Deepsea
Though mainly a Breitling fan, I'm starting to get a hankering for a Rolex of some sort. I really like the look of the Hulk, the GMT Master II and (unsurprisingly) the Daytona.
However, saw a Hulk in the flesh recently, and was really disappointed in how small it was (40mm?) - I've got fairly hefty wrists, around 8.2", and anything less than a 44mm case just doesn't look right.
I think the Yachtmaster is the biggest I've seen at 44mm, but I'm not a fan of the design. The Explorer II is pretty, but again, just a touch small (42mm?)
Are there any other Rolex models that cater for the gorilla-wristed? Any pointers would be welcome.
Cheers,
Mike
Deepsea
The Deepsea IS the one for you then.
Is the YM 44mm?
I didn't realise it was that large.
Unfortunately, most Rolex are no larger than around 40mm, so only the Deepsea or Explorer 2 are your options I think.
Deepsea with black dial or d-blue dial.
Or
Yachtmaster II
Those are pretty much what's available. With Yachtmaster II you can also choose two tone- or precious metal- versions
According to the Rolex website the YM is 40mm. As far as I understand it the DSSD is the only 44mm watch Rolex make, and (just like the OP) is therefore the only Rolex I would ever consider buying, as I'm only happy with watches of between 43mm and 46mm...
Simon
Oops, just noticed that YM2 is indeed 44mm. Horrible looking imo, though...
Last edited by mycroft; 23rd September 2016 at 07:34.
The datejust II certainly appears larger than its measurements would suggest. The large dial and particularly the fluted bezel makes for a large looking watch.
Last edited by mylofitz; 23rd September 2016 at 07:51.
Got to be a deep sea, I'm use to Pams, super ocean 44mm yet I sold my deepsea as I felt it was too big so should suit your needs perfectly :)
It really isn't; with its long lugs and substantial case, the 216570 appears significantly larger than most 42 mm watches.
My wrist isn't far off 8" around, and I don't find it small in the least:
The dial is bigger than my Deepsea, too, which makes it look about the same head-on:
Probably worth giving it a try, at least. The only options that haven't been mentioned yet in >40 mm Rolex are the new Datejust 41, the Day-Date II, and the Sky-Dweller.
P.S. Nothing wrong with 40 mm on a big wrist, either:
This ad for the gigantic watch is meant to show how awesome and manly it is, but I find it has exactly the opposite effect. I've rarely seen a better demonstration of how perfected the classic Rolex sports case is for any wrist.
How about a Sky-Dweller? 42mm.
Deepsea, but as previously suggested, don't dismiss the 42mm explorer2. It wears a lot bigger than its dimensions on paper suggest.
Another vote for the Explorer II, definitely wears big for a 42mm but is also a great size height wise (unlike the DSSD). I have the black dial version and although I've wanted a hulk or non date sub I can never bring myself to swap as I love this watch so much. I like the fact it's less obviously a Rolex than the Subs/ GMTs but that may or may not be something you like.
I always found the white dial looked slightly larger on the wrist than the black so that might be worth a try.
Large men have always worn the 36mm Day Date, and looked great.
I have a customer who comes in wearing a platinum dial yachtmaster - it always catches my eye because it is 44-46 mm.
I've not actually got my ruler out but was wearing my Breitling SOH at the time for reference.
Seems odd to fake a watch completely the wrong size but I'm sure he likes it!
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Thanks for all the advice chaps.
It seems that I should be looking at the DeepSea. I quite like the look of the D-Blue 'James Cameron' version - I'm guessing that'll be pricier as it's a limited edition?
I will have a look at the Explorer II as well - the white Dial does seem to make it look bigger than its darker brother.
The Sky Dweller must be an acquired taste (that I haven't developed yet). Not attractive.
Cheers,
Mike
Mike, the DeepSea is big, but to me, it’s tall and more lump like on the wrist. The YMII lugs make it wear very well and comfortable too.
What I’m trying to say is they are completely different in respect of the way they wear.
But, you don’t like the SkyDweller, or the YMII, so I’d suggest booking into a taste class ;-)
Mike having met you a couple of times
The DSSD is for you for sure
Awesome watch
Deepsea would be the one for you if it as to be Rolex,have you not considered a 47 mm Pam or iwc if you're into big watches
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Great!Mike, the DeepSea is big, but to me, it’s tall and more lump like on the wrist.
See above...I’d suggest booking into a taste class
Never been a huge Panerai fan, but some of the larger IWCs have a certain appeal - damn, stop distracting me...a 47 mm Pam or iwc if you're into big watches
Thanks John, I think I'm heading that way. My next job is to track down a Deep Sea and a D-Blue in the flesh to see which grabs me....The DSSD is for you for sure
Cheers all!
Mike
+1 Deepsea Blue
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I have a GMT Master 16700 which is big enough for me as I have skinny wrists.
+ 2 on the Explorer II
I have large wrists 8"+ and have had a few Rolex. I had an explorer 2 40mm and a GMT2c and I just didn't bond with them as every time I caught a glance of them in the mirror they just looked too small. I bought a DSSD a couple of months ago and it fits perfect.
Its disappointing as I love some of the smaller watches and I feel limited now.
On the other hand I am one of those weird people who likes the Yacht master II so I think my next one is a yellow gold one of them!
I'm close to 9" inch wrists and happily wear a 40mm watch and it's very comfortable. My JSAR and Luminox P38 are probably the 2 biggest watches I have and I need to wearing jeans and t to feel comfortable with the big watch. I won't wear a big pilot either as the large dial thin profile doesn't work, but a Maratac mid-pilot sits and feels better. The 40mm Rolex is spot on!
I'm a massive breitling fan, the only thing that's gonna fit for you is a deep sea, many have already said it but I was asking exactly same question a few years ago.
As above, try the Exp II 42mm. Due to its proportions, you might be surprised how it wears.
Cheers Simon.
NB - ALWAYS a North Londoner, just doing some missionary work 'oop north' at the moment....
I'm sure I can locate a 'standard' DSSD, but having trouble finding a D-Blue to have a look at up here.... Andrewcregan was spot on -Easier said than done, as that D-Blue is very thin on the ground.
But EJL25 probably wasn't -- A brief search seems to suggest a huge premium for the D-Blue over the standard DSSD - i.e Iconic £7850 vs £10700, similar margins on Chrono24, etc. - Perhaps he was referrring to the Official 'RRP', which is £8050 vs £8250, but bears no relation to the 'actual' prices being asked...It is a little bit more expensive but not that much.
All the input is really appreciated, and the search continues...
Mike
Appreciate that your that post asks for Rolex suggestions, but as a Breitling fan, what about the new(ish) Emergency?
Aside from the massive price tag, it's also a massive watch. Sure someone will pipe in with the actual size!
It is absolutely massive though!
In my view, with very small wrists!