How to choose your Rolex based on size

Text by Ana Franco.

It is not easy to buy a Rolex. Not only because of its high price, but also (especially since 1 January, when the brand is asking up to 14% more for its gold models), but also because the choice is overwhelming. There are hundreds of references to suit all tastes, with the same technical quality and unbeatable timeless aesthetics. However, not all of them have to adapt equally well to the characteristics of your wrist, so the size of the case (both the diameter and the thickness and the millimetres from lugs to lugs) can be a first selection criterion to find the ideal model.

The fit of a watch is very important, because it affects both its appearance and the comfort with which it is worn. Would you wear a dress or trousers that were not your size? This does not mean that you have to wear it tight, as there are those who prefer it to ‘dance’ a little. And it should be borne in mind that, in the product data sheets provided by the watchmakers, almost all diameters are indicated without taking into account the projection of the crown or its protectors.

And how big are Rolexes? Of course, almost all of them. Because they are round, their diameter is equal to the widest point of the case, excluding the crown. They are also reasonably slim. Between the smallest in their current catalogue, the Lady-Datejust (available only in 28 mm diameter) and the 28 mm Oyster Perpetual, and the gigantic 50 mm Deepsea, there is a wide range to choose from.

Some of its collections are one-size-fits-all. These include, from largest to smallest, the 43 mm Sea-Dweller; the Sky-Dweller (42 mm); the Explorer II (42 mm); the Submariner (41 mm); the GMT-Master II, the Air-King and the Cosmograph Daytona (40 mm); and the 1908 (39 mm). Other lines are found in various sizes, those housing the smallest: Oyster-Perpetual (28, 31, 34, 36 and 41 mm), Explorer and Day-Date (36 and 40 mm), Datejust (31, 36 and 41 mm) and Yacht-Master (37, 40 and 42 mm).

Rolex has discontinued 26 mm watches, although there is a trend towards mini watches. As for men, they usually look for models from 39 mm upwards, although a medium-sized wrist (between 15 and 18 cm) may prefer 36 mm, or even 34 mm if they are looking for a very retro look. In short, it is best to try on a watch to make sure that none of its elements (pushers, crown, lugs) are embedded in the skin.