3293 and 3796 -- size and appearance? (5196 too)

[Jetguy87]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've been researching Calatravas recently, and am getting interested in three models in particular -- the 5196, 3796, and 3923. But before I take the plunge, I want to get a feel for how they fit. I plan on trying on a 5196 in an AD soon, but wanted to ask if anyone here can comment on the size of the 3796 and/or the 3293, particularly with how they wear on the wrist.

My collection is mostly Rolex and Omega, between 34 (vintage) and 42mm, so I'm used to more contemporarily-sized pieces. For what it's worth, I have a 6.5" wrist. Basically, I'm wondering how either the 3796 or 3293 would look, if they come across as very small, or wear larger than they are.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide some input!

[.db]

First post on TRF! Woo!

My wife owns a 3796R. It looks absolutely great on her; and it's a very timeless watch. Her wrists are very slender, though. She doesn't like big watches, and the other watch she wears is a 28mm Datejust.

I've tried on the 5196R on a couple occasions and that fits my wrist perfectly. 3796R looks really small on my wrist. It wouldn't work for me.

I've never actually measured how big my wrist is, but my guess is it's probably around 7".

[Jetguy87]

Thanks, .db!

Does anyone else have any insight or thoughts? Wrist shots are also welcome.

[Calatrava r]

I just got a 3923j and 3796r. Both with boxes and papers in unworn condition. So they are out there. I have a 6.5 wrist and they fit fine. I also have lots of 40mm watches and it is hard to go back and forth daily. 40mm just looks too big. 30mm actually grows on you very fast.
I will post a picture of the 3923 but remember the watch always appears bigger in straight wrist photos.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I just got a 3923j and 3796r. Both with boxes and papers in unworn condition. So they are out there. I have a 6.5 wrist and they fit fine. I also have lots of 40mm watches and it is hard to go back and forth daily. 40mm just looks too big. 30mm actually grows on you very fast.
I will post a picture of the 3923 but remember the watch always appears bigger in straight wrist photos.

Having a problem on the photo.

[Calatrava r]

3923j

[Jetguy87]

Thanks so much Bob -- I appreciate it. How do you find the differences between the 3923 and the 3796? It seems to me like the main distinction is that the 3796 has longer lugs. Do you prefer one to the other?

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Jetguy87

Thanks so much Bob -- I appreciate it. How do you find the differences between the 3923 and the 3796? It seems to me like the main distinction is that the 3796 has longer lugs. Do you prefer one to the other?

A big difference in the case. 3923 has a thinner concave bezel and 17mm shorter lugs. The 3796 has the classic 96 case with the right angled flat bezel, longer 18mm lugs. Both are beautiful. This case is beautiful as the sides are satin finished which makes for a good contrast. I would go with the 3923 first, much rarer and a true beauty. Both have a 14mm pin buckle. When I got these two I let the 5196 go. It just does not balance out well at all and it wears so big and awkward on my wrist. Plus with the huge 37mm size the angles of the bezel dent easily. Again this watch (5196) wears big. Once you start wearing 30.5mm, the danger is you will also jettison the larger stuff.

[Calatrava r]

You get the idea. I have the strap coming.

[Jetguy87]

Thanks so much for all of the feedback and the photos! Looks like there's more of a difference between the two than I had initially thought. I'm guessing the thinner bezel and the shorter lugs of the 3923 make it wear bigger?

[AK797]

I think the 5196 will be the best size for you considering you have up to 42mm and you are contemporary. It's a lovely dress piece.

[Jetguy87]

Thanks, Neil -- I tried on the 5196r today, and while it is very nice, it definitely felt bigger than its 37mm size. I'll have to keep mulling it over for now before I make any decisions, but any further views are most welcome!

[SpeedyTuomas]

I have the 5196 and love it but as others stated here, it does not wear small for a 37mm. Have been playing around with the idea of adding a 3796 to the collection.

You need to try them on, your wrist size plays a big role.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Jetguy87

Thanks, Neil -- I tried on the 5196r today, and while it is very nice, it definitely felt bigger than its 37mm size. I'll have to keep mulling it over for now before I make any decisions, but any further views are most welcome!

Try it on again, now you know what to expect you might view the watch differently, happens often, but if you still feel it is too big then it is.

[Jetguy87]

Thanks again to everyone for your views! It looks like I'll have to track down a 3796 or 3923 to try on in person, in order to make a real apples-to-apples comparison...