Are big watches really all that bad? While the prevailing (but far from universal) taste in the market these days is in favor of smaller watches, the TGN boys don’t want to forget their roots or pretend that there isn’t a time and a place for a big ole’ watch (even if you might typically prefer smaller ones). As such, this episode’s main topic features Jason and James picking a handful of watches that highlight the specific appeal of “a big watch” (big for our wrists, that it).
Finally got the glitches worked out of my Substack app! James and Jason, thanks as always from South Texas! Hope you guys can make it down here one day! This was a great article and it really hits home. I’ve gone up and back between bigger and smaller watches for years. I have 6.75 inch wrists that are 2” across the top. I think after lots of self reflection I just find I’m a big watch guy. I wear a 43.5 Planet Ocean and love it! Everyone should wear what brings them joy regardless and not be scared of enjoying their watches. Being from Chicago and having family there I wish I could make the meet up but Covid is kicking my ass right now and I’m going to have to pass. Hopefully the next one! Would love to come to a hang out, hike, or dive with you guys someday! Take care and keep up the great work!
Well here I am a day late and a dollar short on the comments. I’m glad you did an episode on bigger watches. I have a 7 1/4” wrist. I have watches that run from 34mm all the way to 53mm. Right now I wearing a 47mm Invicta/Disney Pro Diver Scuba 23769. It was a gift from my best half and I love it. I love a good Mickey Mouse watch. And yes I said the dreaded “I” word. I say any watch that can make you feel good and smile is good enough for you.
Great episode as always, kinda interesting that the Sea Dweller 43 is not mentioned as Jason reviewed the two tone a while back. But then maybe 43mm is not a large watch anymore.
Loved the show and love my blue PO 43.5 time and date. Such a cool watch. Yes its on the chunky side, but it wears great on my 7.5 inch wrist, especially on the rubber strap. Also the thickness is 15.9mm on paper, however 2-3mm is because of the case-back and the domed crystal, so for me it doesn't wear that thick. Thinner as a Pelagos because of the slab sided design of that watch..
Another great ep! Can sympathize with the vehicle repair rollercoaster. Days before listening, I got the good fortune of avoiding a costly fuel tank sensor job on an 08 by simply replacing the fuel tank cap! and then promptly had the misfortune of not being able to fully clear the cowl drains on a 16. Win some/lose some lol
Very nice Episode, youre absolutely right. It isn't that bad having one big watch for short sleeved summerdays. I flipped through a few and got hooked on the Citizen Ecozilla BJ8050. Fairly accessible nowadays you can get one used for as low as 140€ and new on amazon for around 230€. This is a perfect fit for me with its ecodrive movement, just grab it and go. And if you dont like the bracelet you can fit the band adapters and get it on whatever strap you want but it makes the lug to lug quite big. I wear mine on its fitted rubber strap because it keeps it to these 49mm length. Greetings from Austria
Another great discussion! You guys are definitely the heat!
Big watches have a place when legibility (or geezer eyes!) is key.
I have noted in the forum I have a Devil Diver chronograph from 1971. An important piece to me for both emotional and experience reasons. I also have a modern Lunar Pilot (the no date version). Both are chronographs but the Lunar Pilot is the larger and the easier chronograph to use. Why? My view: because of the size. 47mm including the crown v. 40mm for the DD. And the Lunar Pilot is nearly all dial. It is not an every day watch.
But, on a good NATO it does the job and doesn’t look too crazy large. And, full discloser, I definitely do not have Popeye forearms.
An incredibly fun but completely unaffordable and ridiculous "rich-guy" watch is the 42mm Titanium Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph released last year with the grey petite tapisserie dial. Reference: 26238TI.OO.2000TI.01. Really beautiful take on the original Offshore aesthetic.
Certainly a big watch and wears bigger than 42mm with the integrated bracelet but slightly more wearable than the original 44mm. An all-grey full Titanium affair that would be an ultimate TGN dream watch. Hodinkee introducing below from Sept. 2021.
Also there is a great feature on Auro Montanari aka John Goldberger in the Phillips watch content section wearing a Proplof as a young man in LA in 1982 standing next to his Cadillac Coupé de Ville. Like Jason's pic it does look totally wearable.
The Anthony Horowitz Bond novels are a great pick for final notes. He also has written two Sherlock Holmes novels using roughly the same concept as the Bond novels and authorized by the estate. "The House of Silk" and "Moriarity" Both are super captivating reads with great page turning plots and twists, especially "Moriarity". His modern takes on the British cozy mystery are also really fun. Magpie Murders/Moonflower Murders series and then "The Word is Murder" series. There is a PBS Masterpiece TV adaptation of Magpie Murders coming out later this year. Lastly, Jason mentioned his role as a creator/writer for Foyle's War which is an incredible show featuring Michael Kitchen as a rural police inspector in and around WWII. His performance is absolutely incredible and the show has a really charming vibe if you are an Anglophile. Horowitz was also a screenwriter for many of the Agatha Christie Poirot adaptations which are peak whimsical Art Deco British cozy mysteries.
Fantastic pick. Definitely a prolific and talented/diverse writer. Lots to check out if you enjoy his work in the Bond novels or are into British writing and television production.
Super fun episode. Thanks! Loved the discussion of these larger watches and placing them in context of the individual brands and their design/functionality as true tool watches. Really appreciated the open perspective despite the current market/fashion trends which are always cyclical.
I have always loved the original S500 with its really distinct handset/lollipop and the dial design with the central vertical striping on the dial. The lume is fantastic and the bezel action is outstanding. The watch has been on my list for years and I may go ahead and finally give it a try after this episode. Great pick!
Similarly, the design of the Panerai Submersible is so steampunk/diving gear distinctive and fun and another great pick. Have always loved the PAM0024 44mm Submersible but unfortunately it is just way too big on wrist to make it work.
In regards to a more wearable Panerai, they released a 40mm Luminor Quaranta model last year at 2021 digital Watches and Wonders which became available in Fall 2021. I always loved some of the Panerai aesthetic (Submersible and Luminor) but also found them way too big over the years. I picked up the black dial PAM01272 and put it on the rubber strap and it is absolutely fantastic. The reworked proportions of the 40mm translate great on a smaller wrist and maintain the distinctive Luminor design language. 12.8mm thick, 22mm lugs. 100 meters water resistance and screw-down case back and lugs. Plenty for a fun summer watch which isn't a true diver despite the brand history.
I would love to see a quick review and impression on these if you ever come across them. So far they have released black, white, blue, and now a green military dial, PAM01304 which is really sharp. These also work incredibly well on aged leather and suede straps from Hodinkee, A Collected Man, etc. Definitely an under the radar option if you are at all interested in trying out a Panerai with a smaller wrist or a preference for smaller watches.
Excellent picks! The largest watch in my stable is my Bulova Lunar pilot at 45mm. It is only 13.5 thick which helps with wearability. I also have 7.5 in wrists which is pretty versatile. I have 35mm watches that don't look to small at the big 45 doesn't look to big.
Another great episode, and having an almost 8" wrist I appreciate being "seen". My favorite "regular size" watches (for me) are the Seiko Arnie, the Sinn U1, The Winfield MT1, and a recent addition, the Breitling Superocean 44 "Outerknown".
I am beginning to bore my self mentioning it but I put on the 44mm Mido GMT when I saw the topic for this weeks episode in my inbox.
I also have a PO GMT and it is a tank of a watch (Cartier got the silhouette, Omega took the rest) but I don't find it a problem, slept in it no problem etc. The choice of the ceramic dial and display case back must both add some thickness to what is already a chunky watch.
Finally got the glitches worked out of my Substack app! James and Jason, thanks as always from South Texas! Hope you guys can make it down here one day! This was a great article and it really hits home. I’ve gone up and back between bigger and smaller watches for years. I have 6.75 inch wrists that are 2” across the top. I think after lots of self reflection I just find I’m a big watch guy. I wear a 43.5 Planet Ocean and love it! Everyone should wear what brings them joy regardless and not be scared of enjoying their watches. Being from Chicago and having family there I wish I could make the meet up but Covid is kicking my ass right now and I’m going to have to pass. Hopefully the next one! Would love to come to a hang out, hike, or dive with you guys someday! Take care and keep up the great work!
Finally finished "Forever and a Day" by Horowitz. It was fantastic!
Well here I am a day late and a dollar short on the comments. I’m glad you did an episode on bigger watches. I have a 7 1/4” wrist. I have watches that run from 34mm all the way to 53mm. Right now I wearing a 47mm Invicta/Disney Pro Diver Scuba 23769. It was a gift from my best half and I love it. I love a good Mickey Mouse watch. And yes I said the dreaded “I” word. I say any watch that can make you feel good and smile is good enough for you.
Great episode as always, kinda interesting that the Sea Dweller 43 is not mentioned as Jason reviewed the two tone a while back. But then maybe 43mm is not a large watch anymore.
Loved the show and love my blue PO 43.5 time and date. Such a cool watch. Yes its on the chunky side, but it wears great on my 7.5 inch wrist, especially on the rubber strap. Also the thickness is 15.9mm on paper, however 2-3mm is because of the case-back and the domed crystal, so for me it doesn't wear that thick. Thinner as a Pelagos because of the slab sided design of that watch..
Another great ep! Can sympathize with the vehicle repair rollercoaster. Days before listening, I got the good fortune of avoiding a costly fuel tank sensor job on an 08 by simply replacing the fuel tank cap! and then promptly had the misfortune of not being able to fully clear the cowl drains on a 16. Win some/lose some lol
Very nice Episode, youre absolutely right. It isn't that bad having one big watch for short sleeved summerdays. I flipped through a few and got hooked on the Citizen Ecozilla BJ8050. Fairly accessible nowadays you can get one used for as low as 140€ and new on amazon for around 230€. This is a perfect fit for me with its ecodrive movement, just grab it and go. And if you dont like the bracelet you can fit the band adapters and get it on whatever strap you want but it makes the lug to lug quite big. I wear mine on its fitted rubber strap because it keeps it to these 49mm length. Greetings from Austria
Another great discussion! You guys are definitely the heat!
Big watches have a place when legibility (or geezer eyes!) is key.
I have noted in the forum I have a Devil Diver chronograph from 1971. An important piece to me for both emotional and experience reasons. I also have a modern Lunar Pilot (the no date version). Both are chronographs but the Lunar Pilot is the larger and the easier chronograph to use. Why? My view: because of the size. 47mm including the crown v. 40mm for the DD. And the Lunar Pilot is nearly all dial. It is not an every day watch.
But, on a good NATO it does the job and doesn’t look too crazy large. And, full discloser, I definitely do not have Popeye forearms.
Best wishes to all for a great summer!
An incredibly fun but completely unaffordable and ridiculous "rich-guy" watch is the 42mm Titanium Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph released last year with the grey petite tapisserie dial. Reference: 26238TI.OO.2000TI.01. Really beautiful take on the original Offshore aesthetic.
Certainly a big watch and wears bigger than 42mm with the integrated bracelet but slightly more wearable than the original 44mm. An all-grey full Titanium affair that would be an ultimate TGN dream watch. Hodinkee introducing below from Sept. 2021.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/five-all-new-royal-oak-offshores
Also there is a great feature on Auro Montanari aka John Goldberger in the Phillips watch content section wearing a Proplof as a young man in LA in 1982 standing next to his Cadillac Coupé de Ville. Like Jason's pic it does look totally wearable.
https://www.phillips.com/article/56743440/a-casa-con-auro-montanari-part-2-the-aesthete
The Ploprof when worn by a ‘real deal’ guy or gal is a thing of beauty. I always think of the Ploprof Guy interview on Fratello.
https://www.fratellowatches.com/a-collector-talks-about-his-omega-seamaster-ploprof/
The Anthony Horowitz Bond novels are a great pick for final notes. He also has written two Sherlock Holmes novels using roughly the same concept as the Bond novels and authorized by the estate. "The House of Silk" and "Moriarity" Both are super captivating reads with great page turning plots and twists, especially "Moriarity". His modern takes on the British cozy mystery are also really fun. Magpie Murders/Moonflower Murders series and then "The Word is Murder" series. There is a PBS Masterpiece TV adaptation of Magpie Murders coming out later this year. Lastly, Jason mentioned his role as a creator/writer for Foyle's War which is an incredible show featuring Michael Kitchen as a rural police inspector in and around WWII. His performance is absolutely incredible and the show has a really charming vibe if you are an Anglophile. Horowitz was also a screenwriter for many of the Agatha Christie Poirot adaptations which are peak whimsical Art Deco British cozy mysteries.
Fantastic pick. Definitely a prolific and talented/diverse writer. Lots to check out if you enjoy his work in the Bond novels or are into British writing and television production.
Super fun episode. Thanks! Loved the discussion of these larger watches and placing them in context of the individual brands and their design/functionality as true tool watches. Really appreciated the open perspective despite the current market/fashion trends which are always cyclical.
I have always loved the original S500 with its really distinct handset/lollipop and the dial design with the central vertical striping on the dial. The lume is fantastic and the bezel action is outstanding. The watch has been on my list for years and I may go ahead and finally give it a try after this episode. Great pick!
Similarly, the design of the Panerai Submersible is so steampunk/diving gear distinctive and fun and another great pick. Have always loved the PAM0024 44mm Submersible but unfortunately it is just way too big on wrist to make it work.
In regards to a more wearable Panerai, they released a 40mm Luminor Quaranta model last year at 2021 digital Watches and Wonders which became available in Fall 2021. I always loved some of the Panerai aesthetic (Submersible and Luminor) but also found them way too big over the years. I picked up the black dial PAM01272 and put it on the rubber strap and it is absolutely fantastic. The reworked proportions of the 40mm translate great on a smaller wrist and maintain the distinctive Luminor design language. 12.8mm thick, 22mm lugs. 100 meters water resistance and screw-down case back and lugs. Plenty for a fun summer watch which isn't a true diver despite the brand history.
I would love to see a quick review and impression on these if you ever come across them. So far they have released black, white, blue, and now a green military dial, PAM01304 which is really sharp. These also work incredibly well on aged leather and suede straps from Hodinkee, A Collected Man, etc. Definitely an under the radar option if you are at all interested in trying out a Panerai with a smaller wrist or a preference for smaller watches.
https://www.panerai.com/us/en/collections/watch-collection/luminor/pam01304-luminor-quaranta-verde-militare.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw4ayUBhA4EiwATWyBrhQCNA5vnZcHCAU8Af3J0i5ENwrnh-CPDvH24nmg_ZbjGmtaAW2QExoCyrkQAvD_BwE
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/panerai-debuts-luminor-marina-quaranta-watch-collection/
Another great episode. Big watches aren't really my taste but hearing these gentlemen talk watches/ adventure makes for a solid work distraction.
Excellent picks! The largest watch in my stable is my Bulova Lunar pilot at 45mm. It is only 13.5 thick which helps with wearability. I also have 7.5 in wrists which is pretty versatile. I have 35mm watches that don't look to small at the big 45 doesn't look to big.
Another great episode, and having an almost 8" wrist I appreciate being "seen". My favorite "regular size" watches (for me) are the Seiko Arnie, the Sinn U1, The Winfield MT1, and a recent addition, the Breitling Superocean 44 "Outerknown".
I am beginning to bore my self mentioning it but I put on the 44mm Mido GMT when I saw the topic for this weeks episode in my inbox.
I also have a PO GMT and it is a tank of a watch (Cartier got the silhouette, Omega took the rest) but I don't find it a problem, slept in it no problem etc. The choice of the ceramic dial and display case back must both add some thickness to what is already a chunky watch.