What Do Purists Think of 34mm Vintage Rolex References?

Nov 19, 2018,18:11 PM
 

Hello Purists. I have seen many unflattering remarks directed towards 34mm vintage Rolex on other forums. Many (not all) say they are undesirable because they are too small for today’s style standards and therefore are worth less than their 36mm and above brethren and not likely to ever appreciate in value.
I do not subscribe to this “too small” thinking as evidenced by my ownership of two full set reference 15200 Oyster Dates that are pictured below. So much love universally expressed for vintage 36mm Rolex Explorers, Datejust , Air Kings and others makes me wonder why 2mm can make such a big difference in desirability.
I’m very interested in the opinions of the Purists here...
Frank








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I think the Rolex 34mm is an under rated and overlooked size / category.

 
 By: Bill : November 19th, 2018-18:41
You don't appear to have small wrists but the example you have shared fit you well. The 34mm Rolex has all the characteristics of the lager 36/38mm but the proportions are respected. The 34mm has 19mm lugs so the 1 mm difference keeps the balance vs the 2...  

I like them a lot.

 
 By: mkvc : November 19th, 2018-18:43
They are the "classic" Rolex, and they have a great look: sporty but genuinely appropriate with a suit. They have a compact, energetic look that I would describe as "jaunty." They are also very comfortable because they are light. Unless you like a watch w... 

These discussions about size always made me laugh. I don't see why 34 mm watches would / should not be loved.

 
 By: amanico : November 19th, 2018-22:42
Class is everywhere especially in watches of modest size. When I look at these 2 watches you have posted, I don't see them too small. I see someone wearing a nicely proportioned watch. Everyone should have one or several in a collection. They are comforta... 

It’s not about size

 
 By: ChristianDK : November 19th, 2018-23:44
It all about the performance 😂🤣....sorry, I couldn’t resist...

+1 on this very true notion in regard to these small juwels.. Low key, unobtrusive yet beauties in their clean purity as well..

 
 By: hs111 : November 21st, 2018-03:44
Here some few shots of such 34mm marvels: Rolex Date Ref 15000 (left) & Ref. 6556, Cal 1040 (“Tru Beat”): 1956 Best, hs ...  

I have 34mm size watch of the other brand

 
 By: Greenwatch : November 19th, 2018-22:50
In fact, I like that it is small and vintage. I get to wear the said watch on certain dressy occasion like this one. The more size variety the better. ...  

Here’s what I think.....

 
 By: Miranda : November 20th, 2018-00:27
They are stunning! ...  

It existed. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : November 20th, 2018-01:37

They hold their own

 
 By: Mark : November 20th, 2018-01:16
very nicely with the rest of my collection. Yours look fantastic! ...  

Hey Frank

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : November 20th, 2018-01:24
To be honest, when I hear a person describing another person’s watch as “too big” or “too small”, the problem I see is in the person making that statement. Everyone has different subjective taste on watch styles and sizes. If you like a watch that is 30mm... 

I think they are perfectly fine

 
 By: Boris : November 20th, 2018-02:37
I saw a guy the other day wearing a 14010 Air King, and it looked great on him. Really depends on how one wears it.

Neglect

 
 By: Jurry : November 20th, 2018-05:52
Neglect what others are saying. Sizes go up and down in waves. Few years back min was 40, that grew and grew to IWC with 52 mm etc Lately we see the reverse where 38-39 seems the perfect size. If 34 is to small? Then just wait the market will get there ag... 

Not too small at all in my opinion...

 
 By: Emil Wojcik : November 20th, 2018-07:11
Although I bought this for my wife, she's only worn it a couple times (she doesn't like wearing watches). So I've been wearing it quite a lot. At 225 pounds and 6'1" tall, I'm not a small guy, and I have no problem wearing a 34mm watch. ...  

How about a Patek 3923 @30.5mm

 
 By: watch-er : November 20th, 2018-14:32
...  

So much wisdom here!

 
 By: Franksc7 : November 21st, 2018-19:08
The vast knowledge and wisdom here is something special.