Omega midsize measure?

kalin91 · Oct 18, 2023

Hi all,

While browsing for watches, I notice the difference in size of the same models. I read that there is a midsize and fullsize, but was wondering is there a particular rule?
E.g. every Omega SM below 34mm dial is considered midsize or something like that?

I also noticed that some of the watches I found with a dial of around 32mm have 55X caliber - is it generally that the 55X caliber determines the size of the dial - so even if the size is not specified in the listing, when seeing that the caliber is 55X, one can say that it is midsize?

Many thanks!

X350 XJR · Oct 18, 2023

kalin91
is it generally that the 55X caliber determines the size of the dial - so even if the size is not specified in the listing, when seeing that the caliber is 55X, one can say that it is midsize?

No

kalin91 · Oct 18, 2023

Below what size would a watch be considered a midsize then?

padders · Oct 18, 2023

In what era? Watches have in general grown larger over the years. In the 1940s and 50s maybe below 33mm would be considered less then full size. In the 60 and 70s below 34mm maybe. More recently 36mm is seen as the lower end of full size for dress watches, with sports watches creeping up to 40mm and beyond and 36mm being considered mid size. One size does not fit all for your question.

kalin91 · Oct 18, 2023

padders
In what era? Watches have in general grown larger over the years. In the 1940s and 50s maybe below 33mm would be considered less then full size. In the 60 and 70s below 34mm maybe. More recently 36mm is seen as the lower end of full size for dress watches, with sports watches creeping up to 40mm and beyond and 36mm being considered mid size. One size does not fit all for your question.

Thanks!
I wasn't aware of that. I thought there are different size of the same model from the same era. Just noticed some of the DeVilles I found on ebay are around 32mm and thought that this might be quite small dial and that probably there is a bigger size of the same model.

X350 XJR · Oct 18, 2023

Perhaps we have a descriptor issue here. When you refer to "dial" are you referring to the diameter of the actual dial or the diameter of the case?

kalin91 · Oct 18, 2023

Sorry, my mistake - actually referring to the diameter of the case (as it is often stated in descriptions unlike the diameter of the dial).

Dan S · Oct 18, 2023

Mid-size is not really a precise term. I suggest you focus more on the actual diameter of particular references. You can use the case diameter (without crown) as a guide, or if the reference number is listed, you can google the case diameter. You cannot use the movement caliber as a guide.

padders · Oct 18, 2023

kalin91
Thanks!
I wasn't aware of that. I thought there are different size of the same model from the same era. Just noticed some of the DeVilles I found on ebay are around 32mm and thought that this might be quite small dial and that probably there is a bigger size of the same model.

The 60s SMDV is one of a few vintage model where there are full size and mid size variants. Other designs came as just one size, whether large or small. 32mm is not usually seen as full size post war. The 55X movement you referred to earlier is only 28mm but is used in watches up to 40mm diameter and beyond. Watches smaller than around 31mm wide use smaller movements by necessity. Omega case numbers do indicate whether a watch is aimed at men (1 as first digit) or women (5 as first digit) but don't specify the case size otherwise so mid and full sizes would both start as 1XX.XXXX

kalin91 · Oct 19, 2023

padders
The 60s SMDV is one of a few vintage model where there are full size and mid size variants. Other designs came as just one size, whether large or small. 32mm is not usually seen as full size post war. The 55X movement you referred to earlier is only 28mm but is used in watches up to 40mm diameter and beyond. Watches smaller than around 31mm wide use smaller movements by necessity. Omega case numbers do indicate whether a watch is aimed at men (1 as first digit) or women (5 as first digit) but don't specify the case size otherwise so mid and full sizes would both start as 1XX.XXXX

Thanks - that is really helpful and clarifies my confusion!
Now I understand why I come across some 32mm SMDV.

Omega midsize measure?

kalin91

X350 XJR

kalin91

padders

kalin91

X350 XJR

kalin91

Dan S

padders

kalin91

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