I recently posted in the Tudor Pepsi BBGMT thread some pics of how the Tudor in the original strap was on the last hole, and the strap made the watch look like a toy watch on a string, until I put it on a bracelet to make it visually look bigger on me. So, a guy like me with a big wrists feels like my 2019 Rolex Pepsi GMT II wears slightly small too (Pepsi feels smaller than Hulk), while my 2019 Sea Dweller 43mm is the perfect size. My sweet spot is 41-45mm watches. In an up close iPhone picture, the watch size looks fine, but when I’m looking at it with the naked eye from 2 or 3 feet away (or more) then it looks small on my wrist to me. I can maybe work a deal to trade either (1) my Hulk towards a Deep Blue and keep the Pepsi, or (2) trade my Pepsi GMT II + a little cash for both a Deep Blue 126660 AND a black dial 2019 Explorer II GMT (a 2 for 1), while keeping the Hulk. This is what I’m leaning towards. If I did the second deal my collection would grow back to 4 Rolex, with three of them over 42mm, a (1) 42mm GMT Exp II, (2) 43mm SD43, (3) 44mm Deep Blue, and still have (4) my Hulk with I think is beefier and less dainty than the Pepsi on it’s Jubilee bracelet. In addition to the new Explorer II I’ll still have my 2019 Tudor Pepsi GMT. (Or I could put a less-tapering Everest strap on the Pepsi to beef it up and keep it). What say you all?
I bet that’s going to be the vote winner. I personally think the 2 for 1 sounds good. Plus typically once I have it in my head that I want to try something different, I can’t shake it. If you’re already contemplating getting rid of a watch - it needs to go.
Two big reasons I'm reluctant to let either the Pepsi or Hulk go are (1) they were expensive and hard to acquire and (2) my son loves them both and begs me not to part with one (after I ignored his begging me to keep my Coke bezel or BLNR). Two big reasons I'm reluctant to part with the Sea Dweller 43mm in trade towards a Deep Blue is that (1) it fits me well and (2) it keeps perfect time like the Hulk and Pepsi. However, it is a rather bland looking watch vs the Deep Blue that I originally wanted. Whereas any barely used Deep Sea that I get I will run the risk of it not running as close to atomic time as the three Rolex that I currently own now. I love being able to say that I own the SS Pepsi GMT and Hulk, which are very desirable, and I could live with the 40mm maxi-case which look better on me if I loosen them up and let them wear closer to my wrist. So, FOMO is a good reason to keep them, I believe. I don't feel like I can wear the Pepsi or Hulk as a daily beater, although the SD43 could be that; but if I did the trade I'd also have a black 42mm Explorer II to wear as a daily beater, while I'd likely try to keep my Hulk and Deep Sea pristine and then worry about every scratch.
Well, I'm now at the top of the waitlist at a Rolex AD for a Deep Blue, and I told them that I'd rather get that before the ceramic Daytona that I've been waiting forever. Without the 3rd party markup I'll possibly get it without selling any of my other Rolex. I might still part with my just serviced Speedy 145-022-74 to help fund it (cir. Oct 1976), while keeping my Hesalite/sapphire sandwich and my steel caseback versions, as well as my Speedy Tuesday v1. But the 145.022-74 just came back from a service on 8/2/19 and I likely won't get that investment back if I sell it too soon (same with my 2013 Speedy Pro that just came back today). So, unless a really sweeter trade comes up, I may just find myself waiting for the AD to come through for me.
Not sure if you have any interest in Panerai, but I'm selling my 312 in an effort to move to smaller pieces. DM me if you'd like the link. If not, good luck in your search. The Deep Blue will definitely fit the bill.
Probably either choice is fine. My observation: Rolex and Tudor Pepsis, especially on side-by-side pictures look somewhat redundant. I would pick one, i.e., option 2) probably the way to go. Good luck!
Not really a big fan of Panerai, as the dial takes up a larger proportion of the watch than I like. But thanks.
It's not looking like deal #2 is going to work, as the serial flipper with the Exp II is having trouble getting a Deep Blue to go with it. I got many of my watches from him, including my Hulk, SD43, and Speedy Tuesday ST1 and Speedy 3570.50. Functionally the Tudor Pepsi and Rolex Pepsi are redundant, but the Rolex is a bit flashier as a "show-off" watch while the Tudor is more of an "under the radar" tool watch. I got the Tudor for vacations out of the country where it might not be a good idea to bring the Rolex.
I was going to say trade the Pepsi GMT and do the 2 for 1, with rationale that you already have the Tudor GMT, but then saw your post about your son and I gotta say that it's great to have a legacy piece or 2 to hand down. I think you made the right decision going for retail at the AD.
i think pics of watches on wrists are an optical illusion to a degree. there just seems to be many variables with each photo taken.
I think you will eventually get rid of the Rolex Pepsi as it seems the only thing making you keep it is it’s value and desirability, not your taste. And I get it, totally do, but since all the other options you like are also of great value and desirability BUT you also like them. As for the size, that’s your taste, not the watch. The Pepsi you have with the Maxi dial wears great on 7.5. In person and pics. The good news is that you have nothing but good choices to make. My 2 cents? Don’t sell yet unless you’re giving yourself a budget cap. You can ALWAYS sell these particular pieces and they will just become more valuable as you wait. Then when you feel there’s no point holding to it. Sell it and take your family on vacation.
Thanks. I've worn the Pepsi all weekend, and my eyes are getting used to the optical illusion that it's too small, where the longer I go with not wearing my 45.5mm Planet Ocean 9300 the more normal the Maxi dial Pepsi feels to my mind.
It is NOT too small. I know it is subjective but I really really think the Rolex GMT fits you well. I would say it is the perfect size for you. My father-in-law probably has the same wrist size as you and wear a 39mm Explorer and it fit really well. It sits in the wrist just like yours.
Yeah, see my last post where the brainwashing from wearing a 45.5m Planet Ocean chronograph every day is wearing off, and normal sized watches are starting to feel more normal to my eyes now.
Yeah the 45mm PO is massive. I have only tried the 42mm and it was more than enough for me. My dad had really big wrists and huge hands but wore a either a 33mm Nivada or a 36mm Omega The Nivada all bit disappeared on his arm.
Back in the old days I wore my grandfathers vintage 36mm Oyster Date. And just a few years ago a 38.5mm AT Skyfall felt just as good as a 42mm Planet Ocean, while the 41mm AT felt big.