hopefully that day is coming.

It's a very good Rolex watch. I've seen people treat themselves to a Rolex DateJust and they keep it for life & wear it on special occasions.

I super happy with my Tudor black bay heritage (eta powered , rose with the smile) I don't need the Rolex stigma in my life.

Wales's answer to Quentin Wilson. Great presentation!

Ash, having made the outlay at retail price on your Rolex collection, I would caution against making any hasty decisions on moving any on. Firstly, we can be very fickle with regards to pieces moving up and down our 'favourites' list. Secondly, although not as favoured as your beloved Datejust, they all have their own story and provenance related to you. They have all been worn and cherished by you and have your DNA imprinted on them. Just like your Datejust, they are all heirloom pieces. Think long-term, and what a wonderful inheritance it would make for your son? Can you imagine the likely cost of these beautiful timepieces in the future? Would they be attainable for an adult Master Jones? Each time he wore one of the watches after you had left this mortal coil, would be like a warm shake of the hand from his dear father. I am certain he would be forever grateful to you.

You have just grown an older taste my friend. I am 45 have a Pepsi, Starbucks and a white dial DJ and the last one never gets any wrist time 😅 to think it’s the phases of life.

how about your new Cartier santos? I think that is not a everyday watch, datejust is more easy to carry

The rolux worn in Miami Vice was famously a fake and when the show had clearly become a success the star changed his fake rolux for a real 1911 Ebel chronograph with the famous Zenith El Primero movement, at the peek of Ebel's history IMO, before it was sold on by the original family that owned the brand. Furthermore At the time the rolux daytona also used a Zenith El Primero movement, but interestingly the rolux used a detuned lower beat version of the famous high beat movement, while the Ebel used the full fat version of the movement. A recent test of these now vintage watches, after two examples were both fully serviced, has shown that the Ebel El Primero can still keep within 1 second per day accuracy whereas the detuned rolux daytona barely makes COSC. Sadly IMO the brand Ebel is not what it once was, whereas rolux has grown in stature, though many of us now abhor the brands' attitude towards customers which is why I now refer to it as 'rolux'. The Ebel 1911 Chronograph was the choice of top athletes and stars at the time and it is easy to see why when it's beautifully shaped form is compared to the old Volvo like boxiness of the rolux daytona. Sadly the post El Primero Ebel, larger and less refined than the original was a mark of the brand's decline.

Ash, do you have any regrets waiting to late 40s before getting a luxury watch or was it even more special than as a younger man who maybe hadn’t achieved as much yet

14:01 Hilarious how in Rolex terms, waiting 5 weeks for a Submariner = "you could just go in and buy one." 😂

That's a great looking DJ, simple yet classy. But I definitely wouldn't buy one for almost 8K even if I could - that's too much for a 3 hander with a date.

This is an exit watch. The only watch.

Different reference from the thumbnail sadly.

I believe Rolex was started in London am i right

I wish I could have one but I'm poor and I can't have one but I'm still going to get a plastic watch 😢

Thinking of selling your GMT Master 2 Pepsi? 😅

American Psycho, I have that watch. Goes only with my dress clothes.