The Case for Small Cases
Long post. For those who dont think small watches will fit their style. @Porthole thought you would appreciate this one...
When I started my collecting journey smaller size watches were not on my radar. To be perfectly honest I had no idea that case sizes in 32mm-36mm were even a thing, or that a 38mm watch was considered a large size. My 20's saw every bit of the 80's & 90's BIG watch craze. I love movies so it was hard not to notice with the likes of Sylverster Stallone wearing a Panerai Luminor 5218-201/a which was 44mm in the movie Daylight. Or Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing the Seiko SNJ025 (Arnie) that had a case size of 47.8mm in the movie Predator. I was impressionable during the 80's and 90's and who didn't like or want to be somewhat like Sly or Arnie (if you disagree, you're fooling yourself).
My first watch that I purchased and wore in the early to mid-90's was a Luminox. Yep, I saw it in a movie, one about Navy Seals, so I had to have one. It was either a 43mm or 45mm. I copped it at Hudson's on clearance! That guy got me through the good and tough times. It took me about 10 years before I gravitated to Nike watches (Lance Armstrong) as I followed the Tour De France every year as well as the first "real" watch my wife purchased me, a Kenneth Cole Monaco, both larger case sizes. I consider myself taller 6' 3" and weigh about 235lbs, so my assumption (although wrong) was that I required a larger size watch.
From 1990 to May of 2023 I never owned or tried on a watch smaller than 42mm. Although in the mid-00's I learned about smaller watches and passed no judgement on anyone for wearing one, I prefered the larger case size; for me it was about my personal comfort zone. The term is defined as: A place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress. Comfortability for most is a good place, it's safe or risk averse if you will. In order to leave my comfort zone it would require making the choice to learn and have a growth phase about a subject that I did not fully understand and refused to accept, embrace or even try for that matter.
Early last year I started to get the itch to learn about vintage watches. It was a scary prospect, considering the horror stories I've read about franken watches, etc. Vulcain Alarm watches popped up on my radar as they have been having a resurgence and learning that American Presidents wore them was intriguing. In May of 2023 I came across one in fantastic condition with the original bracelet, and it still worked! I negotiated and got it for a great price; the kind of price that if it were not original I would not have lost any sleep. I took it to a jeweler that deals with vintage watches and he validated that the watch was indeed original.
As you are aware the watch is smaller, very small, 34mm small! I was more blinded by the historical nature that I had not even considered the miniscule or deminiative size. My end goal was to get a vintage watch into my collection. Being a "new to me" watch I kept trying it on and wore it from time-to-time around the house. The more I wore the watch, the more normal it felt. I enjoyed its smaller size, the fact that it was light and I could class it up a bit with formal wear, etc. Never would you have caught me with a 34mm watch on my wrist. I wear it proudly now, not because this was a normal size for men in the 20's, 30's, 40's, etc., more because I like the look and it feels great! There is something romantic and charming about wearing a smaller watch!
ADVANTAGES
Comfort: Small case sizes are generally more comfortable on the wrist, especially for those with smaller wrists.
Versatility: They can be suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Understated Elegance: They exude a classic and understated elegance, appealing to those who prefer subtle style.
Vintage Appeal: They attract collectors and enthusiasts.
Lightweight: The reduced size often results in a lighter weight, making them less cumbersome to wear.
DISADVANTAGES
Legibility: Smaller watches have reduced dial space, potentially impacting the legibility of time.
Limited Features: Smaller cases can limit the additional features or complications due to the space constraints.
Fragility: They are perceived as more delicate, raising concerns about durability in different settings. Water/rain being one of them...
Not Ideal For Sporty Activities: No need for commentary here...
I am not here to convince anyone that smaller case sizes are for you or even better. This is my story and if you have gotten this far and only wear larger watches I know your struggle and know you are not alone. That being said, what would life be with only liking one type of fruit? One color? Sounds crazy right. Harken back to a time when you tried something new. Do you remember how exhilarating it felt? Some of those decisions worked and some did not, but it was an experience and you found out something about yourself that you didn't know before. Currently I own 2 Vulcains (both 34mm) and a new-to-me Seiko Lord Matic with a size of 36mm (posted today on WRUW).
In the end you can enjoy the best of both worlds!
Early to being a watch enthusiast. Enjoy the history of horology as much as I do the hunt for the next timepiece. I enjoy striking up conversations with folks I don't know and finding out what drew th...
Well shared indeed mate! Guess we went through similar experiences except I didn't even know watches was a thing when I started. N I started really, really late... Like maybe 2 years ago?
My boss was n still into Rolexes n he found that I like chronographs, so he kinda initiated me on this path. I was wearing a large Casio Edifice Chrono (ard 42mm) on my wrist but I don't even know that it's one. 😁
As I graduated into mechanical watches, I started with Seiko 5s n their sizes was n still are a bit of a challenge to me. I'm so Comfortable with larger sized watches that 36 - 37mm looked really small to my eyes n... I had a hard time getting used to them.
I'm Still in the process of getting used to them but I'm Still a bit more used to my Seiko SNXS73 than my SNK381... Although I know I'll get there... Eventually. 😁
I started wearing watches in the 70's and always found the larger watches looked strange and too big, the watch equivalent of a big medallion and a hairy chest. Over time I've softened my views and now my collection is almost all over 38mm. Fashion 🤷
I started wearing watches in the 70's and always found the larger watches looked strange and too big, the watch equivalent of a big medallion and a hairy chest. Over time I've softened my views and now my collection is almost all over 38mm. Fashion 🤷
I know riiiight... Still prefer the 38 - 40mm mostly though adapting to smaller sizes currently... 😁
Well shared indeed mate! Guess we went through similar experiences except I didn't even know watches was a thing when I started. N I started really, really late... Like maybe 2 years ago?
My boss was n still into Rolexes n he found that I like chronographs, so he kinda initiated me on this path. I was wearing a large Casio Edifice Chrono (ard 42mm) on my wrist but I don't even know that it's one. 😁
As I graduated into mechanical watches, I started with Seiko 5s n their sizes was n still are a bit of a challenge to me. I'm so Comfortable with larger sized watches that 36 - 37mm looked really small to my eyes n... I had a hard time getting used to them.
I'm Still in the process of getting used to them but I'm Still a bit more used to my Seiko SNXS73 than my SNK381... Although I know I'll get there... Eventually. 😁
Your Seiko's look incredible! I think you nailed, they just look small to your eyes. We get accustomed after time to certain things. When we introduce something new there is a glitch if you will that we cannot overcome right away.
Probably my best learned lesson of 2023. Thanks ans have a wonderful Sunday 🙏
I started wearing watches in the 70's and always found the larger watches looked strange and too big, the watch equivalent of a big medallion and a hairy chest. Over time I've softened my views and now my collection is almost all over 38mm. Fashion 🤷
Isn't that interesting. Given time we simply change as people. We begin to dislike things we loved and start to like things we did not appreciate. I didn't start putting pepper or hot sauce on food until my mid-40's. My tastes have changed as I've gotten older.
Sounds like you are starting to appreciate larger watches (38mm) that were out of your comfort zone. Thanks Clive 🙏
I know riiiight... Still prefer the 38 - 40mm mostly though adapting to smaller sizes currently... 😁
And that's a good thing. Why not have the best of both worlds. 🙏
Your Seiko's look incredible! I think you nailed, they just look small to your eyes. We get accustomed after time to certain things. When we introduce something new there is a glitch if you will that we cannot overcome right away.
Probably my best learned lesson of 2023. Thanks ans have a wonderful Sunday 🙏
Cheers mate. Always grateful to have fellow watchfam who share their experiences n revelations here n help each other enjoy their journeys... Great stuff, Great sharing indeed n a very Blessed Sunday to you too, mate. 😊
Isn't that interesting. Given time we simply change as people. We begin to dislike things we loved and start to like things we did not appreciate. I didn't start putting pepper or hot sauce on food until my mid-40's. My tastes have changed as I've gotten older.
Sounds like you are starting to appreciate larger watches (38mm) that were out of your comfort zone. Thanks Clive 🙏
Think as we age, we just needed some... Spice. 😁 😋 💖 🤗
Good job.
The thing is, and I always say, men can wear 27mm + as history supports this. Some army-issued WWII watches are 27mm, but most ATPs are sub-34mm. I’m not advocating that you all have to wear small, but the constant questioning of whether sub-38mm is emasculating you is boring as fuck. Historically and rationally, you’re all fine. Your forefathers called…
I think time and place. Certain fits call for certain sizes. And sometimes you throw all the “rules” out the window and just have fun with it.
I'm a fan of small watches, and not just because I have a small wrist. They're more comfortable, more versatile, and easier to wear. They project an easy confidence because they're not screaming "look at me!" No shade to anyone who likes a big watch. But not all watches need to be big, and many have no need to be as big as they are.
One point I found interesting was the perceived fragility. I saw a post yesterday, can't remember who it was, but they tried on the same watch in two sizes and said they liked the bigger one because it looked more like a tool watch that could take a beating. I thought that was so odd.
Here's what I mean: a G Shock isn't tough because it's big. It's big because it's so tough. The module sits suspended inside and the outside shroud is meant to absorb shock. These are watches meant to survive being dropped from buildings and run over by trucks! They have to be over engineered to do that. And Casio has been working on making the tech smaller for ages. The Carbon Core Guard series is such an attempt. There are G Shocks today that are smaller than ever. And most importantly, what G Shock is doing does NOT apply to other watches.
Something interesting I've learned about beater watches is that small can be just as good, and sometimes better than big, all else being equal. Sure a G Shock may take a beating and survive, but an F 91w can do just as well. Why? It's so small and slim it's never going to take a bunch of those knocks in the first place.
So all else being equal, I'll take a smaller watch over a bigger one for durability against shock. Yes, there's not as much space around the same movement, but that makes for a tight package. A box that doesn't rattle, if you will. But moreso because that bigger watch is more likely to get banged on every door jamb and tree trunk I encounter. The smaller watch is less likely to even encounter a lot of the objects that would otherwise be banging up against that bigger watch. Like a boxer, you can redirect a punch or you can absorb a punch, but the best way to not get your bell rung is to not be where the punch lands in the first place.
Very enjoyable post. I never went through a large watch phase, but I have bobbed up and down with the fashions. Watches originally became small to show off miniaturization. Men's watches were never as small as women's watches. The 27mm to 30mm period was short. It is my opinion that the natural size for men's watches was reached in the post war era when they were 33mm-36mm. And the strap, band, or bracelet was part of the look, not to be hidden on the back of the wrist.
But, to each their own.
These two watches are separated by forty years but have exactly the same size dial:
Thanks for sharing your journey! Mine's kinda similar albeit in a more compressed time frame. The grail in my 20s was the Panerai Luminor, loved the distinct crown guard and how it's 'different' to all the other watches out there. But I could not afford it, so I got myself a chunky Tissot Chrono and a B&R over time.
Fast forward a few years when I properly got into this hobby, I continued in the larger sizes (42 43s). But suddenly I liked the look of vintage watches, especially the triple cal / QPs from the big swiss maisons which were small (33-36 mainly), and I also started getting some indies that were smaller (39 40) such as Serica which has become my most worn watch since I got it.
When I had a chance to get a neo vintage JLC triple cal at a good deal (35mm), I jumped at it and I love how it looks and how elegant and light it feels. It's now the smallest watch in my collection.
Will big become a fad again? I'm not sure, but for now I'm not staying around to find out, already looking to clear out the biggies to make way for more smaller watches.
Love this post and love your journey. Much the same but edits along the way. I embrace smaller cases on my 6.5" wrist and completely think it fits. Oddly I even gravitate to those online influencers that have smaller wrists and reco them, like Teddy.
Here's my vintage Zodiac and its 33mm
And my 35mm vintage Omikron swiis field watch. Thx for sharing your story my friend!
Cheers mate. Always grateful to have fellow watchfam who share their experiences n revelations here n help each other enjoy their journeys... Great stuff, Great sharing indeed n a very Blessed Sunday to you too, mate. 😊
It's what I love about this community the most. Thank you cheers 🍻.
I came back to smaller watches in much the same way. I bought a Bulova Academy Award, from 1950 because I wanted a small tank watch. That was the beginning of the end for me. I now prefer to wear 30-34 mm watches. With the exception of my Orient Kamasu which is my "beater" watch I really no longer enjoy wearing anything over 36mm. Pretty much everything you said. Also, I have a pretty average watch at 7 and a half. I don't find they look "too small".
Thanks Tony. Smaller watches do feel great on wrist. They look classy when worn properly in my opinion. Have a good evening.
I love smaller watches. The size allows the bracelet or strap to form part of the look and I also think that they make my wrists look bigger. That Camy is 20mm by 40mm and the Oris is 31,5mm. They look awesome on wrist.
Small watches just look so damn good on me that wearing something larger than 38mm happens only once in a blue moon for me.
Those are stunning watches Ryan. Wearing my new Seiko felt so normal and I found myself continually looking down at my wrist and smiling. Like experiencing something new that you enjoy for the first time.
The Zenith revival is absolutely stunning. I had no idea that your Frank Muller was 32mm. Looks great on your wrist. Thanks Nir.
32w 45 lug to lug
34mm is the sweet spot for me with round watches. I don't have any issues wearing smaller and have a number of 33mm watches, even a 31mm. I had a 29mm before but I gave that to my 18 year old daughter. I didn't give it to her because it was too small. It was the only one I have she actually liked. I still miss it on my wrist. I can tolerate bigger watches. I have a 38.5mm and a 39mm which I love. I can wear a 40mm without it being an issue (from time to time). But anything above 40mm and I feel like I have an agenda.
Congrats,those are very nice watches.Enjoy.
@R_onin Bro, you might appreciate this.
With you on this, good sir.
34mm is the sweet spot for me with round watches. I don't have any issues wearing smaller and have a number of 33mm watches, even a 31mm. I had a 29mm before but I gave that to my 18 year old daughter. I didn't give it to her because it was too small. It was the only one I have she actually liked. I still miss it on my wrist. I can tolerate bigger watches. I have a 38.5mm and a 39mm which I love. I can wear a 40mm without it being an issue (from time to time). But anything above 40mm and I feel like I have an agenda.
I'm feeling smaller watches. They look charming, classy and feel great! Thanks Sherwin. 🙏
Congrats,those are very nice watches.Enjoy.
Thank you Rene 🙏
@R_onin Bro, you might appreciate this.
I'm now considering this. Thanx @hakki501
Great post Danilo! I’m also into smaller sizes lately… keeping it in a more classic men’s sizes. Had that thought with my 32mm witch Frank Muller, which is still a bit small on my wrist, bu I think that with its unique presence, the modest size fits best to this piece
Also thinking about the Zenith Revival 384 in 37mm width for a chronograph
Da-ang... That Franck Muller is 32mm??😳
That looks so good on your wrist! 😁 👏 🤩
32mm width to 45mm lug to lug
I thought for a while they will not fit in mine but I was wrong.
The right message!