I have never been a watch wearer nor have I had any interest in buying one, Until now.
The last few weeks I have spent a bit of time trawling the web and the OF for other reasons and whilst doing this realized that I would like to get myself something.
This is where my problems start due to a very skinny Wrist.
A lot of offerings in mens watches start around 35mm which is too much for me, I need something in the low 30's.
My question is this - are there any Omega watches that I could look into and do a little research of that fits my Wrist size ?
Here is a picture of my wrist with a Ladies watch at around 26x30 to give you an idea of how skinny I am -
( ignore the sunburn pls )



Any help and guidance will be greatly appreciated.
TIA, Ken

 

Yes. There are a lot of vintage Omega watches that are 32-33mm.

 

A 50s Seamaster would do you nicely.

But even better, a US-made Hamilton would be perfect! Or a WWII military model.

You have the luxury of wearing any watch up through the immediate post-war period and they will look fabulous on you and the vintage bracelets and NOS straps will not be too short.

I almost envy you.

 

Agree with above- most watches before the 1970’s were 35mm or smaller, before the 1950’s 33mm or smaller. you have a huge catalog from which to choose. There are some spectacular vintage pieces that if they were 3-4mm larger would be multiple times their value. Even the vintage 34mm Rolex’s (like the Oyster Perpetual or Airking) are significantly cheaper than their larger Datejust brethren. Omega made a “midsize” line of their watches in the late 50’s- early 60’s which were around 32mm- they are a steal in comparison to the larger versions and just as nice.

 

Just a few examples of some smaller watches in my collection (and I have a 7.25” wrist). All are 30-35mm.

 

If you like vintage watches, you're in luck! A wide variety of styles from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s all hover around 30-32mm. Prices are generally lower too, as larger watches are in more demand. Check out this thread for some ideas:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/small-things-radium-and-beautiful.80113/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/looking-for-a-vintage-omega-for-a-small-wrist.10826/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/i-w...h-is-considered-too-small-for-most-men.46889/

 

Personal preference notwithstanding, a larger watch would not look bad on you. I don't think anyone would look twice if you were wearing something 40mm. You admit that you haven't been a watch-wearer, so it'll just take some getting used to. Something modern in a titanium (read: lightweight) case will make that easier.

 

JwRosenthal
beautiful beautiful range of pieces, what a delight
you have a very keen eye

 

Thanks for the replies and great feedback everyone.
Awesome looking collection @JwRosenthal, I really do like the 1st one posted ( Bulova ) thx for sharing.
@Vitezi, many thanks for the links, lots of helpful stuff in there. lovely Tissot
@jsducote , I have been able to try a couple of watches in the 38mm range and they look ridiculous on my wrist, even 35mm doesn't feel right as far as size is concerned.
I don't have a dressmakers tape but did it the old fashioned way and my wrist is about 6 - 6.25in. pretty small.

You have all given me a lot to think about, time to make a brew and crack on with some research.

Thanks again everyone.
Ken

 

Thanks Ken. These vintage pieces (like the Bulova’s, Gruens, Elgin’s, Mido’s) are cheap thrills- they are beautifully styled, very well made and can be had for the cost of a dinner out (without wine). Yes, the Omegas and Rolex’s etc are lovely but cost real money. If you’re just dipping your toes into the vintage market to see if watches are for you, the cheap thrills can be a good place to start.

 

JwRosenthal
Bulava's,Gruens,Elgin's, Midos & many many more have great style excellent & quality workmanship
very very appealing to the eye.... as said previously very nice range you have...
They all can hold their own ...

 

Honestly, the two best assets you can have as a vintage watch enthusiast are small wrists and an open mind*.

If you are willing to try out some other brands than Omega, the world is your oyster. Mido, as mentioned earlier, made some of the most interesting watches of the forties and fifties, but most are 33mm or less and therefore not generally on people's radar.

A lot of other brands come to mind as well - Tissot, Certina... The list is long.

*Number three is "deep pockets".

 

To add to @JwRosenthal's haul, I love my Smiths De Luxe from c.1960. English watches like this tend to be smaller than their European cousins - this one is 32mm - and they won’t break the bank. Mine is quite dressy, but there is a range of dial designs to choose from, as well as the Smiths W10 at 35mm:




EDIT: wise words also from @ConElPueblo have come in since I started tapping my post. You have loads to choose from!

 

wilderbeast
Smiths clocks & watches Fantastic manufacture very very nice
both of them are great quality you did well
as ConElPueblo said many many brands, +++ deep deep pockets

 

Those Smith’s are stunning. Both are on my wish list

 

Honestly start with the Hamilton "cld" series and see if there's anything you like.

 

Watch size is personal preference but the trend is towards larger watches in the last couple of decades so if you haven't worn watches for a while that may be once source of shock for you.

While 6.25inch wrist is not large I don't personally see it as small. Much of the fit of a watch will be down to case shape, thickness, lug profile, strap/bracelet etc. Please don't rule out anything just because of a reported size. Correct me if I wrong guys, but some speedmasters are quoted as 42mm while others (more recent vintage re-releases I am thinking of here...) are ~39mm, but both have the same basic case size when pushers are measured. The 2-3mm difference is basically down to crown guards.

A softer bracelet or strap will make a larger watch wear more snugly. Also, if you are trying to see how a watch wears in the real world have photos taken from a distance because close up shots can over emphasise the size on your wrist.

I'm summary, wear what you like but don't discount a watch based on the size you see reported online

 

I would agree with this (one of my favorite vintage watches of all time- but at 30mm just too small for me- I got one for my lady though), but they can be a disaster unless they have had the proper rubber seals redone- they partially hold the movement in place from what I understand.

 

Thank you to everyone for all the advice, this is indeed a very steep learning curve.
I am starting to get a little eye ache from all the web scanning so will finish with 1 final question if that is ok
Manual wind or Automatic ?

Thanks again
Ken

 

One of each.


For starters