The missing dimension
I wish watch specs included the "dial" size. By that I mean the visible crystal. I believe the variance in dial size can make a watch appear much smaller or larger than the case size might otherwise indicate.
For example: Islander ISL22 case is 38 & dial is 27.4 (bezel is 36). The Zodiac Skin 53 case is 38 & dial is 31 (bezel is 39). The dial in the Zodiac is 13% larger. I feel the ISL22 is a little small on my wrist, but the Zodiac & RLG (30.1 dial) are perfect. But all 3 have a 38mm case.
With on-line shopping growing, and people buying watches they haven't tried on, I think this extra dimension would be helpful when choosing a watch.
Any thoughts on this? Is this just my hang-up and not an issue for anyone else?
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Tim
@MycroftTime
Chicago guy who enjoys Chicago, watches, and travel.
Chicago
Member since
Last active: 6 hrs ago
So many seem to focus on lug-to-lug as the most important factor for whether a watch wears too large. I’ve got a wide wrist - 60mm - so lug-to-lug is rarely an issue, unless it’s truly ludicrous. A large dial size, however, can make a watch a watch feel far too large.
My personal preference is for a dial size of around 30mm; about half the width of my wrist. Any bigger than that (irrespective of the case size) and the watch starts to feel too big.
So something like a 40mm Nomos Tangente just feels too large, because it’s all dial; but a 35mm Stowa Antea wears just fine.
So many seem to focus on lug-to-lug as the most important factor for whether a watch wears too large. I’ve got a wide wrist - 60mm - so lug-to-lug is rarely an issue, unless it’s truly ludicrous. A large dial size, however, can make a watch a watch feel far too large.
My personal preference is for a dial size of around 30mm; about half the width of my wrist. Any bigger than that (irrespective of the case size) and the watch starts to feel too big.
So something like a 40mm Nomos Tangente just feels too large, because it’s all dial; but a 35mm Stowa Antea wears just fine.
Exactly!
I just picked up my first 38mm diver style ISL-127, and it looks and feels tiny with the bezel and insert. Have a 40mm 3 hand with no bezel that feels like a 42mm but has male endlinks, also my first 40mm non bezel watch, sounds crazy!! Have female endlinks ordered to see if I tighten up the feel a little bit.
I just picked up my first 38mm diver style ISL-127, and it looks and feels tiny with the bezel and insert. Have a 40mm 3 hand with no bezel that feels like a 42mm but has male endlinks, also my first 40mm non bezel watch, sounds crazy!! Have female endlinks ordered to see if I tighten up the feel a little bit.
I do feel my Islander 38mm looks and feels "less small" on the nylon strap. I have it on a Crown and Buckle Chevron strap. I have switched between that and the OEM bracelet several times over the almost 3 years I have owned it. I think I will be leaving it on the nylon strap even though the bracelet is excellent. I'd be curious to know what affect the new endlinks have.
You raise a good point but good fit comes down to a bunch of variables. I think trying them on is critical especially when the prices get higher. I’m lucky to live in an area with lots of ADs but I can see great value in planning a trip to shop watches. Specs are shadows.