Datejust 116200 Review - First 3 weeks

[Brucie D]

Rolex Datejust 116200 Review

First of all I would like to introduce myself. My name is Bruce. I am 31 years old and manage a Porsche Centre in central Canada. I have been in the premium car business for almost 12 years and have worked with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover in sales.

I was first introduced to the idea of Rolex by a more senior colleague at the BMW store I worked for. He showed me a Submariner (SS) and a Datejust (Two Tone Jubilee) he owned and told me he was going to give one to his son when he graduated college. At the time I had no idea what value the watches had and my idea of an expensive watch was $500 max (all I could afford anyway).

Fast forward to 2013 and the hard work and grind of the car business has paid off. I’ve seen so many people come into vehicle sales expecting to make instant money. Similar to real estate, the majority of new hires get discouraged quickly and aren’t willing to put the time in. I’ve had my share of lean months however I stuck it out and managed to build a great clientele and understanding of the workings of a car dealership.

When I was asked to manage this new Porsche Centre I was thrilled. As a car guy, being able to order, drive and sell some of the finest sports cars in the world turns out to be a dream job. Long story, short I figured it was time to take the plunge and get a Rolex.

It turns out that the Rolex brand appeals to my desire for something authentic and durable over time. I feel you can spend a lot of money these days on goods that have a very limited enjoyable life. Electronics are a perfect example of this. I love my iPhone and iPad however I will never have any one of these for more than 2 years before they lose their desirability. Also clothing, which can get very expensive as well for items that may see two – five wears before the next great style comes along.

Rolex Forums was very useful in my search for a first Rolex. In the beginning I was sure I wanted a new SS Ceramic SubDate. Who wouldn’t? I even went directly to the AD with the intention of trying one on and getting a price. I could never have guessed I would fall in love with something simpler and less expensive. This Rolex Datejust 116200 came home with me. I have had it for about 3 weeks now and I would like to summarize my experience with it so far:

- In typical dorky, new to the brand fashion I left the plastic on the case and bracelet for a whole week until I decided that defeated the point of having a “forever watch” and decided to take it off.
- I can see why this watch has been around since 1945. It goes with everything! I have worn it with a suit to work, with smart casual clothes, jeans and a t-shirt and even pj’s around the house. No, I don’t sleep with it on or shower with it on, even though all evidence says the watch is more than durable enough to handle those tasks.
- Originally I had done enough reading to convince myself that 36mm was not going to be big enough, however on my average size wrist this watch wears perfect. I glanced at the DJII models while shopping however I couldn’t see being able to pull off the big dress watch look. In my opinion the Oyster bracelet goes a long way to making this a very versatile masculine watch.
- The two-tone brushed/polished stainless steel is gorgeous and even though I’m a fan of the two tone gold look this watch really pops, especially when worn with a bright colored dress shirt.
- The bracelet itself is a fantastic piece of workmanship. I love the new clasp for its simplicity and feeling of robustness. When this watch is on my wrist I feel like it will stay there forever until I undo the clasp. Comfort level is very high as well.
- That being said, I am curious to see how prone to scratching the polished case and links will be as I can already see a few marks. I should probably do some research on polishing.
- I am left handed and wear the watch on my right arm. Not sure of the school of thought on this or if it is right or wrong. I welcome your opinions.
- The roman numbers on the white dial provide a nice contrast to the SS and Cyclops gives it that Rolex instant recognition factor.
- One gripe, obviously owing to my OCD is that when screwed down tightly the Rolex crown on the crown is not upright but slightly askew. Very anal retentive I know considering it lives under the cuff of my shirt most of the time anyway.
- Plans for this watch include it being a daily wearer and also I like the idea of passing a cared for and serviced watch on to my son (who is currently 7) when he is old enough.
- What I didn’t count on was how much I now want another Rolex! I’m sure I was warned this could be habit forming. My love for the Sub hasn’t dwindled but the new 116622 Yacht-Master with the blue dial could make the ideal counterpart to my DJ don’t you think?

Thanks for listening and all comments and opinions are welcome! Hope you enjoy the pictures, however I realize I am not the best photographer.

Cheers,

Bruce

[biscotti]

Thanks for a great review and congrats on the beautiful watch! Get the YM blue :)

[TSW]

Classic!

[silversurfer96790]

Nice Timepiece.

[LA_LEC]

Great review and great looking watch as well!

[Draxler]

congrats and thanks on great review.

[Zman15]

Looks great! Congrats!

[kcmo]

A beauty! Great review of a timeless classic!

[Furbo]

Great story, I also naively thought that one Rolex will be enough.

[sea-dweller]

Very nice DJ! Love the smooth bezel, roman dial and Oyster bracelet combination!

[bimmerboy]

Congrats! I'm currently entering the high end car sales luxury market myself after 14 years of owning my own business. Hope to be in your position one day congrats on your achievement.

[Brucie D]

Originally Posted by bimmerboy

Congrats! I'm currently entering the high end car sales luxury market myself after 14 years of owning my own business. Hope to be in your position one day congrats on your achievement.

Best of luck my friend. Remember to stick with it during the difficult months and ride it out.

[Psmith]

Great review and pics!

[jeffjcc]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

I think you made a great choice...

I'm convinced I want my first one to be the same as yours, but with a silver dial. The Roman Numerals are just awesome.

[benlee]

Very nice review! Thanks for sharing and Congrats on your new watch.

[daytonabch04]

Nice! Enjoy it!

[ledas1]

Just noticed this thread. Beauty watch eh. Good choice.

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1980 rolex date 14ct shell
2011+ rolex DJ2 116333CSO [recent purchase via amazon]

[samsam]

Nice, liked the idea of passing a rolex to my son (who is only 2)..

[nick c]

Dj is classic like the Porsche great choice