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Men: 38mm or 42mm?

  • 38mm

    Votes: 414 34.8%
  • 42mm

    Votes: 777 65.2%

  • Total voters
    1,191
One thing that concerns me too is that some of the bands seem a little skinnier/strike me more feminine. At least theres plenty of time before pre-orders to see what the consensus is in some of the first looks like you said.

That's actually one of the reasons that I'm going with the 38mm. The leather strap with the regular buckle looks to be about 20mm at the lugs, like my Omega and Rolex, which is the size I highly prefer over my larger, 22mm bands for some larger diver watches I've owned.
 
I took the measurements from the Apple site on both watches and did a cutout on stiff paper and placed both on my wrist which is 7 inches (177mm) in diameter. My present Citizen watch actually is about the same size as the 42. It is round not rectangle, but the cut out almost completely covers it-so 42 it is.
 
I took the measurements from the Apple site on both watches and did a cutout on stiff paper and placed both on my wrist which is 7 inches (177mm) in diameter. My present Citizen watch actually is about the same size as the 42. It is round not rectangle, but the cut out almost completely covers it-so 42 it is.


Same here, my Citizen Nighthawk was 42mm so that's what I'm going with.
 
I took the measurements from the Apple site on both watches and did a cutout on stiff paper and placed both on my wrist which is 7 inches (177mm) in diameter. My present Citizen watch actually is about the same size as the 42. It is round not rectangle, but the cut out almost completely covers it-so 42 it is.

Keep in mind that all black digital screens (which is what the Watch will look like most of the time on your wrist) wear larger than an analogue watch.
 
Same here, my Citizen Nighthawk was 42mm so that's what I'm going with.

I have a Nighthawk, Nighthawk A-T, and a Skyhawk A-T, which are 42, 44, and 46 mm respectively, and a couple of Seikos that are 42 and 44, and I could probably even wear 47mm-50mm without it looking oversized on me. I feel like I have mutant wrists now because there are a fair number of folks in here going for the smaller watch, and I'm definitely not a large person otherwise. I'm definitely going for the 42mm.
 
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The 42mm.

  • Better readability
  • Better battery life
  • More masculine
  • More fashionable

One person's masculine is another person's tacky. I'm not a small man, but it would be hard to convince me to buy a mechanical watch over 39mm, outside of a dive watch. Overly large watches have been a trend the past decade or so, no thanks to Panerai, but that is starting to turn more recently.
 
Which are you going to choose after seeing all the dimensions of the faces/bands today?

I have a small wrist as well, about 170mm and comfortably wear watches up to 45mm. You will be fine with the 42mm Apple Watch it's not that big at all, best to try before you buy especially with small wrist like ours.

The size is not that important compared to how it sits on the wrist. Some 40mm watches feel uncomfortable on my wrist and some up to 45mm feel very comfortable. If you go with the Alum 42mm it will be lighter than Stainless Steel and will help with comfort as well.

I'm pre-ordering the 42mm Stainless with Link Bracelet.
 
38mm is not in fashion, unless you are a lady.

42mm is and will be more popular...

It's interesting to see the difference in preferences from a tech forum vs. a watch forum. This watch is 37mm, $22K, and just about any watch fan would find it quite fashionable:

5196g-001.jpg


The classic Rolex DateJust is only 36mm:

img1268146781ono.bmp
 
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I have a small wrist as well, about 170mm and comfortably wear watches up to 45mm. You will be fine with the 42mm Apple Watch it's not that big at all, best to try before you buy especially with small wrist like ours.

The size is not that important compared to how it sits on the wrist. Some 40mm watches feel uncomfortable on my wrist and some up to 45mm feel very comfortable. If you go with the Alum 42mm it will be lighter than Stainless Steel and will help with comfort as well.

I'm pre-ordering the 42mm Stainless with Link Bracelet.

I think I'm going with the same 42mm SS link as well. I have in my head that I'll regret if I don't at least give the 42mm a try. Worst case scenario I'll return it and wait it out for the 38mm.
 
They aren't identical screens and band lengths are relevant...they fit larger wrists so it's an option for different fit and styles.

Well, pop into the Apple Store for a fitting and I am sure they will get you the perfect watch / band combo.

I know I need a 42mm.
 
It isn't men or women thing.
Apple writes on their website that you should choose the Apple Watch wich will fit best for you.

I got small wrists, so i will buy the 38 mm.
 
this photo confirms the 38 for me. It personally looks more like a traditional watch. I have a pebble now and it clearly looks like a smart watch (still looks good though). On my wrist the 42mm would basically go edge to edge and would confirm that smartwatch look. I hope that makes sense.
1410320838953
 
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I do have small wrist and was pretty sure I would get the 38, but after seeing a lot of hands on videos the 42 actually looks like a good size. I have a pebble now and it does not look too big. I actually worry more that the 38 would look too small.

The first video on the front page is a 42, and it looks perfect IMO.

This was my same thought. The pebble steel I have fits me fine and these are the measurements:

Apple Watch 38mm
Height: 38.6mm
Width: 33.3mm
Depth: 10.5mm
Case: 25g

Apple Watch 42mm
Height: 42.0mm
Width: 35.9mm
Depth: 10.5mm
Case: 30g

Pebble Steel
Height: 46mm
Width: 34mm
Depth 10.5mm
Case: 56g

Slightly shorter than the steel but a couple mm wider. Seeing the depth is the same on all 3, I think I maybe just go for 42mm.
 
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