Vintage dress watches looks nice, but they are so small!
A not so uncommon opinion is that vintage dresswatches looks great but they are on the small side. For many used to bigger watches that is of course true. A very traditional size in the 50s and 60s was 34mm. Some a bit smaller and some a smidge bigger. But there were also the Jumbo size in 37 or 38mm.
A very popular diver family today is the Tudor Black Bay 58 range. Praised for really good quality at a decent price point. It’s also praised for it’s size of 39mm. A perfect size when the trend tend to return to more moderate sized watches.
If you like the look of vintage watches but hinks they will be too ”petite”. Have a 2nd look at the Jumbo sizes. Take also into consideration the slimmer bezel on the dresswatches and you realize that this is watches with wrist presence.
For comparison a vintage Omega from the 50s, a Longines from the 60s, both 38mm. Compared to the BB58 in 39mm.
I collect new as well as vintage. I have a weak spot for 50s and 60s Omegas. Besides from those I consider myself allround.
I love smaller watches. Makes me feel like Clint Eastwood.
Checks time on 34mm Timex Marlin
"Are you feeling lucky, punk?"
I love smaller watches. Makes me feel like Clint Eastwood.
Checks time on 34mm Timex Marlin
"Are you feeling lucky, punk?"
Me too. I like mine from 33,5 and up.
I think modern watches are not only huge but often ugly. Give me vintage any day.
I love that they are petite! So many for me to choose from :)
Modern models are often monsters on my wrist if I'm choosing from the men's section. And clad with diamonds (I love diamonds, except when I don't) if I'm choosing from the women's section.
I'm being selfish but vintage dress watches are my goldilocks zone. ✨
Two points
1)I think smaller watches are coming back.
2) I think there is a difference when someone else looks at a watch on ure wrist from a distance vs when u look at ure own wrist in terms of a watch looking small. I’ve seen a few older gents who have obviously had their watches for years who have big wrists and id be guessing 36mm or even smaller watches on…. It looked good to me, but probs if I really looked at that same watch on my own wrist I would think it small
Some days I find my 38mm on the bigger side to. Most of my vintage dress pieces are around 34 and they are perfect for my 6,75” wrist.
A simple 3 hander I also often find too large. But with extra complications I can appreciate. The JLC MasterControl Calender with Moonphase is a favorite in 40mm. Not in my collection but I tried it on on numerous occasions.
I love that they are petite! So many for me to choose from :)
Modern models are often monsters on my wrist if I'm choosing from the men's section. And clad with diamonds (I love diamonds, except when I don't) if I'm choosing from the women's section.
I'm being selfish but vintage dress watches are my goldilocks zone. ✨
34mm works perfectly and lots to choose from in the pre loved market. We are on the same page.
Two points
1)I think smaller watches are coming back.
2) I think there is a difference when someone else looks at a watch on ure wrist from a distance vs when u look at ure own wrist in terms of a watch looking small. I’ve seen a few older gents who have obviously had their watches for years who have big wrists and id be guessing 36mm or even smaller watches on…. It looked good to me, but probs if I really looked at that same watch on my own wrist I would think it small
When I go from a 41mm diver (my biggest) to my 33,5mm (smallest) it takes some minutes to get used to, but then my brain done the transformation and I’m fine.
I think modern watches are not only huge but often ugly. Give me vintage any day.
There are some pretty ugly vintage watches out there as well😎 but I get the point.
Balony!! My wife says that size dosen't matter 🤭
Oldest and smallest I have, 1947 SS Dennison case Omega 30T2 movement 34mm. Never feels small, maybe because of the super thin bezel?
Oldest and smallest I have, 1947 SS Dennison case Omega 30T2 movement 34mm. Never feels small, maybe because of the super thin bezel?
Very nice. Those vintage Omegas are true gems. Love the even spread patina👍
On average people really were smaller back in the day, to include height and weight. So, watches were proportional.
Before computers, watches reflected high-tech miniaturization. Older people I known compared personalities and nature to "watchmakers" rather than "computers." It's one thing to make a wall clock, and another thing entirely to shrink it down while maintaining accuracy and reliability. The rise of inexpensive Seiko and quartz ended the analogy.
When people didn't have phones they'd focus on others' clothes -- especially shoes, cufflinks, watches, and other details. Smartphones suck up so much attention that a watch has to be huge for any impact today.
This again…
28-32mm up to the 60s was normal.
This again…
28-32mm up to the 60s was normal.
Beautiful samples you shared. I should have put my headline within quotes, it’s not me talking. I agree with you fully. Today standard is far from what it’s used to be. I don’t have any watches below 33,5. Most of my vintage watches are 34mm which also is considered small nowadays. My post was ment to highlight for those who shy away from vintage watches due to the size. As you pointing out, the norm and the majority of these watches were smaller, 34 and below. But not all, even if they are not as common, there are larger options. So you can look for vintage alternatives even if you prefer larger sizes. I tried to visualize that with my two samples.
Personally I tend to like watches with bezels between 38-40 mm and without bezel 36 to 38…
Personally I tend to like watches with bezels between 38-40 mm and without bezel 36 to 38…
There you go. These two vintage samples fit the bill👍
There you go. These two vintage samples fit the bill👍
Would definitly add to the collection 😋
I used to have an old 38mm jumbo Zenith - there are some lovely big little watches out there...
I used to have an old 38mm jumbo Zenith - there are some lovely big little watches out there...
Nice! Long gone?
Nice! Long gone?
A few years now. Not really missed as it never got wrist time.
A few years now. Not really missed as it never got wrist time.
But you still keep the photo in your wallet🥰
Growing up got to see uncle had his classic 3 Timex Marlin collection he made sure the watches match with his shoes, ties and belts. And those watches were about 38mm.