Advice needed - OP 34 vs OP 39

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by jjlawrence

I appreciate all of the great conversation everybody. Keep it coming. The more I look, the more I think the crown is too small on the 34mm. Maybe it's not very noticeable in person. I've worn Subs and the 16570 polar Explorer and thought they looked decent, so I can't imagine the 39mm will be a terrible fit or ridiculous looking on my smaller wrist.

Crown proportions:

The real difference in the 39mm vs the 16570 is the dial size. I’ve owned both 39mm and the 16570, and, while the cases feel similar in size, the 16570 reads smaller due to the smaller dial. The old DJs, Presidents, Subs, GMT, Explorers and Explorer IIs all have the same dial size, so they’re somewhat interchangeable. The 39mm OP reads a little larger, and the 34mm reads a little smaller, although the 34mm is close due to the maxi-lugs vs. the old stuff.

[logantrky]

Originally Posted by jjlawrence

I appreciate all of the great conversation everybody. Keep it coming. The more I look, the more I think the crown is too small on the 34mm. Maybe it's not very noticeable in person. I've worn Subs and the 16570 polar Explorer and thought they looked decent, so I can't imagine the 39mm will be a terrible fit or ridiculous looking on my smaller wrist.

Crown proportions:

Honestly you can’t go wrong with either. They both look incredible. The OP line is very underrated IMO.


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[123Blueface]

I can understand and appreciate folks that own a 34 and love it supporting it BUT in the present, that is just not a popular men’s size at all. Way too small.
A friend with a 6.25 wrist has one and looks on him like my wife’s 26 on her.

[EDL7]

I have a 7" wrist..34mm Olive Green is just perfect for me..
You can source an easy link if you like too..
And while the crown is indeed small..it stays out of the way and doesnt dig into the wrist either..and if it is a daily user as mine is..been on my wrist for 2 years now..you wont be winding it at all..and the thing is so damn accurate..you just forget about it..maybe every month or 2 for fun..check out the second hand..sometimes within 15 sec a month..not bad..for an "economy" model..

[august1410]

I have a six inch wrist. I wear a 1983 15003 that looks just fine. Also, the last time I checked, I was not a woman.

We are living in a time where fashion has dictated that larger watches are more masculine. If that was the case, the most manly of men would wear one of those goofy one pound Invicta things.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by august1410

I have a six inch wrist. I wear a 1983 15003 that looks just fine. Also, the last time I checked, I was not a woman.

We are living in a time where fashion has dictated that larger watches are more masculine. If that was the case, the most manly of men would wear one of those goofy one pound Invicta things.

Yep. In honor of your avatar, it doesn't get much cooler and more manly than James Garner and his 35mm "James Garner" Heuer:

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Yep. In honor of your avatar, it doesn't get much cooler and more manly than James Garner and his 35mm "James Garner" Heuer:

That is quite an old picture.
Many members here were still in diapers when this photo was taken.
Back then, yeah, very stylish.
Fashions change. Times change.
I have many watches less than 36mm from the 80’s. I just don’t wear them any more.
In the end, I am a firm believer to wear what makes one happy. But fact is the current trend for quite some time now has been 36 or larger.
Just look at the majority of current Rolex references, particularly the newer ones, going as big as 43 for the Sea Dweller. Rolex’s new sport watches this year for Basel were three 40 references.

[LINVS]

34mm is super classy. Back in the day, it was considered plenty large. Lots of guys look at wrist size when shopping for a watch. I don't think wrist size is that important. What's more important is body build. A slim to medium frame guy (under 6ft and 200lbs) looks great with a 34mm watch. Now if you are 6ft 6inches and 300lbs, a 34mm might look too small.

Conversely, a small framed guy with a huge watch doesn't look proportional, either.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

That is quite an old picture.
Many members here were still in diapers when this photo was taken.
Back then, yeah, very stylish.
Fashions change. Times change.
I have many watches less than 36mm from the 80’s. I just don’t wear them any more.
In the end, I am a firm believer to wear what makes one happy. But fact is the current trend for quite some time now has been 36 or larger.
Just look at the majority of current Rolex references, particularly the newer ones, going as big as 43 for the Sea Dweller. Rolex’s new sport watches this year for Basel were three 40 references.

It depends on how one looks at things. Mechanical watches are a retro concept in themselves, and, while some of us are out buying Yeezys and Supreme Hoodies, others of us are still buying classics like Chuck Taylors and Wayfarers. When it comes to buying a Rolex watch, which is allegedly supposed to last our whole lives, it seems a bit odd to go with current trends over the classics.

There's a reason why many of today's leading men, who can buy anything they want, are buying vintage Air-Kings, Subs, GMTs, Explorers, Daytonas, etc., but there are sadly only a few 6-digit Rolex watches that still give off that more vintage aesthetic, the 34mm OP being one of them. Being 6'2" 180lbs, I do think 34mm is a little on the small side for me, but I'd consider it. If I was the OP's size, I would certainly consider it.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

I can understand and appreciate folks that own a 34 and love it supporting it BUT in the present, that is just not a popular men’s size at all. Way too small.
A friend with a 6.25 wrist has one and looks on him like my wife’s 26 on her.

Watch out, Douglas might call you 'new money'

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by dmash

34mm is for women, unless it’s a vintage piece on a strap.

Personally, I would never buy any watch on a bracelet (for myself) that is under 39mm.

Great call.

OP: I'd go with 34. The new cases at 39mm look foolish on small wrists like yours (and mine also, BTW).

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by PJitz

We're getting off topic. OP, the 39 will look great on your wrist but I think the 34 would look better.

I second that.

[mineral]

The 34mm is less desirable but very comfortable to wear especially for your small wrist.

34mm is my favorite size and I have 6.75” worst size. No problem with 34mm.




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[logantrky]

Originally Posted by mineral

The 34mm is less desirable but very comfortable to wear especially for your small wrist.

34mm is my favorite size and I have 6.75” worst size. No problem with 34mm.




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Nice trio!!


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[PJitz]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Yep. In honor of your avatar, it doesn't get much cooler and more manly than James Garner and his 35mm "James Garner" Heuer:

Awesome. To me the proportions of that watch are close to perfect - looks great on what's clearly a pretty big wrist.

Originally Posted by mineral

The 34mm is less desirable but very comfortable to wear especially for your small wrist.

34mm is my favorite size and I have 6.75” worst size. No problem with 34mm.

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Originally Posted by EDL7

I have a 7" wrist..34mm Olive Green is just perfect for me..
You can source an easy link if you like too..
And while the crown is indeed small..it stays out of the way and doesnt dig into the wrist either..and if it is a daily user as mine is..been on my wrist for 2 years now..you wont be winding it at all..and the thing is so damn accurate..you just forget about it..maybe every month or 2 for fun..check out the second hand..sometimes within 15 sec a month..not bad..for an "economy" model..

Originally Posted by SearChart

I went with the 34, perfect size and dial. I have 6.5" wrists.

Looking good guys. 34-36 just seems to make more sense for a watch like this with a simple dial and non-functional bezel - especially with the current oyster cases.

[ink3027]

Originally Posted by jjlawrence

I appreciate all of the great conversation everybody. Keep it coming. The more I look, the more I think the crown is too small on the 34mm. Maybe it's not very noticeable in person. I've worn Subs and the 16570 polar Explorer and thought they looked decent, so I can't imagine the 39mm will be a terrible fit or ridiculous looking on my smaller wrist.

Crown proportions:

Don't worry about the crown proportion, the real issue here is dial size. On the 39mm, the dial will look too large in relation to your wrist (at least IMO). One the OP, the bezel is very thin and it's basically all dial. I think the 34mm would look just about perfect on you.

My wife actually has a 34mm OP and I've worn it and don't feel like it's too small at all, and I have 7" wrists. However, I just sold an Explorer 39mm because the dial looked too big on me and it has basically the same proportions as the 39mm OP.

[watchguy14]

Another vote for 34. Here's my 34mm 115200 Date. 6.5" wrist. Feels great.

[jjlawrence]

Thanks for the wrist shots. If MSRP is $5050, what kind of discount might one reasonably expect from an AD on the harder to move 34mm models? Looks like 2018 desirable dial colors trade on the gray market for around $4400-$4700.

[EDL7]

2 years ago...I got 18% off on the Olive Green 34..at AD..paid w/credit card out of state and some nice extras included..
$4400- to $4700- for Grey..is way too much imo..
Today..don't know what % people are getting off on OP's as things are so whacked out pricewise..
Truthfully..I don't think it is a good time to buy Rolex right now..vintage or other wise..unless you are rolling in the cash..as pricing is just too high..
They say the economy is doing good..but I'm in business..and I can tell you..its not..
Except for overseas sales as the usd is so weak..
I wouldn't buy a Rolex right now..unless you really want to..
I'd wait a bit until supply stabilizes..or the economy becomes less of a bubble mentality..

[returntorolex]

In honor of this thread....

[RolexComplex]

Originally Posted by mineral

The 34mm is less desirable but very comfortable to wear especially for your small wrist.

34mm is my favorite size and I have 6.75” worst size. No problem with 34mm.




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Now here’s a man with class and taste. So refreshing.

[ajas]

personal choice for me 39 works the best.

[Ssunnylee24]

If your shoe size is double digits go with 39. If not, well... get a 34?

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Ssunnylee24

If your shoe size is double digits go with 39. If not, well... get a 34?

Ha! That's an interesting theory, but I think long, lean guys often pull off smaller watches better than shorter, stocky guys. Just depends.

[brand_c]

34 no doubt. it wears like a 5 digit 36mm, even slightly beefier to be honest.

I think the 34 is even fine for a wrist up to 7.5 inches. Don't understand the preposterous mentality that <=36mm watches are marketed as a woman's watch.

[cosmoliu]

I am 5'8", 140# with 6.75" wrist. Both watches in my avatar are 34 mm: classic Air King and modern OP. I wouldn't consider anything over 37 mm for myself. Just my $.02 of course.

[Carry The Interest]

Originally Posted by dmash

34mm is for women, unless it’s a vintage piece on a strap.

Personally, I would never buy any watch on a bracelet (for myself) that is under 39mm.

100% agree with this. I have a vintage OP (YG with brown leather strap) from the 50s that is a 34mm. That's the only watch in my collection that small. Next size up in my collection is my DJ at 36mm.

My wrist size is ~6.75mm.

[Amochosto]

I am 6’4” tall and currently weigh 260 lb. and have a 7 3/4 inch wrist. I have an Omega Seamaster from around 1960 in my rotation that is around 35mm. I just had a glance at it on my wrist and I literally had a quiet happy laugh about it. I know other people have pointed out that vintage on leather is ok for smallish watches, but I’m a big guy and I’m happy to try and pull it off. I think you should look at a few ADs and see which one you “sings” to you as people on this forum say. Wear what you love, and hopefully whenever you want to know what time it is you will have a happy little chuckle too.

Oh and by the way this Omega arrived in my life with a gold flexible bracelet I wore it and loved it with that bracelet until the day I broke it at the gym. Then I wore it on a couple of NATO straps for a year or two, until I finally bought a cheap leather strap for it last week.

[jjlawrence]

I was able to try on an OP39 and an OP34 (though neither were the white dial) at an AD. The 34 look VERY small in the case, but actually looked good on the wrist. The 39 looked good at some angles, but too big at other angles. White will probably wear larger than champagne. What do you guys make of the fit?

[mdubya]

34 is much better from that photo.

Op, dont listen to some of the posts in this thread saying 34 is womens size, and that they wear 42-44 on their 6.5 inch wrist. Trust me, they may wear it, but I guarantee 42-44 looks clowish on their wrists, and I say this as someone with 6.5-6.75 inch wrists who has slowly had to come to this realization and sell some of my bigger watches. 34-36 is an amazing size, and while it may look a bit small from the top-down, it is because we are used to such big watches. In photos on the wrist, like the one you just posted, it is perfect.