My sizing dilemma

[Sheza]

**RESOLVED - See follow-up below**

Hey everyone!

So to celebrate my first year exam results and also the launch of Apple Pay in the UK (the latter having much less to do with it) I went to the Apple store on Tuesday and bought a Space Grey Sport watch. I had reserved the 42mm having previously tried on the watch shortly after launch but I forgot what it looked like so asked to try on before I bought.

Rather annoyingly the store only has the 42mm SGS in the M/L band to try on. I have quite skinny wrists so this wasn't the best try-on experience. In hindsight I should have asked to try any 42mm with a better fitting band.

I then tried on a white Sport model that was 38mm and both a friend and the store employee said they were the better fit. I wasn't 100% sure but I went with their advice. It's been a couple of days now and I'm still unsure of the size despite reassurances from friends and a few kind people at the 'Show off your watch' thread.

Part of it is to do with the feeling that I have the 'inferior' version of the watch (silly, I know) because you can fit less text on the screen and it has a smaller battery. Also, the leather loop band is only for the 42mm which is a bit of a bummer as it looks quite nice.

Anyway I know I have the option to exchange it / try on a fitted 42mm but it's a bit of a trek to the nearest store and when I went for my reservation everyone was so busy that I was on the shop floor for 15 minutes trying to catch someone to check in with... bit of a nightmare really.

I've attached some pictures of the watch on my wrist, if you could chime in with your opinion I would really appreciate it so I can put my mind at ease or plan a trip to the store.

 

[Gav2k]

Looks ok

 

[theturtle]

My advice:

GO BIG OR GO HOME.

 

[Night Spring]

To me, based on those pics, it looks as if the 42 might be too big for you. However, the only way to be absolutely sure is to go back to the store and try on a 42 with the proper size band. I'm surprised that the store employee didn't suggest just trying on another watch with the proper band, or even just swapped in a proper size band, as they are so easy to switch. But whatever.

I know what you mean about the 38 feeling like a lesser watch -- I wish I could wear the 42, for all the reasons you said, but my wrist is just too small.

 

[Sheza]

To me, based on those pics, it looks as if the 42 might be too big for you. However, the only way to be absolutely sure is to go back to the store and try on a 42 with the proper size band. I'm surprised that the store employee didn't suggest just trying on another watch with the proper band, or even just swapped in a proper size band, as they are so easy to switch. But whatever.

I know what you mean about the 38 feeling like a lesser watch -- I wish I could wear the 42, for all the reasons you said, but my wrist is just too small.

Thanks for your reply.

He just told me I would get both band sizes in the box so it would be okay. It was hard enough tracking down an employee in the busy store so it doesn't surprise me that he didn't offer. Doesn't make me feel any better though lol. In future I'll just time all my purchases for when I'm in Norwich because that store is always dead.

 

[sean000]

I think it looks like the right size on you. I have been planning to order the 38mm, but will probably make the 3 hour round-trip to the nearest Apple Store to try them on just to hopefully erase any doubts I have about it. I'm a guy who is 5'10" and has 170mm wrists. I have never liked big chunky watches, but I haven't worn a watch in probably 15 years. My last watch was much smaller than 38mm (probably a 30mm or 32mm simple analog face...Swatch or Timex I think). When I was in grade school (1980's) I had a Casio calculator watch, and later a Casio G-Shock. Both were huge, and I guess that has left the impression on me that big watches are either too geeky or too sporty. I prefer that when I look at my wrist there is a watch that doesn't span the entire width...so that you can see some watch band as well. Of course with 170mm wrists the 42mm isn't going to look ginormous on me... not like some of the monster Android watches I have seen, but it will look bigger.

The main reason I want try on the 42mm is because if I really don't end up feeling strongly one way or the other I might as well go with the larger watch that provides a little more battery and a little more reading area. That's my main concern with the 38mm. I wear glasses for nearsightedness, but I now actually need reading glasses or bifocals because my close reading ability is fading. I can read computer screens fine because they are far enough away. I probably won't have trouble reading the watch in either size since I can enable bold text and increase the text size (for apps that support dynamic text). However doing that will mean less information will fit on the display. While the point of the watch is quick glances, some of those notifications and messages will contain enough text that it would be nice to minimize the scrolling.

Anyway...I think what you have looks great on your wrist. Unless you have a real problem with battery life and/or display readability, I'd keep it.

 

[BlueMoon63]

My advice:

GO BIG OR GO HOME.

Agreed. If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly. Something like that.

 

[coldsweat]

That looks like a good fit - if it was me, I would stay with the 38mm.

An unscientific test to see if the screen is too small for you would be to set up the passcode lock & enter your pin number a few times & see how often you hit the wrong number, if you enter correctly each time, your fingers are small enough to be able to efficiently use the 38mm. I had the 38mm originally & found that my sausage fingers kept hitting the wrong numbers - I then bought a 42mm & everythings fine!

 

[sean000]

That looks like a good fit - if it was me, I would stay with the 38mm.

An unscientific test to see if the screen is too small for you would be to set up the passcode lock & enter your pin number a few times & see how often you hit the wrong number, if you enter correctly each time, your fingers are small enough to be able to efficiently use the 38mm. I had the 38mm originally & found that my sausage fingers kept hitting the wrong numbers - I then bought a 42mm & everythings fine!

It sure would have been nice if Apple had created a live demo app that would allow you to go through some basic functions in an actual size view of 38mm vs 42mm on the iPhone. I appreciate that they put actual size comparisons in the Apple Store app for iPhone, but the problem with it is that you only see one the one display with the app icons. It would be nice if they offered at least a few other app views, if not a live demo kind of thing. I have found some comparisons online, which help show how much text will be displayed on the 42mm vs the 38mm. Sure it would require some time and programming to release a live demo app, but it would help Apple avoid a lot of watch returns.

 

[shortcrust]

I think it looks fine but try a 38 on if you can to be sure. Have you seen the templates you can print off and cut out? They might also help. I think the silver looks good on the slimmer wrist because it breaks it up a bit.

 

[powerbook911]

Only my opinion, so I hope it doesn't impact you more than it should...

The 38mm looks good on you. However, there is something in you that wants the 42mm. Unless the 42mm is obnoxiously big on you and/or uncomfortable, go for it and feel better about the decision.

My opinion is Apple thought 42mm was just about right for most guys.

There are some enormous watches out there, the 42mm isn't that big really.

Good luck in the decision.

 

[Sheza]

Only my opinion, so I hope it doesn't impact you more than it should...

The 38mm looks good on you. However, there is something in you that wants the 42mm. Unless the 42mm is obnoxiously big on you and/or uncomfortable, go for it and feel better about the decision.

My opinion is Apple thought 42mm was just about right for most guys.

There are some enormous watches out there, the 42mm isn't that big really.

Good luck in the decision.

You're right in saying there is something in me that wants the 42. I guess I will have to go back to the Apple store to be sure, even though it was awkward the last time. Apple are supposed to make their customers happy, right? Not feel rushed or undervalued.

I'm not having any problem with mis-pressing the screen or anything, the only thing bugging me is that you can often only fit two words on one line, and many are cut off. if it truly didn't bother me I guess I wouldn't be thinking about it every single time I look at the watch. But there is also probably some truth in what people have said to me, that the watch wouldn't fit or look right with the 42.

Argh! If Apple would have made a 40mm watch I would probably not be having this problem /s

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Part of it is to do with the feeling that I have the 'inferior' version of the watch (silly, I know) because you can fit less text on the screen and it has a smaller battery.

Do you feel the same about shirts, pants, shoes?; that if you buy the size that actually fits and feels best you are buying something "inferior" because you are paying the same price as a larger size with more fabric, longer laces, bigger soles and heals?

There is no dilemma. It is silly as you say. Buy the size that fits you best, feels best, you are most comfortable wearing. And if you do choose the smaller version, unlike many accessories and clothes, you are actually paying less for getting (marginally" less.

Personally I could not be happier with my 38 size choice. I don't feel "hobbled" by the smaller screen. Battery life has never been an issue -- typically take it off at night w/ 50-25% power left. It looks more like a watch on me whereas the 42 would look like some sort of Star Trek data hub. And, I get the same functionality as the 42 for $50 less. Honestly, for once in my life I'm thrilled to have small wrists. Ha!

 

[AppleCorn]

Thanks for your reply.

He just told me I would get both band sizes in the box so it would be okay. It was hard enough tracking down an employee in the busy store so it doesn't surprise me that he didn't offer. Doesn't make me feel any better though lol. In future I'll just time all my purchases for when I'm in Norwich because that store is always dead.

I too have a skinny wrist and a SGS 42. I have to use the smaller band but it feels great! Hope the small band works for you too!

 

[Newtons Apple]

You need to get what YOU want and feel is best for YOU!

 

[sean000]

You're right in saying there is something in me that wants the 42. I guess I will have to go back to the Apple store to be sure, even though it was awkward the last time. Apple are supposed to make their customers happy, right? Not feel rushed or undervalued.

I'm not having any problem with mis-pressing the screen or anything, the only thing bugging me is that you can often only fit two words on one line, and many are cut off. if it truly didn't bother me I guess I wouldn't be thinking about it every single time I look at the watch. But there is also probably some truth in what people have said to me, that the watch wouldn't fit or look right with the 42.

Argh! If Apple would have made a 40mm watch I would probably not be having this problem /s

I would give the Apple store another try if it's not too far of a trip. I drove an hour to our nearest Apple store on Saturday. I scheduled a try-on appointment, but I don't think it would have mattered either way. The store was packed with people, but fortunately they also seemed to have plenty of employees. The first person who helped me wasn't much help other than opening the drawer and bringing out the 42mm and 38mm sports. I couldn't quite decide so I took a walk and returned a bit later when they weren't quite as busy. The second time I got a much more helpful employee who let me try different band lengths and also some of the Apple Watch SS band styles to see if the band made a difference. This all helped me come to a conclusion that I just couldn't quite get comfortable with the 42mm. My wrist size is 170mm. I personally thought the 42mm looked fine on my wrist. A little big, but fine. It just didn't feel quite right, and I kept readjusting the band and moving the watch up and down my wrist. When I put the 38mm on it just felt right and looked right, so there you go. I left with the 38mm and I don't regret it one bit. Now I will say that the 42mm Apple Watch SS with the leather loop felt pretty good, but I might have been dazzled by its beauty

As far as the interface goes, I have had no trouble unlocking the watch or tapping targets with the 38mm, but I can see how a person with larger fingers would find the 42mm watch easier to use. I wear glasses and still have problems because my glasses correct nearsightedness but I really need bifocals. So I spent a lot of time comparing the two sizes side by side for readability, and I found I could read the 38mm just fine. I'm even using the default text size without bolding it. There was not as much difference in readability as I thought there would be. The size difference is really subtle, as you know.

Since there is something in you that wants the 42mm, I would go that way if you're still on the fence after another try-on. Good luck!

Sean

 

[Sheza]

I would give the Apple store another try if it's not too far of a trip. I drove an hour to our nearest Apple store on Saturday. I scheduled a try-on appointment, but I don't think it would have mattered either way. The store was packed with people, but fortunately they also seemed to have plenty of employees. The first person who helped me wasn't much help other than opening the drawer and bringing out the 42mm and 38mm sports. I couldn't quite decide so I took a walk and returned a bit later when they weren't quite as busy. The second time I got a much more helpful employee who let me try different band lengths and also some of the Apple Watch SS band styles to see if the band made a difference. This all helped me come to a conclusion that I just couldn't quite get comfortable with the 42mm. My wrist size is 170mm. I personally thought the 42mm looked fine on my wrist. A little big, but fine. It just didn't feel quite right, and I kept readjusting the band and moving the watch up and down my wrist. When I put the 38mm on it just felt right and looked right, so there you go. I left with the 38mm and I don't regret it one bit. Now I will say that the 42mm Apple Watch SS with the leather loop felt pretty good, but I might have been dazzled by its beauty

As far as the interface goes, I have had no trouble unlocking the watch or tapping targets with the 38mm, but I can see how a person with larger fingers would find the 42mm watch easier to use. I wear glasses and still have problems because my glasses correct nearsightedness but I really need bifocals. So I spent a lot of time comparing the two sizes side by side for readability, and I found I could read the 38mm just fine. I'm even using the default text size without bolding it. There was not as much difference in readability as I thought there would be. The size difference is really subtle, as you know.

Since there is something in you that wants the 42mm, I would go that way if you're still on the fence after another try-on. Good luck!

Sean

Thanks for your post!

Unfortunately for me my nearest Apple store is in central London, aka tourist hotspot, so they're always seemingly very busy! The only other option is Bluewater aka busiest shopping centre in this half of the country, and to my memory they also seem busy (and difficult to get to - I don't drive). But I am definitely going back to London this weekend - hopefully it won't be as bad as last time.

In recent days I have come to appreciate how the 38 looks on my wrist. And I don't have any problem hitting things on the screen - passcode entered correctly 100% of the time. I think the thing that makes me want the 42 the most is the screen size. The luxury of fitting one or two more words per line! I have my text at the smallest font size and it's still hard to get more than 2-3 short words per line on.

 

[Night Spring]

In recent days I have come to appreciate how the 38 looks on my wrist. And I don't have any problem hitting things on the screen - passcode entered correctly 100% of the time. I think the thing that makes me want the 42 the most is the screen size. The luxury of fitting one or two more words per line! I have my text at the smallest font size and it's still hard to get more than 2-3 short words per line on.

Found an article that has a picture comparing text on the 38 and the 42.
http://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/04/27/42mm-apple-watch-versus-38mm/

 

[sean000]

Found an article that has a picture comparing text on the 38 and the 42.
http://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/04/27/42mm-apple-watch-versus-38mm/

I had found that comparison before, which made me think I might want to get the 42. One thing to note is that in that comparison the text size on both watches is set to the maximum size. Since I am nearsighted with astigmatism, and have not yet surrendered to the bifocals that are my destiny, I thought for sure I would want the largest text size with the bold setting enabled. To my surprise I am quite comfortable with the default setting for text (Size 2 on their scale of 1 to 6). I do not even have bold text enabled.

When I compared the two watches in the shop, the size difference was not as great as I thought it would be in terms of readability. I think it's the quality and resolution/pixel density of the displays they put into these little watches (along with the font/graphic scaling) that makes a difference. The nice thing about the 42mm is that it just feels a little roomier in some app/glance views, and yes in some views you do see more information on the display without scrolling as much. In some cases the information you read is displayed in the exact same size on both watches, but the separate items of information are closer together on the 38mm. So far I am having no trouble reading, viewing, or interacting with any of the apps I have tried, but some apps are definitely designed better for the watch interface than others.

For me the one app that stood out as being more comfortable on the 42mm was the Maps app. Yes you can use the crown to zoom in and out, but at a given zoom/level of detail you see more of the map on the 42mm. I don't need to consult a map too often where I live, but if I traveled a lot I might weigh the importance of that map view a bit more. As an aside I did use the haptic turn-based instructions the other day, and it was awesome.

If you plan to read more on the watch then of course it will make a difference as well. I have yet to install any news apps because I figure I will just get out my iPhone when I want to catch up on the news. Most of my interactions with the watch are frequent but brief glances. I do occasionally get a longer text message I will read on the watch, or I will need to look something up in Evernote, but I don't mind getting out my iPhone if I know I'm going to be scrolling and reading for a bit.

Now if I would just get those bifocals then, at least to me, my 38mm watch will look like a 58mm watch!

Sean

 

[Sheza]

Just an update - for anyone that wants to know!

I went to the store today and swapped out for a 42mm. The store employee was better, and we tried a 42 sport with the small strap. It didn't look THAT big on my wrist (at least not at the time, coming home I think it will take some getting used to having worn the 38 for nearly two weeks!). I definitely appreciate the screen real estate. I think the 38 was a good size in and of itself, but the screen seriously let it down.

Thanks for your contributions to the thread - do not feel like you gave bad advice because you didn't! I was starting to like the 38 for its size - it felt less like a watch and more like a part of my wrist (if that doesn't sound too weird) but still the screen was quite small to look at. I'm sure the 42 will be as 'integrated' in due course

 

[paulgandersman]

The 38mm on your wrist looks exactly like the 42mm on my wrist. It all depends on wrist size. I think it looks appropriate on you.

 

[powerbook911]

Just an update - for anyone that wants to know!

I went to the store today and swapped out for a 42mm. The store employee was better, and we tried a 42 sport with the small strap. It didn't look THAT big on my wrist (at least not at the time, coming home I think it will take some getting used to having worn the 38 for nearly two weeks!). I definitely appreciate the screen real estate. I think the 38 was a good size in and of itself, but the screen seriously let it down.

Thanks for your contributions to the thread - do not feel like you gave bad advice because you didn't! I was starting to like the 38 for its size - it felt less like a watch and more like a part of my wrist (if that doesn't sound too weird) but still the screen was quite small to look at. I'm sure the 42 will be as 'integrated' in due course

I think you made a fine choice.

It still looks very appropriate on the wrist (completely normal look), and you won't have to wonder now about having the larger screen. Enjoy it!

 

[sean000]

Just an update - for anyone that wants to know!

I went to the store today and swapped out for a 42mm. The store employee was better, and we tried a 42 sport with the small strap. It didn't look THAT big on my wrist (at least not at the time, coming home I think it will take some getting used to having worn the 38 for nearly two weeks!). I definitely appreciate the screen real estate. I think the 38 was a good size in and of itself, but the screen seriously let it down.

Thanks for your contributions to the thread - do not feel like you gave bad advice because you didn't! I was starting to like the 38 for its size - it felt less like a watch and more like a part of my wrist (if that doesn't sound too weird) but still the screen was quite small to look at. I'm sure the 42 will be as 'integrated' in due course

It looks great on your wrist! Good thing you got a helpful Apple employee this time. It does make a difference when they let you try different band lengths.

I'm still happy with my 38mm though. It feels like the perfect size for me, but I'm glad I tried both on. If I hadn't tried the 42mm, I would still be wondering about it.

Sean