36mm vs 39mm Explorer? 7.25” wrist…

[the dark knight]

FWIW, I've begun to almost completely discard wrist size and wrist shots as a measure of what would be an appropriate watch size.

Granted these things are somewhat subjective and I'm biased as well. But I have 6.5 inch wrists at 6'2". And 210 lbs, so not that skinny either. I personally think a 42mm Exp II looks much better on me than a 36mm Exp I, but based on wristshots alone most people (including myself!) would think exactly the opposite.

I honestly think taller but small wristed people pull off bigger watches better than say, shorter people with huge wrists. And then of course there are extremes on both sides where the decision should be easy. John Cena wears an Explorer II that looks comically small on him, for example.

[fishingbear]

I think the 39mm would be perfect.

[winst]

I have a 6.75 inch wrist and had both 214270 and 124270. Had to decide between the two and stuck with the 124270. Was never as keen on the Matt dial and felt there was something not quite right with the dial / indices proportions of the 214270. It’s all what’s best for the individual though. Good luck!

[fskywalker]

36 mm as dislike the proportions of the 39 mm Exp


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[Category_theory]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

Uhh... hasn't it been almost 2 years? I wish I had your level of patience.

Jesus! You’re right! Last year was a storm professionally and I guess personally too…. Perhaps I’ve just blocked it out :).









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[clubrcr]

Years ago, I had the same problem. I went from a 36 Day Date to a Daytona. I have small wrists and didn't know if could pull it off. Going with the larger size was easy and now the 36 looks too small. Go for the bigger size, you'll be happier.

[Jawnz]

I’m looking to buy an Explorer and with 6” wrists the decision for me was made easy. I think you should go with the 39”

[2thdock]

Well three pages on this simple subject. ( simple?) I will add my opinion. I have a Hamilton Khaki filed watch in 38 that always seems a bit small in my 6.75 wrist. My wife has a gorgeous mint 36 DJ that when I try on looks too small. Old fashion even. So I vote 39. As a side note I am looking at anSD43 as a daily so my opinion my be discounted. Also, someone mentioned the Daytona. Its too small. By brother in law has one and he had a 8 in wrist I guess ( never asked him) but , to me, his Daytona looks comically small.

[1995akcoop]

36mm is for women…. go 39 bruh


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[AF_Rob]

Another vote for 39, given your wrist size. I prefer the 36, but my wrist is a full inch smaller.

[Will733]

Another vote for 39mm

I have a 6.75” wrist and feel it’s perfect

[Santiago32]

39mm is the best Explorer variation

[5thLegion]

I have personally flipped on this. 7 inch wrist and I have now owned both. In my view the 124270 does indeed wear better. It’s a smaller watch to be certain, but it just wears better than the 214270. Also the proportions on the 124270 are more balanced. I must admit, I prefer the 36mm.

[Kenny G]

Loving that the OP has been debating this since June 2021.

Anyway, with a 7.25’’ you can wear either as it just comes down to personal preference. Any wrist over 6.75” can wear the 39mm without a problem but anything less than that and I’d definitely go with the 36mm. I personally think the 39mm looks best on a 7.5’’ wrist.

Some questions to ask yourself:

Do you like the more comfortable fit and feel of smaller watches?
Do you like the vintage look of smaller watches or prefer more wrist presence?
Do you prefer the gloss black dial of the new 36 or the flatter dial 39?
Do you want to get the new 70hr movement (or possibly avoid it)?

[matthew P]

I think 7.25 and up is the area where the MKII really shines….. I always like the way that watch look on other peoples wrist when they were larger than my own 7 inch size. The proportions seemed to make more sense….or at least not bother me as much.
Although I prefer the 124270 as a watch and on my wrist for your wrist I think I would recommend the MKII, unless you were really wanting something with a dressier or vintage feel ( or you want to comfort of the smaller watch )




Good luck with your search…. Chasing down a MKII shouldn’t be too hard


..Explorer & Spring Diver - I’m just here for the photos..

[omar-rye]

7”wrist. I like the 39mm because it’s one of a kind (in the Explorer line)









Wife wore it while I swam in the ocean


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[Ollie1982]

I have a 7.25 inch wrist and my 41mm 2021 Submariner fits me well.

Saying that, I have just bought a 114270 Explorer in 36mm, and although it looked small for the first few days, my eye quickly adjusted and now it looks like perfection. There is nothing worse than seeing a <7inch wrist, wearing a SkyDweller or Explorer II with lugs hanging over the wrist. A watch should fit the wrist of the wearer, and IMO it doesn't matter if you are a big boy at over 6ft and carry a few extra pounds.

There is no use simply trying on a 36mm in a store for 2 minutes and expecting it to look good off the bat. It takes time to get used to something smaller, especially when you are used to a ~40mm watch. But if you have a wrist of less than 7 inches, I urge you to go against the grain (ignore to bullshit on here about 36mm watches being for girls) and actually buy a watch that fits you properly.

[MSL]

I get that sizing is very important but personally speaking I prefer the gloss dial of the 124270 36mm.

[S.Explorer]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

I have a 7.25 inch wrist and my 41mm 2021 Submariner fits me well.

Saying that, I have just bought a 114270 Explorer in 36mm, and although it looked small for the first few days, my eye quickly adjusted and now it looks like perfection. There is nothing worse than seeing a <7inch wrist, wearing a SkyDweller or Explorer II with lugs hanging over the wrist. A watch should fit the wrist of the wearer, and IMO it doesn't matter if you are a big boy at over 6ft and carry a few extra pounds.

There is no use simply trying on a 36mm in a store for 2 minutes and expecting it to look good off the bat. It takes time to get used to something smaller, especially when you are used to a ~40mm watch. But if you have a wrist of less than 7 inches, I urge you to go against the grain (ignore to bullshit on here about 36mm watches being for girls) and actually buy a watch that fits you properly.

Have to agree, an oversized watch looks naff. Anyone who says a 36mm watch is only for girls is compensating for something.

[sinkholeninja]

I have a 7" wrist and own both the 36 & 39mm Explorer. To my eye, 36mm is much more balanced in terms of design.

[javier]

39

[Mountain]

Everyone will have their own opinion. And you should have your own! I have a 7” wrist and the 36mm sits perfectly. I love the proportions of the watch.

[Saxonite]

I have the same wrist size and got the 39. When the 36 came back out I tired one on and it felt too small. I wore a 38mm speedy reduced for years and that is about as small as I like to wear for a sports watch.

[pavinc]

Another vote for 39mm. Love mine.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by 1995akcoop

36mm is for women…. go 39 bruh


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Here we go again……


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[Plant]

Go to an AD or reseller and try on any 36mm watch they have. If you like the size go 36, otherwise go 39. Remember the DJ 41 is actually more like a 39 so if they have that and you like the size go 39

[1995akcoop]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Here we go again……


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What did I say??


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[Ny325]

The new 36mm Explorer, wears smaller than my 36mm white dial DateJust. The bracelet starts at 19mm, and tapers down on my 7 1/2 inch wrist. The 39mm wears better on my wrist. The previous version of the 36mm Explorer was slightly bigger, and looked better on my wrist.

[Sunny Arizona]

I like the 36

[Thegrants82]

36


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