First Rolex - Datejust 31mm vs. 36mm?

[Fashion412]

Getting my first rolex this weekend and wanted to see what sizes those of you with rolexes have purchased. I am leaning towards the 31mm as I like a smaller watch, but am not sure whether I'd regret not getting the larger size. Attached are both sizes on my wrist for reference.

Thanks!

 

[Swanky]

I have very petite wrists and love my 31, but 36 is next on my list - I need both lol

I'd probably go with 31 to start or if I will only have 1

 

[Onthego]

I have 3 Rolex and they are all 36. The first was from my Dad and it is more than 30 years old. The second from when big watches were more popular and the third which is all stainless and I wanted the sporty look of bigger watch. But 31 is beautiful and can be more easily stacked with other bracelets if that is what you would want to do. Good luck.

 

[larissajay]

I have both sizes and prefer the 36. I am tall, though, and I do think that's a factor.

 

[hers4eva]

The 36 fits your wrist nicely.

I wear a 31, could not wear a 36 it would be off my wrist.

 

[lolakitten]

I have small wrists but I am also tall, I prefer a 36 on me, 31 is ok too, but if I had to choose…

 

[GraffS]

Get the one you love more!!!

My first watch was 36 but back then big watches were much more popular.

I also have a 31 and 28, and mostly wear 28 now. I still love my 36 and 31 but haven’t worn them in years. Actually now thinking about it I’m feeling guilty to my beautiful watches lol. Need to wear the 36 tomorrow!

For reference I’m 5.11 (180sm), my wrists are about 14 sm, Cartier love size 16.

 

[sooyang]

If you want to stack with Cartier bangles you might want to get at least 36 or larger. I have 31 and it just does not look good with my love bangle. Then I noticed people usually wear large face watches if they stack with cartier bracelets

 

[Yodabest]

I personally think big watches are a trend. The 36 looks big but the 31 looks like the goldilocks size. It’s perfect, not small. I have a 31 and very happy with it.

 

[Pop Art Suzy]

I say go for the 36mm. I like it better on your wrist, mainly because I prefer bigger watches.

 

[Pevi]

I like the 31! I think it’s the most versatile style

 

[megs0927]

The 36 doesn’t seem oversized to me when talking watch trends. I just traded my 31 datejust president in towards a 36 Daydate and couldn’t be happier. I would also take a full body picture as close wrist shots can make the face look larger imo

 

[AnnaLou]

Size trends come and go but both of those look like they fit you within a medium range that should be pretty versatile barring any extreme size trend changes to either oversized or very tiny. Both sizes look good on your wrist.

I could recommend either based on the answers to these questions:
1. Would you wear the watch with a business suit? If so, the larger watch face will likely have better presence when poking out from under your sleeves.
2. In a previous post you said you didn't like bulky watches and haven't worn other watches you've owned for this reason. If I remember that correctly, then maybe the smaller watch would be easier for you to wear?

So in short, if you want a less bulky watch, get the smaller one. If you want something to look good with suits at work, get the larger one.

Definitely no wrong answers here! You can't go wrong with either!

 

[Fashion412]

Thank you all for your super helpful and insightful opinions! It’s really appreciated and makes me love this online community so much.

I ended up going with the 31mm datejust jubilee fluted bezel and champagne face. I absolutely love it and cannot believe I own a Rolex! Feels like a career milestone that at one point in my 20s (while crying on the phone to my mom in a parking lot outside law school) would never happen. ♥️



I think a daydate 36 will be the next on my list to add future watch versatility to my collection. I loved both sizes but for this version the 31 just felt like an extended piece of jewelry for me.

 

[NLVOEWITHLV]

I personally prefer the 31 as I believe it’s more classic and wearable. Eventually I think the larger face for women will become dated. This is definitely a subjective dilemma, also women with a larger wrist might need the bigger watch. Which do you love?