Big watches for small wrists – 10 watches that wear smaller than their case diameters Part 2
Editor’s note: As we discussed here and in Part 1 of this article, watch lug to lug is an oft misunderstood element in finding the perfect fitting watch to your wrist. Here’s why. Ressence Type 1 Slim (42mm x 46mm) While some Ressence Type references push upwards of 52mm lug to lug, if you are looking for one of their more compact offerings, the Type 1 Slim is your best bet. At 46mm in lug to lug measurement, the 42mm case wears very well on the wrist. Its wire lugs taper the strap downward, creating an absence of unnecessary fixed length. This Ressence watch is a great example of why you need to pay attention to lug profile as much as case profile. Larger diameters do not necessarily mean a larger watch. The front of the watch is all dial, with no bezel to take up dial diameter. This creates the illusion of a much larger watch, but it is in fact just that: an illusion. RRP: $20,600 USD/approximately $28,710 AUD Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic (40mm x 46mm) Starting to think 46mm is the perfect vertical length of a watch? Then the Bulgari Octo Finissimo is another watch that should…
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Editor’s note: As I go to post this review, something very sad just dawned on me. It’s been over three years since I’ve had a holiday as long as the power reserve of this watch. Which is 10 days. Ten. Days. Which means this watch would still be ticking after one wind upon my return from these far-too-short ‘holidays’. I digress, but that sad example goes a long way to establishing the technical credibility of this watch, and to proving the point that as soon as lockdown ends, I’m outta here for a while. Enjoy – Andrew Hublot are well known for their patented brand of boldly designed and technologically advanced watchmaking, and if there’s one watch that embodies those qualities, it’s the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10 King Gold. The barrel-inspired case measures an extroverted 45mm and is hewn from one of the brand’s in-house precious alloys in King Gold, which has an array of complex finishes. The exposed bezel screws, articulating case shape and black rubber strap all see to the fulfilment of the bold design requirement. And within this thoughtfully designed case is where the technologically advanced component is evident. Powering this warmly toned behemoth is Hublot’s manufacture Calibre…
Yesterday, we published an explainer on why lug to lug measurement is a better fit-telling metric than case diameter. Today, we’re continuing the theme, with yet more examples, this time with a focus on big watches that are suitable for smaller wrists. At the end of the day there is no substitute for trying on a watch in the metal, but making a trip to your local AD is not always an option. Lug to lug measurement, in my opinion, is the best way to guesstimate if a watch will flatter your wrist when buying a watch online – and this list proves it beyond doubt. All you need to do from here is learn the measurements of your best-fitting watch or any watch you have previously tried on that can serve as a benchmark for your wrist. As an example, I know anything over 50mm is unlikely to suit my wrist (which is why I opted for a Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight over the GMT as much as I love that Pepsi bezel). Let’s explore 10 watches with compact lug to lug measurements in proportion to their case diameter. You may be surprised at some of these numbers……
Ceramic is a notoriously tricky material to work with in watchmaking, with only a handful of brands able to produce the material at scale. One of the few brands that can claim to have mastered it is Rado, who are well known for their brightly coloured and scratch-resistant timepieces. While Rado use the material throughout a number of their different lines, one of the collections that benefits significantly from the expertise is the Rado True Square collection, which features pebble-smooth ceramic cases and bracelets to match. Within the True Square range, there are two references that show the breadth of the collection – the Automatic Open Heart and the Automatic Diamonds. Despite both featuring the exact same 38mm square case and integrated bracelet, they offer totally different feelings on the wrist. The Automatic Open Heart does what it says on the tin, with a very finely skeletonised dial that gives an almost totally uninterrupted view of the movement within. Certainly not something you see every day. In contrast, the Automatic Diamonds is as sleek as black velvet, with the polished case and bracelet serving up a shimmering backdrop for the deep black dial that is studded with four diamonds. Elegance…
