Day Date 36 - five digit vs six digit

[Ensign]

I have been shopping for a DD36 and always assumed the six digit was preferable, as evident in the price. But I did see a video where a five digit owner says his is better than a six digit because it is better balanced.

It got me thinking that this question might be similar to five vs six digit professional models; lots of people who prefer the five digits because of comfort and design.

Online I can’t find much supporting what the specific differences are.

Daydate experts, do any of you prefer the five digit DD over the six, and why?

[fskywalker]

Few differences:

- 5 digit DD36 has brushed case versus polished on 6 series
- On 5 digit case the bracelet does not fit perfectly (gaps) versus perfect fit on 6 series
- 5 series sapphire crystal is flat, 6 series sapphire is domed
- 5 series are available on single and double quick set date / day models, all 6 series are double quick set
- President bracelet on 5 series has shallow ends, less heavy construction versus 6 series

Here a 5 series 18239 (double quick set WG):




And a 6 series 118239 (double quick set WG):




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[Fahoo Forays]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Few differences:

- 5 digit DD36 has brushed case versus polished on 6 series
- On 5 digit case the bracelet does not fit perfectly (gaps) versus perfect fit on 6 series
- 5 series sapphire crystal is flat, 6 series sapphire is domed
- 5 series are available on single and double quick set date / day models, all 6 series are double quick set
- President bracelet on 5 series has shallow ends, less heavy construction versus 6 series

Here a 5 series 18239 (double quick set WG):

Beautiful watch!

[huncho]

i prefer 6 digits for the heft but 5 digits used to be much better value when you could get a nice one for 12-13k. the big issue with 5 digits though is finding a clean example, most of them are over polished or have bracelets that are pretty beat, same with a lot of the early 6 digits

besides the few minor differences, 5 and 6 digit day dates are essentially the same watch. there's a bigger argument when it comes to sports models because 5 digits have much different proportions and wear smaller

[csaltphoto]

I like the brushed finish on the 5 digits but have seem some spectacular bracelet sag/stretch. The 6 digit bracelets seem much better. Compared to oyster bracelets there are a lot more points of wear on the president bracelets and that combined with the softer metals really exacerbates the problem.

[Ensign]

Thank you gentlemen for the valuable feedback!

[agsstructures]

5 digit hands down!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

5 digit hands down!

Wow!!! Gorgeous 18239!

If it wasn’t obvious, it’s in the name ;)

5 digits >> 6 digits for me

[ratty]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

5 digit hands down!

I really like this.

I presume it's white gold?

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by ratty

I really like this.

I presume it's white gold?

Appreciate it, yes it’s a WG 18239 with a basic silver stick dial.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

Appreciate it, yes it’s a WG 18239 with a basic silver stick dial.

It looks as if it has never been polished. Stunning.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

It looks as if it has never been polished. Stunning.

Thank you brother

[Rolex.Journey]

Following this post. I’ve been intrigued lately at some 5 digits and think it would be a great way to get into PM pieces. Case size, pricing and great dials have me seriously considering it in the future. Condition, dial options, and bracelet wear are the things I’m slowly researching. I’m a lot less savvy in older DDs than I am in steel sports.


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[will_scofield]

I really like both, and both have a place in my collection.

The 5 digits have much more charm (subjective I suppose), have different case and bezel proportions, are much lighter, and have brushed lug hoods. Beyond this, they have a history of unique and rare dials that may never be offered again. I also highly doubt Rolex will offer a bark finish or engine turned bezels on a day date again. So, you can find some wacky combinations.

Overall, I prefer the modern 1282xx generation as the heft and build quality is preferable, but you still get proportions much more similar to the 128xx generation. There are also better dials in the 1282xx generation relative to the 1182xx generation.

The end link integration and lug profile in the current generation is perfect and the ceramic sleeve inserts over the screws are a game changer for bracelet integrity long term.

Can’t go wrong either way, but you have to be more careful condition and originality wise when buying a 5 digit.

I am hoping to pick up one of the platinum variants next year to round out my day dates.


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[MichelleP]

Originally Posted by will_scofield

I really like both, and both have a place in my collection.

The 5 digits have much more charm (subjective I suppose), have different case and bezel proportions, are much lighter, and have brushed lug hoods. Beyond this, they have a history of unique and rare dials that may never be offered again. I also highly doubt Rolex will offer a bark finish or engine turned bezels on a day date again. So, you can find some wacky combinations.

Overall, I prefer the modern 1282xx generation as the heft and build quality is preferable, but you still get proportions much more similar to the 128xx generation. There are also better dials in the 1282xx generation relative to the 1182xx generation.

The end link integration and lug profile in the current generation is perfect and the ceramic sleeve inserts over the screws are a game changer for bracelet integrity long term.

Can’t go wrong either way, but you have to be more careful condition and originality wise when buying a 5 digit.

I am hoping to pick up one of the platinum variants next year to round out my day dates.


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Wow, quite a collection of DD. Love the pave diamond dial one.

[jgottsman11]

5 digit in mint unpolished condition is always my favorite to wear and to look at. Much more charm that the newer stuff that feels very manufactured. More dial options that are exiting and rare on the 5 digits.

That being said the 6 digit day dates feel much more sturdy and I daily wear them much more than the 5 digit.

If I had to only wear one forever it would be a 5 digit




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[jamesbondOO7]

The 5-digit design is more balanced. The fluted bezel is better integrated. The date and day wheels have a nice golden colour and are not bright white like on the 6-digits.
The balance of brushed vs polished is better also.
Altogether for me it has always been a no-brainer!

[miamiclay]

You might want to look at these threads -

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=587647

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=97795

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=901540

For me, the 5-digits are the sweet spot, for the near-infinite range of dials, bezels, bracelets, etc. The roughly one ounce weight difference is noticeable in the hand, but not (to me) on the wrist. Idk when (if?) the ceramic sleeves were added to the 36mm 6-digit DDs, but if so, it was late - sometime after 2012?

[will_scofield]

The 1282xx generation launched I believe in 2019, was the first version to include the ceramic pin sleeves.

Any reference irrespective of metal and dial/bezel will have them provided it’s the current generation

[rmagoo57]

Great thread - keep the pro's and con's coming! I'm also considering the DD36 and now leaning towards the 6-digit. Sturdier bracelet and better bracelet/case integration are major factors. Love the brushed lugs on the 5's though. White gold with a white roman dial is my favorite config. On to the hunt I guess...

[jamesbondOO7]

Here we go for the brushed lugs (18038 from 1984):

[jamesbondOO7]

Definitely the pet’s pyjamas…

[Verdi]

You can't go wrong with any and others have provided very good insight of the differences. As I have been in your shoes and did the same research, this is my take.

I went for the 5 digit ref (wg) with double quick-set. If you choose a 5 digit ref....the key (in my view) is to find one with a good bracelet.
Also, I would not buy a 5 digit ref with rounded lugs. The lugs should be sharp and have the right finish in case it has been polished. Double quick set is very useful, especially if you wear it on rotation.
The 5 dig ref has a vintage feel while the 6 dig ref feels and look modern. Since we are talking pre-owned and older models, condition and price would be decisive in choosing a particular piece or reference.
I would keep an open mind and see what good condition models show up on my radar.

[Daytonaman799]

The 5 digit has a more elegant balance and the dial options are far better. Problem is bracelet stretch and finding a good one. I don’t know if replacement bracelets are even available. The six digit has much better bracelet, especially the new ones with the ceramic pins. Dials are ok but not as good as the old ones. The overall 6 digits are far more substantial in terms of construction. I love both. There is a place for both. The value is with the 5 digit for sure since one in great shape can be had for around half of a new 6 digit.

[996marty]

I think the 5 digit ones look better but you need to find one in great condition

[buddenfan]

Originally Posted by 996marty

I think the 5 digit ones look better but you need to find one in great condition

Would BOB's watches be the best option for one in great condition?

[ronricks]

Value wise it is hard to beat the 5 digit. !8038's and 18238's also had tons of dials available. For me the polished lugs on the 6 digit ruin it but you can't go wrong with any day date in my opinion.

[marmite2005]

A few wrist shots of my 18238 from 1991.

I purchased the 5 digit back in 2017, it was a good example from a trusted Bricks and Mortar store with a fresh Rolex service and 2 year RSC warranty. The price point of the 5 digit was more appealing to me at the time over the 6 digit.

Pros - I prefer the brushed lugs and slimmer silhouette.
- price point
- Not as flashy

Cons - For me I struggle with legibility (old eyes). 6 digit lume filled Baton would be better.
- Weight, it definitely lighter than a 118238 (30% ish I believe)
- For me, Fit, I need a half link, it's either snug in the winter, but way too tight in the summer or Comfy in the summer and too loose in the winter (no idea if this would be different with a 6 digit). For now I just add or remove a link for the seasons.

I would like to add a White gold 6 digit to my collection but prices have risen too high in the past few years.

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[Gerardus]

All DD are great! But for me nothing can beat the 6 digit (118238)
I made a big, big mistake, selling mine.
That I can tell you!

[johnliley]

5 digit 1981



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