Rolex DateJust: 31mm v. 34mm?

[ETenebris]

I have been subconsciously eyeing Rolex watches for years, and I am now saving for my first. My current watch is a Citizen Eco-Drive, and is smaller than I am used to (pic to follow). I like the idea of a big watch, but I am a plus size gal, so I can't pull it off like Jennifer Aniston! So for you Rolex fans and experts, what do you think? I have tried the 31mm and the 34mm in stainless, and I have a few questions. Which is the better size? Do you think 34mm is "trendy?" Also, which band do you prefer: oyster or jubilee? Fluted bezel or rounded? Feel free to post pics! I did peruse the Rolex pic forum, but I am hoping for some more specific information than I found there. Thanks!

Current watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Corso. 26mm for reference.

[Hokaplan]

Do you want more sporty or dressy? Will this be your everyday watch? Like many others here, I feel oyster is more sporty and jubilee is dressier. I personally prefer fluted on the jubilee and rounded on oyster. Which color faces are you considering and what type of numbers?

[ETenebris]

Yes, it will be an everyday watch. I tend to be more sporty than dressy, but I can go either way. Both watches that I really liked when I tried them on had a black face, and I am thinking I will do the "stick" numbers in white ceramic (I think that's what they are).

[peace43]

I have a ladies Datejust Rolex and the mid-size Rolex. I don't remember if mid-size is the 31 mm or 34 mm but it's definitely mid-way between the ladies small and the men's large size watches.

If you tend to be sporty, I recommend the mid-size. I have a stainless steel Oyster with a round bezel, Roman numerals, and a dark blue face.

The Jubilee bracelet tends to be more dressier in my opinion. My ladies size is stainless steel, Jubilee with a fluted bezel and the salmon/pink face with Roman numerals - I love it but I have the older version of the Jubilee bracelet which is more tapered and lighter than the newer version of the Jubilee bracelet.

Here's a thread with tons of Rolex watches:
Rolex owners: What do you have?

[tweetie]

If you're more casual/sporty, I would definitely go with the oyster bracelet with the smooth bezel (that's the combo I have).

I also have the mid-size. I can't go any bigger since I've tried on the men's versions and they don't look good on me - my wrists are a Cartier 16 bracelet size if that's a good reference point. Here's a pic below. If you're plus sized and have larger wrists, you may need to size up to a men's if you want to keep a slighly oversize proportion. I think the huge watches are a bit too trendy, but slightly oversize isn't.

[Needanotherbag]

Mid sized is the perfect size IMO - not to feminine, not to masculine. If this is going to be an everyday timepiece for you I'd suggest the Oyster bracelet - the Jubilee is pretty dressy. I feel similarly about the bezels - fluted is dressy to me, and rounded is casual.

No matter what you pick, though, you cant go wrong with a Rolex, they are all beautiful and timeless in style.

[ETenebris]

Originally Posted by tweetie

If you're more casual/sporty, I would definitely go with the oyster bracelet with the smooth bezel (that's the combo I have). I also have the mid-size. I can't go any bigger since I've tried on the men's versions and they don't look good on me - my wrists are a Cartier 16 bracelet size if that's a good reference point. Here's a pic below. If you're plus sized and have larger wrists, you may need to size up to a men's if you want to keep a slighly oversize proportion. I think the huge watches are a bit too trendy, but slightly oversize isn't.

This is GORGEOUS!!! This is almost identical to the one I tried, except with a black dial. It looks great on you.

Thanks everyone for your input! Your comments are very helpful!

[ayla]

Definitely the 34mm, I love the look of bigger watches, and Rolex is now sizing up its watches so it seems to be the way that trend is headed !

I also voted for the jubilee band, I love the classic look of it !

[kashmira]

I think that Rolex are classic watches - not trendy! I would have bought the 31 mm with oyster bracelet but get what you feel the most comfortable with.

[slip]

I have petite wrist i.e. less than 5" and I'm of Asian at 5'4. But I LOVE 38mm watches! After I own a Swiss Legend Karamica, I'm not turning back to my 36mm - 31mm watches anymore! They look ridiculously small on me even though I have thin wrists!! I'll go for watches more than 34mm. In fact 34mm is the smallest I'd ever consider for a Rolex as even for Rolex Submariner, it's only 39mm big which I think is small as compared to other brands like Panerai, Breitling, etc. I'm aiming for a 34mm Rolex datejust with domed bezel and oyster bracelet with diamond markers. I love bling on my watches. Rolex is coming up with 40mm Datejust so the trend is definitely towards bigger sized watches. I love how big watches create a statement and I don't need other accessories other than wearing my usual plain platinum wedding band and diamond solitare e-ring. Now I'd rather spend my $$$ on watches than bags, heehee.

[chessmont]

I prefer the bigger Rolexes - I am size US 12/14, have 6.5" wrist, but wear the watch bracelets slightly loose, to a 7" wrist measurement. Just loose enough that they don't turn over on my wrist.

I don't wear smaller than a Mid-size, and all my others are Subs or Daytona.

I do have a couple of small ladies watches (less expensive) fro dressier occasions where even the mid-size R looks clunky. HTH

Oh - I like the fluted bezel with a jubilee bracelet, and the smooth bezel with an Oyster bracelet.

I feel Jubilee looks better on a ladies size watch. Bigger than that, and I like the Oyster. My Midsize is YG and has the President bracelet, which is more similar to an Oyster than a Jubilee

[ceya]

If you are male, then 34 with jubilee is the choice.
31 is good for female in considering.
and jubilee is for both sport or dressy wear. While the oyster bracelet fits only for casual, imh.