Wrist rotation and size

[mcorliss]

Folks,

I am debating between buying a new 44mm and 42mm Panerai watch. When I rotate my wrist to look at the time the 44mm looks too large whereas the 42mm looks perfect. However, when I look at the 44mm in the mirror it no longer seems too big to the outside world. Since I think it has to do with the normal rotation of people's wrist bones when twisting one's arm, I was curious to know if anyone else has noticed this?

To test what I mean, put your index and thumb fingers on the widest sides of your wrist when the top of your wrist is facing out, then rotate it to time telling position. That action seems to round a person's wrist which is why photos of our watches on our wrist always make the watch seem much bigger.

Has anyone ever struggled with whether a watch is too big by looking at it versus a mirror at the showroom? Just curious...as this same phenomenon applies to when we try on the Explorer II and DSSD. I was always thinking that pics people post of themselves wearing their watches make the watch look too large on them, but perhaps it is just the rotation effect and angle. When the top of your wrist is flashing away, our wrists are flatter, hence wider. Thoughts???

[mcorliss]

Picture of 42mm...

[Ravager135]

Prolly belongs in the Panerai forums but when in doubt go with what looks good in person. Personally I find 44mm to be way too big almost regardless of wrist size. I'm not sure when bigger became better but I am of the opinion that 39-42mm is the sweet spot. Nice watches by the way.

[Thatguy]

IMO the if the lugs extend beyond your wrist the watch is too big.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Thatguy

IMO the if the lugs extend beyond your wrist the watch is too big.

Agreed

Also I find a watch to be too big if it sits too high or is too thick, no matter what the case diameter is. IMHO, both of those look too large for your wrist/arm

[69mach351]

Originally Posted by Thatguy

IMO the if the lugs extend beyond your wrist the watch is too big.

Agreed. I personally don't think I could ever do bigger than a 42mm, and I am a bigger guy. The 42 wasn't overly comfortable for daily wear. I am going to try to stick with 36-40mm, regardless of how it looks whichever way my wrist is turned.

Based on what you said though, the 42 seems to be what you think looks right and what makes the most sense.

[gpfps]

I think a watch is to big for a person, when the lugs are past the wrist.

[Stuxnet]

If you have to ask...

[Rags]

IMO 42mm is the biggest I would go unless you're a really big guy.

[impalass]

If in doubt go with the 42m.

[tedscott3]

Both look too big.

[mlotus95]

i say better too big than too small.

[neurotichamster8]

Both are ridiculously large for your wrist :/

[datejusting]

Sorry Michael, but I think both watches look too big for your wrist.

[CarFreak]

I think it looks good on your wrists.

IMHO, If your wrist is over 6.25" you can pull off a 42mm watch. Over 6.5" 44mm works well too. The Radiomirs appear smaller than the Luminors.

I'm 5'8"" and have a 6.5" wrist - I prefer 40mm and larger.

Do what makes you happy.

[mcorliss]

Folks, my point is more about the rotation factor. These pics are of my 6 3/4" wrist completely rotated to the smallest width (I.e. rounding of wrist). When not twisting my wrist, as in what appears in a mirror, or what other people would see, the lugs don't go beyond the flattened wrist...even on the 44mm.

Hence, the real question of whether others have faced the same dilemma. I have tried the 40mm and when rotated towards me, looks right, but when the wrist is flattened (as described above) looks like a midsize ladies watch. Hence the question is actually about what is more important, how it looks to me when reading it, or how it appears to the world on a flattened wrist (walking around)?

Does that clarify my question now? Unfortunately, I didn't snap a pic of how the watch looks when facing out (mirror view) as it would have been really helpful in illustrating the effect of wrist rotation (rounding vs flattening).

[Thatguy]

No, I twisted my wrist around and my watch sits and looks the same. If you like it go for it.

[WyoWatch]

I can't answer your question but will respectfully say that both of those look too big for you. Here's my .02 about Panerai and small wrists. As far as most Panerai aficionados go, I'm in the minority and this opinion is not a popular one but...those people will tell you - "It's a Panerai, go for the 44mm+ sizes no matter what your wrist size, you'll be disappointed if you don't." I don't buy it. I have a 6.5" flat wrist and bought a PAM48 (40mm Luminor) and couldn't be happier. It is by no means a small watch and it by no means wears small. In fact, it wears larger than my 40mm Rolexes and my 42mm Speedmaster. To me, it's perfect. I get to have the Panerai look in an appropriate size for my wrist.

In the end, it's about what looks good to you and makes you happy. If you like the looks of a 44mm watch that has lugs hanging over the edges of your wrist, then by all means wear it. It's just not something that personally works for me. Here's a photo of the 40mm Luminor on my wrist for reference. I guarantee nobody looks at me wearing it and thinks "What is he doing wearing a ladies sized watch?"

[Cru Jones]

tough to judge with those overly close-up pictures....maybe with a different angle of the wrist and your body type they could be okay?

anyway, they are supposed to wear large, but, if the lugs really are extending past your wrists, they might be too large (but, if you like it, who cares).

another thing to consider is that while the 392 is 42, it is thicker than the 88, so, it depends on which sits on your wrist better. i have a 164, which has the same case as the 88, and it fits me perfectly. the 312 on the other hand, which is 44mm like the 88 and is as thick as the 392, didn't sit well on my wrist at all.

[Rocco22]

Everyone is different so wear what you like the look of.im 6'2 265 with 8" wrist an i like 39-40mm but that's just me,some say they look a little small but I'm find with that as I don't want a big watch.

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by WyoWatch

I can't answer your question but will respectfully say that both of those look too big for you. Here's my .02 about Panerai and small wrists. As far as most Panerai aficionados go, I'm in the minority and this opinion is not a popular one but...those people will tell you - "It's a Panerai, go for the 44mm+ sizes no matter what your wrist size, you'll be disappointed if you don't." I don't buy it. I have a 6.5" flat wrist and bought a PAM48 (40mm Luminor) and couldn't be happier. It is by no means a small watch and it by no means wears small. In fact, it wears larger than my 40mm Rolexes and my 42mm Speedmaster. To me, it's perfect. I get to have the Panerai look in an appropriate size for my wrist.

In the end, it's about what looks good to you and makes you happy. If you like the looks of a 44mm watch that has lugs hanging over the edges of your wrist, then by all means wear it. It's just not something that personally works for me. Here's a photo of the 40mm Luminor on my wrist for reference. I guarantee nobody looks at me wearing it and thinks "What is he doing wearing a ladies sized watch?"

It's funny but the 40mm looks bigger on your wrist than it did on mine. What size is your wrist? I am 6.75" but broke my wrist in early December so haven't been to gym since and have lost about 6-8 lbs of lean muscle mass. Was thinking that wrist will beef up a tad when back hitting the weights...and getting my weekly ice cream now the local dairies are opening up

[Lion]

Michael, I do not want to come across sounding like I'm being rude but why does it matter how it looks or is perceived by others? If you like the watch and it makes you happy by all means go ahead and buy it. Life is too short to worry about how "others may perceive you" and what you have and wear!!!

Take it easy.....Leo

[mfer]

These close ups make the watches look bigger than they are. How do you think this looks?

[mfer]

Also, I think there is room for all sizes. I wear 39mm to 47mm

[Brandon(phila)]

I also found that it works both ways....sometimes the watch looks small when you are looking down at it
(Let's Say a 36mm DateJust)
Then if you look in the mirror or see on another person's wrist it looks just fine.
Not small at all

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by Lion

Michael, I do not want to come across sounding like I'm being rude but why does it matter how it looks or is perceived by others? If you like the watch and it makes you happy by all means go ahead and buy it. Life is too short to worry about how "others may perceive you" and what you have and wear!!!

Take it easy.....Leo

Leo,

Totally get your point. Only reason I was asking was to see if anyone else noticed the wrist rounding/flattening process, and if it had influenced anyone else's decision to go with a particular size.

The other reason I ask is that I made the same mistake with Omega PO Chrono 9300 in January and took a sizable beating getting rid of it, and wanted to avoid the same mistake twice. But also want to make sure I don't play it too safe by getting the 40mm PAM and going the other extreme either. I am particular keen to the wrist rotation issue as I broke my wrist 3.5 months ago and feel it still to this day when checking the time.

This is not just a Panerai question, hence posting in this folder. Thx!

[mcorliss]

Originally Posted by mfer

These close ups make the watches look bigger than they are. How do you think this looks?

I feel it looks a bit large, but that is where personal preference rules. The 42mm looks much smaller on my wrist in person at that same angle. Thx.

[mmmk604]

Originally Posted by CarFreak

IMHO, If your wrist is over 6.25" you can pull off a 42mm watch. Over 6.5" 44mm works well too. The Radiomirs appear smaller than the Luminors.

I'm 5'8"" and have a 6.5" wrist - I prefer 40mm and larger.

I'm 5'6" with 6.5" wrist and I couldn't even pull off the 42mm ExpII.
I think my height plays a factor as well.

I rock 36mm and 40mm all day though

[WML]

The watch case should look proportionate, primarily to the back of the hand/fist..not the wrist.
However, you have to go with what looks best to you. ;>)

[mig50]

Not sure what you mean regarding the wrist rotation dilemma, but I faced a similar decision recently when deciding between a 183 (45mm) and a 337 (42mm) for my 6 5/8" wrist. A friend who is far more knowledgable about watches was pushing the 44mm on the basis that Panerais should be big (similar to what a previous poster indicated).

In the end, I went with the 337 because it just felt right to me and after a month, I have zero regrets on going the 42mm route as it still looks plenty big without being obnoxious or uncomfortable.

I would note that both models are Radiomirs and wear smaller.