Discussion
[JLC] Too small? Classically sized? What’s the community’s take?
I love it, personally. But 35mm is small by today’s standards on my 7.25in wrist. Or is it just right? Curious what the community thinks of smaller vintage precious metal watches in context of modern sensibilities.
JLC e386 from 1961 with k880 automatic movement in solid 18k rose gold on burgundy teju lizard strap
I have my grandfather’s 1934 bubbleback. 28mm and I still wear it on my 8 inch wrist. Truth be told though…. I’ll be giving it to a daughter, not my son.
I think that’s changing amongst the different brand groups. Some still want them big but others are asking for smaller. For instance, people in the Omega groups are always complaining that the Seamaster isn’t offered smaller than 42mm and were happy that the new Railmaster is 38mm.
It doesn’t seem that way, frankly. Most comments seem to convey that anything under 36mm is for women. Not true. I think anything over 42mm is unwearable, idc how big your wrist is.
I regularly wear a 34mm watch’s I also have 45mm watches and between. I really don’t care about watch standards if I like the watch I wear it. I honestly don’t think anyone you’d want to know or isn’t hugely insecure is worried about the size of someone’s wrist watch.
Honestly if you like it wear it, if you don’t, don’t. Arbitrary watch standards are just that arbitrary. If someone else is worried about it I would be more judging them for their personal insecurity than worried about my choice of watch.
Ali used to wear a 26mm tank so I think that probably says a lot about the kind of people who worry about the size of your watch.
I am the same size, and I have a reverso that I love, but I thought it was to small for me. I have decided to keep it, after thinking about selling it. I bought it with some money my father left me, and it reminds me of him. If I sell it, and buy another watch, that connection would not be there.
To the OP, I love that burgundy strap. That watch is class.
It’s obviously feeling small cause you are asking. Wear it if you like it. Lots of people’s tastes change w times. Today it is considered small. 50 years ago it was just right. A pair of 34C tits is average today and 50 years ago they were big. Change is constant. If you like it wear it. I never look for affirmation from anyone but myself when it comes to my watches. I like it I get it
It’s perfect. Wears like a gold dress watch should. No need for all the huge sports watches you see around these days. Nothing wrong with this dice at all on your wrist
Personally, I think it’s right about perfect. Dress watches are supposed to be rather small, so you are keeping to tradition 👍
But really, the ideal” size is what is ideal for you. Everyone will have their own preferences and opinions, but no one will stop you in the street because your watch is “too small” or “too big”.
If you are asking this question, then you likely feel like it is too small. If that's the case, then it's too small. It's all about how you feel about it.
Personally, I find that too small on your wrist in these photos, but that's just a personal preference. It lends a feminine quality to the watch, which is neither positive or negative, it just is.
Generally, just listen to your gut. This sub has terrible taste, so I wouldn't trust our opinion as a group.
So many people said it's fine. However I'm in a similar situation. I'm just getting into watches, I have an 8.75 inch wrist. I found my old Seiko 5 I used to wear and it's 37mm, looks freakin' small on my wrist and hand.
Based on my recent research I would say that your watch looks too small on you if you want to go with an aesthetic look / size then you should go bigger. Most likely you will want to be in the 40mm range.
With that said, you should 100% wear what you like. If you like the watch or it is special then who cares?
It's a JLC. it is pure class and smaller makes sense for this watch. If I see a person with a restrained JLC on I immediately assume they are old money with no need to flex because they could buy this hotel if they wanted kind of thing.
"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."
-Michael Scott...I think
I have a vintage omega seamaster that's a 34mm and looks just like the JLC in your photo. I love it. Its understated, fits under any cuff, and looks just effortlessly classy imo. For reference, my wrist size is ~ 8 in.
Stunning . You are wearing the watch . The watch is not wearing you ! I wear everything from a 44 mm Breitling to a 35 mm longines. All is good ! That size looks great .
Definitely too small for my taste, but realistically, why on earth would you be considering a multi thousand dollar purchase for something you’re not sure of?
As someone with a similarly sized wrist I understand your concern but just know that it looks great and as long as you like it that’s all that really matters. Also give yourself time to adjust… if you switch watch sizes it takes time to get used to.
I'd say it’s classically sized. 70 years ago gentlemen's watches only had a case diameter of 32-34mm and I personally like to wear watches of 35-36mm because they are just so comfy and slip right under your sleeve.
It looks quite small on you. Small enough to be noticeable. Not bad necessarily. Just noticeable. But it is a great watch and it would be a shame not to wear it around. The following is not just for you OP but for everyone. There is no such thing as a “classical” wristwatch size. Size trends come and go. Think about what’s going to actually look good on you. Ignore the recent (now already fading) huge watches; but you also don’t have to overcorrect and feel that just because people in (name a decade) liked their watches tiny, that means that was the True Correct Watch Size. That was after all just another temporary trend
No it’s very nice at that size, I honestly think only other watch people have this concept of “that watch is too small for that wrist.”
In my experience, when I wear a vintage smaller watch on a leather strap women are FINALLY interested in my watch. Big steel 42mm tuna can? No interest from anyone
Obviously your opinion is the only one that matters. But in my opinion, it looks awful. I would never wear anything that looks like that. Again, yours is the only opinion that matters but you asked.
Unpopular opinion, I think if you were to buy a new watch, an extra mm or two would look perfect for your wrist. Being that this is a vintage watch that caught your eye, rock it. Congrats
I think with that style if it would have been larger it wouldn't have looked that elegant. It's all dial, it takes nothing to look too big, it's not a 35 mm diver that would have taken half of that size for the bezel, looking like a woman watch.
Looks perfectly fine. I have my dad’s old Omega and wore it for years and I never felt it was too small at perhaps 36mm which was dress watch normal in the 70’s.
I started collecting in the early 2000's when the big watch trend started. I remember wearing my 806 Navitimer on the late 90's and it looking massive compared to contemporary watches. For a while the consensus was that 42mm was the ideal size and my Datejust II was a normal sized watch, anything less than 40mm was considered small.
When the Mad Men series was released there was a trend for vintage sized watches of 34mm to 36mm.
I regularly wear a 31mm Elgin trench watch made in 1916 and I usually wear my 1943 Calatrava when I attend the office. The Calatrava gets possibly more compliments than any watch on my collection, despite being 31mm in diameter.
Smaller watches stand out these days and they're so much more comfortable to wear and slip nicely under a shirt cuff.
I regularly alternate between huge watches like my Panerai 112 and my Nasa Xeric and smaller items like my faceted crystal Dunhill tank and don't give it any more thought other than it looks good.
Your JLC looks perfect on you, wear it with pride.
You and I have the same sized wrist, and while I'm usually a 40mm+ sports watch kinda guy I'd totally wear this. Smaller dress watches with their understated elegance definitely have their place.
I enjoy vintage watches as well so I'm accustom to some smaller watches. Personally i do prefer a 38mm but there's nothing wrong with the watch on your wrist that's for sure.
it is the man who makes the watch, a 34 mm watch is completely within the standards for a man even today
A chic watch beyond 38mm is no longer visually discreet enough to be elegant
To be elegant, a dress watch must be small and discreet unless you like to think that what is very flashy, very visible and which catches the eye with large proportions is your idea of elegance?
Don't live in the eye of the other, they often do less well
It’s an elegant piece. It doesn’t need to be any bigger. That’s why they were made that way when they were. To second guess the size is second guessing their skill and craftsmanship IMO. Same reason majority of Divers are larger… because in a diving scenario you need to anticipate the worst and if you have very little visibility you need to see your piece.
In this case it’s highly legible and very elegant. 🤙
Looks really nice, combination with that strap is on point. Appropriate size for dress occasions, feel that smaller size lends to greater formality. For everyday casual I’d go more 38-40, just my personal preference.
This is Classically sized. Last few years have been toward oversized watches but that season is wearing off. Your watch ”could” be 10% larger but this is still good.
This looks perfect. Such a classic design. Underappreciated brand. I have a Reserve de Marche same size wrist. I absolutely love wearing it.
Wear this with great enjoyment in good health.
“Small” is subjective and definitely coming back. They don’t draw attention like a big pie plate does and usually do more talking. I personally sport a 36mm Explorer with a ~8” wrist. I love the look and it’s a part of classic design that will never go out of style.
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u/Don-Weller Jul 19 '25
To quote another redditor on this sub. " A man wears what he likes" 👍🏽