Rolex Day-Date 40 vs. Submariner Blue TT

MTR · 2016-08-06T03:37:26Z

Approaching a milestone, MTR seeks advice on a new Rolex: Day-Date 40 WG (olive, blue, silver) or Submariner Blue TT. Explore the community's insights on versatility, dial choices, and upgrading from a DD36.

MTR

WPS member · Rolex forum

62 replies23339 views6 photos

MTR, a seasoned collector, approaches a significant milestone and seeks the community's wisdom for a new acquisition. His dilemma centers on choosing a versatile, all-rounder Rolex that balances sportiness and elegance, while also considering an upgrade from his existing Day-Date 36. This thread captures the essence of a collector's personal journey, weighing sentiment against evolving tastes and practical considerations.

62 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Dear watch friends,

mid of October I'm going to reach - hopefully just - the first half of my life. And I'm looking forward to make a nice present to myself. A watch. What else?

Since I'm a heavy user of all my watches I don't buy just for the vault. Neither I have a special "topic collection", just - except 2 Panerais - 1 IMHO representative example of some brands I appreciate. Protagonists that warm my heart and I really love (from PP, Rolex and Moser to PAM, JLC and GP up to Zenith, Oris and more). Investment thoughts are not my cup of tea.

A watch has to "sing" to me, has to represent highest quality, has to fit to me physically as well as to my personality and shall become a part of my life.

Not long ago I had a "phase" where I wanted to get rid of all my "luxury ballast". I thought about reducing my collection to max. 3 watches that would cover all parts of my life. My AD, who became a good friend of me over the years, prevented the worst

Now I'm driven by a strong longing again...

The new watch should be a true all-rounder, versatile, sporty, elegant, and it should also pardon a spontaneous jump into to the water.

So - after a time of critical reflection - I have ended up with a Rolex DD 40 WG (more elegant, very interesting new technical features) or a Rolex Submariner Blue TT (more sporty, an icon).

I know you cannot really compare them. And there are many other beauties from different brands out there. But that's my current emotional situation. So far.

At the moment I own only one piece from Rolex: a DD 36 WG with a silver dial. It's a perfect and versatile watch I like a lot. The smaller diameter is not really a problem for my wrist. The watch fits and wears very well. Though sometimes I can't help feeling a strong longing for some millimeters more...

So - here I am.

My current DD 36:

The Sub Blue TT:

And my short listed versions of the DD 40. There are three dials I prefer: blue, olive green (I had no chance to see it on my wrist so far but like it very much on the wrist of Radone, whom I recommended this colour after I have seen it in a shopping window) or silver (again).

Blue:

Olive green:

(picture from the Rolex Website)

Silver:

Now I'm interested in your help and would appreciate your thoughts and advises very much.

1. Would you keep the DD36 and in addition go for the Sub Blue TT? Or should I upgrade from my DD36 to the DD40 WG (my AD has offered this option to me). The costs are rough the same. My "watch funds" are limited at the moment. So: going for both models is not an option for me.

2. If I go for the DD40 WG which dial version would you recommend to me? In my current collection most of the watches have black, grey and white dials. No blue, no green and one silver (my DD 36).

What do you think?

Thanks a lot in advance for your kind help!

Kind regards, Thomas

Key Points from the Discussion

The olive green dial on the Day-Date 40 is highly recommended for its striking appearance and versatility, with one collector noting it became their almost exclusive daily wear.
The decision to keep a cherished Day-Date 36 versus upgrading to a Day-Date 40 involves emotional attachment to a watch that symbolizes personal history.
The Rolex Day-Date 40 in white gold with an olive green dial is considered a strong contender, with its unique aesthetic appealing to the senses and potentially justifying a trade.
The Sky-Dweller was also considered, with the author trying it on, but expressing uncertainty about the dial despite its comfortable fit.
A collector's taste and knowledge evolve over time, leading to a re-evaluation of their collection and a desire to reduce it to essential, frequently worn pieces.
The author's final ranking places the Day-Date 40 with Roman numerals (olive, blue, or silver dial) as the top choice, followed by the Submariner Blue Two-Tone and the Submariner Blue White Gold (Smurf).

The Discussion

Seamaster2254

Aug 6, 2016

I absolutely love the Rolex DD on the first picture. And i would add a black or dark blue other watch with it, for contrast. If i were you, i would add the Rolex Submariner no-date with the black dial.

MTR

Aug 6, 2016

Thanks a lot!

That means you wouldn\'t sell the DD 36? I don\'t want to add another watch with a black dial to my collection. So the Sub no-date is a marvelous watch but this time not an option for me. Therefore I ended up with the Sub Blue TT. My first concern was that it would look too bling-bling. But in real I felt well with it. And the blue dial is a dream. Best, Thomas

esddmd

Aug 6, 2016

I like the day date with blue dial

That would be my choice since it appears you already have a collection of watches with white and black dials.

MTR

Aug 6, 2016

Thank you, esddmd!

That was also my first thought. And on the wrist it looks stunning. Best, Thomas

Arie - Mr Orange

Aug 6, 2016

I'm biased

But I would upgrade to the Day-Date 40. Why? Because its the sharpest DD out there and it has got the perfect (mens) size. And I\'d choose the olive green dial. It looks fresh. I might even put that dial in my Day-Date some day! Have fun deciding!

MTR

Aug 6, 2016

The greatest pleasure lies in the anticipation! :-)

I have to make my decision until end of August to get my "present" in time. Thanks a lot for your advice, Arie! I like your Platin version with the smooth bezel very much. Have you ever considered the ice blue dial with the Roman numerals? Best, Thomas

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Rolex forum with 62 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

Related Articles