Any thoughts...

Hi guys, I was wondering if a 5.5inch wrist (like mine) will be able to rock a 36mm watch. Theres a lot watches that I've been eyeing but curious if it will look good on me. Any thoughts about it? Btw I'm new to this whole watch hobby :) 

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Best way is to try them on. If you can visit an authorized dealer best to try the watch and make sure it feels comfortable on your wrist. The size of the watch yes it matters but as long as you are comfortable wearing it…just my 2 cents. Best of luck! also which watch are you eyeing? Most likely someone in this group of knuckleheads might have one or even tried one on. 🍻

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I suspect that 36mm may be your sweet spot, but as Ichibunz says try them on! Good hunting, the 36mm space seems to be making a bit of a comeback!

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Im thinking yes, but look for iones with short lug to lug...but yeah try them on!

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I've got 6 inch wrists (6.25 on a hot day) and 36mm fits me great. Keep an eye out though on the lug to lug length.

I'm wearing the Vaer A3 at the moment, which is 36mm in diameter, and has a length of 43mm. Whereas the 36mm Timex Expedition North solar field is 44.5mm in length. 1.5mm difference isn't a lot, but it might be noticeable for you.

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I would take into consideration both the case diameter (in this case 36mm) as well as the lug-to-lug width (the width from one end of the lugs to the other end across the watch case. Usually, if the lug-to-lug width is smaller than the width of your wrist, it’s not too large for you.
But, as @Ichibunz said, the best way is to try them on!

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I wear "too big" watches all the time. Like others have said, lug to lug is a big part. Also how the lugs curve make a difference too. Some watches are marketed as "ladies" watches but if you ignore that a world of possibilities opens up.

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It depends on the shape of your wrist and the design of the watch.  It’s very personal and unique to each watch.

My wife with her wide flat 5.5” wrist can comfortably wear up to 40mm divers. 

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I guess my wrist is somewhere between 17" and 18", and I really enjoy my new watch which is just under 36mm. But the case shape and lug to lug has a lot to say about the preceived size.

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Ichibunz

Best way is to try them on. If you can visit an authorized dealer best to try the watch and make sure it feels comfortable on your wrist. The size of the watch yes it matters but as long as you are comfortable wearing it…just my 2 cents. Best of luck! also which watch are you eyeing? Most likely someone in this group of knuckleheads might have one or even tried one on. 🍻

I’m saving in order for me to buy my dream watch which is the Tudor black bay 32 Black dial. But I also find the Nomos club campus 710 cool. Ugh I didn’t know watches are more addicting than bags 😂 thanks for the advice, truly appreciated it. 

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Davemcc

It depends on the shape of your wrist and the design of the watch.  It’s very personal and unique to each watch.

My wife with her wide flat 5.5” wrist can comfortably wear up to 40mm divers. 

That’s so cool. My partner told me that it looks weird if I wear any watches that is more than 35mm 😅 and that 35mm below is my sweet spot… well 33-34mm to be exact.

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Thanks y’all for your advice. Truly appreciated it guys. 

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There are a lot of factors to consider and a watch that on the paper may look too large may be just fine.

The case diameter is important, but at least as important is the lug-to-lug width and(!) how the lugs curve down. E.g. I have a Hamilton Khaki field watch and even though it has 52mm lug-to-lug, the lugs turn down so steeply that wears comfortably on my 7 in wrist.

Also, in the case of a bracelet if the end links are protruding or not can make a big difference.

Apart from the material dimension, the color of the dial makes a difference, in general darker colors will make the watch look smaller.

The case shape is also a factor, a Tissot PRX will appear much larger because of its cushion shape.

You should try some watches out on the wrist to get a good idea. Good luck! 

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jose67

There are a lot of factors to consider and a watch that on the paper may look too large may be just fine.

The case diameter is important, but at least as important is the lug-to-lug width and(!) how the lugs curve down. E.g. I have a Hamilton Khaki field watch and even though it has 52mm lug-to-lug, the lugs turn down so steeply that wears comfortably on my 7 in wrist.

Also, in the case of a bracelet if the end links are protruding or not can make a big difference.

Apart from the material dimension, the color of the dial makes a difference, in general darker colors will make the watch look smaller.

The case shape is also a factor, a Tissot PRX will appear much larger because of its cushion shape.

You should try some watches out on the wrist to get a good idea. Good luck! 

Thanks for the advice 

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AlwaysANewbie13

I’m saving in order for me to buy my dream watch which is the Tudor black bay 32 Black dial. But I also find the Nomos club campus 710 cool. Ugh I didn’t know watches are more addicting than bags 😂 thanks for the advice, truly appreciated it. 

Get both problem solved 😉…Both are great! oh man bags are something else too…i was shopping with my wife for her bag and I was jealous I wanted one too so I got one hahaha…

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Ha, I'm a monster with 8" wrists.  I won't wear anything less than 42mm.

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AlwaysANewbie13

That’s so cool. My partner told me that it looks weird if I wear any watches that is more than 35mm 😅 and that 35mm below is my sweet spot… well 33-34mm to be exact.

36mm on a 5.5” wrist. 

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37mm on a 5.5” wrist. 

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39.5mm. Same wrist. 

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40mm. Same wrist. 

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42mm

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46mm

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Don’t let anybody tell you what you like.  Find your own comfort and style. 

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Not only is 36mm a great size for your wrist.  There is a ton of older and vintage watches that were made in that size and many have gone down in price due to the popularity of 40mm watches.  Go bargain shopping for class watches at a fraction of the cost.

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36, 40, 45

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But the DOXA wears so flat and short that it's much more comfortable than the 16600

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TLDR, diameter matters less than other dimensions, and you should buy what you like

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As others have said, try things on if you aren't sure.  Here's a "ladys" watch that I'm a big fan of and would definitely wear.  Breitling Chronomat 36.

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  • I think that's going to be your sweet spot in terms of sizes to be honest! I think at that size it's good to start with thinner (maybe dress?) watches. Seiko do some really nice watches from their 5 range to Presage and all the way up to Grand Seiko, very easy to start a collection and have some really nice pieces at affordable ranges.
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

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36mm is the best. My wrist is almost 8 inches and I prefer 36mm watches on NATO so I can forget it's there. I have no qualms shopping in the ladies watch section. But prefer to make them

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thekris

As others have said, try things on if you aren't sure.  Here's a "ladys" watch that I'm a big fan of and would definitely wear.  Breitling Chronomat 36.

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They have GOT to stop categorizing sizes like this 

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yankthemike

They have GOT to stop categorizing sizes like this 

I think it's funny.  If you can sell a smaller watch to a man or a larger one to a woman, why wouldn't you do that?

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Welcome to this crazy (and often expensive!) hobby.  I agree with many of the comments here that recommend trying some on to see what you think. You may be one of the lucky ones that can wear a 34mm vintage Rolex that can sometimes be had for a decent price  (though if you’re a newbie, be careful and only purchase from a respected dealer like HODINKEE). All the best to you!

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36mm will work well for you! I own a new 36mm Explorer I and live it at 7.5 inch wrist 

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lug to lug and thickness makes a big impact on size as does dial size and dial color!

not sure if you all remember 'the slender wrist' now 'time squared,' but he did a really comprehensive breakdown on how casesize can be deceiving. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QldfWgOS9Yg

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Wear what you love and buy what you can afford.  Whatever make you feel good and right is all that matters.  ROCK it Hard and in good health 🤙🏽