In real estate, it’s location, location, location. In watch collecting, it’s hype, hype, hype.
My previous article entitled “I’ve gone back to Rolex” described how I discovered the 36 mm Rolex Explorer 124270 and how I have now shifted my niche into smaller 36-38 mm diameter cases. That article got 4 views in one month as compared to some of my other articles on hyped watches such as the Vacheron-Constantin Overseas. My only interpretation of this fact is that people are only interested in the overhyped watches that everyone desires and it’s not their fault because they have been overwhelmingly bombarded by the internet telling them that these are the hot watches to buy. I too am guilty of this unfortunate influence because it makes the hobby much less personal and more about the hype, financial value and mass hysteria.
I think watch collecting is a highly individual journey because of many personal reasons. Wrist size and shape is different for everyone. Tastes vary to the extremes amongst even two individuals, where one might be totally in love with the aesthetic and the other thinks it’s the ugliest thing to tick the earth. Some are even in search a certain brand because of familiarity or what they’ve been told to do. Financial reasons these days play a big role in watch purchases, whether its the initial purchase or for future investment purposes.
I have only recently discovered how well 36-38 mm watches fit me whereas before I never even dared try those sizes on because the internet has indoctrinated me into thinking that men should only wear 40mm watches. We all know the models people desire and they all seem to range from 39-42 mm. With so much information and praise available on those hot watches as compared to the paucity of information on smaller watches, it’s not surprising that we all flock to the larger and more anabolic sizes from the preferred brands.
I am actually glad that all the focus and the wait is on the 40 mm super watches. It leaves us feeble-wristed people with more availability for the smaller watches. But I have a feeling that even the smaller watches will be hyped up eventually. For now, I am so happy I took the leap of faith and purchased the 124270.
thewatchjourney.com 
I have recently started a more focused “watch collection”, rather than functional watches that I have bought because I liked how they looked, at the grand old age of 61.
I am not obsessive and have read virtually nothing so understand almost nothing about the grand wizardry of watchmaking. I am not wealthy enough to seriously invest in expensive watches that will seriously increase in value.
I have gone for TAG Heuer as they were the make I enjoyed looking at in my late teens / early twenties. Never thought I’d be able to afford one.
I am now the proud owner if a series 1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, F1 ( answer to Swatch) and a Kirium. None with papers, some boxes, ‘genuine? who knows? – i like them all, wear them all and they provide me with part of the formula that inform me where i am in space/time – job done.
My previous favourite was a quartz J.Springs ( Seiko) which looks like your archetypal popular view of a divers watch and is 40mm. Most of the TH are 38mm with the F1 being a tiny 35.
I was acutely aware of the smaller sizes, albeit only a couple of mil. They felt weird ( girly?) but i’ve manfully grown used to them. My current favourite us the 1000 but I am enjoying the tiny F1.
I’ve stuck a gold and black nato strap on and it looks like full on 90s rave wear. It has a very clear face and is easily visible from any distance with my failing eyesight.
Mechanical or quartz ? Does it really matter? They both border on the magical.
Watches – love ’em. Snobbery and hype, not so much 😁👍
Love the article.
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I used to wear Tags and I gotta say they gave me the same excitement i get now buying from an AD. Watch buying is much better if you know your size and comfort and knowing that you made the correct purchase so you never have to sell
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Cheers, brother!
Though you don’t need a slight wrist to enjoy smaller pieces!
As a vintage enthusiast, my collection is mainly 34-38mm, despite an 8″ wrist.
Wear what you dig!
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So right! I was so caught up in the hype that i missed out on so many 36 mm pieces that are such great gems. You knew better
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I just bought a 45mm Citizen ecodrive chronograph and was almost instantly aware of two things – it now feels huge!! and just how boring simple watch faces are.
I wanted a solar powered watch as I have solar panels and thus solar powered car, bike, lawn mower, domestic battery and air source heat pump – my carbon neutral life is complete….. and I’ve never owned a watch with multiple dials before. After a day of enjoying looking at my new purchase I went back to a simple watch with one face and felt mildly disappointed that there wasn’t more information in there.
Heading off to a 4 day rave at the weekend and will be wearing my tiny 35mm TH F1 throughout – I imagine the transition from the Citizen to the TH will jar somewhat 😀
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In all honesty, one doesnt need a watch bigger than 40 mm to tell the time. A 36mm is plenty big for readability
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Wear and reiew 34 mm watches and you probably get 1 view from me.
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Ok will do i will review a 34mm op i got for my mother
Thanks for commenting
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My go-to watches are Seiko, Citizen and Swatch. I have a few that have sentimental values because they were gifts. I wear 36-42 mm. altho I have 6″ wrist I could care less. My latest acquisition was a Moonswatch. I got the Moon model in Times Square, NYC. I’d like to have the Uranus and Mars models. I love to collect Swatch coz it’s fun and cheap. And actually appreciates in value.
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I think that those are great and reliable watches. Always wore those with no problems at all. High end doesn’t necessarily mean reliable. Rolexes are not as advertised. They run fast and slow too but the difference is they cost so much you don’t expect that from them.
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