Rolex getting larger

[RXAPPP]

With the numerous recent incomings of the SD43 and the apparent clamour for the SkyD SS it's got me thinking (with some dissapointment) about the gradual increase in Rolex sizes.

As we all know it's a contentious subject however having went through the small to mid size to large to mid size journey I can see both sides and don't really have a strong opinion either way.

Of course the large Rolex is not new, the DJII, DD2, Explorer2 and DSSD all preceded the SkyD and SD43 however with the latter 2 they are in fact further mainstream model offerings and I do wonder if this is a sign of things to come.
Could we see a large Chrono coming...?

[VicLeChic]

Call me maverick but I find the Daytona too small and would welcome a large chronograph from Rolex in 42+mm.

[tamiya]

It's all either a fad, or average customers are getting XXXL sized

Some watches work better in larger sizes (& usually said to "wear smaller" than their 40mm+ suggests) but I don't rate highly just making iconic pieces bigger - IMHO spoils the design balance, makes it a cartoon caricature.

Nor chunkier all-shiny lugs either

[tyler1980]

IMO the two you mentioned are of a certain size for very logical reasons.

The new sea dweller is sized between a sub and a DSSD. That makes it different. The previous generation of sea dweller didn't sell too well when competing head to head with a sub at 40mm. The sky dweller has a very busy dial with lots of information on it. If it was any smaller i wouldn't like it as it would be hard to read.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by RXAPPP

With the numerous recent incomings of the SD43 and the apparent clamour for the SkyD SS it's got me thinking (with some dissapointment) about the gradual increase in Rolex sizes.

As we all know it's a contentious subject however having went through the small to mid size to large to mid size journey I can see both sides and don't really have a strong opinion either way.

Of course the large Rolex is not new, the DJII, DD2, Explorer2 and DSSD all preceded the SkyD and SD43 however with the latter 2 they are in fact further mainstream model offerings and I do wonder if this is a sign of things to come.
Could we see a large Chrono coming...?

I'd hardly call the Sky Dweller or Sea Dweller "mainstream"?

Rolex has downsized the DJ from DJ2 to DJ41 and the DD2 to DD40. What I think Rolex are doing is finding the right current sizing for its model line up.

[watchwatcher]

But...along those same lines, Rolex also reduced the case size of the DD2 to make the DD40 and slimmed down some of the proportions of the DJ2 to the DJ41. I agree with Tyler, it seems like there is a certain logic behind their moves, not just a mass increase.

As far as what's to come...who knows.

[ap1]

Something for everybody / makes sense

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by tamiya

It's all either a fad, or average customers are getting XXXL sized

Some watches work better in larger sizes (& usually said to "wear smaller" than their 40mm+ suggests) but I don't rate highly just making iconic pieces bigger - IMHO spoils the design balance, makes it a cartoon caricature.

Nor chunkier all-shiny lugs either

Totally agree.

[Boaters]

It is what you like I used to wear nothing under 45mm now anything over 40mm seems big. Go with what you like Panerai makes a larger good looking timepiece.

[Likestheshiny]

Considering that all over Rolex's current bread-and-butter men's watches are either 39 or 40mm, it sure doesn't seem like they're jumping hard on the "large watch" trend. In fact, relative to "average" watch size, submariners have shrunk noticeably over the years. It's hard to believe that they were once considered quite large watches.

[ras47]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

Call me maverick but I find the Daytona too small and would welcome a large chronograph from Rolex in 42+mm.

Me too. I guess we're just a couple of freaks. But with sundials on a watch face I need a bigger watch or else the dials are worthless. If the sundials are not legible then I don't want 'em. My 40mm GMT Master II is fine at 40mm, but it's the minimum for my wrists and the GMT doesn't have dials. The Daytona at 42mm or 43mm, with an accompanying increase in dial size, would be ideal for me.

[moesalty]

42mm Daytona would be my ultimate grail

[Pius XIII]

Originally Posted by moesalty

42mm daytona would be my ultimate grail

+1

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by RXAPPP

With the numerous recent incomings of the SD43 and the apparent clamour for the SkyD SS it's got me thinking (with some dissapointment) about the gradual increase in Rolex sizes.

As we all know it's a contentious subject however having went through the small to mid size to large to mid size journey I can see both sides and don't really have a strong opinion either way.

Of course the large Rolex is not new, the DJII, DD2, Explorer2 and DSSD all preceded the SkyD and SD43 however with the latter 2 they are in fact further mainstream model offerings and I do wonder if this is a sign of things to come.
Could we see a large Chrono coming...?

Don't forget the dedicated ladies watches are getting larger as well.
That's for when they're not wearing men's watches.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by ras47

Me too. I guess we're just a couple of freaks. But with sundials on a watch face I need a bigger watch or else the dials are worthless. If the sundials are not legible then I don't want 'em. My 40mm GMT Master II is fine at 40mm, but it's the minimum for my wrists and the GMT doesn't have dials. The Daytona at 42mm or 43mm, with an accompanying increase in dial size, would be ideal for me.

It could be argued the Daytona has been left behind a little.
I have always felt it wore just a little small for me personally.

It's due for an update other than the addition of a Ceramic bezel.
Perhaps we will see something at Basel 2018?

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by ap1

Something for everybody / makes sense

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️ My thoughts exactly!
They make something for all wrist sizes :)

[bp1000]

Would like a bigger daytona too.

Wrist is a little over 7" and the daytona always looked a bit dinky.

Still waiting to add a BNIB one to my collection. 4 years and counting :D

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Totally agree.

Getting the aesthetic balance right is definitely the key.

The large watch trend is on the march and is one doesn't move with the times then one gets left behind.
Rolex has never been a trend setter and they have never been left behind to date.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

imo the two you mentioned are of a certain size for very logical reasons.

The new sea dweller is sized between a sub and a dssd. That makes it different. The previous generation of sea dweller didn't sell too well when competing head to head with a sub at 40mm. The sky dweller has a very busy dial with lots of information on it. If it was any smaller i wouldn't like it as it would be hard to read.

+1

[yxc145]

I think 40mm to 42mm are good size. 36mm are a bit small. I have 6.5mm wrist.

[HONDABBQ]

I was in my local gray market shop on the weekend and the guy had this monstrosity of a watch. UBoat I think it was called. 55mm watch.

[AK797]

I think Rolex is still pretty conservative actually, as this new igen is so into appearances and fake tan and bodyscaping and endless eatyourheartout frenemy selfies that I can only see most "desirable" things getting bigger and brasher.

[HK Islandboy]

Originally Posted by viclechic

call me maverick but i find the daytona too small and would welcome a large chronograph from rolex in 42+mm.

+1

[mahefa]

Daytona II maybe?

[skkali168]

i dont think Rolex is getting larger. What i mean is I dont think they will convert all their watches to larger sizes. I do believe they will have larger sizes and they do now but the popular models that are 36, 39 and 40mm will still and always be available.

[rolleyme]

42mm and up are ideal sizes. 36mm is way too small. I wish the Yachtmaster came in 42mm.

[ras47]

Originally Posted by Dirt

It could be argued the Daytona has been left behind a little.

I have always felt it wore just a little small for me personally.



It's due for an update other than the addition of a Ceramic bezel.

Perhaps we will see something at Basel 2018?

At 42mm or more I’ll finally jump on one. I have 7.75” wrists and tired eyes. I love my Omega Speedmaster at 44.25mm.

[Etschell]

Ill agree if they ever make a 42mm sub.

[Likestheshiny]

I'm not into large watches, but I think given the choice I'd prefer a 41mm Daytona to the current 39-ish steel Daytona. But really, that's just because I feel like chronos should be a little larger than a three-hander. Aside from that, I quite like the sizes available across the lineup.

[RXAPPP]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I'd hardly call the Sky Dweller or Sea Dweller "mainstream"?

Rolex has downsized the DJ from DJ2 to DJ41 and the DD2 to DD40. What I think Rolex are doing is finding the right current sizing for its model line up.

In Rolex terms they are SS Mainstream IMO. Also if Im not mistaken isnt the DJ2 41mm the same as the DJ41 with similar dials but jubilee options?

Personally I'm a recovering largewatchaholic. I have no intentions of going big again and have found 39-41 is my sweet spot. I'm not a Daytona fan at 39+ and would not like to see a 42 version either but i do find it interesting that there is a gradual increase in sizes with more and more product offerings going that way.

With things like maxi cases and dials already in the portfolio I suspect we will see a lot more with only the DD40 bucking the trend so far