DD36 vs 40

[matthew P]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

I don't mind either, would probably prefer the 36mm; however, the dial options are really lacking compared to the 40mm.

this..... while i prefer the sizes of the 36mm models the dial options (especially the deconstructed Romans ) are preferable in the 40mm sizing.

I was struck by how much smaller the DD felt in the larger sized compared to the DJ, which to me felt way too large

[Vesper Lynd]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

This is a neverending debate on the forum.

I'm average height and my wrists are somewhere between 6.75 and 7 inches. That said, I'm not scrawny and am very physically active with big arms---from my forearm to my wrist, there's a pretty dramatic taper, if that makes sense. I own--or have owned--watches as big as 43mm, and could probably pull off some ludicrous hubcap watch if I really wanted to. It wouldn't fit right, but it wouldn't look absurd on me.

36mm is my favorite size for a watch.

I'm not going to dis all the people on the forum (and elsewhere) who want to wear 40+mm watches---everyone should do what they want as long as it's not hurting anyone else. But in my personal opinion, probably 90% of the people wearing those watches either aren't looking at how they fit objectively (because they don't know how or just don't care) or have decided that the over-size look is what they want. It's definitely the new-ish trend, to wear a big watch where the lugs overhang or come close to ends of your wrist. I don't get it, but, then, I don't have to---I'll stick to what works for me.

As I and others have said elsewhere, the important measurement isn't the dial diameter--it's the measurement from lug-end to lug-end: the span across your wrist. And you need to factor in the extra span of the end-links, if it's a watch with a bracelet. Measure the width of your wrist; then have a look at that measurement on your watch. The former number should be bigger, obviously, and preferably by several mms. To my eyes, a watch only looks properly suited to a wrist if there's some distance between where the lug-ends end and the wrist begins to curve. Otherwise the effect is of a poorly-tailored suit or of someone wearing shoes the wrong size.

It's not a coincidence that Rolex decided to make the DD in 36mm for decades before offering anything bigger. Human wrist sizes (on average) haven't changed all that much. Tastes--fads--have. Sports/tool watches were designed to be bigger for a reason, and now that folks have decided to wear those as daily watches, the rest of the sectors are trying to fill those same size-expectations, or so I assume. But 36mm remains the right size---in my opinion, though also, as I intimated, kind of objectively---for most people, including most of those who choose to wear bigger.

Don't get me wrong: I love the look of those bigger watches! But to me the tradeoff between what looks cool/what's trendy and what actually fits me properly.... I'm quite happy with the 36mm.

EDIT: To answer your question, I did recently buy (and still have, though it's being serviced now) a DD36 and have no regrets at all. I tried on a 40 as well and it just looked wrong to me---like a distorted version of the classic DD: someone taking a Ferrari and making it a limousine. :) Also, the 36mm is just a phenomenal wear: so hefty and such presence that it feels (to me) much more substantial than its size-measurements would suggest. Definitely try on both.

I fully agree. An impeccable response.

[rolex16]

Well, I was able to compare in person and found the 36 to be too small for me. Glad I checked them out in person.

[teabags001]

Originally Posted by rolex16

Well, I was able to compare in person and found the 36 to be too small for me. Glad I checked them out in person.

Did you like the DD40?


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[rolex16]

Originally Posted by teabags001

Did you like the DD40?


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Yes, it is awesome!

[bob sims]

Originally Posted by rolex16

Yes, it is awesome!

40 is really 38.8 according to people who have that machine that measures it. Pretty perfect for most wrists.

[teabags001]

Originally Posted by rolex16

Yes, it is awesome!

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[rolex16]

Originally Posted by teabags001

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Enabler! Nice watch!

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Jack T

I have a 7.25” wrist, this classic 36 feels perfect to me..

Beautiful watch.

[Calatrava r]

I prefer the 36, I think the bezel is too wide on the 40mm and throws the whole look off, fit notwithstanding.

[lencap]

Agreed that this is a never ending debate. I bought a 36 new in 1981, still wear it and love it. At the time 36 was “The Rolex”. Mr. T was featured wearing a 36 - not a small guy. The driver was that it was fashionable at the time with all the Rolex attributes. 40 years later 40 seems to be the preferred size. Neither is right or wrong, just different choices. I’ve tried larger cases, but the weight/balance of a vintage 36 case/band feels right. The bands back then were hollow -far lighter on the wrist and all day comfort in any climate. The newer heavier styles get uncomfortable, for me, especially in summer heat. Wear what you want, ignore the noise and be grateful that you can afford to have the “problem” or which size is best.

[teabags001]

Originally Posted by rolex16

Enabler! Nice watch!

Haha. I try! Lol. Congratulations in advance.


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[Lordofrolex]

If Tony soprano can wear a DD36 than you can to. No one’s manlier than that.

[Jsol]

Originally Posted by Lordofrolex

If Tony soprano can wear a DD36 than you can to. No one’s manlier than that.

Ha!! So true.


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