upsizing watches ?

[DG123]

The discussion regarding the 39mm Explorer has me thinking about Rolex's history of making existing watch models to a larger size. This past year the Exploer went from 36mm to 39mm. In 2008 the Datejust 2 was introduced (at 41mm, 5 mm larger than traditional DJ 36mm size). Also in 2008 the Oyster Perpetual increaed in size from 34mm to 36mm.
Going back a longer period of time, does Rolex have a history of upsizing existing watch models ? Were any of the dive or other sports category watches at one time smaller in size than current models ?

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by DG123

The discussion regarding the 39mm Explorer has me thinking about Rolex's history of making existing watch models to a larger size. This past year the Exploer went from 36mm to 39mm. In 2008 the Datejust 2 was introduced (at 41mm, 4 mm larger than traditional DJ 36mm size). Also in 2008 the Oyster Perpetual increaed in size from 34mm to 36mm.
Going back a longer period of time, does Rolex have a history of upsizing existing watch models ? Were any of the dive or other sports category watches at one time smaller in size than current models ?

The original Daytonas weren't 40mm - I think the early Rolex chronos were 36mm, before going up to 38mm (if memory serves)

[esm]

DJII was released in 2009. Therefore judging by Rolex's yearly effort in the recent years.... I'm wondering which one will be up-sized this year?!?

[DG123]

Is my list here correct for current men's watch models sizes?

Airk King 34mm
OP 36
DJ 36
DD 36
Explorer 39
Sub 40
Daytona 40
GMT II 40
Milgauss 40
Exp II 40
DJ II 41
Yachtmaster II 41
Deepsea 43

Originally Posted by esm

DJII was released in 2009. Therefore judging by Rolex's yearly effort in the recent years.... I'm wondering which one will be up-sized this year?!?

[esm]

Originally Posted by DG123

Is my list here correct for current men's watch models sizes?

Airk King 34mm
OP 36
DJ 36
DD 36
Explorer 39
Sub 40
Daytona 40
GMT II 40
Milgauss 40
Exp II 40
Deepsea 40
DJ II 41
Yachtmaster II 41

DeepSea is 43 (or 44)

[DG123]

I made the edit, thanks.

[Fiery]

AFAIK the Sub started at 38mm, then grew to 39mm, and then grew to its current size of 40mm.

Correction for your list:

Yacht-Master II = 44mm

And a new entry for the list:

Day-Date II = 41mm

[DG123]

GMT Master produced '54-'83, followed by GM Master II, '83-current. Lots of changes but I believe size for GMT and, or GMT II has always been 40mm.

[mike]

Originally Posted by DG123

GMT Master produced '54-'83, followed by GM Master II, '83-current. Lots of changes but I believe size for GMT and, or GMT II has always been 40mm.

Well,..actually the MASTER went a bit longer than that. The II was introduced circa 1983 re: the reference 16760; however it ran along side the reference 16750 and later the reference 16700. Both were MASTERS.

The break down looks more like this.

[DG123]

Got it. From 1983-1989 both GMT Master and GMT Master II were current styles. Same size 40mm case but different movements, dial designs, colors, bracelets?

Originally Posted by mike

Well,..actually the MASTER went a bit longer than that. The II was introduced circa 1983 re: the reference 16760; however it ran along side the reference 16750 and later the reference 16700. Both were MASTERS.

The break down looks more like this.

[MortgageGuy]

I bet all models will jump to 50mm this year at Basel NOT

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

I bet all models will jump to 50mm this year at Basel NOT

50mm? That's a girl's watch! It needs to be at least 80mm to be a true watch!

[mike]

Originally Posted by DG123

Got it. From 1983-1989 both GMT Master and GMT Master II were current styles. Same size 40mm case but different movements, dial designs, colors, bracelets?

Yeah, 40MM cases and twinlock crown (IIc excepted). While latter GMTs indeed use fast beat 3xxx movements (3075 to 3175 for the 16750 and 16700 and 3085 to 3185/6 for the reference 16760 to 16710) they differ in that the MASTERS sync the 12 and 24 hr. hands. The IIs use the "jump-hour" feature as introduced on the Fat-lady to de-link the 12 and 24.

Additionally the MASTERS (16750/16700) are true quick-sets while the IIs are semi.

RED/BLACK was introduced with the IIs. Only the early 16750s had a matt dial the rest gloss. Early (one year?) 16760s had OYSTER PERPETUAL while later dials read OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE.

The use of the 93150 was an option.