Surprised by 38mm vs. 42mm in store

[iWot]

I have been a die-hard 38mm supporter in the forums. I have 150mm wrists, smaller than a credit card in width and thought there was no way the 42mm would look right. I'm only 5'8 and barely 130 lbs.

However, I went to the store yesterday and tried both on (sport) and found it very hard to decide. The dilemma as I see it is that most watches I would wear are around the 42mm size, however I'm not sure I want a gadget that large on my wrist (watch yes - but gadget?)

My girlfriend remarked that she liked the 42mm but when she was across the room she could even see what was happening on my screen and it was like I had a toy on my wrist (we are both huge apple fans).

I'm in my late 20's and the 42mm just seems to scream gadget, while the 38mm does seem a bit small. I'm still not sure what I'll do (though I have 38mm on order).

I would encourage everyone to go to the store before committing...people kept saying it, but I didn't listen.

 

[Kent01]

Same boat. I went 38mm as it looks WAY more professional and less absolute-tech-nerd.

My colleague has a Galaxy Gear S and that thing is hideous as hell and people just stare at the thing because it's so obtrusive. Great watch though, you can do some really cool stuff with it.

 

[iWot]

Same boat. I went 38mm as it looks WAY more professional and less absolute-tech-nerd.

My colleague has a Galaxy Gear S and that thing is hideous as hell and people just stare at the thing because it's so obtrusive. Great watch though, you can do some really cool stuff with it.

Yeh I think this is the way i'm leaning even though it does appear a bit small. I just don't really want my watch to be a conversation piece at work, etc.

 

[jjlannoo]

The 38mm really only works on a guy if your tiny. Otherwise it comes off as a women's watch. I could actually see some men wanting a larger size then the 42mm, but the 42mm is ok for me.

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Yeh I think this is the way i'm leaning even though it does appear a bit small. I just don't really want my watch to be a conversation piece at work, etc.

I work with the public and no one has said anything except co-workers I showed it too. People really don't care much lol

 

[Kent01]

The 38mm really only works on a guy if your tiny. Otherwise it comes off as a women's watch. I could actually see some men wanting a larger size then the 42mm, but the 42mm is ok for me.

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I work with the public and no one has said anything except co-workers I showed it too. People really don't care much lol

I think they created two version not only for females but also to cater towards a crowd like us that are looking for something unobtrusive but gets the job done.

I think the 6 Plus is too big but I stuck with it and wasn't going to make the same mistake twice with the Watch. I've tried both on and I like the 38mm. It does its job well at notifying me and from there I will use my phone. I don't need a bigger screen to tell me what's going on, that's why I have 6 Plus.

 

[iWot]

The 38mm really only works on a guy if your tiny. Otherwise it comes off as a women's watch. I could actually see some men wanting a larger size then the 42mm, but the 42mm is ok for me.

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I work with the public and no one has said anything except co-workers I showed it too. People really don't care much lol

I think if the 38mm were a traditional watch it would seem like a woman's watch but to me the Apple Watch doesn't seem like a watch, it's like some new category of wearable tech. I know others see it differently (as you seem to).

Anyway I'm super thin, and normally wear bigger watches, but just dont want something so big and bright on my wrist. I may end up not getting either at this point and going back to a traditional watch.

thanks for the input

 

[Kent01]

I think if the 38mm were a traditional watch it would seem like a woman's watch but to me the Apple Watch doesn't seem like a watch, it's like some new category of wearable tech. I know others see it differently (as you seem to).

Anyway I'm super thin, and normally wear bigger watches, but just dont want something so big and bright on my wrist. I may end up not getting either at this point and going back to a traditional watch.

thanks for the input

Definitely start at 38mm and exchange for 42 if it's too small

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38mm Space Grey Sport:

 

[silverblack]

I don't see the 38 vs 42 mm Apple watches intended as women's vs. men's sizes. In fact, there are many men's watches smaller than 38 mm, and many woman's watches larger than 42 mm.

In my opinion, the decision has less to do with wrist / body sizes, but more to do with whether you want to wear a large vs very large watch on your wrist.

 

[bulliondesk]

Watch experts say that if the lugs (in this case the top of the watch) goes over your wrist on either side the watch is too big for you. I have seen so many people post theirs on the forum and in my opinion the watch is way too big for their wrist. 38mm fits perfectly within the top and bottom wrist bone.. which is how any watch should technically sit.

BWT silverblack (1st pic) Sits perfectly flat in between the bottom and top wrist bone. Watch case is very small.. could even be a bit larger and still fit well. (2nd pic) The watch is WAY too big for that wrist.

 

[JulesK]

38mm actually large by historic standards, 42mm small by modern standards

A rectangular watch is always going to feel/appear larger than a round one with the same max dimension because of the corners. Even taking that into account, the 38mm and 42mm Watches are large compared to the average men's watch 30-40 years ago. 34mm-36mm round watches were common. It's actually not easy to find a vintage dress watch that is larger than 38mm. But, today, a 40mm watch (e.g., you average Rolex Sub) is at best average-size in the sports watch category, and the trend is to larger watches (Google U-Boat watches), even among dress watches. 44-48mm are all over the place. The G-Shock I'm wearing is 50mm.

I tried on the 42mm Watch at the local Apple store (nobody was trying them on there, other than me), and it didn't feel oversized at all. I personally would not go with the 38mm, but I can certainly understand the view that 38mm is a more traditional and dressy size. I just don't think that 42mm is too large for a dress watch. My main concern with the SS Watch is that it is too shiny, but it will develop patina from surface scratches over time, so that will be OK. I thought that the SG Watch Sport was the most elegant watch short of an Edition, but I prefer a sapphire crystal because it will take a beating due to the design of the Watch.

 

[fanta88]

Watch experts say that if the lugs (in this case the top of the watch) goes over your wrist on either side the watch is too big for you. I have seen so many people post theirs on the forum and in my opinion the watch is way too big for their wrist. 38mm fits perfectly within the top and bottom wrist bone.. which is how any watch should technically sit.

BWT silverblack (1st pic) Sits perfectly flat in between the bottom and top wrist bone. Watch case is very small.. could even be a bit larger and still fit well. (2nd pic) The watch is WAY too big for that wrist.

Correct. And if you're considering a model with a sports band, keep in mind the band doesn't lie flat against your wrist at the attachment points -- there's a gap generated where it juts out a bit, creating a longer appearance.

I have small wrists for a man and find the 38 is perfect. Definitely more discreet (inasmuch as wearing an apple watch can be discreet).