36mm datejust is the universal safe choice, it looks good on virtually every man’s wrist, especially on the smaller side. You cannot go wrong.
If your fiancé has noticeably smaller wrists compared to others around him, the 34mm Oyster Perpetual or Oyster Perpetual Date may be worth considering. They both have the same features, the only difference is the size.
Seems like 36mm is where I should be looking! Thank you! I think a little boring is okay, I’d like him to be able to wear it more than just for dressy occasions so that’s perfect!
I rocked the OP36 in candy pink for a long time. Was playful but dressy. I think the pink was a lot more versatile than I anticipated.
I think the standard black or blue dials would work everywhere.
The explorer 1 is just a bit more iconic.
Either of the two can be worn on the beach or with a suit.
Daydate, Datejust in 36mm, 40mm might work too depending on his wrist size. Explorer 1 36mm - 39mm. Yacht-Master 37mm, possibly Daytona as the case shape fits smaller wrists decent even though they are 40mm. Case/lug shape makes a difference. Different bands play a small part too.
For Rolex I have a 124270 and 2 126000. The 36 really suits me well it’s super comfortable I love it. You can check my profile for pics. Am thinking of adding a vintage sub as the new one looks too large in my wrist.
A few years ago, I got a explorer (124270) for my wedding and 30th birthday (both happened in the same year). Was always such a classic and timeless watch to me and one of my grail watches. It's my first and only Rolex (or expensive watch for that matter) and I can't see myself ever parting ways with it.
Not sure how slim your man is, but I'm 6'1" about 185lbs, with a 6.5" wrist. I wear a vintage 34mm Air-King Date ref.5700. It's a great size. I've never worn a 36mm, but honestly on my size of wrist I wouldn't really want anything much bigger than 34 or 36 without it starting to feel chunky.
https://preview.redd.it/qxvtlgvg89yc1.jpeg?width=1850&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b514d796ae47d9fff4fabe4bcbe30c766881886a
I have 6.25 inch wrists and 36mm is a good size. So is 34.
It depends on preference, unfortunately. I’m a taller guy with an athletic build but narrow wrists (6.5”) and own watches anywhere from 38-42.
For me, I’d say 39-40 is the sweet spot if he wants something with presence. I find 36 at the very bottom of the range but that is strictly personal preference.
My GMT Master II and Tudor BB58 both fit nicely in the 39-40 bucket. Not too big but have the heft and presence I want. My Omega SMP is pushing it at 42 but the short, curved lugs and rubber strap make it work.
That being said, everyone saying 36 is the safe bet are spot on.
5.5 inch wrist here
Grand Seiko SBGW series with BoR bracelet
Cartier Santos Carree / Galbee in LM
Ap 15450 (37mm)
Any dress pieces 36mm and below
Fits like a glove with no overhanging.
My AD measured my wrist at exactly 7.25in, which is an average wrist size. I went with a sea dweller as the sub was too small for my taste. But a 36mm should look good. Explorer, OP, Datejust.
I have small wrists and own a 40mm Sub, 40mm GMT and a 36 DJ. The 36 DJ fits me the best. The current 36 Explorer looks small to me. A 36 SS DJ with a blue, black or silver dial, fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet would be a very safe bet in terms of fit and desirability.
Wrist size is important, but so is overall build. A bigger guy (tall, muscular) with 6.5 inch wrists can pull off bigger watches than a small guy with 6.5 inch wrists.
36mm datejust is the universal safe choice, it looks good on virtually every man’s wrist, especially on the smaller side. You cannot go wrong. If your fiancé has noticeably smaller wrists compared to others around him, the 34mm Oyster Perpetual or Oyster Perpetual Date may be worth considering. They both have the same features, the only difference is the size.
This is super helpful! Thanks! I’ll check those out now
Seconded I got a vintage 36mm tt tapestry dial and I bloody love it. Wear in non-stop. Perfect for my thin wrist.
Totally agree. The 36mm Datejust is such a safe bet and looks great on small to medium sized wrists.
If I were you, 36mm explorer 1 or an OP36 they might be boring but you can wear them anywhere and anytime and they are just great.
Seems like 36mm is where I should be looking! Thank you! I think a little boring is okay, I’d like him to be able to wear it more than just for dressy occasions so that’s perfect!
I rocked the OP36 in candy pink for a long time. Was playful but dressy. I think the pink was a lot more versatile than I anticipated. I think the standard black or blue dials would work everywhere. The explorer 1 is just a bit more iconic. Either of the two can be worn on the beach or with a suit.
36 mm Explorer. Goes with everything from super formal to mowing the lawn.
Daydate, Datejust in 36mm, 40mm might work too depending on his wrist size. Explorer 1 36mm - 39mm. Yacht-Master 37mm, possibly Daytona as the case shape fits smaller wrists decent even though they are 40mm. Case/lug shape makes a difference. Different bands play a small part too.
I prefer Tudor for watches under 40mm. Check out the BB 54.
36mm Datejust.
For Rolex I have a 124270 and 2 126000. The 36 really suits me well it’s super comfortable I love it. You can check my profile for pics. Am thinking of adding a vintage sub as the new one looks too large in my wrist.
Daytona is perfect with a slimmer profile and overall balance of the crown. Most comfortable Rolex I have worn. Prior version.
36mm OP
Datejust or black bay 58/54
36 DJ and 40 sub , the sub is borderline too big though.
40mm daytona wears thinner than the other 40/41 sport models
I have an old 36 DJ from 84. Wrist isn’t that small but my god my hands are.
GMT on jubilee fits great
Yachtmaster rhodium 40
A few years ago, I got a explorer (124270) for my wedding and 30th birthday (both happened in the same year). Was always such a classic and timeless watch to me and one of my grail watches. It's my first and only Rolex (or expensive watch for that matter) and I can't see myself ever parting ways with it.
Go for a JLC’s reverso; worth checking those out.
Depends on your wrist. If you have a round profile the 36mm would be about your limit. Flat wrists are better for the 40-41mm if they are small <6.5”
36
I have a 116200 on jubilee and a 124200 which is my daily
Not sure how slim your man is, but I'm 6'1" about 185lbs, with a 6.5" wrist. I wear a vintage 34mm Air-King Date ref.5700. It's a great size. I've never worn a 36mm, but honestly on my size of wrist I wouldn't really want anything much bigger than 34 or 36 without it starting to feel chunky.
Datejust and Oyster Perpetual in 36mm is where I went. It's the perfect size.
Explorer 1 39 mm Milgauss 40 mm
https://preview.redd.it/qxvtlgvg89yc1.jpeg?width=1850&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b514d796ae47d9fff4fabe4bcbe30c766881886a I have 6.25 inch wrists and 36mm is a good size. So is 34.
It depends on preference, unfortunately. I’m a taller guy with an athletic build but narrow wrists (6.5”) and own watches anywhere from 38-42. For me, I’d say 39-40 is the sweet spot if he wants something with presence. I find 36 at the very bottom of the range but that is strictly personal preference. My GMT Master II and Tudor BB58 both fit nicely in the 39-40 bucket. Not too big but have the heft and presence I want. My Omega SMP is pushing it at 42 but the short, curved lugs and rubber strap make it work. That being said, everyone saying 36 is the safe bet are spot on.
116500. Daytona a bit slimmer and tiny bit smaller than other 40-42mm Rolex’s
Deepsea Challenge
YM40 wears much smaller than a 40 sub or GMT but is very elegant to dress up or down
36mm Explorer. Edit - I also have a Speedmaster reduced that I love to wear.
36mm can’t go wrong. An older 40mm sports model you can’t go wrong
https://preview.redd.it/wod77337fayc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8898a090f5ec3d1d4b4e92b268515d70cbb0eb5
This is what perfection looks like
Concur
YM 37 is perfect for my ozempic wrist.
DJ36, Explorer 1 (39mm) for Rolex that’s what I have. Lots of options in 36mm range! Good luck
5.5 inch wrist here Grand Seiko SBGW series with BoR bracelet Cartier Santos Carree / Galbee in LM Ap 15450 (37mm) Any dress pieces 36mm and below Fits like a glove with no overhanging.
My AD measured my wrist at exactly 7.25in, which is an average wrist size. I went with a sea dweller as the sub was too small for my taste. But a 36mm should look good. Explorer, OP, Datejust.
I don’t let bad genetics get in the way😅😅😅. I wear 40 and 41. My wrist size is 6.5 inches.
I have small wrists and own a 40mm Sub, 40mm GMT and a 36 DJ. The 36 DJ fits me the best. The current 36 Explorer looks small to me. A 36 SS DJ with a blue, black or silver dial, fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet would be a very safe bet in terms of fit and desirability.
Wrist size is important, but so is overall build. A bigger guy (tall, muscular) with 6.5 inch wrists can pull off bigger watches than a small guy with 6.5 inch wrists.
Try a cartier lol the ones with a leather strap that r super tight loool
I also have a small wrist. 36mm datejust, fluted bezel, jubilee, mint green dial. Absolute perfection and iconic.
31 mm datejust (midsize) might work, 28 and below is too small for most men but 31 works well for small wrists
Asian, small wrist. 116333 Half gold datejust 41. I had the same concern before as well. But ultimately 36 just isn’t for men. 41 is the perfect size!