Why favour the original size of an iconic model instead of fit?

[francksav]

Usually people, for good reasons, advise choosing a size of watch that fits the wearer, taking into account the wrist circumference, width, forearm size, and general build.
Totally sensible in my opinion. That’s why for example for some RO 41mm can be fine while for others only 37mm would realistically work well.

But then enters RO 39mm jumbo and I often read some opinions completely discarding the notion of ‘fit’ and say things like ‘37mm is great, 41mm is too big, of course nothing can beat the jumbo and if it was obtainable it would be #1’, even when 39mm is not that good a fit compared to 37mm…

While I understand the historical significance, why be so attached with statements like ‘it should be like the original Genta design at 39mm as it was intended’?

There are so many variations of historical watches that are still very relevant today that I don’t understand these almost cult-like answers for the ultra thin RO 39mm.

Aquanauts started as 38.6mm (even smaller if we take the really first model) and now the current 5167A at 40.8mm with integrated rubber is still very popular and not considered any lesser.
Same for the modern-day Daytonas that went through a lot of design changes.

However for Royal Oaks, anything not a 39mm seems to often be considered a step down in comparison, when fit in my opinion should remain a paramount concern (39mm RO is not an easy fit for everyone).

[gretch6364]

Because it is iconic...

[Vipes]

For me, it’s not only about fit but the proportions of the RO. The 37mm RO and 38mm ROC fits me well but I much prefer the proportions on the 39mm Jumbo. I also like the proportions on the 15300. This is why you see so many members saying the 39mm RO are best because it fits a variety of wrist sizes and has good proportions.

I don’t like the 37mm due to the bracelet taper and the 41mm has too much dial space.

[l_chissle]

39mm ultra thins just look really nice. If the 37mm was thinner, the proportions would work better imo

[eonflux]

Both considered "classic" or "iconic" at this point, and both could also be considered out-of-date



Same discussion about 36 mm DJ and DD on the general Rolex forum

[Emery]

I’m willing to wager that most people who say 39mm fits best have not had the chance to try one in person and compare against the 37 and 41mm offerings.

Unfortunately that’s the reality for most of us without a boutique nearby, or a good friend with one we’re able to try on.
We can only rely on pics and vids and spec sheets on the internet.

[subtona]

AP RO might be the most particular fitting watch made.
The lugs can be very unforgivng on the wrong size wrist.

The 15202 jumbo was far and away the best fitting watch on my wrist shape and size that I ever had the pleasure of wearing.

[SN2354]

Originally Posted by subtona

AP RO might be the most particular fitting watch made.
The lugs can be very unforgivng on the wrong size wrist.

The 15202 jumbo was far and away the best fitting watch on my wrist shape and size that I ever had the pleasure of wearing.

Would you say a 39mm 15300 would fit even better on a smaller wrist of 6.25"ish

I had a 15202 on and it had a nice fit, I just felt the bracelet started off too wide (15300 I believe is a tad smaller) plus the lack of seconds hand killed it for me.

[francksav]

Originally Posted by l_chissle

39mm ultra thins just look really nice. If the 37mm was thinner, the proportions would work better imo

15550 is significantly thinner than 15450. Worth trying I think.

[francksav]

Originally Posted by SN2354

Would you say a 39mm 15300 would fit even better on a smaller wrist of 6.25"ish

I just borrowed my colleague’s 15202 at work.
My wrist circumference is 16.5cm / 6.5’’, with a width of 5.5cm.

I will attach a lot of pictures (and not just close-ups, which can distort the actual fit). I hope it can be useful for people wondering.

If someone knows how to add a spoiler, please let me know!

[leisen]

As someone has already said it is a question of proportion. The Royal Oak series beyond 39mm loses a bit of grace and elegance. Just my 2 cents.

[SN2354]

Originally Posted by francksav

I just borrowed my colleague’s 15202 at work.
My wrist circumference is 16.5cm / 6.5’’, with a width of 5.5cm.

I will attach a lot of pictures (and not just close-ups, which can distort the actual fit). I hope it can be useful for people wondering.

If someone knows how to add a spoiler, please let me know!

Looks a bit loose, but otherwise looks great on you!

[crispyness87]

I’m probably the minority where I feel the 41mm fits me better. Aesthetics aside, I like my watches to hug my wrist tightly with very little wiggle room. With the 41mm, I’m able to get a perfect fit, whilst the jumbo either dangles too much for my liking or becomes too tight if I remove another link.





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[In-N-Out]

Originally Posted by leisen

As someone has already said it is a question of proportion. The Royal Oak series beyond 39mm loses a bit of grace and elegance. Just my 2 cents.

Exactly. If the 37 or 41 had exactly the same proportions, it might look better. But at that point, it would saturate the jumbo and make it less appealing.

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by crispyness87

I’m probably the minority where I feel the 41mm fits me better. Aesthetics aside, I like my watches to hug my wrist tightly with very little wiggle room. With the 41mm, I’m able to get a perfect fit, whilst the jumbo either dangles too much for my liking or becomes too tight if I remove another link.





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Your RG Jumbo is so nice!

[francksav]

Originally Posted by SN2354

Looks a bit loose, but otherwise looks great on you!

Thanks, though I find it a bit big on me. I think the 37 might be better.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by SN2354

Would you say a 39mm 15300 would fit even better on a smaller wrist of 6.25"ish

I had a 15202 on and it had a nice fit, I just felt the bracelet started off too wide (15300 I believe is a tad smaller) plus the lack of seconds hand killed it for me.

Would expect them to fit similarly? The lug overhang on a RO too big or small is generally where I have seen the issues for fit.

Never gave much thought before about the width.

The added thickness of the 15300 vs the 15202 would be a big minus for me.

[dh1]

Originally Posted by In-N-Out

Exactly. If the 37 or 41 had exactly the same proportions, it might look better. But at that point, it would saturate the jumbo and make it less appealing.

The 36mm mid-size 14700 and 14790 have proportions much closer to the 15202 than the modern 37mm watches. The 15450 was pretty "chunky" and the 15550 improved it but still the proportions are noticably different than the vintage mid-size or the Jumbos.

[messikens]

Originally Posted by crispyness87

I’m probably the minority where I feel the 41mm fits me better. Aesthetics aside, I like my watches to hug my wrist tightly with very little wiggle room. With the 41mm, I’m able to get a perfect fit, whilst the jumbo either dangles too much for my liking or becomes too tight if I remove another link.





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Great side by side pics!
Really goes to show how different the 41mm and the jumbo actually look!

I love my 15500 but I'd love to own a jumbo

[John Doyle]

Simply because it is iconic, and 37mm RO and below are women's watches.

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by crispyness87

I’m probably the minority where I feel the 41mm fits me better. Aesthetics aside, I like my watches to hug my wrist tightly with very little wiggle room. With the 41mm, I’m able to get a perfect fit, whilst the jumbo either dangles too much for my liking or becomes too tight if I remove another link.





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I personally think that the 39 looks better on your wrist. Have you considered a 1.5 link for your jumbo? I also like my watches snug, but not too tight.

[jamesbondOO7]

Do not touch what is iconic, just buy something else.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by crispyness87

I’m probably the minority where I feel the 41mm fits me better. Aesthetics aside, I like my watches to hug my wrist tightly with very little wiggle room. With the 41mm, I’m able to get a perfect fit, whilst the jumbo either dangles too much for my liking or becomes too tight if I remove another link.





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The 41mm RO looks really good on your wrist.

[TNG]

Originally Posted by crispyness87

I’m probably the minority where I feel the 41mm fits me better. Aesthetics aside, I like my watches to hug my wrist tightly with very little wiggle room. With the 41mm, I’m able to get a perfect fit, whilst the jumbo either dangles too much for my liking or becomes too tight if I remove another link.

Both great pieces. I'm really missing an micro adjustment with RO's. I have 2 Rolexes with Glidelock and i use them often. I hope one day AP will introduce something like this also.

[DonLee]

People favor the 39mm also because it is made in much less quantities. the 39mm is not exactly the easiest to wear. the minimum gap between the bracelet for the with of the wrist is actually wider than the 41mm, because of the flared end links. The 41mm end links are angled down much more, and actually fit smaller wrists, even if the watch head looks much bigger.

[gretch6364]

Originally Posted by francksav

I just borrowed my colleague’s 15202 at work.
My wrist circumference is 16.5cm / 6.5’’, with a width of 5.5cm.

I will attach a lot of pictures (and not just close-ups, which can distort the actual fit). I hope it can be useful for people wondering.

If someone knows how to add a spoiler, please let me know!

Do you have any other angles?

[dauster]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

Do you have any other angles?

lol


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[doze]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

Do you have any other angles?

reminds me of Zoolander with his "multiple" famous looks!

[crispyness87]

Originally Posted by doze

reminds me of Zoolander with his "multiple" famous looks!

THE MAN HAS ONLY ONE LOOK, FOR CHRIST SAKE! Blue Steel?! Ferrari?! Le Tigre?! They’re the SAME face!! Doesn’t anyone notice this? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!