Watches 39mm and Under

The Submariner is 41mm, GMT Master II and Daytona are 40mm. Most of Rolex’s sports watch lineup is released in case sizes of 40mm or larger. However, Some may find this size a bit overwhelming. Even a 1mm difference is an important factor for watch enthusiasts. Here are some watches for those with slender wrists or who prefer a more compact fit.

Tudor

Last year, Tudor introduced the Black Bay 54, A diver’s watch for those with smaller wrists. With a more compact size than the Black Bay 58, An improved T-Fit clasp, And a thinner case, It is loved not only by those with slender wrists but also by vintage diver watch enthusiasts. However, As a recently released Tudor model, The Black Bay 54 is not widely available yet.

Tudor Black Bay 54 M79000N  ©Tudor

As a result, Many people are turning to the Black Bay 58, Which is more affordable on the secondary market and more widely available. In addition, I would like to recommend considering the Pelagos 39.

Tudor Pelagos 39 M25407N © Tudor

The Black Bay 54 has a lug-to-lug of 46mm, While the Black Bay 58 is 47.75mm, Which is a bigger difference than expected. The Pelagos 39 has a lug-to-lug just under 47mm and a lug width of 21mm, Wider than the Black Bay 58, Giving it a more masculine proportion and making it feel even smaller on the wrist than the Black Bay 58.

Moreover, Tudor bracelets before T-Fit were a bit uncomfortable for those with slender wrists, But the Pelagos 39 features T-Fit, Making it very comfortable to wear. With its slim profile and the iconic red font reminiscent of the vintage Submariner 1680, The Pelagos 39 has its own unique charm. Since it was released before the Black Bay 54, It is also more readily available. In addition, Tudor offers many lines in various sizes, Such as the Royal and 1926, So it is worth keeping an eye on them.

Black Bay 54 79000N

37mm, Black

Pelagos 39 25407N

39mm, Black

Cartier

Cartier’s signature Tank line became more compact as it transitioned from Solo to Must. While the Tank Solo Large was clearly designed for men, The Must Large is sized for both women who prefer a larger watch and men with slender wrists, Making it a comfortable choice for all.

Cartier Tank Must Collection (from left XL, LG, SM sizes)
© Watch Swiss

Another advantage of the Tank Must is its design, Which is very similar to the Louis. Unlike the Solo, Which was clearly differentiated from Cartier’s top model Louis, The Must is so similar that it is hard to tell the difference except for the materials. Although the price of the Must has increased significantly since its launch, It is still a great value, As you can enjoy the Louis design at less than half the price and experience the Cartier brand. The size is attractive for those with slender wrists, And it also allows you to indirectly experience Cartier’s top model.

Tank Must SM WSTA0042

29.5mm x 22mm, Silver

Tank Must LM WSTA0041

33.7mm x 25.5mm, Silver

Tank Must XL WSTA0053

41mm x 31mm, Silver

Cartier Santos

If you are not attracted to the rectangular Tank style, The Cartier Santos is also an appealing option.

Cartier Santos Carrée LM </br>
© Watch Swiss

Cartier Santos Carrée LM
© Watch Swiss

While there is a current Santos M size, I recommend the older Santos Carrée/Galbée LM size. The Carrée/Galbée LM has a smaller dial than the current model, But the lug-to-lug is not much different, Resulting in better proportions. The traditional design with a separate bezel and bracelet, As well as the availability of thin, Affordable, And easy-to-maintain quartz models, Set it apart from the current version. In fact, Looking at transaction prices on VIVER, You can often find them at more attractive prices than overseas.

Santos MM WSSA0029

41.9mm x 35.1mm, Silver

Santos Dumont LM W2007051

34.6mm x 44.6mm, Silver

Santos Galbée W20012C4

34.7mm x 24.0mm, White/Roman numeral index

Panerai

Panerai was once considered a “forbidden zone” for those with slender wrists. Known for its massive size due to pocket watch movements, The brand’s minimum size used to be 40mm–42mm.

Panerai Luminor Due 38 © Panerai

However, With the release of the Luminor Due 38, Panerai has become accessible to those with slender wrists. There are options with mother-of-pearl dials for women, But also models with gray, Blue, Or white dials that can be enjoyed by anyone. The price is also more affordable within the Panerai lineup, Making it less of a burden.

Panerai Luminor Due 38 © Hodinkee

If you do not like the sunray dial of the Due, The slightly larger but more “Panerai-like” Luminor Quaranta 40mm is also a good choice. The Radiomir is now also available in a Quaranta 40mm size, Making it more accessible. All the models introduced are automatic, So they are different from traditional manual Panerai watches, But with a long power reserve, They are more convenient to wear.

Omega

The Omega Aqua Terra 38 is the most compact size in the Omega lineup and allows you to enjoy the brand’s signature twisted lugs.

The Aqua Terra, Which is also popular as a wedding watch, Features a beautiful 8800 movement visible through the see-through case back. The iconic teak pattern dial is available, As well as sunray dials in various colors.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Quartz Ref. 2518.39.99 </br>  © connoisseur of time

There are also 36mm models released before the current Aqua Terra 38, Offering an even more compact size and the option of quartz, Which is not available in the current lineup.
If you want a diver’s watch, The flagship Planet Ocean line offers a 39.5mm model. If you want a chronograph, There is the Speedmaster 38 or Speedmaster Reduced.

Aqua Terra 220.10.38.20.03.001

38mm, Blue

Aqua Terra Shades 220.10.38.20.03.004

38mm, Summer Blue

Rolex

Along with Tudor and Cartier, Rolex is a brand that offers classic and diverse size options.

Even the most basic model, The Oyster Perpetual, Currently offers five options: 28, 31, 34, 36, And 41mm. For men with smaller wrists, The 34mm or 36mm models are recommended. The 124200 is slightly smaller than the previous generation 114200 in the 34mm size. The new model also has thinner lugs, So if the current 34mm feels a bit awkward, Consider the previous 34mm 114200. If that also feels awkward, You can choose between the new or old 36mm models.

If you prefer a date window, I recommend the Datejust 36mm with a domed bezel and Oyster bracelet.

The domed bezel and Oyster bracelet combination is not much more expensive than the Oyster Perpetual. At the same time, The date window, Various dial options, And polished center bracelet links all show that the Datejust ranks above the Oyster Perpetual in the Rolex hierarchy. Of course, The fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet combination is more popular, But the domed bezel and Oyster bracelet combination is a great opportunity at a good price, As it is less highlighted between the simple Oyster Perpetual and the flashy fluted bezel Datejust. Compared to the Explorer of the same size, The Datejust is also a good choice considering the retail price.

Writer

Day n of hoping to join VIVER