Watch size for a man

[vxr8mate]

I received an old watch as a Christmas present which at first glance looks like a ladies; however, I’m told that men’s watches were used to be that small and its nothing unusual.

I think the watch was made in the 40’s / 50’s.

[Shaw Tarse]

How big is it??
Pics..

[Miguel Alvarez]

My two pennies.

I think it depends on you and your style. There is a guy I used to work with. Easily 6"3 if not taller and has a Santa Claus build. Wears what looks like small dress watch Omegas and they suit him. I'd personally feel a bit funny wearing something that small. I'm thinking 39mm/40mm is my personal size and I've thrown in 19mm/20mm lug size as well to the mix just for added difficulty when shopping.

You then need to take into account the size of watch face, dial to bezel ratio etc etc.

[sjg]

Is there a question in there somewhere?

Yes, typical watch sizes were much smaller decades ago. I have a lovely 50s Omega Seamaster which is 34mm and it's great - I'd rather have that than some of the 45+mm wrist-clocks that some wear.

Wrist watches only became viable when it was possible to shrink the mechanical movement of a pocket-watch down enough to wear on the wrist. As they first became popular with military officers (esp artillery), something discreet that would fit under a uniform cuff was better - and likewise a "better" watch would be one that was smaller. Once quartz movements took off, this was no longer an issue and coincided with sports/divers watches becoming more popular - thus size started to be used more to show how sturdy and rugged they are. This plus (IMO) the diminishing need to wear a watch with computers, phones, car clocks, etc everywhere means they're more of a fashion item than ever and bigger is more eye-catching to many.

[Hoofy]

Mmm. I do think larger men can get away with wearing larger watches. I tried that 50+mm Oris diver and I looked like a small boy wearing his dad's watch. Looked about acceptable on the owner's wrist, however. I won't say who the PH owner was but I'm sure he's reading.

In a way, you win and lose some. I like Panerais but they are a bit too big for me. I also like vintage and retro watches and they don't look bad on my wrist.

[CardShark]

Vintage gent's wrist watches would typically be around mid 30mm and whilst there are still some watches sold at around the same case size the average is probably a few mm larger.

[Hoofy]

NeMiSiS said:

Anything less than 38mm in diameter is a ladies watch, yet ladies look good in mens size watches, but men don't look good in ladies size watches.

All IMHO.

By today's standards, I agree... but the real men who faced up to Germans and kept Britain Nazi-free probably wore ladies' watches...