Hi Everyone, I have read thread after thread regarding the 39.5 vs 43.5 PO 600M Seamaster. I’ve tried both on, I actually like both. It’s a daily wearer for business and pleasure on the weekends. Choosing blue. The sales rep prefers the 43.5, but my wrist is smaller at 6.5 and most of the guys on here with 6.5 seems to go with 39.5. Any feedback would be appreciated. Photos: Blue 43.5, Blue 39.5, Black 43.5 vs Blue 39.5 I think I’m leaning towards the 39.5...any comments appreciated.
Personally, the 39.5. It's going to be much more versatile for you, especially for a daily wearer. Owning that version myself, the thinness is something that helps it wear better as well.
Thanks for your input. What size is your wrist and why did you choose the 39.5, more versatile in a variety of functions?
As well documented in the other 43 vs. 39 threads, it's the bigger one for me. I think the proportions on the dial just look better – and I've got a 6.5" wrist as well.
I have a 7.5 wrist, about 2.25 across the top and 39.5 looks perfect, very happy with my choice. Also keep in mind it the thickness will be less on the 39.5....Do it!
If the increased height to diameter ratio doesn't bother you, I think you should go with the 39.5 mm--it looks better (from the top down at least) on your wrist.
IMO, planet oceans are meant to be big. Not too big that it is overhanging both sides of your wrist, but still bigger than your average watch. I think the 43.5 looks fine on you. Something about the 39.5 just doesn’t look right to me. Maybe it’s the proportions on the dial as mentioned earlier.
I have smaller wrists than you, around 6.25 on average, give or take. I owned the 8500 42mm before, and while it fit, it was really pushing it, especially with the thickness. The 39.5 version not only looked better (more classic, certainly more versatile), but was more comfortable since it was much thinner. The PO has been my grail for years, and I kept questioning the size with the 42. I tried to justify that the PO is fine as a big watch, but as my grail I wanted to be able to happily wear it daily, and the 39.5 made more sense in that context. I didn't want it to be a "weekend only" watch, which is what was happening with the larger version. It's up to you. As a daily, I think 39.5 is the way to go. If you're fine with it being more of a bold weekend watch, the 43.5 might work.
The 39.5 blue PO in my opinion is the best version of the watch regardless of wrist size, so that is what I would recommend.* * - That is if you plan to wear the PO on a bracelet. On the other hand, if you plan to wear it on rubber (like I do with my 42mm), then the 43.5 is the one to get.
Fully agree with @Theognosis. With bracelet, the watch seems bigger. With a 8 wrist, I wear a 38mm Seiko diver on bracelet and prefer to the 42mm. But with rubber or NATO, the 38mm seems too small. But 8" wrist. With a 6,5" I definitely prefer a 39,5.
39.5 fits you well and is closer to the classic proportions, imho. 43.5 is loud and proud. nothing wrong with that. (my wrist is 6.5" to 7" and flat, and I went with the 39.5. no regrets!)
My wrist is 6.76" and I could only just get away with the 43.5 mm and that's because my wrist is fairly flat. From the pics I think I prefer the 39.5 mm on your wrist, the bigger watch looks too big IMHO. Be aware that you lose the jumping hour hand in the smaller watch (8800 v 8900) and a few hours of power reserve. But for me it would be worth it to have a watch that's easier to wear. Let us know what you decide.