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Why are all modern watches so big? Anyone know smaller watches?

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watchnewb21

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
As someone with small wrists it makes me sad as it severely limits options for me :-(

Are there any mechanical watches that aren't 40mm? Preferably 37mm or under. It seems like Seiko 5s are the only ones but I'm really not a fan of their look. Anything that would be 500$ or under?
 
#2 ·
watchnewb21 said:
As someone with small wrists it makes me sad as it severely limits options for me :-(

Are there any mechanical watches that aren't 40mm? Preferably 37mm or under. It seems like Seiko 5s are the only ones but I'm really not a fan of their look. Anything that would be 500$ or under?
Click to expand...
This one is 35mm, sweet spot for a dress watch:

You can find it used at about $500, new is more expensive...today it's not too hard to find a small dress watch, with other types of watches it's harder.
 
#3 · (Edited)
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#6 ·
TheWalrus said:
Hamilton makes two versions of their Khaki mechanical - automatic and hand wind - that measure in at 38mm.

H69419363 | Hamilton Watch

H70455533 | Hamilton Watch

You should be able to find them online at, or under the $500 mark.

Hamilton Khaki Field Men's Watch H70455533 - Khaki Field - Hamilton - Shop Watches by Brand - Jomashop
Click to expand...
That Hamilton looks a lot like the Seiko 5 SNK805 to me. And it's a lot less money.

Seiko Men's SNK805 Seiko 5 Automatic Green Canvas Strap Casual Watch 961613290243 | eBay
 
#8 ·
As a fellow "slim wrister", I empathise with you completely. So many watches are simply too big these days (40mm or more, plus lugs to be added to that). Why can't watch companies make smaller versions without diamonds and all the girly touches, for men with smaller wrists or those who simply don't want a dinner plate on their wrist?

As for your question, I've got a Nomos Orion Weiß 33mm but that would be a bit out of your price range, sadly. Have a look at the vintage market, as recommended above.

Happy hunting; I hope you find something suitable.
 
#10 ·
While the fashion trends are predominantly leaning towards larger watches, there are plenty of great classically sized watches at every price point
in sub $500 space:
- for dressier watches look at Hamilton Intramatic, Orient Star Classic, Chr Ward Malvern line
- For everyday dressy watches: SARB033\035 is hard to beat
- for dive watches - Chr Ward 38mm Trident is my pick
- For chrono: Seagull 1963 is a solid 38 mm choice
 
#11 ·
The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is an awesome watch at an even better price. It's 38mm and 48mm lug to lug, but wears bigger than the dimensions suggest. The finish is bead blasted, so some people may consider it a little less versatile, but I wear it with a shirt and tie regularly. The Hamilton Khaki Field is the automatic version and has more interesting finishing, and it's also 38mm but it is 46mm L2L so it will likely wear smaller.

Here's mine:
Image


Here's a generic picture of a Khaki Field:

Image


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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#13 ·
Laco offers several of their models at 42 and 36mm.

Archimede usually offers several sizes. Their Klassic is available in 42, 39, and 36. It's a bit more than $500, but if you can stretch a bit...

Image


Mido also does many of their lines in multiple sizes.
 
#14 ·
Recently went looking for a diver in this size range because I didn't want something so big either..

Armida A11, Seiko SKX023/025, Squale Two-Tone Quartz Diver, Marathon Diver's Medium, those are some options.

Not sure about other categories.. but dress watches should actually be a fair bit easier to find 36mm - 38mm as that is still more acceptable than 40/42+ even today.
 
#16 ·
If you personally don't like larger watcher, fine. Just don't let your perception of the way other people may feel about the look of your watch on your wrist affect you. Big watches are in, so unless you are wearing a wall clock on your wrist, 99 out of 100 people will think the larger watch looks perfectly fine on your wrist.
 
#18 · (Edited)
jjp11 said:
If you personally don't like larger watcher, fine. Just don't let your perception of the way other people may feel about the look of your watch on your wrist affect you. Big watches are in, so unless you are wearing a wall clock on your wrist, 99 out of 100 people will think the larger watch looks perfectly fine on your wrist.
Click to expand...
I didn't get the impression that the OP was concerned about others' perceptions, rather he was bemoaning the fact that today there are not that many choices for those that have a smaller wrist and do not care for the way a larger watch looks (to them) on their wrist. Unfortunately for them, the fact that "big watches are in" is not the fad they want to follow.

Some good suggestions for smaller watches have been made, but for the most part, these smaller watches are the exception, rather than the rule.
OP, the Hamiltons and others that have been suggested are nice possibilities, but I would also consider a well maintained or recently serviced vintage watch.
 
#19 ·
time-man said:
I didn't get the impression that the OP was concerned about others' perceptions, rather he was bemoaning the fact that today there are not that many choices for those that have a smaller wrist and do not care for the way a larger watch looks (to them) on their wrist. Unfortunately for them, the fact that "big watches are in" is not the fad they want to follow.

Some good suggestions for smaller watches have been made, but for the most part, these smaller watches are the exception, rather than the rule.
OP, the Hamiltons and others that have been suggested are nice possibilities, but I would also consider a well maintained or recently serviced vintage watch.
Click to expand...
I didn't get the impression he did either.. Just wanted to mention it in case.
 
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