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Men: 38mm or 42mm

Men: 38mm or 42mm?

  • 38mm

    Votes: 414 34.8%

  • 42mm

    Votes: 777 65.2%
  • Total voters
    1,191
douglasf13 said:
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:

Image

The classic Rolex DateJust is only 36mm:

Image
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My Rolex Explorer bought in 1974 is 36mm. The newer ones are 39mm. Must admit the 36 does look a tad small compared to more contemporary watches.

Not sure if I'll buy an Apple watch but never say never! Very uncertain if this will be a misstep or a hit. Watch this space!
 
I've been thinking about this a lot as well. However, the clearest indication I had was when I laid my Uniform Wares M40 (40mm) next to the Apple Store App Life size images of the 38mm. They were the same size. Obviously, the worry then is the readability of reading text on the 38mm.

In my opinion, looking at the 42mm images, they were too large. But that doesn't mean I'm completely against them. I am leaning towards the 38 but a final test is a real life test of readability. If that goes, then great, I saved $50.
 
I think I'm actually now leaning more towards the 38mm. I have real small wrists. I'm not sure what to do. I hate Apple for making pre-orders the same day you can try the watch in store.
 
170mm wrists, thinking the 38mm is probably more appropriate.

I printed out the paper watches and the 42mm looks good when it's flat against my wrist, but when I lift it up so that it's the thickness it's supposed to be, it looks too big.
 
bumpylumpy said:
170mm wrists, thinking the 38mm is probably more appropriate.

I printed out the paper watches and the 42mm looks good when it's flat against my wrist, but when I lift it up so that it's the thickness it's supposed to be, it looks too big.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty set on the 38mm (165mm wrist) after having a couple people look at both printouts on my wrist. I taped each over my pebble steel since they are very close in depth and everyone told me the 42mm look too big/geeky.
 
I'll need to try on both before I decide, as I have fairly slender wrists. But I think I'd try to pick the largest face that I could reasonably pull off. I fear that the extra bulk of the 42mm face could be a bit annoying tho.
 
I'm sure to buy the Sport version in grey/black. But I have no idea whether I should buy the 38mm or 42mm. Can me pls someone help :)





My current watch is a Tissot, which I have placed under the printed version.
 
Ottonaldo said:
I'm sure to buy the Sport version in grey/black. But I have no idea whether I should buy the 38mm or 42mm. Can me pls someone help :)

My current watch is a Tissot, which I have placed under the printed version.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's pretty much what my wrists look like. 42mm, with "lugs", hangs past the flat part of my wrist. 38mm would keep almost full contact.

I think 38mm looks better.
 
Thank you @all for your feedback.

My wrist is around 165mm. 160mm very tight. Between 165mm and 170mm normal. I think I should go with the 38mm version. This was my first idea, but after printing out both versions and testing them several times ... you know how this works :)
 
I really think I need to go 38mm as well. I wonder how this process is gonna work on April 10th. I just think the 42mm would look way too big on me. Plus I never liked the leather loop strap, so that doesn't matter. I'm really conflicted here.
 
Opinions... Do you think 42 is too big? My wrist is about 180 mm.
 
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papa8706 said:
I know it's only one mans opinion
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It's not one mans opinion though. 42mm is a pretty well accepted size for a mens watch in the industry these days (watch sizes have been increasing steadily). The point is that the current trend is towards larger watches and the Apple watch you buy this year will not last long enough to outlive this trend and look silly.

38mm is a very feminine size for the dainty female wrist.

Anyone who gets a 38mm watch might as well start wearing makeup and carrying a handbag.

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mac.cali said:
Opinions... Do you think 42 is too big? My wrist is about 180 mm.
Click to expand...

Thats a good size, but do you always wear your watch so high?
 
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SlCKB0Y said:
It's not one mans opinion though. 42mm is a pretty well accepted size for a mens watch in the industry.

38mm is a very feminine size for the dainty female wrist.

Anyone who gets a 38mm watch might as well start wearing makeup and carrying a handbag.

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Thats a good size, but do you always wear your watch so high?
Click to expand...

Not at all. Just had to keep the print out from moving. :D
 
technosix said:
The ultra luxury chronographs in my collection range from 48mm and larger
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1. Riiight. Why was it that you couldn't have just said "all my watches are at least 48mm"?

2. How are your sundial-sized watches even relevant to this discussion of 38mm vs 42mm?

3. How many times a day would you say you use the phrase "ultra luxury chronographs"? I'm guessing as much as possible.

gold-anim.gif
 
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