The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I have been thinking about why the watches have been growing in size the last few years? The obvious reason is because we keep buying them, but why do we buy huge pieces? It it is much harder and thus more "art" to cram the movement into a small and flat case, than into a big case. So whats so attractive about a big "clump" of metal on your wrist?

Is it the bling factor? Is it what others think about you? Is it the weight on your wrist? What is it for you?

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

presence.

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Breitling Navitimer World (Blue face/Steel bracelet)

I think you're right, I think it is a status/bling thing. Gotta be within reason though - you don't want to look like a tool! (Like I would have done if I'd have purchased Mr Nimrods' gorgeous SA!)

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Breitling Blackbird Big date

Fashion.

Just like 28" flairs, the 50+mm watch will look ridiculous in 10 years time.

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This is so funny I was just thinking about this topic last night. I think the others are absolutely correct when they say things like bling status and style. However I would also like to bring into the loop the fact of wrist size. I have a large wrist and regular sized watches don't seem to look right on me. When I say regular sized I am reffering to watches lets say the size of the rolex date just. I don't know all the different sizes They always seemed very small on my wrists and that was what amazed me when I first saw the navitimer origonal. That was the watch that brought me to appreciate the breitling watches. For all my big wristed freinds out there we have found a home

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Breitling Bentley 6.75
White Baton Super Avenger
Rolex DSSD

Sharky, you must be a really rich man buying Lings as fashion accessories. What do you do when the fashion changes? Buy a new one?.....

But seriously, does no one else buy these watches becuase of its "art" factor? Is it just me?

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Navitimer, Steelfish, Colt GMT, Aerospace, Chronospace, Chrono Superocean

I buy them because of their quality build, reliability and look.
Think that dinner plate sizes are exaggerated.

Undoubtedly the increase in size is a trand factor - people are looking for more presence - a watch today has to make a statement as opposed to 50 years ago when it was a tool that served a function and didn't have to say anything about the wearer.

Personally, I could care less about size, my largest and smallest wrist watches are probably close to 20mm different in size. Over time trends will change, and there is a risk that watches today may look dated to some observers. Much as 1970s watches will look dated to some people today (although of course others will see them as 'classic').

Hi All !

I originally bought my first Breitling – Navitimer because I did not know anyone who owned one. However, I was simply amazed at the fact that a Navitimer were and continue to be an aeronautical mechanical computer designed and brought to market in the 1950’s, before the age of personal computers. I do not consider Breitlings a work of art in the same fashion as Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, or Matisse. I consider Breitlings to be utilitarian works of art to be marveled and used accordingly. However, a Jaeger Le Coultre Reverso’s with enameling of some picturesque scene is a true work of art in the same league as the former masters enumerated above.

As far as to why current watch trends seems that bigger watches are trendier – it appears that people want to make a statement about themselves with their timepiece. The watch has evolved from simply providing a function to a jewelry accessory for both men and women. It’s all about the bling! Nonetheless, give it enough time and someone will make us feel guilty of big watches and the smaller pieces will be back in vogue again – it’s all cyclical!

Best Regards,

Enezdez

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IWC - Big Pilot 5002 - 01
IWC - Pilot Chrono 3717 - 04
Panerai - 183
Omega - Speedmaster 145.012 / 67
Rolex - Explore II (Black Dial) - 216570
Rolex - Explore I 114270
Blancpain FF 5015

I am one who is in disagreement about the "bling" factor and feel it is a mix of style and practicality.

I disagree about the bling/status thing because most people I know are unfamiliar with Breitling. Most of my friends own Rolexes or Omegas and I think it's because they see it as a status symbol.

As far as why watches are getting bigger, I'd say style is one reason, but practicality is another. I for one like to actually be able to tell the time quickly glancing at my watch. When I had smaller, more fashionable watches, I'd have to stare at my watch to figure out what time it was. I'd also argue that something like my BlackBird is multifunctional. I can wear it with a suit or dress it down and wear it with a t-shirt and jeans. I also like the fact that I can see what time it is in the middle of the night or in a dark theater.

IMO, once you get over about 43mm, it's more of a fashion thing or a functionality thing. I have a Hamilton that is 46mm and I wear it to knock around, go to the beach, etc., but I'd never wear it with a suit. Unless you are a professional pilot or diver, I don't think anyone who buys a watch over 43-44mm and is smaller than 6 feet (or two meters for my European friends) buys the watch for function - it's more about style...again, IMO.

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PAM359, Omega PO Big Size, 1951 Omega Seamaster, Rolex Sea Dweller

That will cause some debate.
Just to be clear 6 feet is 1,83 meter.

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Breitling Navitimer Vintage
Breitling Emergency Mission

I've said it before on here, but "large" watches have been around since the 70's - just check out the Breitling 1806. The 70's were almost 40 years ago now, so 46mm+ watches are nothing new.

I think it's entirely down to personal choice and what you think is a decent diameter for you. Personally I just find watches less than 44mm or so to be too small on my wrist. It's not a "fashion thing" for me - it's just what I think suits me and my wrist. Just like I sure as hell don't think a 55mm watch would suit me or my wrist diameter. For me, 44mm to 46mm fits fine. Some watches at 43mm wear fine too, just as 48mm Bentleys fit me fine as well. It's all personal choice........ and for me absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with "fashion".

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Ok Driver8, we'll believe you

I think many people on here would say the same thing - we understand far more about these watches than the average buyer and make more educated buying decisions. I have previously mentioned that I know someone with a 60mm Panerai that is now almost 50 years old - large is most certainly not new!

At the end of the day though, the reason that watches as a whole are getting bigger is clearly as a result of demand by the market. It's ironic that when wrist watches reached the masses in the 30s it was all about responding to market demands to make something smaller and more practical than a pocket watch. While there'll always be outliers - the Movado Museum Anniversary watch at 60mm for example I think that we will see variations in the years to come around the 35 - 49 range as the core for men's watches. While volumes of the different sizes will doubtless ebb and flow that range is likely here to stay.

I don't dispute that SOME people may buy "big" because there's a rather tasteless trend these days to be incredibly ostentatious in displays of wealth, but my personal reasons for have nothing to do with perceived fashion. A 60mm watch would look ludicrous on me because I don't have 10" wrists, although I'm sure some people might wear it because it might look more expensive to other people. Just like a 36mm watch would look like a woman's watch on my wrist. It's about whatever suits you.

It's also worth bearing in mind that some movements are pretty big and need a big case - for example the movement in the IWC Big Pilot and Big Ingenieur basically fills the 46mm cases.

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Driver8

Site Moderator