What makes a watch too small?

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by JJGreen

I don't know how to describe it but it's obvious.

We all notice watches on other people. And sometimes we see one and our first thought is 'that's too small'. It's not a millimeter thing, or even lug thing. It's a personal thing. I love a 36mm Rolex, but on a big guy it looks silly.

If people posted wrist shots and asked about the size, I bet the great majority would agree, one way or another.

Fashion has a huge effect on what we think is too big or too small (eg Tony Soprano, not a tiny man, wearing a 36mm Rolex DD). John Wayne also wore a 36mm Rolex. I have a close friend in his late 80s who is over 6’ tall, and wears a decades-old 36mm gold Rolex.

For fun I went back and re-watched the “Larry Sanders Show.” It is fun to spot the watches on the various celebrities, well before the larger watch fashion kicked in.

[White Collar Boy]

Originally Posted by 330ci

Its all subjective. I just like the watch; size be damned. That vintage charm just overtakes modern standards. It has such a beautiful minute track, the bubble radium lume is iconic imo, its a bit of a poor man's California dial at this point.

The warm patina from the radium burned dial definitely gives off a vibe that can't be matched by most. Personally I prefer watches from the 20s-early 70s. I just think that this era really was the golden era of watchmaking as they went from old world to modern production tech. They made leaps and bounds in movement robustness, pushed the mechanical boundaries and complications, and truely encompassed the engineering and mechanical abilities of what the human mind and hands could produce without computer aided machinery.

When I look at this watch I see a piece of artwork, weathered by time and use upon my wrist. The size of the canvas isn't as important as the composition of the work itself. If only this watch could talk, I imagine it would have an amazing story to tell. Pair in the fact that its a piece of Rolex history and its hard not to be proud of the little bugger.

I definitely chuckled when I read the "hairy arm wearing a Cartier" post as an 18kt vintage Santos or oversized Tank are at the top of my wish list.

For daily wear I think 34-36MM Rolexes are where its at. Hard to beat a 4 digit DJ for daily wear.

I agree with much of this and vintage Santos and Tank are near top of my list too. I often wear a 34mm Air-King, and find plenty of charm in that watch. Do you do anything in particular as a precaution for the Radon gas emitted by the old Radium lume? I’m sure it’s fine when on the wrist, but Radon might accumulate in an enclosed watchbox or room?

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by 330ci

I don't think it really matters.

As long as you like it.


This thing is only 30mm and wears fine Imo

That watch is lovely and deserves to be worn. I agree, It is how one feels which dictates if a watch is too small (or large). If it was my watch, I would think it too small for me but would wear it slightly different (as I do all my watches) and wear it below the knuckle and low down on the wrist close to my hand.

Anyway, I look at watches and appreciate them for what they are, I can't recall ever looking at a wrist and thinking, that's a great wrist.

Wear your watch in the very best of health.

[Rock]

Originally Posted by Maleg

You can compensate by driving a sports car.
Whenever a gent flies by in an exotic car I think “small watch”.

Too funny!
For me it's only about whether I can read it or not. I don't care how it looks to anyone else.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by White Collar Boy

I agree with much of this and vintage Santos and Tank are near top of my list too. I often wear a 34mm Air-King, and find plenty of charm in that watch. Do you do anything in particular as a precaution for the Radon gas emitted by the old Radium lume? I’m sure it’s fine when on the wrist, but Radon might accumulate in an enclosed watchbox or room?

Nah, just ignore the problem as if it doesn't exist
Not going to say I'm not curious, but not worried per se.

I miss my Air King, probably one of the best daily watches I've owned. Great workhorse movements, timeless design, excellent history & can be worn with just about any attire. Hard not to love them.

Definitely age dependent for size to me though. If they recreated the Oyster I posted today with a faux patina and offered it in 34mm to "modernize" it a bit i still would have zero interest. Sometimes smaller sizes just work. I still think 34mm is a classic men's size. leaning towards a full size sports watch next after this discussion though lol