Sportswatch for a 5.5" wrist

[karli1]

Hi

I'm keen on buying an oversized sportswatch - which doesn't look ridiculous. I love the sub having seen another woman wearing one, though suspect she had slightly bigger wrists than mine!

Having done some research, I think I've narrowed down to the following options - but would really appreciate your input:

1) Sub 14060M - smaller case so might fit better
2) Sub 114060 - might look too big
3) Hulk - as above but just looks so good...
4) Yachtmaster 37 in either oystersteel or the two tone

I am going to Tokyo end of this year and so should be able to try all of these on in the gray market.

Few questions I'd really appreciate your help on:

1. What are your thoughts on the options above for a small wrist like mine?
2. 1-3 will probably need to be bought in the gray market as I have no history with an AD here in the UK. Particularly for 1, should I be worried about older models if the service history stacks up? The prices in Tokyo, whilst not cheap, seem to be cheaper than in the UK. Any tips on this? E.g. a Hulk in the gray market in the UK is going for £14-15k whereas in Tokyo around £11-13k.
3. How easy is it to get one of the Yachtmasters from an AD, and what are the chances of a discount? Would you buy new or second hand - prices don't seem that much off so new seems to be the way to go.

Thanks so much

[Rolex Essex]

YM are easily available in UK ADs.

[Number3]

I used to work with a female colleague who wore a Hulk. It looked huge on her but was super cool. There’s something about the green that ‘softened’ the size of it if that makes sense? I would definitely try one on if I were you.

Good luck.

[teck21]

I have a similarly slim wrist, and for the longest time was reluctant to try anything I thought would look stupidly big on my wrist, and by extension make me look stupid.

I have since got a 41mm Tudor and have become very pleased and comfortable with how it looks on my wrist.

Probably won’t go any bigger, but that’s what I said when I started with a 39mm.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum Karli

My wife has a similar wirst size to yours and she often wears my Submariner 114060, but IMO it looks far too large on her.

She opted for a 34mm date which still looks quite "oversized" IMO.

Rolex are mostly all Sport watches, so if I were you I'd have look at the DJ line. If you want a professional sports watch, then I'd consider a 5 digit Sub or the 37mm YM as you mentioned. Either will look plenty large on your wrist IMO.

A few pictures for your reference

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[SkyJuice]

I would go with YM as its really good value in pre-owned market.

[karli1]

I love how the sub looks on your wife's wrist!

[karli1]

Originally Posted by SkyJuice

I would go with YM as its really good value in pre-owned market.

Really? I must be looking in all the wrong places (newb alert). Chrono 24 aren't showing much more than £500 off retail which made me think new may be the way to go.

I'm buying to wear and not flip, but the subs do seem to hold value better.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by karli1

I love how the sub looks on your wife's wrist!

Thanks but I'm not going to pass that along

Here she is wearing my SD43

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[SearChart]

When men wear watches that are too large it looks odd IMO, but when women wear a DSSD or Sub or anything else that is too big for them I still like the look.

Just try a few things on

[JR16]

I would go for the 37mm YM- readily available at an AD, and better size for you IMO. Not sure about discounts in the UK, but would def check out the delta between pre-owned and new. Good luck !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[samson66]

Saw a YM37 in person just a few days ago. Great looking watch, especially for a woman.

[LooseCann0n]

Originally Posted by karli1

The prices in Tokyo, whilst not cheap, seem to be cheaper than in the UK. Any tips on this? E.g. a Hulk in the gray market in the UK is going for £14-15k whereas in Tokyo around £11-13k.

Just on this - check the uk import situation. DYOR but recently when I looked (am going to Hong Kong over Xmas 2019) there seems to be an import charge of 4.5% and vat of 20% which seems to make the uk the best place to purchase.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[locutus49]

I am a man and have a similar wrist to yours. I wear a sub. 40mm is probably the largest you should go.

[steeevvvooo]

Originally Posted by LooseCann0n

Just on this - check the uk import situation. DYOR but recently when I looked (am going to Hong Kong over Xmas 2019) there seems to be an import charge of 4.5% and vat of 20% which seems to make the uk the best place to purchase.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This. You don't want to be caught on the wrong side of a customs situation.

The trend at the moment is for larger watches so try a few 36-40mm pieces and see what you like best. I wouldn't be too concerned about it appearing big but look at yourself in a full length mirror to judge. Close up/top down views can over emphasise the size.

Bracelet and lug construction can make a huge difference to the perceived size and depending on the shape of your wrist some stuff will work while other watches just won't. Have to try a few and see what you think fits you. Good luck!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[sambb]

explorer 1 is the answer. 39mm or older 36mm version. or YM

[steadywaters]

I've seen a restaurant manager who wore a RG Daytona really well.

[Dr. Robert]

36mm 114270 or 14270 explorer

[Nikrnic]

From your option list I suggest the 14060m. Its timeless. Should give you a good fit and value as they are only going up in price.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[R G]

Originally Posted by SearChart

When men wear watches that are too large it looks odd IMO, but when women wear a DSSD or Sub or anything else that is too big for them I still like the look.

Just try a few things on

I agree.

I don’t understand why people cannot realise that women wear oversized watches better than men because they wear them like bangles, not an actual watch.

[javier]

Originally Posted by sambb

explorer 1 is the answer. 39mm or older 36mm version. or YM

Agree

[javier]

Originally Posted by sambb

explorer 1 is the answer. 39mm or older 36mm version. or YM

Agree in 36 mm

[Likestheshiny]

For a Rolex, the YM 37 seems like the obvious choice. You might be able to get away with a 40mm watch as a "big" watch, but I find that for many women it only accentuates how slender their wrist is. Some folks like that -- it's the "Olsen Twins oversized style" that was popular a few years ago -- but on many women it looks silly.

If you're open to other brands, Panerai's 38mm Due line would potentially be a really nice fit for your wrist. It's a rare opportunity to wear that brand on a slender wrist. (And as someone with a 6.75" wrist who finds 42mm Panerais a hair too large, I'm a bit peeved that they now make 38mm watches but still nothing at 40mm.)

[DJTOSUB]

Wear what you like.

Having said that, I think the best Rolex watches on Ladies are the Daytona, YM37, and DateJusts (pick a size but like the 31 the best).

IMO oversized sport/dress watches like the Daytona and YM look good on a ladies smaller wrist. Dress watches like the DJ need to be sized proportionally to the wrist. YMMV.

[AJMarcus]

Try a 36 YM.

[MichelleP]

I too prefer a larger watch. I know a lot of people on the forum think the 4 or 5digit reference is a better fit on a smaller wrist but I disagree. I have 5513 and had to remove a permanent link to get the fit right. I am a woman and have a 6.5" wrist. I suggest the 37mm YM or a GMT. I don't think you will have an issue with the 40mm case on the sub but the larger clasp might be an issue.
Good luck on your search

[MJ8]

37mm yacht master

[doramas]

The 14060 will look better on you than the 114060. I would also look at a 36mm Explorer. It would be perfect for your wrist