39, 40, 41, 42 & end of year musings

[nighthawk77]

My current line up in ascending size order.

Explorer - 39mm (2019)
Submariner - 40mm (2020)
Datejust - 41mm (most recent pick up in October 2023)
Explorer II - 42mm (2022)

All wear great on the wrist, though the size difference is noticeable, almost a little off putting, if jumping from 39 > 42.

I’ve tried some smaller watches from other brands, but feel the 39-42mm range is my preference. Next watches on the wish list are a GMT and Daytona which both fall nicely in this range.

In addition to the below, I also own a Speedy Pro, though it rarely gets any wrist time and I am considering moving this on. Whilst I admire a number of other watches from different brands, and have owned several other non Rolex models (Tudor, Omega, Zenith) none seem to have the magic or give the same feeling as wearing one of the below. If you’ve moved to a Rolex only collection, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

[Agamemnon]

I range from 34 mm for the vintage to 44 mm for the Panerai, with a gap of 1 cm.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

My current line up in ascending size order.

Explorer - 39mm (2019)
Datejust - 39.5mm (most recent pick up in October 2023)
Submariner- 40mm (2020)
Explorer II - 42mm (2022)

FIFY

Heck of lineup there

[travisb]

That's a great mix! Merry Christmas!

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by samson66

FIFY

Heck of lineup there

Thanks, agree that the advertised diameter on the DJ makes no sense - but 39, 39.5, 40, 42 doesnt quite have the same ring to it!

[Gaussian]

Very nice mix! I especially like your polar, had looked at the black dial version at my AD last week and wouldn’t mind the polar for my next watch.

I know some will debate watch sizes to the end of time, and for me, that debate is akin to debating shoe sizes. Wear what fits and what you like.

My own problem is I cannot even get the display watches past my hand; it takes some of the fun out of case shopping. Therefore, it’s only 42+ for me.




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[1William]

Nice watches.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Thanks, agree that the advertised diameter on the DJ makes no sense - but 39, 39.5, 40, 42 doesnt quite have the same ring to it!

Yeah, I was going to say that my DJ is noticeably smaller and lighter than my Submariner 114060. I never measured it, but 39.5 (maybe even 39) is probably right.

Still a great collection.


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[Nads786]

You decided to purchase the polar before the GMT, was that a deliberate choice or one based on availability? If it’s the former what drove that choice?


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[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Nads786

You decided to purchase the polar before the GMT, was that a deliberate choice or one based on availability? If it’s the former what drove that choice?


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A deliberate choice - with a relatively small collection, I wanted something which was different from the others. At the time, I had sub, explorer and speedy so all black dialled watches. I thought the white dial and pop of colour would provide most variance.

DJ I think you could put down to availability. With three models on oyster bracelet I wanted something on jubilee. Requested GMT or DJ and DJ came first.

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

A deliberate choice - with a relatively small collection, I wanted something which was different from the others. At the time, I had sub, explorer and speedy so all black dialled watches. I thought the white dial and pop of colour would provide most variance.

DJ I think you could put down to availability. With three models on oyster bracelet I wanted something on jubilee. Requested GMT or DJ and DJ came first.

I like the rationale on the polar, I’m debating the same thing for my second - should I go with a GMT with tons of redundancy or go with a polar with a totally different dial and bezel?

Availability is a consideration for me.

[ltmgeller]

[Rbacs]

Really nice collection with some variety in terms of dial color, shape and bracelet

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Nads786

I like the rationale on the polar, I’m debating the same thing for my second - should I go with a GMT with tons of redundancy or go with a polar with a totally different dial and bezel?

Availability is a consideration for me.

If it’s any use - in terms of availability I waited around 5 months for the polar. My prior history at the jewellers I got this from was a Tudor BB GMT so nothing major.

On the GMT availability I have been told BLRO is nigh impossible, but the BLNR is a little more realistic. I’d be happy with either, but would conclude the GMT is tougher to get compared to the polar.

Good luck in your hunt, hope to see an incoming soon!

[CarlOver]

Add a Skydweller in 43mm for a broader range.

[Nads786]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

If it’s any use - in terms of availability I waited around 5 months for the polar. My prior history at the jewellers I got this from was a Tudor BB GMT so nothing major.

On the GMT availability I have been told BLRO is nigh impossible, but the BLNR is a little more realistic. I’d be happy with either, but would conclude the GMT is tougher to get compared to the polar.

Good luck in your hunt, hope to see an incoming soon!

Very helpful guidance! I’m going to do a h2h with the polar and BLNR this upcoming week.


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[worldofoyster]

40 wears the best

[Michael1968]

Nice looking collection

[Wee-Willie]

my 3 range from 34 to 41

1999 air king 34
2022 day date 36
2023 op blue 41

I love them all and the different sizes