I made a huge mistake…
The #victorinox watch you see here is a practically new but “old stock” version of the watch that got me loving watches. It’s just like the one my dad had when I was growing up. I would beg him to wear it on special occasions as if it was something expensive and special. To me it was special. (High School dances, band concerts, senior pictures, etc) I always wanted one as an adult but they are shockingly small on my wrist and makes it look like a ladies watch on me.
Long story long…I recently discovered they made an XL version that was 43mm. Then I found this nearly new on EBay and wrongfully assumed it was the XL 43mm version # 249085. Much to my dismay and utter sadness this is the # 249088 39mm version.
The EBay post was accurate. I got so excited and overlooked the most important thing….the model number on the back! I’m a grown man and shouldn’t be this upset! All of the XL versions I have seen have had this type of “Victorinox” “Swiss Army” on the dial while the smaller varieties typically only have “Swiss Army” on two lines with no “Victorinox.” Costly mistake!
Not sure I’ll ever find the XL version in like new condition but I’ll keep looking!
Now I need to offload this little heart breaker somehow!
Live and Learn!
For what it’s worth, it doesn’t look small on you
What a bummer. I’ve spent the past half hour scouring the same sites I’m sure you have hoping to find something in stock with no luck sadly. I do agree with the other comment, don’t worry about it looking small because it doesn’t at all to me, I think those really shortly extended lugs make it nice and compact which might add to that sense.
For what it’s worth, it doesn’t look small on you
Appreciate that. I’m a big dude 6’2” 265lbs (weight is shrinking though).
I think the thing that makes it seem even smaller is the bezel is small compared to the case size. Also the band is super thin for my taste. Compared to my newly acquired Seiko its small. Even my wifey said…”looks dainty!” Lol
What a bummer. I’ve spent the past half hour scouring the same sites I’m sure you have hoping to find something in stock with no luck sadly. I do agree with the other comment, don’t worry about it looking small because it doesn’t at all to me, I think those really shortly extended lugs make it nice and compact which might add to that sense.
Appreciate your help and kind words my friend! You’re a good cruncher! One will turn up I’m sure.
IMO a watch that style and vintage is perfectly sized at 39mm. It doesn't appear small at all. If you are used to larger watches just wear it for a couple of days and you'll get used to it.
I luckily have 'girly' wrists. Actually wearing mine today WRUW pic says it all.
IMO a watch that style and vintage is perfectly sized at 39mm. It doesn't appear small at all. If you are used to larger watches just wear it for a couple of days and you'll get used to it.
Appreciate it!
I luckily have 'girly' wrists. Actually wearing mine today WRUW pic says it all.
Interesting! I haven’t seen one with that style of cross logo!
I hope that you are successful in sourcing a 43mm watch that is also NOS, might be tricky, not lately but I used to visit small watch and jewelry shops, boutiques off the beaten track looking for NOS watches, would often find watches that for many reasons did not sell but ideal for a collector looking for odd models. I could tell that you are big fella, could easily wear a bigger case than 39mm. Best of luck.
The 39mm looks perfect on your wrist
It looks the perfect size for your wrist ie sweet. Forget the numbers, enjoy the watch and the memories.
For what it’s worth, it doesn’t look small on you
I agree here and am not trying to make you feel
Better or persuade you into keeping it, truth it looks great.
Ultimately though it seems your heart desires the XL, happy hunting and don’t stop u tol
You find one. If you find multiples, buy them so
You can always connect to your dad.
Cheers
Looks fine to me, but I understand. If you're not comfortable with it, you're not comfortable. Have you thought about a leather bund strap, which might help bulk it up a bit on wrist?
Hey, when I was a kid my dad had one of these, too! His old job gave it to him for some years at the company or something. It was a set with the knife. He wore it until the battery died. Been in this box ever since. He gave them to me several years ago. Unfortunately, the watch is a goner. I keep the knife in my Jeep.
Edited to add: For what it’s worth, I agree with the other posters in that this size looks just fine on you. If you’re set on the bigger one, though, I hope you find one!
Hey, when I was a kid my dad had one of these, too! His old job gave it to him for some years at the company or something. It was a set with the knife. He wore it until the battery died. Been in this box ever since. He gave them to me several years ago. Unfortunately, the watch is a goner. I keep the knife in my Jeep.
Edited to add: For what it’s worth, I agree with the other posters in that this size looks just fine on you. If you’re set on the bigger one, though, I hope you find one!
Appreciate it! I remember going to several jewelry stores trying to find someone to open the back case. I remember it giving multiple shops a hard time!
This model, not the XL, was what really got me into watches (https://www.itscasualtime.com/p/i-saved-latin). In my searches on shop goodwill, I see this model all the time. Haven't been looking for XLs but you should keep your eye out there.
This model, not the XL, was what really got me into watches (https://www.itscasualtime.com/p/i-saved-latin). In my searches on shop goodwill, I see this model all the time. Haven't been looking for XLs but you should keep your eye out there.
Nice! I have checked there ocassionally. I have only started looking for a month or so!
Amazing, I haven't seen that in a while. Not sure which size, but I believe it was Clark Kent's (Tom Welling) watch throughout the Smallville TV series (new on here, so apologies if that's common knowledge). Very much a super man's watch! I'll get my coat.
I’m new too! Thanks for commenting!
It could be worse, the wrong size and the wrong spelling!
Hilarious!
Nice! I have checked there ocassionally. I have only started looking for a month or so!
I am confident you will find it. I also think you should keep that one!
I’m with @foghorn 100% on this one. Vintage begs to be smaller. And chances are, these proportions are more true to the watch you actually loved as a kid.
For what it’s worth, I’m taller than you are and I’m no skinny Minnie and I wear watches smaller than that one.
I think it fits you perfectly 👍
To me it seems like in a sea of 43mm Victorinoxes you have a unique 39mm one.
smaller sizes is in trend! recommend to try it on for a while, and this coincidential accident may become an eye openner!
There's a non-runner on ebay right now. I don't know how handy you are, but you should be able to find a movement for it. Probably a Ronda or ETA. https://www.ebay.com/itm/134975609696?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=udpf7VV6SYm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=2Mv7sEmcROa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I wouldn't get hung up on the size, I don't think it matters these days. Just look at the silly fitness bands people wear they look tiny on wrists and no one cares, same goes for watches.
It doesn’t look small whatsoever but enjoy looking for your next watch!
There's a non-runner on ebay right now. I don't know how handy you are, but you should be able to find a movement for it. Probably a Ronda or ETA. https://www.ebay.com/itm/134975609696?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=udpf7VV6SYm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=2Mv7sEmcROa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I’ve been watching it. I’m not handy with watches tho.
I’ve been watching it. I’m not handy with watches tho.
I'm not sure where you live, but if you decide to take a chance on it, I'm sure one of the modders here on WC (myself included) would be happy to swap out the movement for you.
I'm not sure where you live, but if you decide to take a chance on it, I'm sure one of the modders here on WC (myself included) would be happy to swap out the movement for you.
Very kind of you! Really appreciate it! I think I will pass on the current eBay watch. I just spent a decent amount on the one I just received.