MTR
8918
Dear Tony, this is a very interesting question!
I am definitely not in the “bigger is always better” camp. A small movement can be exquisitely made, reliable and technically superb.
Still, I do believe (movement!!!) size matters. 😁
For me, it mainly comes down to visual HONESTY and mechanical INTENT.
Visually, a large, muscular sport watch that promises robustness while concealing a comparatively small and delicate calibre inside can feel a bit like … a weightlifter in ballet shoes. 😎
With a closed caseback, you can easily ignore this. With a display back, the mismatch can be hard to overlook.
Also from the front it can become apparent. When a relatively small movement sits in a much larger case, the dial architecture often gravitates toward the center, which can make subdials or the date appear cramped or slightly off balance.
Mechanically, bigger does not automatically mean tougher to me. As I have learned robustness depends far more on engineering, construction and materials than on diameter alone.
Nevertheless, once you scale up hands, use heavier handset designs, or load the dial with complications, you are asking more from the movement.
In the end, it always depends. 🙏
If the dial layout remains harmonious and the movement is clearly designed for the task, I have no issue with a smaller calibre.
But when the dial shouts “big calibre presence” while the movement is small and compact, the illusion breaks for me. It is not that the movement is „poor“, but the watch tries to tell two different stories at once. Which is not consistent for me.
All the best, my friend,
Thomas
My question I hear a lot about how some movements appear too small for the case
Tony, I fully agree with you,
It sometimes makes a big difference
For me there are two critical points
Honestly, you hit the nail on the head. This whole movement size thing is bull 💩
I don't think it's bull at all!
My friend each to their own 🙏🏽
I say that's because this problem was less common in the past!
I think that's right
Two things have to be taken into consideration:
Very good points. 5196 sun seconds is balanced for me because I never liked it cutting into the 6 position
Yes, it really depends on one's taste.
I am in the “it depends” camp, as several people have pointed out above sometimes it doesn’t matter.
As others have said,this is only an issue for me if the dial balance is impacted.
Dear Tony, this is a very interesting question!
I believe it does
It partially matters to me…
If it works for you, great!
For me ….
Agree with a lot of comments around size being pertinent to intent and dial side layout. Would also add reliability...
My 2 cents….
As a personal guideline, solid caseback, time only, no problem 😁 but..
I dislike that pretty strongly
