Watch size
I've just recently begun learning about and collecting vintage watches. I have a question....for a vintage watch (1950s-1960s), is 32mm case size without the crown considered for men or women or both? The band size is 16mm if that helps. I've tried the internet and it's no help. I know that back then case size ran considerably smaller than today but I'm just lost here. Any help at all is appreciated!
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Dustin
So, I'm addicted/obsessed with watches. I've been collecting for years. Mainly a "budget" sub $100 collection of 60+ watches and counting. Everything from Citizen to Casio, Invicta and even a Seiko. H...
Oklahoma, USA
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Last active: 7 hrs ago
Most of my 50s and 60s watches range from 32 to 36mm. 32mm might be more the norm in the 40s. I think. Not sure. I'd be more than comfortable wearing a 32 or even a 29 if it's a vintage but your mileage may vary. All I can say is that the first time I wore a 29mm I felt a little bit embarrassed or awkward. That feeling went away very fast and now I absolutely love the look of a small watch on my wrist. 32mm is not too small at all for my 6 and a half inch wrist, at least not to me.
Here's a 32.5mm watch (18mm lugs) on my wrist, if that helps you.
Most of my 50s and 60s watches range from 32 to 36mm. 32mm might be more the norm in the 40s. I think. Not sure. I'd be more than comfortable wearing a 32 or even a 29 if it's a vintage but your mileage may vary. All I can say is that the first time I wore a 29mm I felt a little bit embarrassed or awkward. That feeling went away very fast and now I absolutely love the look of a small watch on my wrist. 32mm is not too small at all for my 6 and a half inch wrist, at least not to me.
Here's a 32.5mm watch (18mm lugs) on my wrist, if that helps you.
Ok I'm with you on the case size. Are 16mm lugs too narrow to be considered a men's watch,? I tried one on and it just looked so thin around my wrist. I'm probably overthinking this. It's just the smallest I've ever tried on.
Ok I'm with you on the case size. Are 16mm lugs too narrow to be considered a men's watch,? I tried one on and it just looked so thin around my wrist. I'm probably overthinking this. It's just the smallest I've ever tried on.
The only issue with 16mm lugs I have is the difficulty of getting nice straps. But I'm personally not worried about 16mm being too thin. Alternatively, you can always force an 18mm strap on the watch if 16mm is uncomfortable.
Here is a 31mm watch with 16mm lugs and 18mm strap for reference.
The only issue with 16mm lugs I have is the difficulty of getting nice straps. But I'm personally not worried about 16mm being too thin. Alternatively, you can always force an 18mm strap on the watch if 16mm is uncomfortable.
Here is a 31mm watch with 16mm lugs and 18mm strap for reference.
Thank you very much. I really hadn't thought of forcing a bigger size. Like I said I'm probably overthinking this which is why I didn't think of that.
When you get to 12mm for a watch strap you are in vintage ladies' watch territory. 16mm was perfectly acceptable for men and I have some 15mm that were as well. About half of my collection is 16mm. As you get into the 1960's you see a lot of 17mm. You have fewer choices at 17mm than at 16 or 18.
16mm is very acceptable for a mens vintage. Just my opinion, just be wary of the taper towards the clasp or buckle that is doesnt get too narrow.
Does it matter? If you like it wear it.
For men or for women I doesn’t bother me. I’ll wear anything