PO Decision help

[rob541]

I recently sold my GMT2C and have been looking around for a replacement. In the past I had a 42mm PO and gave it to a business partner. Yesterday I found out it was stolen out of his truck about a year ago. I loved the watch, but found that I liked the oyster bracelet of the Rolex much more to my liking.

But I am torn. In my search for a replacement I find myself returning over and over again to the Planet Ocean. I miss the lume. The lume on the GMT2 was great for about 5 minutes - the PO like a torch for a lot longer. And I love the versatility of the rubber and I just recently just started doing searches on the mesh - and I love the retro look! Plus the AR and the matte dial - 9 out of 10 times when I looked at the PO I didn't even know what time it was!

So here is my dilemma - I have had larger watches (i.e. Panerai and a couple no name 47mm pilot watches) and while I do like them now and again it kinda drives me nuts having to stuff them under sleeves - especially in the winter (I am in Western New York) when I am wearing 3-4 long sleeves.

I like the 42.5mm PO, but have an opportunity to grab a 45.5. Will the 45.5 keep me from wanting to wear smaller watches like a DJ or something even in the 38-40mm range? Have those that chose the 45.5mm given up on their "smaller" sized watches?

I love versatility of the PO over the Rolexes I have had - especially, like I mentioned earlier with the strap options (Rolexes look perfect as they were designed and horrible on aftermarket straps IMHO).

Will a 45.5 forever keep me away from the classics? Should I stick with something that isn't so much of a difference (42.5).

For reference, I am not that big of a guy - my wrists (I think) are around 7" and I am only about 5'8" in heels. But I used to get tons of compliments on the Panerais and the like.

Any help from anyone who has been faced with a similar dilemma would help.

Rob