Rolex Daytona feels small?

[00pumpkin]

It certainly does wear a lot smaller than other 40mm watches I have tried on or owned. But it’s the most comfortable watch I have ever worn. Lays on my wrist just right...

[tranny]

Originally Posted by emagni

For me it is actually the other way around. Any of the precious metal Daytona model with the bolder tachnometer has larger lugs than the SS variant.

I don't think you understood my meaning. I've worn both WG / white dial and YG / black dial Daytonas, and although they're the same size, same lugs, etc, the YG / black dial appears larger, because it has higher contrast bezel-to-dial and bezel-to-skin than the white gold. If you're dark-skinned, the opposite would probably be true, and you should go for WG-black-dial for a bigger-looking Daytona.

My post has to do with how the brain perceives objects, and diminishes objects of low contrast. The tapered case-colored tachymeter also contributes to this illusion. Going with a black tachymeter would add a good amount of contrast and bump up the perceived size of the Daytona, but would also eliminate what I think is the classiest detail of the watch.

[ppaus]

It does wear smaller than sub c but you will love it. That's good thing when you want some thing different.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by transio

I don't think you understood my meaning. I've worn both WG / white dial and YG / black dial Daytonas, and although they're the same size, same lugs, etc, the YG / black dial appears larger, because it has higher contrast bezel-to-dial and bezel-to-skin than the white gold. If you're dark-skinned, the opposite would probably be true, and you should go for WG-black-dial for a bigger-looking Daytona.

My post has to do with how the brain perceives objects, and diminishes objects of low contrast. The tapered case-colored tachymeter also contributes to this illusion. Going with a black tachymeter would add a good amount of contrast and bump up the perceived size of the Daytona, but would also eliminate what I think is the classiest detail of the watch.

I find the opposite to be true in practice; for example, I have both the white dial and black dial versions of the Explorer II, and the white dial very definitely wears and appears larger. To me, it seems as though having a dark dial in conjunction with a steel bezel accentuates the diameter of the dial more and makes it appear smaller due to its high contrast with the bezel, whereas the less market difference in contrast between the white bezel and steel bezel appears to integrate more smoothly into a larger whole if that makes any sense...

[petesjag]

It's 39mm which makes it literally smaller...
Correct me if I'm mistaken.

[Ristretto]

Originally Posted by horseco

Less is more... I find the Daytona the only sport model Rolex that looks good with formal/semi formal clothing... The GMT Sub & Expl, look more rugged casual to me...

i agree

[Andelain]

I noticed that when I tried on a couple yesterday. They felt smaller than my GMT, even though they're both 40mm. I thought maybe it was my imagination.

[improviz]

It's the bezels and case height. Here's a side by side:

[tranny]

Originally Posted by improviz

I find the opposite to be true in practice; for example, I have both the white dial and black dial versions of the Explorer II, and the white dial very definitely wears and appears larger. To me, it seems as though having a dark dial in conjunction with a steel bezel accentuates the diameter of the dial more and makes it appear smaller due to its high contrast with the bezel, whereas the less market difference in contrast between the white bezel and steel bezel appears to integrate more smoothly into a larger whole if that makes any sense...

It's always possible that different people experience the effect of contrast differently. However, per Johannes Itten, in general more intense contrast is perceived as a bigger and better-defined shape than low contrast (which is perceived with faded edges). To me, in the following picture, the watch on the left has a lot more presence. The alternating contrast makes the bezel pop a lot more, so the dial doesn't get lost in it at all.



And in the following photo, the yellow gold case and band, with its significant depth of color, really stands out on the wrist. Even though this guy has a slightly yellowish skin tone, the watch stands out nicely. This is because of color and saturation contrast. Per Itten, eyes perceive several dimensions of contrast - darkness, hue, and saturation. Rolex's 18k yellow gold is an extremely saturated yellow, and will pop on anyone's skin, whereas SS's muted grays with poor color depth will blend in with all but the darkest skin tones. Further, because of the color-depth of the yellow gold, the tapered bezel gets really deep darks in some areas, making it pop out just that little bit more.

[nauticajoe]

It's looks fine to me:

[improviz]

Originally Posted by transio

It's always possible that different people experience the effect of contrast differently. However, per Johannes Itten, in general more intense contrast is perceived as a bigger and better-defined shape than low contrast (which is perceived with faded edges). To me, in the following picture, the watch on the left has a lot more presence. The alternating contrast makes the bezel pop a lot more, so the dial doesn't get lost in it at all.

Well, in that photo the white one is tilted and the left is dead centered, which from sheer difference in perspective is going to make the one on the right look look smaller. For example:


Now, if we arrange them a bit differently and make it a fairer fight (admittedly it is tough to get them perfectly aligned on a rather less than flat surface), we have:


Easier to align them in a case:


On the wrist:
Nearer:


Farther:



Ymmv, but to me the white appears a tad bit larger.

[tranny]

Two interesting things are going on with your Explorers:

1) The bottom of the rehaut is almost white in the sunlight, making the white dial appear larger, and

2) The steel-gray bezel is about equal contrast to both the black and the white.

So yeah, in your case, the white definitely pops a little more.

[flyinbrian]

Wow, this thread got wings. Please don't get me wrong as I am enjoying the Daytona very much and I am not saying that it is to small. I was just expecting a larger feeling and looking watch than what it actually is. I had never tried one on before and from looking at many pictures, etc. I was under the false impression that it would have a feel and look more like my GMT II C or Sub C. The fact that it doesn't just makes it different and I am enjoying having the option of being able to mix it up a little. Variety is the spice of life.

[FNFZ4]

its because of the Bezel thats why it looks small like the Explorers. They are both 40MM but the Bezel on the GMT and Sub gives it a bigger effect

[Andelain]

This thread makes me wonder how well a 42mm version would go over if Rolex ever put one out.

[frch1104]

I think Daytona is fantastic. The Daytona is 39 mm vs 40 mm Sub / GMT. The Daytona is elegant and sporty and sits very nicely on my wrist. I think the Daytona with white dial looks bigger on the wrist. I have a Sub, a GMT and a Daytona. I usually wear the Sub to work...But use the others as often as possible.
Here is a picture.



/ / Fred

[Otto]

Originally Posted by transio

It's always possible that different people experience the effect of contrast differently. However, per Johannes Itten, in general more intense contrast is perceived as a bigger and better-defined shape than low contrast (which is perceived with faded edges). To me, in the following picture, the watch on the left has a lot more presence. The alternating contrast makes the bezel pop a lot more, so the dial doesn't get lost in it at all.



And in the following photo, the yellow gold case and band, with its significant depth of color, really stands out on the wrist. Even though this guy has a slightly yellowish skin tone, the watch stands out nicely. This is because of color and saturation contrast. Per Itten, eyes perceive several dimensions of contrast - darkness, hue, and saturation. Rolex's 18k yellow gold is an extremely saturated yellow, and will pop on anyone's skin, whereas SS's muted grays with poor color depth will blend in with all but the darkest skin tones. Further, because of the color-depth of the yellow gold, the tapered bezel gets really deep darks in some areas, making it pop out just that little bit more.

I have a "slightly yellowish skin tone?" Maybe I should go to a doctor!

[zak98]

yep.. i think the bezel does make it "feel"/ look smaller for sure. would sure be nice to have that 42mm size.

[Passionata]

Yes it does specially for ppl who try to use as d**ckextension.

Facepalm

[flyinbrian]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Yes it does specially for ppl who try to use as d**ckextension.

Facepalm

So George the Daytona didn't work out so well for you?

[tranny]

Originally Posted by Otto

I have a "slightly yellowish skin tone?" Maybe I should go to a doctor!

Hah! Awesome that I used an active member as an example here! I didn't mean sickly yellow. People have different tones to their skin: red, blue, orange, yellow. Yours happens to be yellow. That's right, I called you yellow! What you gonna do?! ;) And just in case you're curious, Otto, here's your skin color with levels turned all the way up to show your true colors. Yellow and red it is! :)

[sas91367]

I have an Everose Daytona and I just bought an Everose Day Date 2 President.....the fluted bezel on the President makes the watch look much bigger than the Daytona, even though it's just 1mm larger (41 mm). Don't sweat your Daytona.....your going to love it....just give it a chance.

[cdnwatchguy]

feels perfect.

[Sparrky]

I find the 42's are too big for me. Like the fit of the 40mm Daytona and Explorer II.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by flyinbrian

So George the Daytona didn't work out so well for you?

Well ,your wife never complained:-)

[dsio]

Daytona really is fine size wise, it doesn't need to get bigger at all, the Speedmaster is 42mm and when you don't have them side by side you just can't tell there's any difference at all.

[pietermann]

Originally Posted by ppaus

It does wear smaller than sub c but you will love it. That's good thing when you want some thing different.

WAUW That must be the PERFECT combination! A black Sub C and a white Daytona! Just... WAUW!!

[nim]

dont worry about it, it look nice as a dress watch

[mjrennie]

It's too small for me and I was actually taken aback by it's lack of presence when trying one on. I'll not be buying one, however handsome it is.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by mjrennie

It's too small for me and I was actually taken aback by it's lack of presence when trying one on. I'll not be buying one, however handsome it is.

I think it has plenty of presence: