How does the 40mm polar fit on a small wrist?

[visualplane]

My wrist is 6" and the 40mm sub no date 14060 felt slightly big on me.

[Beto737]

It would fit great. The lug to lug size on the Polar is slightly smaller than the Sub at about 47mm vs 48mm. It is also slightly thinner at 12mm vs 12.5 for a sub, I believe. I have the black dial version and fits great on my smallish wrist at 6.7.

[dannyp]

I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is that you'll likely find it wears too big. While it is thinner, the lighter dial watches wear larger.

The good news is that, unless you really need the GMT function, you can probably find an awesome deal on a 11 series T-o-G. It's a tad more delicate, with PCL and WG bezel, but it captures much of the old Polar's look (graduated, natural metal bezel, single red hand).

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is that you'll likely find it wears too big. While it is thinner, the lighter dial watches wear larger.

The good news is that, unless you really need the GMT function, you can probably find an awesome deal on a 11 series T-o-G. It's a tad more delicate, with PCL and WG bezel, but it captures much of the old Polar's look (graduated, natural metal bezel, single red hand).

I was afraid of the lighter dial wearing larger. The white dial 39mm op felt just 1mm large for me. The 39mm explorer 1 fit perfectly as well as the 39mm bb58 with the darker dials.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by visualplane

I was afraid of the lighter dial wearing larger. The white dial 39mm op felt just 1mm large for me. The 39mm explorer 1 fit perfectly as well as the 39mm bb58 with the darker dials.

Unfortunately, also not quite an apples to apples comparison, as I think the 39mm OP and Explorer had slightly different case shapes.

Check out the T-o-G, though, at 36mm (note: despite the lighting, the hands/markers are unpainted WG, not black):



The previous generation OP 36 (that I think is supposedly more like 37) also came in white, but not the white, that got all of the attention, from the 34/39 (and with the annoying double baton markers at 3-6-9):

[DC116710LN]

Have you considered the new 36mm Explorer? I think it'd work perfectly for a wrist such as yours

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Unfortunately, also not quite an apples to apples comparison, as I think the 39mm OP and Explorer had slightly different case shapes.

Check out the T-o-G, though, at 36mm (note: despite the lighting, the hands/markers are unpainted WG, not black):



The previous generation OP 36 (that I think is supposedly more like 37) also came in white, but not the white, that got all of the attention, from the 34/39 (and with the annoying double baton markers at 3-6-9):

A 36mm Rolex that wears more like a 37mm would work too! Was wondering which OP or Datejust models wore larger than 36mm. Cheers.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by DC116710LN

Have you considered the new 36mm Explorer? I think it'd work perfectly for a wrist such as yours

I have the 14270 right now, and i'm trying to get use to the size. Although I have thin wrist, I have a large head so it kind feels small from an overall presentation

[DC116710LN]

Originally Posted by visualplane

I have the 14270 right now, and i'm trying to get use to the size. Although I have thin wrist, I have a large head so it kind feels small from an overall presentation

lol ah ok. The other piece that I know works on smaller wrists is the Daytona if that's an option

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by visualplane

A 36mm Rolex that wears more like a 37mm would work too! Was wondering which OP or Datejust models wore larger than 36mm. Cheers.

The "11" series DJ/OP watches marketed as 36mm wear bigger than their five-digit predecessors or "12" series successors. The lugs are a bit thicker and cases overall beefier. I prefer the smaller-wearing watches, with more sharply pointed lugs, but it's a matter of personal preference.

Originally Posted by visualplane

I have the 14270 right now, and i'm trying to get use to the size. Although I have thin wrist, I have a large head so it kind feels small from an overall presentation

Well, I can tell you that I downsized from a 40mm Explorer II black dial to the new 124270 and prefer the smaller size. While my wrist is a bit bigger (7in) my head is only big in the figurative sense. I'll say that the new Explorer is pretty much the same size as yours, but proportioned differently, with more tapered lugs and narrower bracelet.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by DC116710LN

lol ah ok. The other piece that I know works on smaller wrists is the Daytona if that's an option

I'd probably have to go for the Ceramic darker bezel for the Daytonas but the price is $$$$$ unless the market cools off.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The "11" series DJ/OP watches marketed as 36mm wear bigger than their five-digit predecessors or "12" series successors. The lugs are a bit thicker and cases overall beefier. I prefer the smaller-wearing watches, with more sharply pointed lugs, but it's a matter of personal preference.



Well, I can tell you that I downsized from a 40mm Explorer II black dial to the new 124270 and prefer the smaller size. While my wrist is a bit bigger (7in) my head is only big in the figurative sense. I'll say that the new Explorer is pretty much the same size as yours, but proportioned differently, with more tapered lugs and narrower bracelet.

11 series, good to know. That's what i'll look for if I find one I like.

For some reason, i'm just so use to wearing 40mm watches for many years.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by visualplane

11 series, good to know. That's what i'll look for if I find one I like.

For some reason, i'm just so use to wearing 40mm watches for many years.

For the OP line that would be the 116000 while the DJ would be 1162xx. Not everyone refers to them by “series” so best to figure out the specific models you want. When we make that reference here we’re talking about the first two digits of the model number on watches with six-digit model numbers.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by visualplane

I'd probably have to go for the Ceramic darker bezel for the Daytonas but the price is $$$$$ unless the market cools off.

So, we started with the polar but have expanded a bit… what exactly are you looking for? Might help people make additional recommendations. For example, does it have to be Rolex? Tudor has some models that would seem to fit your needs very well, but only if those are of interest. Other pieces you may like include the 37mm YM (probably the previous style, with platinum dial/red seconds hand), but maybe not…

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by dannyp

For the OP line that would be the 116000 while the DJ would be 1162xx. Not everyone refers to them by “series” so best to figure out the specific models you want. When we make that reference here we’re talking about the first two digits of the model number on watches with six-digit model numbers.

I was just googling series 11 but glad you read my mind with the serial number info.

I took a few years hiatus from collecting watches, and looking to build one again. After flipping through many watches, my favorite designs were the rolex 14060, rolex datejust white dial with a smooth bezel and all brushed bracelet and the vintage 1016 and 5513.

The problems with the vintage was I needed something waterproof as I wear my watch 24/7. The problem with the sub and datejust were they were either big or small.

I had the tudor bb58 which was the perfect fit, but I want a rolex and not a tudor.

With IWC, their pilots that are 39mm are too plain. I like the one's with the complication sub dials but those are usually 42mm plus.

In the end, i'm trying to have a rolex with the perfect fit that'll bring a smile to my face.

With the 39mm OP black dial, that was pretty close but wish there was a date on it, and the bracelet had a better build. With the 39mm explorer, it was close but didn't work for other design reasons.

The 39mm OP black dial is currently at the top of the list now along with the datejust 11 series light dial. I'll have to look into the 37mm ym.

[visualplane]

The 37mm ym might work, does it wear more like a 38mm?

[dannyp]

Well, I hate to say it, but your ideal watch sounds like an Omega AT… vintage inspired Seamasters beautiful as well, and sizes ideally to your needs. Better than IWC these days (though 39mm spitfire certainly not too plain).

Barring that, your issue will be one of being able to have anything you want, just not everything you want. Outside of the Sub/SD and Explorer II, you’ll have to pick between brushes bracelet and date on a modern Rolex. You may like the OP41; they say it in fact measured and wears more like a 39. No white this time, and anything other than black, bright blue or silver will be very expensive or hard to get.

You could always have a jeweler brush the bracelet on a DJ and solve the problem that way, I suppose.

About the YM, I’ve not tried one on. I was in a showroom with one yesterday but didn’t pay much attention. Doing it runs large though as there’s a true 40mm it’s doesn’t want to cannibalizes and the bezel is fairly wide.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Well, I hate to say it, but your ideal watch sounds like an Omega AT… vintage inspired Seamasters beautiful as well, and sizes ideally to your needs. Better than IWC these days (though 39mm spitfire certainly not too plain).

Barring that, your issue will be one of being able to have anything you want, just not everything you want. Outside of the Sub/SD and Explorer II, you’ll have to pick between brushes bracelet and date on a modern Rolex. You may like the OP41; they say it in fact measured and wears more like a 39. No white this time, and anything other than black, bright blue or silver will be very expensive or hard to get.

You could always have a jeweler brush the bracelet on a DJ and solve the problem that way, I suppose.

About the YM, I’ve not tried one on. I was in a showroom with one yesterday but didn’t pay much attention. Doing it runs large though as there’s a true 40mm it’s doesn’t want to cannibalizes and the bezel is fairly wide.

Omega aqua terra almost hits the spot, but i'm a bigger fan of rolex.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by visualplane

Omega aqua terra almost hits the spot, but i'm a bigger fan of rolex.

Ok, got one more for you: GP Laureato with silver dial, 38mm. Beautiful watch, probably nicer than Rolex, and unlike Omega, no “I really wanted a Rolex” baggage attached.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Ok, got one more for you: GP Laureato with silver dial, 38mm. Beautiful watch, probably nicer than Rolex, and unlike Omega, no “I really wanted a Rolex” baggage attached.

Not bad, they have an AP oak look to them.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by Beto737

It would fit great. The lug to lug size on the Polar is slightly smaller than the Sub at about 47mm vs 48mm. It is also slightly thinner at 12mm vs 12.5 for a sub, I believe. I have the black dial version and fits great on my smallish wrist at 6.7.

Additionally I have read that the ExpII case size actually measures 39mm. True?

Either way, I have tried on the black dial multiple times and it wore smaller than a 5 digit Sub. I am seriously kicking myself for not purchasing it. This was pre crazy price... but it was well worn and full of scratches (especially the bezel)... but never polished. I could leave it as it and have an unpolished Exp II or send it in for a pro polish... I was making myself crazy deciding and in the end I never committed and now it's long gone even though it had been in the case for a long time.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by visualplane

Not bad, they have an AP oak look to them.

They do, which is frankly one of the primary criticisms: It's a "poor man's RO" or "AP knockoff."

Personally, I don't buy that, as I prefer its sleeker, more streamlined look (and would even if I could afford an AP). I also think it's seriously under-appreciated - whole line is, really. Much like JLC, it's a veritable bargain at the moment. Definitely worth trying on if there's a dealer locally.

[pk552502]

Hi, I also have a small 6" wrist. I like 36mm to 40mm range. I would never go above a 40mm- that's my max. And only up to 40mm on sport models and 5 digit references for me.

For a dress watch, I would stay 36-37mm. I also have a datejust and explorer 1 both in 36mm and they wear great. That's a perk of smaller wrists- you can take advantage of some deals on 36mm watches.

I attached a pic of my 14060 on my wrist- it appears large but not too large. I also have an explorer II 16570 and a 16710. I would say the 16710 wears largest and the 16570 and 14060 about the same.

FWIW, I think you could definately wear a polar. But one thing to point out: on all these 40mm references I have- I always have to take off the bracelet and put it on a strap. Otherwise the watch head isn't centered on my wrist.

[visualplane]

Originally Posted by gnuyork

Additionally I have read that the ExpII case size actually measures 39mm. True?

Either way, I have tried on the black dial multiple times and it wore smaller than a 5 digit Sub. I am seriously kicking myself for not purchasing it. This was pre crazy price... but it was well worn and full of scratches (especially the bezel)... but never polished. I could leave it as it and have an unpolished Exp II or send it in for a pro polish... I was making myself crazy deciding and in the end I never committed and now it's long gone even though it had been in the case for a long time.

We're all kicking ourselves for not buying, or flipping these rolex steel models. Not sure if the prices have stabilized or will go up or down.

[crazycarlitos]

Originally Posted by visualplane

My wrist is 6" and the 40mm sub no date 14060 felt slightly big on me.

5digit Polar wears smaller than 5digit sub.

Should look fine on ur 6” wrist

[aba123]

I say, buy the polar if that is what your heart desires! My wrist is 5.9" and I have the 16570 and the 124270. The 36mm is a better fit for sure.