Advice needed - OP 34 vs OP 39

[jjlawrence]

Researching the new Oyster Perpetual models in 34mm and 39mm. I don't like the 36mm dial design.

My wrist is mere 6.25 inches on a hot day. Without yet having a chance to try them both on, this was what I came up with for comparison. Photos are not my own and were sourced from various internet sites.

Please chime in with any advice or anything I might have missed (apart from the inevitable "JUST TRY THEM ON").

34mm

PROS:
• MSRP $5050
• Case more cushion-shaped than round
• Lug to lug 44mm
• Likely a slightly better fit for my wrist size

CONS:
• Dial more squished (less space b/w hands & dots)
• 3130 movement doesn’t have new Paraflex shock protection
• Slightly worse legibility (size & lume plots)
• Crown too small for case?
• Worse resale value (costs more to own if I sell)

39mm

PROS:
• Dial less cramped (more space b/w hands & dots)
• 3132 movement has new Paraflex shock protection
• Slightly better legibility
• Crown size is better proportioned
• Better resale value

CONS:
• MSRP $5700
• Lug to lug 48mm (Submariner)
• Likely slightly worse fit

[AK797]

39 looks fine.

[douglasf13]

Nice, that new OP is my favorite of all new Rolex watches. I prefer 36mm on my 7” wrist, so 34mm should be great for your wrist. Ryan Gosling wears 34mm, and it looks good to me.

[Speed]

Go 36 - meet in the middle.

[jjlawrence]

Originally Posted by Speed

Go 36 - meet in the middle.

Thanks, but as stated in my original post the 36mm has a unique dial design that I dislike. So, it's between the 34 and 39.

[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.

[RazorD]

I really like the OP39 in white

[jjlawrence]

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.

Thanks. What is your wrist size?

[zjd168]

If the price is the same, which one will you pick? That will be your answer

If still can't decide, then buy the 39. It is easier to sell in the future when you need to.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by jjlawrence

Thanks. What is your wrist size?

I recently remeasured and I’m right at 7.125” pulled tight. I prefer 36-39 for dress (on leather) and 40-42 for sport (on bracelet or rubber). I’ll wear vintage anything though.

Take your wrist size out of it for this though. Personally I think an OP34 would look incredibly feminine unless you’re under 5’8 and 150 lbs. It’s a tiny watch in person, and it’s not like it’s a vintage Patek at 34 on a leather strap, it’s a sport model with an oyster case/bracelet.

[Gaijin]

I own a Date 34 and an OP 39. The 34 gets literally zero wrist time. It was my Dad's and he loved it. I prefer a larger watch. No wrong answer here just personal preference.

[jjlawrence]

Originally Posted by dmash

I recently remeasured and I’m right at 7.125” pulled tight. I prefer 36-39 for dress (on leather) and 40-42 for sport (on bracelet or rubber). I’ll wear vintage anything though.

Take your wrist size out of it for this though. Personally I think an OP34 would look incredibly feminine unless you’re under 5’8 and 150 lbs. It’s a tiny watch in person, and it’s not like it’s a vintage Patek at 34 on a leather strap, it’s a sport model with an oyster case/bracelet.

Thank you. I'm 5'11" and 135 lbs, so average height but very slender. I'm leaning towards the 39 and your comment was helpful. Definitely would not wear it with a strap as I love the Oyster bracelet and have too many leather strap watches already.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by jjlawrence

Thank you. I'm 5'11" and 135 lbs, so average height but very slender. I'm leaning towards the 39 and your comment was helpful. Definitely would not wear it with a strap as I love the Oyster bracelet and have too many leather strap watches already.

Yeah I’m about 5’11 185 with my preferences. This is commonly overlooked in the whole realm of watch sizing. If somebody is 5’7 and 135lbs he can’t carry a 42mm sport watch like somebody 6’0 and 200lbs, even if they have the exact same wrist size. With you being 5’11 I truly think an OP34 on bracelet will look really dainty.

Good luck

[OceanSade]

I have a small wrist too (6.1”) and I went to an AD recently to try on both 34mm and 36mm DJ after looking at countless photos online.
When I put the 34mm on, it seems shockingly smaller than what I saw from photos, 36mm is a better fit for me. I suggest you can get the 39mm if you don’t like the dial of 36mms. The 39mm has some improvement in specs too over the 34mm model.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by jjlawrence

Thanks, but as stated in my original post the 36mm has a unique dial design that I dislike. So, it's between the 34 and 39.

Crap.

Missed that. Sorry.

34mm then.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by OceanSade

I have a small wrist too (6.1”) and I went to an AD recently to try on both 34mm and 36mm DJ after looking at countless photos online.
When I put the 34mm on, it seems shockingly smaller than what I saw from photos, 36mm is a better fit for me. I suggest you can get the 39mm if you don’t like the dial of 36mms. The 39mm has some improvement in specs too over the 34mm model.

People need to definitely look at it in person, if they haven’t before. That hodinkee article discussing how much he loves the OP34 has people wrongly thinking that statement applies to them. An OP34 is entirely a woman’s watch for 90% + people, no question about it.

[ink3027]

34mm no doubt.

[Skyrider01]

Unless you have exceptionally small wrists, I think the smallest size which looks good on a man is 36mm. I have 7" wrists, and I feel anything less than 39mm looks too small on me.

[Frank80]

I prefer the 34mm personally for my 6.25" wrist, but I'm 5'7" and 140 lbs. At your height I'd probably go with the 39mm since its not a bulky case. If you can, try on both at an AD and see which one suits you best.

[Urosfan]

39

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Frank80

I prefer the 34mm personally for my 6.25" wrist, but I'm 5'7" and 140 lbs. At your height I'd probably go with the 39mm since its not a bulky case. If you can, try on both at an AD and see which one suits you best.

Exactly as I stated above

[brucethemanlee]

Why don’t u like the 36mm dial?


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[dmash]

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

Why don’t u like the 36mm dial?


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Pretty sure because it has double batons, looks weird, I agree with him

[jjlawrence]

Originally Posted by dmash

Pretty sure because it has double batons, looks weird, I agree with him

Bingo. The double batons look doesn’t work nearly as well as the stark single batons (especially on white) and I can’t put my finger on why. I knew the first time I looked at that dial that it was a miss. No idea why they chose to implement a different design for the 36.

[Watch Rob]

Men or women can wear big or small watches, it doesn't matter. Just wear what you like.

[gk032]

The only way you’ll know for sure is to try both on. Bad fit is a deal breaker. You’ll feel that each time you wear the watch. Go with the better fit—34mm.


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[gooter]

It may have been addressed already and I missed it, but do you have the opportunity to try both on? You will know immediately which one is for you once you try them.

[123Blueface]

No way would I consider a 34.
As has been stated, I think that is a woman’s size.
I have a 6.5” wrist and wear 40, 42, 43 and 44 just fine.

[EDL7]

Most men have problems with a 34..because on some level..they think its a womans watch..and cant get behind that..even though the proportions and weight are wonderful..and bigger dik swingin watches are a relatively recent development..
Personally..the 34mm comes in at 120 gms..and 115 gms with a link or 2 off..is a little top heavy but not as cumbersome as the 36/39 OP's..
If you want comfort and class..but a different look..get the 34..if you have a problem with the size and don't mind the extra weight..you know what to do..
But you are going to live with it everyday ..so take your time making your decision..

[douglasf13]

Since you’re not a big guy, I would either get the OP 34mm or look at another watch in 36mm. I’m 6’2” 180lbs, and I rarely wear my 39mm any more, unless it’s on a strap. 36mm is my daily, and I’d only go 39mm-40mm in a sport watch with a bezel function. A big watch just makes you looks smaller, anyways.

After a decade or so of dinner plates, smaller, vintage-y sizes are finally coming back.