Help! My first white dial Rolex... Milgauss vs Explorer II vs Datejust II

Hi omegaforums,

I need help! I'm looking to buy my first Rolex! (and indeed my first watch purchase over $1000 USD - I started really getting into watches only 9 months ago, and just own a few vintage pieces, Omega Seamster c. '70, Seiko weekdater c. '66 gold rectangular Longines c. '59)

My budget is around the $5k USD mark. I've decided I very much wanted a white dial watch with a steel bracelet, that can transition very well between a corporate office (suit & tie every weekday) to the weekend (tshirt and jeans). My wrist is on the smaller end, around 6.5 inches. While I haven't at all set out to only look at Rolex's, I feel like inevitably I've settled upon 1 of 3 Rolex pieces.

1. Milgauss 116400 40mm white dial


2. Explorer II 16570 40mm white dial GMT



3. Datejust II 116300 41mm white dial



I was originally loving the Explorer II, but recently I've been leaning more towards the Milgauss... it's just such a clean, unique piece with a little bit of quirkiness, whereas the Explorer II is more toned down. Only real negative for me is that the Milgauss is fairly thick at 13.5mm... but this definitely isnt a dealbreaker.

Also, personally I'm not a huge fan of the cyclops. I appreciate that it increases readability, and it's not a huge issue, but I think I would just prefer all rolex watches without it. I find the bump on the crystal a bit annoying, especially when looking at it from an angle.

The Datejust II is also a very cool piece, but I feel perhaps the thick indices versus the thin baton hands are just a tad out of proportion, as well as the 41mm size (39 or 38 would be better i feel).

Thanks for reading!

Honourable mention also goes to the Datejust 36mm modern version... I love this watch, particularly the smooth-bezel version, however having tried it on, its just a tad too small for me, to bridge the gap of formal-to-caual wear... not enough wrist presence. The fluted bezel version also looks great, but is both a little bit over budget, and a bit too formal for what I'm looking for.

4. Datejust 36 116234

I think the Milgauss is probably a little too casual for a suit but that depends on your workplace - it it's not too stuffy then go for it.

One of my current "want"s is a white Explorer II with a Tritium dial and a nice patina - the contrast between the aged colour and the white dial is amazing (and not too noticeable like the Milgauss) and the GMT utility is great for an all-round watch.

The datejust is a Rolex top seller for a reason - it's classic.

Find a dealer with all 3 available - go and try them all on at the same time and get the one that calls to you most

If the Milgauss is toothpick, consider the 114300 OP39

I purchased the Explorer 2 - Polar 42mm as my first watch. I loved it but after about a year it left me a little cold so to speak. It is really a stark watch. Between the E2 and the DJ I would vote DJ - just more classic. The E2 is out there design wise and seems to be the GMT's little brother, especially with the unadjustable bezel. I just think the Milgauss is a little too strange in that reference you pictured. Maybe a great 2nd or 3rd watch but not as your main watch. If this is your first - go DJ.

I would rate them the way u list them. The lighting second hand sold it for me. Mind u, I don't own a Millgaus, but I have 2 polar expy2. The expy2 pic u shown doesn't show it's true color though making it look dull. In reality the dial is gloss so more vibrant than ur pic show. There r so many expy2 n DJ out there, the Millgaus has more character. Here is one of my expy though.



I blame it on the autoconnect.

explorer II or the Datejust II

Milgauss. I have some Rolexes with dates. Wish I had had the sense to buy a Milgauss. Clean, simple...not so common.

My choice would be 2. Explorer II 16570 40mm white dial GMT. The GMT is an added bonus when you travel.

Thanks for all the resposnes!

Initially I did love the explorer II 16570 older gen model (as the new model is too large for my 6.5 inch wrists), however all the affordable second hand models (from the 90s and early 00's) have a pretty bad bracelet... the non-hollow links are not great, and the stamped metal clasp in particular is terrible for a watch of this price! so unfortunately that's a dealbreaker for me

I tried on the Milgauss and Datejust 36mm smooth bezel at my local AD the other day - I think the Datejust 36 is actually the winner! It wears far far larger than any other 36mm watch I've ever tried on, more like a 38 for sure.

The Milgauss is great, and I love it's burst of orange and the fact that it doesn't have a cyclops - however the case is just a bit too thick for me... pity

Congrats. Enjoy!

That 36mm DJ looks a winner on your wrist.

I'd still vote for the Explorer as the best casual-to-formal capabe of the three.

But its your wrist, so ultimately up to you.

That was my choice.

If you have reservation about the cyclops.................. I wont go there.

Datejust without cyclops would be very nice.

The DJ looks really good on you! I think I've read somewhere that you could always have the cyclops removed if you'd like. I know I'll get backlash from the purists out there, but in the end it's really what you like and ultimately what makes you happy. In a perfect world find the one that checks all of your boxes.

My vote (although it matters not) is the explorer.


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