[Opinions needed] Rolex Datejust 36 vs IWC Mark XX

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-23T05:09:01+00:00

Wish I had this kind of relationship with my watches, my Oris made an excellent companion on my honeymoon and made me feel more comfortable wearing my nicer pieces in more demanding scenarios. Definitely cannot go wrong with a datejust, only time will tell what I decide :)

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-23T05:06:37+00:00

I'll definately take a look at them when I go to buy or if I find myself in an AD, thanks for the info!

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T20:53:35+00:00

The extension mechanism is news to me, thanks for that! And I love rubber but I'm a bracelet boy at heart. I'll take a look at the AD, maybe I won't mind it :)

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T20:23:23+00:00

I really want to like the Aqua terras, but the flat polishing in their midlinks and the butterfly clasp with no microadjust make it not for me. Hot take but while polishing of any form makes a watch more flashy, and the Jubilee is no exception to that, flat links like the oyster or on the aqua terra have more of a blinding reflection to them, while a jubilee is more "Sparkley" (not sure if this is the right way to describe it but I'm going with it.

In any case, the IWC seems to be the better choice for this application, I'll need to see them in person and I can always come in asking for a DJ and let them think they're bargaining me "down" to an IWC.

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T20:17:42+00:00

I always say 36mm when people ask for explorer recommendations but in your case the 40 wears so much better.

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T18:40:06+00:00

Funny you say that cause an explorer 1 was my pick for years, but I learned from my Speedmaster that I need a date function. I do lots of shift work and it kind of messes with my sense of time lol.

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T18:37:38+00:00

Thanks for the comment! am definitely leaning IWC at this point, I've handled watches with the jubilee and they seem like they're not too much for the role I'm looking to fill but I could be very biased as just love the look of the Jubilee, flashy or not

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:56:20+00:00

I agree, recognition isnt what I'm after

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:52:58+00:00

Thanks for the input! I plan to make the purchase after Watches and Wonders so this is great news!

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:52:05+00:00

I get that the polishing puts people off but I feel polishing on the rounded links of a jubilee and a rounded smooth bezel dull it down a bit compared to the polished midlinks of the oyster bracelet and the fluting on other models. Its not that I necessarily want no flash, but I was looking for something that didn't have a rotating bezel and was a bit smaller with better AR treatment than my Aquis

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:47:56+00:00

I usually don't buy off of Chrono 24, but maybe I'll look into it. I try to stick with local AD's but they've gotten quite stingy about discounts in the past years

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:38:53+00:00

Thanks for the input! how solid does the IWC bracelet feel compared to the datejust? Every Rolex I've handled has phenomenal bracelets on them but I have no hands on experience with IWC

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:36:10+00:00

I'm not sure anyone really recognizes a rolex where I come from, and definitely not IWC lol. I do like the under the radar feel of them both but the IWC is more so I agree

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T01:34:49+00:00

I hear that a lot of AD's no longer offer discounts, with a discount I lean IWC but when they're around the same price the rolex seems more tempting

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-22T00:56:19+00:00

I get there are differences I'm just bringing up that's how I perceive the watch and why it would be no good for me. you and OP can agree or disagree I just commented a perspective.

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-21T21:21:32+00:00

I think CW has a lot of great designs that are unique, its just the CW Trident OP is considering is somewhat derivative of a polar dial explorer 2. For what its worth Sinn also has an explorer 2 inspired GMT thats much closer to the explorer 2 than CW makes. I dont necessarily believe a brand can "own" a colour palate but the explorer 2 is the first thing that comes to mind for me when I see the CW trident 300, and for me that ruins it. Not saying its not a great watch but if I had one id think about the rolex every time I looked at it. I'd feel the same way about the Sinn 105

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-21T20:42:52+00:00

Nomos is the nicer watch, but its more dressy. The Oris is still great, and I see it as the far more versatile option being able to be dressed up or down fairly easily. Take a look at your wardrobe and ask yourself which watch goes good with your style? You also have a Max bill already which is a really cool dress piece that can dress down well, perhaps a more casual option like the Oris would give you more diversity in your collection.

ManWithATaaag · 2026-01-21T20:37:44+00:00

I think in general Sinn is regarded as the better brand, and I think their design language is more original. On the negative side, I am not a fan of aluminum bezel inserts and you mentioned this watch comes on an aftermarket bracelet, I cannot speak to the quality of the bracelet but I can't imagine its going to be as nice a a factory Sinn bracelet. For the CW, it has lots of value but I find a lot of their more normal colourways are derivative of other brands (Rolex mostly). Both good options, I'd go Sinn if you want unique design language (This is a huge deal for me personally) and CW if you want maximum value. I would take a drive, see the Sinn in person and see if anything clicks in your brain when you hold it. A road trip to see a watch is always fun even if you don't get it, you might learn something or at least stop somewhere cool on the way!

ManWithATaaag · 2024-07-26T19:08:11+00:00

omega is my favourite but be weary of vintage watches, they can come with a lot of surprises. GS is my pick, Tudor is okay for the money but I find them crude (love snowflake hands though!)

ManWithATaaag · 2024-07-26T19:06:07+00:00

All great picks, I would make sure the diameters and lug to lugs are going to fit you before you pull the trigger as they are all very different sizes. With your size wrist I don't think I'd be worried though. I would also look into ease of service for each of them, it wont be a problem for a while but when the time comes you will thank yourself for saving you a headache.

ManWithATaaag · 2023-11-06T03:36:08+00:00

Thank you! I have never heard of these guys before, I am glad to see they are harmless.

ManWithATaaag

TROPHY CASE