I can no longer wear the 40mm Rolex Models...

[T. Ferguson]

To each his own but to my eye it depends on the size of the person's wrist, and I see many more watches that look too big on people than look too small. Seems many of these wearers got sucked in to what they perceived as a fashion trend or hung up on the gender thing when women started wearing bigger watches.

I suppose if eyesight is really an issue, you get a pass.

[DVR]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee

... Do you have the same problem?

Years ago I used to. Today I can't believe I thought like that, Sub 40mm looked small and a DJ 36mm a child watch.
I do not remember what made me change my mind but today I feel completely different.
Now 36mm is my ideal watch size. 40mm is fine for a short time too.
Over 40 mm and I get tired of them within minutes. They simply are too big for my 6.5 wrist.

Originally Posted by GTC

One of my buds calls the Daytona the unisex Rolex. Ouch.

Why the 'ouch' ??
Any watch, Rolex and Panerai in particular, is unisex. Your friend is 100% correct and I see nothing wrong with that.
Are we so narrow minded and insecure about our masculinity that a woman can't be wearing the same (size) watch without us boys feeling insecure ?
What about women wearing jeans ? Or a bomber jacket ? Some decades ago some men would have said 'ouch' about that too. Just saying.

Originally Posted by jdmi32

Nope. 6.75 wrist here and I feel that even 40mm seems a bit large sometimes. My 36mm DJ however, feels perfect all the time, every time.

Same here. I am selling or have sold all my 'hub cap' watches and glad I did.

[ejvette]

I wear 36-44MM and enjoy them all

[mikkemus23]

I went the other way - I came back to 40mm after flirting with 44 and 47 mm watches.

YMMV.

[Cru Jones]

36-40-44 for me, and, happy each time I put any of them on.

[CWIN]

I know exactly where you're coming from OP. When I wore my PAM often everything else seemed small in comparison. But I still love the 36mm-40mm range. They fit my wrist best, although I'm open to wearing larger even if they don't fit me perfectly.

[mjclark32]

I'm on the hunt for a 36 mm datejust...

[psv]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee

... Do you have the same problem?

The DSSD, the 42mm Explorer 2, and Panerai has ruined me. The 40mm looks like a woman's watch on my wrist to me now.

I'm sad/happy.



Ty

It is a phase, you'll outgrow it and realize 36-40mm are for real men... ;-)

[rc42]

I know its not popular and 'trendy' on this site but I also agree with the OP

My first Rolex was a polar Explorer II 16570 which I wore for about two years and loved it, unfortunately it got dropped onto a hard floor which left the rotor loose and rattling so went for a full RSC service.
It was away for about 6 weeks so I wore an assortment of larger watches during that time, when it came back it looked like new but every time I put it on it felt tiny so it stayed in its box unloved for over a year.

A few weeks ago I traded it in for a polar Explorer II 216570 which I absolutely love and it now hasn't left my wrist. Anything bigger would be too much but anything smaller now feels tiny, amazing the difference a few mm can make.

For me, the new 42mm Explorer II is the perfect sized watch and whilst I can appreciate the beauty and styling of the other models there are none that I'd prefer to wear over this one.

[landroverking]

Rolex in 35 to 40mm is just fine with me.

[locutus49]

I believe that Rappers started both the oversized watch craze and the diamond men's watch craze. They had a huge influence with the then (10 years ago) younger generation. I could be wrong.

[Starbucksboss]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee

... Do you have the same problem?

The DSSD, the 42mm Explorer 2, and Panerai has ruined me. The 40mm looks like a woman's watch on my wrist to me now.

I'm sad/happy.



Ty

Funnily enough I agree but with a mirror image of your reasoning. Compared to the Classic I think the ceramic era designs are no where near as elegant as the previous designs. They look ( to me) an out of balance design by comparison...case too bulky for the bracelet.
Conclusion...simply personal preference. History will judge this current era of design philoshy...it already has the "classic"... Enjoy!

[Nissanzx1]

My personal opinion: Unless you have a 8 inch++ wrist, anything over 40mm makes you look like a clown.

Not knocking anyone who owns a 42mm+ size watch, spend your money on what makes you happy...

My daily wearer is a 34MM Rolex Date. I am 200 lbs and 6ft tall. I think it looks great on me. Not an obnoxious look like 42mm would be on my wrist.

Just my $.02,

-GH

[ASH]

Originally Posted by Nissanzx1

My personal opinion: Unless you have a 8 inch++ wrist, anything over 40mm makes you look like a clown.

Not knocking anyone who owns a 42mm+ size watch, spend your money on what makes you happy...

My daily wearer is a 34MM Rolex Date. I am 200 lbs and 6ft tall. I think it looks great on me. Not an obnoxious look like 42mm would be on my wrist.

Just my $.02,

-GH

I'm exactly 6' and 200 also. Does this 42mm look bad on my wrist?

[anothernewphone]

I've ran through three different newer Subs, and I don't have any now that I've decided that they're even too big for my wrist. I'm over six feet tall, but my wrists aren't that big. I've see some people here post wrist shots and immediately thought "that watch is way too small on their wrist." I'm not one of those guys. I'm going to seek out a vintage piece most likely.

[AJMarcus]

It all depends on what you wear with the watch. Nothing looks more ridiculous IMO than an oversized watch, 42mm and up bulging out of a shirt sleeve with a suit. And try and fit that metal under French cuffs. but if that's not an issue for you then heck...go Invicta 50MM


However, as has been mentioned above the trend of the bulky watches is just about over. Thin is in as witnessed by the sudden surge in JLC.

[Mystro]

I prefer a bigger watch 42-45mm. That said, my 40mm does feel a bit small but not too small for my size wrist and body size. When I bought my Rolex, 40mm was considered big.
I think the size thing is greatly over exaggerated.
Here is a size comparison of a 40-44-45mm watch strait on. All look great on a 7" wrist and all have their own personality that work well with their size. A watch can wear smaller or larger than their actual size would have you believe.
I won't judge what anyone else likes, that's their own personal style and what makes the world go round..

[AK797]

I had a DSSD and still have a 45mm and a 46mm, but I think 42-3mm is my sweet spot nowadays, however what has changed in me is a liking for slimmer watches in the 9-12mm range and not much over 13mm.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by dotcomakazee

... Do you have the same problem?

The DSSD, the 42mm Explorer 2, and Panerai has ruined me. The 40mm looks like a woman's watch on my wrist to me now.

I'm sad/happy.



Ty

Nope, going the other direction.

Lost 46 pounds and my wrist went from 7.5" to 6.75". Sold my large watches last year for a Patek 5711. My Daytona is also very comfortable and fits me great!

[Ste_J]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Lost 46 pounds and my wrist went from 7.5" to 6.75. Sold my large watches last year for a Patek 5711. My Daytona is also very comfortable and fits me great!

Congrats on the weight loss - impressive achievement


My own sweet spot is 42mm and hence why the exp II 42 is the watch that finally convinced me to get a Rolex. The new subs with fat lugs are out of proportion IMO, while the true 42mm case of the exp retains the classic shape and taper much better.

Tried a blue faced yachtmaster on today and it felt a tad small.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Ste_J

Congrats on the weight loss - impressive achievement


My own sweet spot is 42mm and hence why the exp II 42 is the watch that finally convinced me to get a Rolex. The new subs with fat lugs are out of proportion IMO, while the true 42mm case of the exp retains the classic shape and taper much better.

Tried a blue faced yachtmaster on today and it felt a tad small.

Thanks, my 14060M wears like a dream. I have been taking links out of all my watches for the past 6 months.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Nope, going the other direction.

Lost 46 pounds and my wrist went from 7.5" to 6.75". Sold my large watches last year for a Patek 5711. My Daytona is also very comfortable and fits me great!

Well done Brian, and that is quite some change to your wrist. I have lost around 12kgs in the last few months and my wrists have gone down to about 7" from 7.25, so I favour slightly smaller watches now too. Still keeping my blue Steelfish tho.

[5253Reynolds]

I starting to think my GMT IIc is too big at 40 mm.

[jcd]

Personally, I think it depends upon the watch. For example, I can't wear a Pam. I think they look way too huge on me. I really wanted a Pam88 and was bummed after I tried it on. They look great on others, but not me. That being said I had no problem with a Breitling Steelfish. I guess it's just personal taste?

Anyway, I really feel best in the 40-42mm range, and they can't be all dial like a Pam.

[mfer]

I like all sizes....

[nauticajoe]

Going from a 44/45 (or a 47) to a 40 can be a shock. It's all good. Variety is the spice of life.

[Annan]

I seem to have models near both ends of the size spectrum....a 36mm DJ and a 42mm EXPII. Whenever I change from one to the other it takes a little time to readjust to the new presence. Regardless, I love them both but for different reasons and purposes.

As for anyone unhappy with any 40mm model, please place them here and I will love them for you.

[LLPavorsky]

My RG/SS Yacht Master II has ruined me for a 40mm watch anymore. 1000% agree.

[FTX I]

I have 6.5 wrists and for me 34-35mm watches are great but my favorite ones are 40mm.

[submariner66]

Anything to me that is much larger than 40 42 starts to look like a "knob" watch, break out the graphic tees and hair gel- very trendy grandiose, attention seeking you might say.
That's not my style but so what. To each his own, style is personal and nothing is more personal than a watch.