#SmallWristGang - ~5.5" wrist | 34-36mm? 40mm possible?

[only1swami]

hey gang - I wanted to get this thread going.

I know similar topics have been asked before but figured since its been a while, time for a new(er) one.

I am unfortunately on the left side of the spectrum when it comes to wrist size.

I have tried a DJ 34mm and 36mm in person and a few other rollies on the 40mm and + side just to get an idea of sizing.

Do folks with smaller wrists just pretty much cut off at case size 36mm?

This makes me slightly sad as I would really like to get professional line watches one day and not just stick to the classic line; while 40mm is "doable" it's definitely not ideal after trying in person

ADs have told me they see people with tiny wrists rocking huge watches (to each their own type of vibe).

What do folks think?

If you also have a small wrist and have pictures of you wearing your Rolex (36mm or +), would love to aggregate in this thread! Thanks

[thenewrick]

37mm Yachtmaster or Explorer would probably fit fine

[holdingon]

Tudor came out with a 38mm Royal...maybe that one? But for under 6inch yeah mostly stick with 36 and below. I have a slimmer wrist (6.25in) so i feel your pain.

[only1swami]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

37mm Yachtmaster or Explorer would probably fit fine

Thanks! I just checked out the YM (268655-0010)

Beautiful watch. Given it comes in oysterflex, I'm guessing there is some form of adjustment?

I read online it comes with the 5-7mm of micro adjustment but also read if you purchase from AD, they have many pre-configured sizes of Oysterflex available and depending on your wrist size, they can swap out.

is this true?

[watchmainspring]

6" wrist


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[Oyster Sauce]

At that wrist size my guesstimate would be:

40 mm might work as a maximum case size for rotating bezel sport watches...5-digit Rolexes make the most sense at this size, especially on nato or strap.

34-36 is your sweet spot for non-rotating bezel watches.

The good news is that you have a lot of interesting “mid-size” sport watches available to you that will look perfect on wrist and probably at a nice price. 37 mm Yachtmaster has been mentioned; also, the 36 mm midsize Tudor Submariners and midsize Omega divers will look awesome on your wrist.

[boogiebot]

Any watch where the lugs are wider than the diameter of your wrist makes the watch look too big. You need to think about the lug to lug length and not just the diameter of the dial


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[Lesnerelli23]

My wrist is just under 5.5 (I'm disabled and very skinny). I have a SubCDate 11 series (last model) and it fits great! In fact, I have all the links removed and the glidelock on the second to last notch. The SubC 12 series (new model) did away with a removable link so a newer model may not go small enough. I have the sub, a squale gmt (40mm) and a Speedy Racing 40mm. They all fit great, the Speedy fits best with its shorter lug to lug, but the Sub is better than the Squale because the fat lugs make it appear shorter.

[huncho]

yachtmaster 37 would be perfect if you want to get into the professional line. it could pass for a 34mm when you see it in person

[only1swami]

Originally Posted by boogiebot

Any watch where the lugs are wider than the diameter of your wrist makes the watch look too big. You need to think about the lug to lug length and not just the diameter of the dial


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Great point - AD mentioned this as well...and was super evident when I tried on some of the bigger watches

[only1swami]

Originally Posted by huncho

yachtmaster 37 would be perfect if you want to get into the professional line. it could pass for a 34mm when you see it in person

For sure...the more I checked this watch out today, the more I fell in love.

37/Everrose Gold/Oysterflex is just

Also seems Rolex has pre-configured oysterflex lengths so they can size up to ones wrist perfectly before you head out

[steph06]

I have a 6.0 in wrist and 38 mm is my max, not only for the looks but above 38 mm it gets super uncomfortable. Was offered a ss sub but sadly had to decline because it was killing my wrist.
My daily is a 34 mm OP any I also own a 37 mm JLC and 39 mm BB58 (which is already a bit big for me).
If you have doubts, just try on the watch. If you think it fits, then you are good to go !

[lamadoo]

The new OP 36mm have slimmed down lugs which wear about the same as the previous 34mm 114200 . The silver dial with gold accents is a winner.

[benzng]

have a 5.9 inch wrist and 40mm watches are ok with me. i try not to get anything bigger than that. note the keyword is try as i already have a 41 and 42mm ;)

[Gobee]

My wrist is 6.25 and I wear a 37 YM and a 36 DJ. I tried a 40mm gmt. It was doable but I find that 40mm watch look better with larger wrist or people with smaller wrist that want to have the big watch look.

[acheronsgrief]

6.25 very flat wrists: 37mm or 40 mm yachtmaster both work, DJ36 and DD36 are perfect, and Daytona, even the bigger PM models, work. Super case watches are borderline but I always end up moving them on after a bit.

[Token74]

40mm Rolex sports watches are too big for you, resist the temptation. But the good news, smaller watches are cheaper!! And there are some wonderful watches that you can wear that others with bigger wrists can’t.

Five watches i would recommend...

Speedmaster Reduced...every collection should have a Speedy and it flies nicely under the radar. Also a great chance to get a birthyear watch (depending on your age) at a reasonable price.

Tudor BB58...as with the Speedy, wears slightly smaller than its 39mm size. As good looking and as good to feel as any Rolex sports watch. And at a truly remarkable price point.

Rolex YM 37mm...the YM is a great looking watch, ive never bought one as its a bit classy for me! But proper nice watch and a chance to have a Rolex sports watch.

AP Royal Oak 15450...a 37mm watch with history, class, and wrist presence. Brilliant watch.

Patek Nautilus 3800...a true classic and an absolute beauty of a watch. Too small for most, but ideal for a small wrist. I love this watch!


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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by only1swami

hey gang - I wanted to get this thread going.

I know similar topics have been asked before but figured since its been a while, time for a new(er) one.

I am unfortunately on the left side of the spectrum when it comes to wrist size.

I have tried a DJ 34mm and 36mm in person and a few other rollies on the 40mm and + side just to get an idea of sizing.

Do folks with smaller wrists just pretty much cut off at case size 36mm?

This makes me slightly sad as I would really like to get professional line watches one day and not just stick to the classic line; while 40mm is "doable" it's definitely not ideal after trying in person

ADs have told me they see people with tiny wrists rocking huge watches (to each their own type of vibe).

What do folks think?

If you also have a small wrist and have pictures of you wearing your Rolex (36mm or +), would love to aggregate in this thread! Thanks

Hey there, Boston!!! At 6.5 in I cut off at 40mm and not the newer over inflated 40mm but the older style with a slim fit. That means YM, Daytona, OP derived (DD, DJ), Milgauss, AK and 5 series watches, Anything else has overhang of the lugs on my wrist and that is the problem, the lug to lug length. It's not that I can't get away with larger watches it's just that they don't look optimal in my eye.

Frankly I suggest you look at the watches which I mentioned. If you like the look on your wrist that's all that matters. Some what wrist circumference isn't the only issue as flatness and top length also play a significant factor (maybe more so). I'm up in Newbury, let me know if you want to try on some 40mm watches that match what I said earlier. BTW, 34mm and 36mm are great watch sizes!!!

[Harry-57]

A 40mm GMT or Sub looks on the small side on my 6.5" wrist. Anything up to 45mm looks fine and the overall fit depends more on the shape of the lugs. I wouldn't hesitate to go 40mm with a 5.5" wrist although it is always advisable to try one on first.

My wife has very thin wrists. I don't know the exact measurement. here she is with her OP36.



She can rock a 40mm Sub Date no problem. If you think something looks good, it looks good. If you don't, it doesn't. Your life, your money, your choice.

[jimcameron]

It's your money, buy whatever watch you want. Don't worry about what other people might think of your choice. Enjoy it for yourself. Yacht Master might be something to look at, as well as DJ34, DJ36 and a host of Omega 38mm watches.

[ThatSubGuy]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

It's your money, buy whatever watch you want. Don't worry about what other people might think of your choice. Enjoy it for yourself. Yacht Master might be something to look at, as well as DJ34, DJ36 and a host of Omega 38mm watches.

Would you say the same to people asking if they should buy a suit 4 sizes too big?

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by ThatSubGuy

Would you say the same to people asking if they should buy a suit 4 sizes too big?

Would you suggest to people how long their hair should be? Or let them decide for themselves?

[Polarexplorerii]

I have a very small wrist and I rock a 116610LN and a 16570 because I don’t care what any one thinks. I wear what I like

[CFR]

My wrist is 6"/154mm and I wear some larger watches that I bought because I found them very attractive and there was no smaller equivalent. Do they look too big on me? Yes, definitely. But I don't care. I enjoy wearing them. All I care about is that I find the watch attractive and that it feels comfortable on my wrist.

[jimcarver]

I'd stick with 36mm I think. No one probably notices you have a small wrist until you put a large watch on it.
That said, if you want a sports model you could loo at the 5 digit range. In particular the Explorer 2.

[Oussama]

Originally Posted by benzng

have a 5.9 inch wrist and 40mm watches are ok with me. i try not to get anything bigger than that. note the keyword is try as i already have a 41 and 42mm ;)

I also have 5.9 inch wrist and im willing to buy a daytona oysterflex do you think it will fit?

[aba123]

I have the same wrist size as you and I would say 40mm is possible if you are comfortable with it.

I have owned the 16570 (47 mm lug to lug) twice, but have concluded that it was too large for me personally. It wasn´t comfortable on the wrist so I ended up not wearing it that much. I sold it a few months ago and I don´t regret the decision - even though I absolutely love the reference.

The largest watch I own now is the 36mm Explorer 124270. It is a large watch for me, but very comfortable and I think it suits me well.

For sports models I would look into some of these references: Daytona 116500 (38,4mm and 46,37 lug to lug), the GMT Master ref 16700, 36mm Tudor Submariners, Omega Seamster 36mm ref 2262.50 and some of the smaller Royal Oaks (for example ref 56303) and Nautilus 3800.

[marmite2005]

As a slimwrist rolex fan, the modern 36mm Explorer or 37mm Yachtmaster wear the smallest.
The 36mm OP and 36mm Datejust are next.
The vintage Daydate 18238 wears small.

I personally would stay away from 40mm watches, as they wear too big for me.

[INC]

I suggest to forget the diameter.

The size from lug to lug is more important, because it is not the width that is important, but the overall height of the watch. It's also important to keep in mind that if you have a completely flat back design, there may be a gap between the wrist and the backcover at the bottom and top of the watch, which could make it as non comfortable one to wear.

But with the same dimensions, if you have a "crescent" shaped back (like a DJ), the bottom of the watch will subtly sink into your wrist, which will both make it more comfortable to wear and look even better on you.

[IS2000]

I have a 5.5” wrist and been wearing 40mm Rolexes just fine for the last 30 years. The ones that didn’t sit well on my wrist was a ceramic SD40 with added thickness and more protruding end links, but the 5-digit SD was a good fit. Most sports Rolexes look great on many different wrist sizes imho.