Good afternoon everyone,

I've always liked the idea of wearing a watch but I'm plagued by extremely skinny wrists (6" even), so I've never worn one. I've spent the last couple of months digging around about what my possibilities are, and kept coming across vintage Omegas, King Seikos, and Tissots as good options for those of us with small wrists. I love the Seamasters and Constellations because the dials are simple (I don't prefer functions beyond date), and it's something I can wear at the office daily, as well as nicer occasions.

I was excited to drive around Houston today looking for examples to try on, and I called every watch store that showed up in google with even a semi-decent review, and no one had any examples for sale. Since I haven't historically worn a watch I'm hoping to find something that I can try on just to see how it feels but I'm not having much luck. The watches people have on in the office are 40mm+ and look ridiculous on me.

How would yall go about determining if this hobby is something for me? Should I just find a decent manual wind example (cal. 4xx, 5xx, 6xx) and just commit to the purchase to keep any losses minimal? I don't know if the market dynamics have totally changed, but the historical threads I see on here about good example automatic Seamasters in the $500-700 range seem to be no longer what the reality is in the market today. Constellations are even more expensive. Just looking for guidance and wisdom on what my strategy should be...

 

Nice first post.

First try some different sizes, materials and dial layouts. I have slightly larger wrists at 6.5". As examples (not including crown width

26mm:



31mm:



32 and 34mm:



35mm:









36mm:



38mm:



39mm:



All very subtle, those MMs can really make a difference to wrist presence.

I highly recommend you look at the private sales forums here which are all watches from collectors on the site, and are vouched for. Just PM the seller if you're interested. If eBay is more your thing @ConElPueblo's fishing guide is a must read.

If something does take your fancy, please ask either the seller or provide details to the forum in a style akin to @MSNWatch' guide here.

 

Welcome. You can get a decent automatic Seamaster in the $500-$700 range if you are careful and patient, and wait for a no-reserve auction; or find one on a sales forum. Not on a retail website or brick-and-mortar retailer obviously.

I wonder if there are any watch collector meet-up groups or clubs in your area. If so, you could attend a meeting and I'm sure people would let you try on their watches. Another option would be to try independent watchmakers. They often have some old watches for sale on consignment.

 

You might want to go through this thread:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/wruw-today.567/

Seamasters and Constellations from the 1950s and 60s are typically about 34-mm perfectly suitable for a small wrist.

 

Welcome me to the OF. I think you will do just fine with either a vintage Seamaster or Constellation as most of them range from 33 to 38mm. The major issue will be sizing the bracelet if it comes with one, probably an impossible feat unless modified by a watchmaker. There are short leather watch bands, if you are patient you can fetch an original vintage Omega short strap on ebay for $40 or so. Just be sure it has an S (for short) stamped on the back.

Be patient and wait for the right watch, read the sticky threads on how to fish for good examples (avoid refinished dials, and polished cases, etc) and dont be afraid to ask before making your purchase just be sure to include clear pictures.

You can buy your first watch within your expected budget, just be patient and like I said, dont be afraid to ask before you take the plunge.

Cheers,

P

 

If I may offer up another piece of advice, it would be to try and find which sort period in time you'd like to evoke when dressing, putting on a watch, looking at the time, etc. Would you like to have a forward-thinking mid-century feeling when looking at the time, a more groovy laid-back 70's attitude as you strap on your blocky watch or even hearing air raid sirens in the background when glancing at your 1940 issue Tissot? Everything is possible at all budgets.

Also, from the get go, you'll have to decide if you'll want to spend a lot of time or a lot of money on this hobby. Most of my watches have been less than $700 and a big price tag isn't always a guarantee of either authenticity or value.

 

A quick look at eBay and I found this one, right in the OP's budget:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-34...535906?hash=item5d7cf73b62:g:P-oAAOSw8zNa5MKIPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network







Tread carefully, @Jhawlz9989 !

 

Note while attractive it has been redialed

 

That's why he said 'tread carefully' ;-)

 

...tread carefully in this forum too.

 

Is this hobby for you? Do you want to wear a watch to enjoy, to show off, or because you think you need one to fit in?

If you want one, get one and you’ll have no trouble finding a good size for your wrists. When it comes to vintage, I think they are perfect for smaller wrists since great ones can often be found between 32 and 36mm.

If you want one to portray some kind of ‘status’ symbol, you’d need to ask the people you’re trying to impress.

 

And there it is. See what I mean?

 

I know but the OP may not

 

I’ve been scouring eBay and have seen that one. I guess I’m just hesitant because I wonder “What if I end up hate wearing a watch?”

 

Then you sell it on, log out of here, and forget it. We can't answer your dilemma as to whether even wearing a watch is for you....

 

First step. Get something you feel is a strong killer watch. Don’t half ass it. Because if you do. Stronger possibility you won’t like wearing it.

 

If you mean the watch I posted, I can assure you that disappointment awaits for sure. An extremely bad redial

 

This is really good advice. Go fall in love with something. Settle for nothing less.

Otherwise, you’re not giving it a chance.

 

Hang out here, learn stuff ... look at what r you wearing today and the FS section ... consume plenty of these and start PM ing. You will have a collection and an angry wife in no time flat! Eeeezy Peeezey!