Long story short: I've had this 2500 39mm Aqua Terra (2503.80) for just over four years -- it's the watch that got me collecting, and I got it, full set, for a steal. At the time, I was trying to decide between it and an 8500 Aqua Terra at 38.5mm. It was ultimately the thinness of the 2500 that won out.

On occasion, though, it always strikes me as a smidge too big (6.5" wrist), and I've toyed with switching it for the 8500. But every time I try one on, the relative thickness of the 8500 (plus the chunkier case and appearance overall -- hands, etc.) turns me off.

And then today, I was at a dealer that had an old 36mm 2504.80, and I tried it on -- and it just seemed more reasonable (I wasn't wearing this at the time, so I couldn't do a direct comparison -- and I failed to take any photos of the 36mm on my wrist ). I'm hesitant to go through the whole process of switching out, but by the same token, don't want to overthink it myself -- so I figured I would ask here. Does my current, 39.2mm look right? Or is it too big for my wrist?

 

Looks great. Spring for it.

 

Thanks! But if this one looks great, then I shouldn't spring for it, right? The pics are of the one I currently have, and I'm asking if I should switch out for a smaller one -- sorry if I was unclear!

 

The watch fits you like a glove. I don’t think it looks too big in the least—the 2nd pic tells the story much better. From that distance and any further, the watch is perfect.

 

No looks good. I have smaller wrists as well. I used to get midsize watches then I picked up a couple 40mm and found I wear them fine. That watch looks great.

 

The one you have in the pictures is not even close to big too big for you IMO, it looks great. Plus it was the one that started your collection. Keep it for sure.

 

More important is how it looks and feels to you, not to us. It sounds like the 36mm watch was very appealing to you. I used to have a 36mm Explorer that I loved, but most of my watches are larger, so I sold it and bought a 39mm Explorer. Big mistake. I never liked the larger one nearly as much and eventually let it go.

 

39 looks fine to me (on you) 36mm would be a noticable difference but if you liked it then go for it. I love my 36mm AT.

 

looks good to me as well. but pics are optical. most of the time pics look larger than they are than they do in person.

but in this case i think if you had said i want to size up instead of sizing down it would be just as believable and doable

 

I think your current watch is fine on you. I looked at the 36mm AT a few years ago and I found it to be a bit too small for me. I do wear a lot of vintage watches which are 30mm-36mm and are used to them but something looked off with the 36mm AT

I find my 38.5mm AT to be right for my wrist.

Is this shop giving you a discount for the 36mm AT? If you can afford to buy this without selling your 38mm AT then I would do so. Then you can wear each one for a week or two and see which you like the most. I am sure you can get the full amount(or close to it) if you opt to sell one of them you don't like.

 

Thanks all for the feedback! Looks like it all boils down to a matter of taste. If only I weren't so damn indecisive...

I have a 1960 Seamaster that's 35mm, and even though it felt small when I first got it, it's definitely grown on me over time (pun only partially intended). Funnily enough, every time I try the 38.5mm 8500 AT, it feels too small -- but again, I think that has to do more with proportion. That is, it's too small for the thickness (if that makes sense) for me.

The 36mm AT that I saw in the shop appeared to be totally NOS -- impeccable condition, stickers, box, papers, and all. The shop owner is asking for the original MSRP (~$4,500 IIRC), which in my view is a crazy ask, given the market price on these. If I were to make the switch, I would likely source the 36mm from somewhere else and either trade the 39mm where I buy the 36mm (if possible), or sell it separately.

 

No, it’s not too big but if you are tempted to go down to 36 so why not? I have started to appreciate 36mm watches and my wrist is 17,5

 

That looks perfect to me.

 

Thanks again everyone -- seems like I'm really in the sweet spot. That said, if anyone has further thoughts, I'm always happy to hear them...

 

My wrist is about 6.7" and tested both - 39mm and 36mm. 39mm felt like a dinner plate on my wrist and definitely wears larger than 39mm divers. Last week manage to find 36mm Railmaster (same AT case) And think it´s perfect size wise.

 

Welp, you guys have really done it — just placed an order for a 2504.80 from a vendor that has a 10-day return policy. Time to do some comparisons! Or at least it will be, once it gets here....

 

I think it looks to be a good size on you, saying that I prefer the larger AT watches as I'm waiting on my 43mm version to be returned to me soon.

 

Watch looks great on you as is!!

 

The new one is here! Some individual and comparison shots below. Pardon the red sticker -- it's no longer returnable if removed (though it does make distinguishing them quite easy! ).

Any thoughts? I have to admit, I find the 36mm pretty striking, but am still torn....

 

I’m going to say I like the 36mm on your wrist better than the 39 but, I like the blue dial of the 39 better. Is the movement in the 36 mm better than the 2500 movement? Does the lume on the 36mm work as well as the 39mm? I could be wrong but I’m a believer that newer is better if it’s your everyday watch. I think I’d stick with your 39. I’m not sure I’ve helped you with my opinions but hey, you asked...