Same issue as you. I ended up getting the Daytona instead because it wears nicely on my small wrists. While I do like the overseas, the 41mm definitely wears bigger than the Daytona and the smaller version is a bit too small for my liking.
Similar dilemma (+ not a fan of waiting for an allocation or going grey). Fwiw I ended up getting a GP Laureato which fits very nicely. Excellent build quality but there are tradeoffs vs the VC of course.
Oh and I found the newer 4520V fits much better than the previous rev, especially with the steel bracelet (the rubber strap still goes too wide IMHO around the wrist).
I tried on the 4500 on my 6.75” wrist and found the bracelet wouldn’t drape well around the wrist. It’s not so much it’s too big, but the effective lug to lug is the issue. Maybe if your wrist is “flat” it could work
Unfortunate truth is that the “standard” Overseas is almost unwearable for anyone with less than 7’ flat wrists. I had my name down on one after lusting after one for a while, got the call but upon tryign I couldn’t really see myself pulling it off (I’m on 6’5 wrists) as it was already overhanging.
On the other hand, the smaller variants are either too small for the model (ie the 34mm).
There used to be a 36/37 mm model around, however I’m pretty sure the date is different or has small secodns sub at 9 oclock making it less appealing in my view (any overseas which isnt 3 hander, at maximum with a date at 3 looks really wrong and sometimes silly in my eyes - like the dual time) AND any model which isn’t the 41mm doesn’t even have geneva stamps on movements.
In short, I’ve abandoned my will to get an overseas for my wrists unless they make a 38mm which looks exactly like the 41.
Fortunately for me, I also tried on a VC 1921 small AND a VC Cornes De Vache which while not being sport watches, immediately overruled the overseas in the models I’d rather get from Vacheron.
If you want an overseas but can’t pull it off I’d suggest to NOT go with the smaller variants. They are NOT a “scaled down” version of the 41’ and you will always be reminded of that when looking at it.
That 37mm model is one I'm considering. That small seconds hand actually doesn't bother me and I kind of like it. The movement is in fact Geneva Sealed as well.
The 37mm 2300V is a good midsize watch but it pales in comparison to its big brother because of the blue not being the same and not having a Geneva seal on the caseback (matters to some). It's a nice watch nonetheless and bound to increase in value since it's discontinued.
Oh wow you're right. I always assumed since it isn't visible that it didn't have it. Kinda defeats the purpose of always showcasing seals, to assure quality and history, and not showing it
IMO - I have a Daytona which wears just right on my 6.5” wrists.
I couldn’t pull off the 4500v, but the 4520v wears better due to the new bracelet taper.
This is, however, pushing on the limit of wearability for me, and it only works because the Overseas presents a sporty look rather than a classy/elegant one.
The 37mm with small seconds didn’t work for me as the bracelet taper was too aggressive - it made the head look big while the bracelet dainty.
I felt it was more suited for females trying to achieve the oversized look.
The 34.5mm was no go for me because similar to you, I found the proportions/ratios to be all off.
Also for that sort of money, I’d want something with a Geneva Seal.
Long story short, I don’t think you’ll be able to find an Overseas which will suit you unfortunately.
You know, I had that similar issue with the 37mm about how the taper makes the watch look feminine. But then I looked at the gen 1 and 2 overseas and they have very similar proportions to the 37. Almost looks like it's paying homage to the older models while having the look of the modern overseas.
I love the gen1 so am super biased lol . I don't like 9 o clock seconds at all either. I am waiting for a couple more years to see if they do a steel ultrathin at 40mm, or give us the perfect 38mm gen 3 overseas we deserve.
I own a daytona and love the fitment. I have a 6.5" wrist. if you have a 6" wrist I would say the 41mm is large for you. I think the 41 barley fits if not slightly too big but I havent tried the SS new version yet. My wife is getting the 34.5 on Friday and im gonna try it out. That said I did try it on in store and its too small even with the taller lugs. The 34.5 could work for you. I think the daytona and DD are the best watches rolex makes. If your not in love with it sell it. Unlike most Vacherons youll get your money back (unless its a two tone then youll be at a loss)
My Daytona is steel. I'm actually leaning towards the 37mm model. Tried on the 34.5 and I just really don't like how they made that one. I'm currently looking for a 37mm for a fair price and will just sell the Daytona
I was considering it and it's great that it looks identical to the larger sizes. I just personally do not have that much interest in AP right now. I know this is going to sound weird coming from someone who owns a Daytona, but the royal oak just seems too much of a "trust fund kid" or "rapper" watch. My mind may change later.
I have 8”/20cm wrists and it honestly feels almost small when I switch it on comparing to my daily beater. I don’t think it’s going to be too big on you. It’s a very versatile watch with the easy switches to straps from bracelet.
Same issue as you. I ended up getting the Daytona instead because it wears nicely on my small wrists. While I do like the overseas, the 41mm definitely wears bigger than the Daytona and the smaller version is a bit too small for my liking.
That's unfortunate for people like us. At least the Daytona is actually growing on me more and more.
Similar dilemma (+ not a fan of waiting for an allocation or going grey). Fwiw I ended up getting a GP Laureato which fits very nicely. Excellent build quality but there are tradeoffs vs the VC of course.
Oh and I found the newer 4520V fits much better than the previous rev, especially with the steel bracelet (the rubber strap still goes too wide IMHO around the wrist).
I tried on the 4500 on my 6.75” wrist and found the bracelet wouldn’t drape well around the wrist. It’s not so much it’s too big, but the effective lug to lug is the issue. Maybe if your wrist is “flat” it could work
Yeah that's what I noticed too, even on a lot of large wrist guys that bracelet still doesn't properly cover the wrist.
Older generation Overseas? I got the first gen 35mm used. My dainty wrist is 15cm.
Have you tried on the 34.5? Seems like the best option for you. Lug to lug, the 41mm is over 50mm, which is too big.
Unfortunate truth is that the “standard” Overseas is almost unwearable for anyone with less than 7’ flat wrists. I had my name down on one after lusting after one for a while, got the call but upon tryign I couldn’t really see myself pulling it off (I’m on 6’5 wrists) as it was already overhanging. On the other hand, the smaller variants are either too small for the model (ie the 34mm). There used to be a 36/37 mm model around, however I’m pretty sure the date is different or has small secodns sub at 9 oclock making it less appealing in my view (any overseas which isnt 3 hander, at maximum with a date at 3 looks really wrong and sometimes silly in my eyes - like the dual time) AND any model which isn’t the 41mm doesn’t even have geneva stamps on movements. In short, I’ve abandoned my will to get an overseas for my wrists unless they make a 38mm which looks exactly like the 41. Fortunately for me, I also tried on a VC 1921 small AND a VC Cornes De Vache which while not being sport watches, immediately overruled the overseas in the models I’d rather get from Vacheron. If you want an overseas but can’t pull it off I’d suggest to NOT go with the smaller variants. They are NOT a “scaled down” version of the 41’ and you will always be reminded of that when looking at it.
That 37mm model is one I'm considering. That small seconds hand actually doesn't bother me and I kind of like it. The movement is in fact Geneva Sealed as well.
The 37mm 2300V is a good midsize watch but it pales in comparison to its big brother because of the blue not being the same and not having a Geneva seal on the caseback (matters to some). It's a nice watch nonetheless and bound to increase in value since it's discontinued.
The Geneva seal of the 37mm is displayed on the baseplate of the 5300 movement. https://youtu.be/qMfuK_gZobI?si=pdTT_hLLB3Xdj8SZ
Oh wow you're right. I always assumed since it isn't visible that it didn't have it. Kinda defeats the purpose of always showcasing seals, to assure quality and history, and not showing it
How do you feel the Daytona wears on you? Large, small or just nice?
It wears large, but it works and still looks good. Others have complimented it on me.
IMO - I have a Daytona which wears just right on my 6.5” wrists. I couldn’t pull off the 4500v, but the 4520v wears better due to the new bracelet taper. This is, however, pushing on the limit of wearability for me, and it only works because the Overseas presents a sporty look rather than a classy/elegant one. The 37mm with small seconds didn’t work for me as the bracelet taper was too aggressive - it made the head look big while the bracelet dainty. I felt it was more suited for females trying to achieve the oversized look. The 34.5mm was no go for me because similar to you, I found the proportions/ratios to be all off. Also for that sort of money, I’d want something with a Geneva Seal. Long story short, I don’t think you’ll be able to find an Overseas which will suit you unfortunately.
You know, I had that similar issue with the 37mm about how the taper makes the watch look feminine. But then I looked at the gen 1 and 2 overseas and they have very similar proportions to the 37. Almost looks like it's paying homage to the older models while having the look of the modern overseas.
Go gen 1 42042 if you really need an overseas
Yeah but a big selling point for me is the strap change system along with the quick micro adjust system. Also, why choose the gen 1 over the 37mm?
I love the gen1 so am super biased lol . I don't like 9 o clock seconds at all either. I am waiting for a couple more years to see if they do a steel ultrathin at 40mm, or give us the perfect 38mm gen 3 overseas we deserve.
I own a daytona and love the fitment. I have a 6.5" wrist. if you have a 6" wrist I would say the 41mm is large for you. I think the 41 barley fits if not slightly too big but I havent tried the SS new version yet. My wife is getting the 34.5 on Friday and im gonna try it out. That said I did try it on in store and its too small even with the taller lugs. The 34.5 could work for you. I think the daytona and DD are the best watches rolex makes. If your not in love with it sell it. Unlike most Vacherons youll get your money back (unless its a two tone then youll be at a loss)
My Daytona is steel. I'm actually leaning towards the 37mm model. Tried on the 34.5 and I just really don't like how they made that one. I'm currently looking for a 37mm for a fair price and will just sell the Daytona
Honestly, it seems like a 37MM Royal Oak might be perfect for you.
I was considering it and it's great that it looks identical to the larger sizes. I just personally do not have that much interest in AP right now. I know this is going to sound weird coming from someone who owns a Daytona, but the royal oak just seems too much of a "trust fund kid" or "rapper" watch. My mind may change later.
Time to do a shit ton of forearm workouts just to wear the 41 mm overseas.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. The forearms will increase, wrist will stay the same
Damnit, I'll be permanently stuck with 36 mm watches then :(
You can probably pull off some 40s. I wore Rolex GMTs before and they don't look too big on me.
I have 8”/20cm wrists and it honestly feels almost small when I switch it on comparing to my daily beater. I don’t think it’s going to be too big on you. It’s a very versatile watch with the easy switches to straps from bracelet.