Question for anyone who has a 39.2mm first gen Aqua Terra

502 to right · Apr 13, 2025

I'm thinking about picking up a 39.2mm first gen Aqua Terra. I currently own a first gen 36.2mm Aqua Terra, a 38.5mm Aqua Terra and I've previously owned the 38mm Aqua Terra.

I like the 36.2mm AT, but it's just a bit small. Especially when rotated with a 41mm SMP. While I'm interested in the 39.2mm AT, I think it might be just a bit larger than I'd like.

So for anyone who owns a 39.2mm AT, could you tell me what the crystal measures at? The 36.2mm AT measures at 30.0mm with my digital calipers. The 38.5 AT measures at 32.0mm. And the 41mm SMP measures at 30.3mm.

Bonus points if you'd be able to take a photo of a 39.2mm AT next to a 41mm SMP or a 38.5mm AT, or both.

Thanks!

Jetguy87 · Apr 14, 2025

I have long since parted with my 39.2 -- so I can't provide the measurements -- but I currently have a 36.2 and a 38.5, and went through the same process you are going through, just that I started with the 39.2, and then sized down to the 36.2, and also added a 38.5. I also have a 41mm SMP (2220.80), but sadly no photos of the 39 next to it.

All that said, when I went through the process of deliberating between the different ATs, I took a few photos of the 36.2, 39, and 38.5 all next to each other. They're in this post here and I've included some below:

This is only some of them; let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can provide.

Hope this helps -- sorry I don't have exactly what you are looking for!

502 to right · Apr 15, 2025

Thanks.

The 39.2mm looks noticeably larger than the 38.5. Obviously, it is larger, but it looks more like 2mm larger rather than 0.7.

Jetguy87 · Apr 16, 2025

From what I remember, it felt like it wore noticeably larger, too -- though, the appearance in the photo may be an effect of the angle and perspective, with the 39.2 looking even bigger because of where it is relative to the camera.

I gave this way too much thought, but my conclusion was that it all boils down to the ratio between bezel thickness and dial size/space. The bezel is thinner, and the dial is larger, on the 39.2 than they are on the 38.5. Less importantly (to my mind), the 39.2 case is also thinner, so it sits flatter on the wrist. The end result is that it looks or wears bigger than it is. Of course, it also depends on wrist size, personal tase, etc.

FWIW, I just found another comparison photo I had, trying on the the 39.2 and the 38.5 in store, back when the 38.5 was readily available:

I'd recommend trying on a 39.2 in person if you can. That can be hard with an older model, but if you can get to a seller that has one, or even order one from somewhere with a return policy and try it on, then those could be options.

502 to right · Apr 16, 2025

Jetguy87
From what I remember, it felt like it wore noticeably larger, too -- though, the appearance in the photo may be an effect of the angle and perspective, with the 39.2 looking even bigger because of where it is relative to the camera.

I gave this way too much thought, but my conclusion was that it all boils down to the ratio between bezel thickness and dial size/space. The bezel is thinner, and the dial is larger, on the 39.2 than they are on the 38.5. Less importantly (to my mind), the 39.2 case is also thinner, so it sits flatter on the wrist. The end result is that it looks or wears bigger than it is. Of course, it also depends on wrist size, personal tase, etc.

FWIW, I just found another comparison photo I had, trying on the the 39.2 and the 38.5 in store, back when the 38.5 was readily available:

I'd recommend trying on a 39.2 in person if you can. That can be hard with an older model, but if you can get to a seller that has one, or even order one from somewhere with a return policy and try it on, then those could be options.

Thanks so much. That photo tells me all I need to know. I'm certain the 39.2 will look too large on my wrist (to me anyway). I find crystal size is the most important factor in how big a watch looks regardless of the case size.

It was just a thought (picking up a 39.2), but I will put it aside.

502 to right · Apr 16, 2025

Based on the photos if you told me the gold dial AT was 38.5, I would guess the blue dial would be 41.

Jetguy87 · Apr 16, 2025

502 to right
Thanks so much. That photo tells me all I need to know. I'm certain the 39.2 will look too large on my wrist (to me anyway). I find crystal size is the most important factor in how big a watch looks regardless of the case size.

It was just a thought (picking up a 39.2), but I will put it aside.

Crystal size and dial size - two sides of the same coin!

502 to right
Based on the photos if you told me the gold dial AT was 38.5, I would guess the blue dial would be 41.

Yes, it certainly looks larger than the 39, which is what led to my decision.

Boccaccio · Aug 19, 2025

My wrist size is 18 - 18,5cm (7.00 - 7.25”).
I have the AT 2518.30 the silver in 36cm. I wär it in combination with my SMP 2221.80 in 41mm and I really enjoy both watches, because they are completely different calibres and thus work well in different situations.

That said, I think the AT in silver wears much larger. And I like to have a smaller daily driver.

However, I would consider the black dial version in 39, because darker dials tend to wear smaller. But I haven’t had real live experience with the black version.

Question for anyone who has a 39.2mm first gen Aqua Terra

502 to right

Jetguy87

502 to right

Jetguy87

502 to right

502 to right

Jetguy87

Boccaccio

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