Sizing Product
Measuring a watch
It is always crucial to understand the size of the watch, especially when it comes to vintage watches which are generally considered as too small in comparison with what watch industry offers today. For example, the original Patek Philippe Calatrava introduced in the 1930s was only 31 mm in diameter, while today's classic Calatrava is 39 mm. When you think about 8 mm, it doesn't seem to be a big difference, but believe it is.
In our condition reports we normally disclose three most important parameters as follows: diameter without crown / lug-to-lug length / lug width.
Diameter without crown
It is, so far, the most important measurement to understand the size of a regular round-shaped watch.It helps you to understand proportions and overall look of the watch. It is important to consider width of the bezel and color of the dial, because certain combinations may make the watch look bigger, while some other smaller. It is all very individual, however there is common understanding:
- 31-33 mm - small size (Rolex Oyster "Bubbleback", Patek Philippe Ref.96)
- 34 mm - small to average size (Rolex Oysterdate Precision, Universal Geneve Polerouter)
- 35 mm - average size (Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date)
- 36 mm - classic size (Rolex Datejust/Day-Date, Patek Philippe Ref.570)
- 37 mm - oversize (Tudor Day-Date, certain chronographs)
- 38 mm - oversize / jumbo
- 39-40 mm - big / jumbo (Rolex Submariner, Eberhard Extra-fort)
- 42 mm - big / moder (Omega Speedmaster Professional)
Lug-to-lug width
This parameter will help you to understand whether the watch is comfortable for wearing. You should compare lug-to-lug width with the width of your wrist, and if lug-to-lug width is smaller or equal, then this watch shall be comfortable.
Lug width
This measurement is defining what size of strap you need for the particular watch. Depending on era and manufacturer you can find watches with lug width between 14 mm and 24 mm. Most common sizes are 18 mm and 20 mm.