Wrist size vs watch size

[Token74]

Hi all

I have long since been a strong advocate for choosing watches based on the size of your wrist; for instance, a 37mm Royal Oak on a 8.5" wrist is going to look odd, as would a 44" Offshore on a 6" wrist.

I have 6.5" wrists so have typically avoided anything above 40mm; my collection until recently consisted of a Sea Dweller (40mm), a Daytona (39mm), a Royal Oak (37mm), and a Speedmaster Reduced (38mm).

But then I fell in love with the Royal Oak Diver (a big 42mm). And I thought, what the heck!

Personally, I think it is a little too big for me, but it is designed to be a big watch and to look big, and this is something that I hadn't really considered before. I tried on a 40mm Panerai and it looked wrong, because the design of Panerai lends itself to being big!

So I've had a change of heart! It's ok to wear a larger watch as long as (a) the case/lugs don't overhang the wrist, (b) it is designed to wear big, and (c) it is worn with appropriate attire (i.e. I think the Diver can look good with a suit, but I don't think it would work well with a suit with my smaller wrists).

Also. Strap choice can make a big difference. The Diver on a metal bracelet would I'm sure look too big on me, the rubber softens the size a little.

Agree? Disagree? Would welcome the thoughts of others.




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[AK797]

I agree with your a) and b), some brands carry size better than others like AP and ROOs especially. I find ROOs wear smaller as the dial is quite small, while large dial watches with thin bezels often put me off even if they are actually smaller in stated size. It's about balance too.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by AK797

I agree with your a) and b), some brands carry size better than others like AP and ROOs especially. I find ROOs wear smaller as the dial is quite small, while large dial watches with thin bezels often put me off even if they are actually smaller in stated size. It's about balance too.

This is a great shout and not one that I've thought of before, but now you've called it, I agree entirely. Dial size is a big factor.

[Watchfunday]

Agree 100%. ROO Diver looks very good on you! Not too big in my opinion. Also there are other considerations like width of the wrist, size of arms (especially forearms) and body type. I have only 7 inch wrist but I have found myself wearing Ti44 most of the time instead of 40mm Sub and GMT. ROO just feels and wears perfect for me. Hence I am considering another 44mm ROO or ROO diver to my collection.

[elcompa]

Although I'm not generally a fan of larger watches, I think it looks great! As noted in #4, a lot of things enter the mix when looking for the right watch size, body type, lifestyle, age, forearm size, choice of clothing... This one works for you! Very tough/badass looking. Super mechanical and masculine. Not sure if that is what you were going for, but that is how it strikes me at first blush.

I have smallish wrists and your pics makes me think I could pull this off too.

[locutus49]

I agree with you. Wrist size should be a prime factor in determining what watch to buy.

I have 6" wrists and currently wear a Daytona. And am looking at a 37mm AP, which fits me perfectly.

As to OP's AP, I think it looks great on your wrist, a little big but not excessively so. I don't know what a metal bracelet would do, but that rubber band is killer.

[tonupbklyn]

it looks strong on the wrist!

[PJ S]

Truthfully? It dwarfs your wrist.
As much as you may like it, and convince yourself that it’s designed to be big and bulky, the simple fact is that it just doesn’t look what most people would ascribe as “sensible”.
As always though, just like the other thread asking if a RO was being worn too loose, it’s your choice, and you’re the only one for whom it actually matters — for everyone else, it’s completely immaterial.

[V25V]

Looks a little big but not too bad. I have a 7" wrist and two ROO's and love them. That said, there is zero chance I would ever try to pull off a 44, just way too big in my opinion.

[Watcheroo]

Definitely agree. I’ve previously left and come back to ROO ownership and find I love having one in my collection. They just hit the spot sometimes. Enjoy the diver - it looks great

[Islatate]

Great thread Vince!

From my own personal experience, I have a 7" wrist and I can sport the 37mm 15450 and 42mm Jarno Trulli comfortably. However a 41mm RO or ROC doesn't look right on my wrist because of noticeable lug overhang due to the shape of my wrist being narrow but thicker than average. A rubber or horned back definitely helps with the fit on the 42mm ROOs in my collection - a bracelet would for sure overwhelm my wrist.

Again, great thread Vince. And the Diver looks great on you.

[Ziperian]

I think it looks fine on your wrist.

[antbkny]

you can definitely rock that!

[TimeOnHand]

Yes my thoughts exactly!

[Brew]

Interesting, to me on the closeups, too big; at a distance, looks good. Impressive, either way.

[kn_watches]

It looks good to me!

[2nastie]

Looks good to me. I think there is some wiggle room with the ROO especially with the Diver. The piece is meant to wear a bit bigger than other watches.

Congrats on the addition!

[GB-man]

Looks about how the 44 Ti wore on my 7” wrist. A touch big for my taste but def passable. Enjoy it

[Tmac478]

Originally Posted by Brew

Interesting, to me on the closeups, too big; at a distance, looks good. Impressive, either way.

My thoughts exactly. From a distance, it actually looks perfect.

[Rachdanon]

I think you have been too conservative in your approach. As others have pointed out, diver is not meant to be petite, looks good on you. I have smaller wrists at 6 1/3 inch (very similar to Tim of Govberg so I get to see how many watches would look on my wrists :-) )and like how it looks.

Some pics of mine for comparison.(rubber tends to flare out more, bracelet hugs better)

[PLNYC]

Looks good to me!

[Burlington]

Looking awesome

[/QUOTE]

[Wembleyisgreen]

wear it with confidence, then it doesn't matter.

[Peterandwatches]

When you can afford it, you make the rules, lol.

[kangajack]

Everyone has an opinion, but the only one you need to truly be concerned with is your own.

That said, I slightly disagree with the notion that a Diver should be worn larger, or a Pilot should be worn larger etc... when diving or flying in the cockpit of a fighter plane then sure. But when going to watch a baseball game or attend a meeting oversized watches are a distraction and highly noticeable(usually not in a good way). I think the Royal Oak diver would look wholly appropriate over a neoprene diving suit, but in the wild, it’s a huge chunk of metal that looks large on your wrist.


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[arosado]

Rubber strap vs Bracelet makes a big difference. Looks good, enjoy it!!

[jrs146]

I think it looks OK. It’s big on you there’s no getting around that. But I do agree, it’s somewhat designed to appear and wear big. So it works. Personally I’ve gone backwards. Even with a 7.5 inch wrist I don’t touch anything over 40mm. Maybe 42mm if it has tapered lugs and feels smaller, like a speedy.


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[walds11]

Way too big bro, but if it floats your boat, then that’s all that matters.

[Superburrito]

Looks good. A little big but certainly not ridiculous.

I need to try one on. Seems like a great casual watch.

[cjohns]

left is a 7 right 7 1/4 have a Master II and a DJ 41