Watch tastes and preferences change over time

j.allen · Apr 30, 2022

I own about 50 watches- Bulovas, Seikos, Longines, vintage WWII watches, and about 10 Omegas. I have a small wrist- tiny bones but muscular. Most are about 33-34mm with 18mm straps.

I have recently purchased in the last couple years a 38mm Seiko and a 38mm Hamilton- both with 20mm straps.
38mm is the MAX size I can wear due to my wrist size, and 36-37mm is probably ideal. It's just I have gotten used to wearing these larger watches and the others look funny and feel awkward now. I am considering selling off the bulk of my collection and keeping the Omegas and the ones that wear larger than their actual size. I can then afford the SMP I have been wanting for 10 years.

It's amazing how much a few mm can make a difference. Has anyone else experienced there preferences changing over time?

Canuck · Apr 30, 2022

I have several watches (for example, a Mido Multifort from the late 1940s, several other 40s and 50s Rolex watches) that are in the 30 mm diameter range. I have a 7.75 inch circumference wrist, and as a result, I simply do not wear the small ones. Most of my larger size watches are Omegas (a 38 mm diameter jumbo, a Speedmaster reduced, and Speedmaster Professional), and I like the sizes of them.

JwRosenthal · May 1, 2022

I went the other direction many years ago. Had worn larger watches for a few decades (40-42 sport watches) and fell in love with a small one. Once I got used to the size (takes a few days of adjustment anytime going from large to small) I actually loved the size and realized it’s just a matter of adjustment- then I didn’t care about size anymore and just bought what I liked. My collection now is everything from 28mm to 42 (larger than 42 is just unwieldy).
I will say that my choice of watch size is seasonally dependent. In the summer months with short or rolled sleeves, I wear larger watches as they look more appropriate on my larger wrist. But in the cooler months, smaller watches tuck under the sleeve so much better and don’t look like you have a tumor under your sweater.

Going from small to large also takes adjustment. If I go from wearing a 7mm thick 32mm Bulova for a week to my Speedmaster, I feel like I have a dinner plate strapped to my wrist.

DoctorEvil · May 1, 2022

JwRosenthal
I went the other direction many years ago. Had worn larger watches for a few decades (40-42 sport watches) and fell in love with a small one. Once I got used to the size (takes a few days of adjustment anytime going from large to small) I actually loved the size and realized it’s just a matter of adjustment- then I didn’t care about size anymore and just bought what I liked. My collection now is everything from 28mm to 42 (larger than 42 is just unwieldy).
I will say that my choice of watch size is seasonally dependent. In the summer months with short or rolled sleeves, I wear larger watches as they look more appropriate on my larger wrist. But in the cooler months, smaller watches tuck under the sleeve so much better and don’t look like you have a tumor under your sweater.

Going from small to large also takes adjustment. If I go from wearing a 7mm thick 32mm Bulova for a week to my Speedmaster, I feel like I have a dinner plate strapped to my wrist.

+1
My Seamaster Pro midsize (36mm case) had been my daily wearer for many years until I got my Speedy FOIS (39.7m case) a few years ago. All of a sudden the Seamaster looked and felt tiny and I had to really fight the urge to sell it and upgrade to the full size version. It didn't help that on some discussion threads, people were calling the midsize a "boy's watch" and saying it had "stumpy hands". I've got small wrists just over 6in in diameter. My wife and a workmate persuaded me to keep it as it really fits me a lot better than the full size watch. Glad that I did.

Over time, I have noticed that I am developing a preference for larger watches which is in keeping with general fashion trends. However, I draw the line at 40mm case diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug distance.

I agree with you that when I swap watches it does take a bit of time to adjust to the new look and feel. After that, it's all good.

joeshoup · May 1, 2022

I tend to go through phases of being interested in certain brands and time periods, rather than sizes. I started out really into 1970s watches, now I find my eye caught by 1990s, 1960s, and pre 1945 styles. I have big wrists but enjoy smaller watches too.

DoctorEvil
+1
My Seamaster Pro midsize (36mm case) had been my daily wearer for many years until I got my Speedy FOIS (39.7m case) a few years ago. All of a sudden the Seamaster looked and felt tiny and I had to really fight the urge to sell it and upgrade to the full size version. It didn't help that on some discussion threads, people were calling the midsize a "boy's watch" and saying it had "stumpy hands". I've got small wrists just over 6in in diameter. My wife and a workmate persuaded me to keep it as it really fits me a lot better than the full size watch. Glad that I did.

Over time, I have noticed that I am developing a preference for larger watches which is in keeping with general fashion trends. However, I draw the line at 40mm case diameter and 47mm lug-to-lug distance.

I agree with you that when I swap watches it does take a bit of time to adjust to the new look and feel. After that, it's all good.

SpeedyPhill · May 1, 2022

Of course ... when You're 20 ... and when You're 60 ... eye sight changes a lot ( as does weight & shape )
.

Watch tastes and preferences change over time

j.allen

Canuck

JwRosenthal

DoctorEvil

joeshoup

SpeedyPhill

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