Rolex 36mm: Is it the Right Size for You?

Jay (Eire) · 2023-04-22T15:59:09Z

Explore the enduring appeal of 36mm watches on WatchProSite. Jay (Eire) and collectors debate ideal wrist size, market trends, and factors beyond diameter for perfect fit.

Jay (Eire)

WPS member · Rolex forum

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Jay (Eire) sparks a compelling discussion on a topic many collectors grapple with: the ideal watch size. His original post challenges the community to confront their preferences versus prevailing trends, particularly regarding the enduring appeal and comfort of 36mm timepieces. This article synthesizes the community's diverse perspectives on wrist presence, evolving trends, and the nuanced factors beyond mere diameter that define a watch's fit.

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I know for me 36mm is the right size watch for me. But how many 36mm watches do I own? A few, and not enough.

Of course the issue is that most of what is produced that appeals to me (and others) is not 36mm.

I recently look at some used Breguet watches. Several of which were in the 36mm range (maybe also 34mm but I can’t recall). I also posted a few weeks back about a visit to Kurono Tokyo where I say the new 34mm series. And, just a casual walk around trendy or fashionable places in Tokyo will make it clear than small is definitely in (of course most of these are vintage or neo vintage watches that are now getting a second coming).

And most refreshing maybe is the new Tudor, a throwback in size and style.

Here’s on of those 36mm watches, the OP36. It’s one a few 36mm Rolex I own and it’s a pleasure to wear (thinking of size and comfort only).

What do others think? Are you also in a slight denial of what really fits your wrist?

Key Points from the Discussion

Wrist size and personal preference heavily influence the perception of a watch's fit, with some collectors finding 36mm-38mm too small for their 6.75-inch wrists, preferring 39mm-44mm.
Beyond diameter, factors like lug-to-lug distance, dial-to-bezel ratio, bezel thickness, and dial color significantly impact how a watch wears on the wrist. A 45mm watch with a large bezel can wear smaller than a 40mm watch with a large, unobstructed dial.
While 36mm is considered a perfect size by some, the market often favors 39mm-42mm, leading to a disconnect for collectors who prefer smaller watches. The recent reintroduction of smaller sizes, like the new Tudor, suggests a potential shift towards more diverse offerings.
The author, with a 6.25-inch wrist, finds 36mm ideal but notes that many interesting new releases are larger. They acknowledge that lug-to-lug measurement is a more precise indicator of fit than diameter alone, as some 42mm watches can wear smaller than 40mm.
Some collectors prioritize 'wrist presence' and, despite not having large wrists, prefer watches in the 40mm-42mm range, moving away from smaller sizes like 36mm or 35mm.
The choice between different sizes of the same model, such as the Rolex Explorer 36mm versus 39mm, can come down to subtle differences in proportions, case profile, and lug spacing, even if the smaller size is theoretically 'better proportioned'.

The Discussion

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Apr 22, 2023

For me I still find 36 too small but most of my watch now are 38-40mm which is my sweet spot

RabidManatee

Apr 22, 2023

BTW that OP looks like it fits you perfectly.

Revilo

Apr 22, 2023

Just my two cents, there is 42 and then there is 42. For example, my speedy is called "42" but it's really a 39, they count the rather obscure crown guards to get to "42." In addition, lug to lug it's smaller than my 39 Explorer!

amanico

Apr 22, 2023

Nor with 35 mm watches... Nor with 34 mm watches. Elegance is an attitude, not a matter of size... Best, Nicolas

Aquaracer1

Apr 22, 2023

38.5-40 mm is my sweet spot, however I’ll make an exception for a 42 mm watch that wears closer to 40 for example

takman

Apr 22, 2023

I stick mostly to 36/37 and have 34mm as well. The diameter of the dial also makes a difference which isn’t talked about as often as the overall diameter of a watch. Funny you mention Tudor, the black bay 54 has seriously piqued my interest.

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