Is my wrist too small for the Explorer II?

[wallstreetmozart]

I've been wanting an Explorer II 216570 with a white dial for a long time now since I like virtually every aspect of it. However the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger is its 42mm diameter. Given that my wrist is only about 7in, which I consider relatively small, and the fact that I've never owned a watch larger than 40mm, I come here seeking opinions.

The watch I most commonly wear is a Submariner 116610 (40mm), which I feel I can pull off but might be reaching the limit. So how does the Explorer II 216570 wear compared to the Submariner 116610? Ultimately, do you think my wrist might be a tad too small to pull off a 42mm watch like the Explorer II? Thanks.

 

[QueTip]

It'll fit fine mate.

 

[chris3007]

Explorer II at my 7" wrist.

Sent from my iPhone 6

 

[wallstreetmozart]

Chris, this is really helpful! Do you think you could post pictures of it on your left wrist? I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[chris3007]

Sure, I post some pics from the left wrist when I'm back home. I don't wear the watch today.


Sent from my iPhone 6

 

[staten12]

I have a super small wrist probably less than 7. I had the explorer 2 and loved it. But then I got the black GMT master 2 and the explorer just wasn't getting any more wrist time so I ended up selling it :/


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[trailboss99]

Mate I have a 6.5" wrist and I can wear a 47mm PAM so you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Ciocc60]

Should be fine. I have a 6-2/3" wrist and 42mm and even 45mm Radiomir or Mini-Fiddy's work well. I can't do 43-44-45mm bracelets, however, as they are too heavy.

I have a Steinhart Ocean Vintage GMT on a bracelet, which is an Explorer II homage, and it's one of my favorite watches.

I've been wanting an Explorer II 216570 with a white dial for a long time now since I like virtually every aspect of it. However the only thing holding me back from pulling the trigger is its 42mm diameter. Given that my wrist is only about 7in, which I consider relatively small, and the fact that I've never owned a watch larger than 40mm, I come here seeking opinions.

The watch I most commonly wear is a Submariner 116610 (40mm), which I feel I can pull off but might be reaching the limit. So how does the Explorer II 216570 wear compared to the Submariner 116610? Ultimately, do you think my wrist might be a tad too small to pull off a 42mm watch like the Explorer II? Thanks.

 

[chris3007]

Ok, left side, 7"wrist

Sent from my iPhone 6

 

[Mendota]

I don't own one yet but I've tried the gen on at the AD and it fits great. I have a 6.5" to 6.75" wrist. I love the GMTIIC and eventually plan to buy both the GMTIIC and polar Exp II in gen form. If your wrist is flatter than it is round (if that makes sense) you can totally pull it off.

Quick edit: the black dial seems to wear a little smaller visually. They are, of course, the same size but visually the polar just appears a little larger. Going black might make it perfect for you. Personally, I think the polar is fantastic looking.

Also, I believe (not 100% sure) it is a hair thinner than a ceramic bezel 40mm sub since there isn't a rotating bezel assembly and the caseback isn't rated for the depth for a dive watch.

 

[btan]

I have a 6.75" wrist and the 42mm Tudor black bay feels big on me while the pam111 is fine. It's something about the oyster lugs. My sub gets less wear as I feel even that's bit big. Been splitting time between a explorer mcqueen and 38mm Tudor jumbo. Those feel about right. I think for 7" 42 should be just about the limit imo. Why not the 40mm version of the polar?


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[btan]

Or a mcqueen?

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[Mendota]

I have a 6.75" wrist and the 42mm Tudor black bay feels big on me while the pam111 is fine. It's something about the oyster lugs. My sub gets less wear as I feel even that's bit big. Been splitting time between a explorer mcqueen and 38mm Tudor jumbo. Those feel about right. I think for 7" 42 should be just about the limit imo. Why not the 40mm version of the polar?


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I just measured again and I'm 6.75". It all depends on the shape of your wrist and how the bone structure is. If you size the bracelet correctly it really doesn't matter. If you size it too loosely then you have issues with the watch head flopping around and moving back and forth. That will remind you that you have a larger watch on your wrist.

The 40mm polar is also a great watch. I go back and forth with it and nearly bought the gen several times. You can get them in the mid $3k range used, so it is a great value, too. In 2010 I passed on a NOS one at an AD here for $3,400. Doh!! They are two completely different watches, though. The quality of the new style Oyster bracelets is stellar. It really screams quality and there is no comparison to the old 78360 bracelet. Also, the dial and lume markers, readability at night, are much better on the new one. I think it is a better all around watch.

 

[J___]

My wrist is extremely small at a little over 6" and I had no problems with the Exp II when I had it.

 

[splaszz]

I have a 6,5 wrist and wear 48mm breitling you shouldnt worry or try a gen on and see for yourself

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[light94]

I have a 6.5" wrist and I think the Explorer II is pushing the limits. As others have said the black appears smaller but I think the Explorer II is one watch where the white looks way better than the black.

 

[Mendota]

...I think the Explorer II is one watch where the white looks way better than the black.

I fully agree. It looks so classy in the polar color scheme.

 

[efthimis]

Guys I have a 7inch wrist and can wear more of the watches out there so a 42mm explorer should and will be fine my friend. I recently sold my DSSD (44mm and big size watch) to a friend that has a tiny wrist and still he loved it and wears it nicely.. It will feel and look nice for sure, go ahead and enjoy!

 

[trailboss99]

I have a 6.5" wrist and I think the Explorer II is pushing the limits.

Nonsense! As I said I wear a DSSD all the time as well as a Bronzo and a white dial 44mm Daylight PAM on a bracelet with no problem at all. You are either far smaller than 6.5" or you worry too much.

 

[DR3M3L]

Nonsense! As I said I wear a DSSD all the time as well as a Bronzo and a white dial 44mm Daylight PAM on a bracelet with no problem at all. You are either far smaller than 6.5" or you worry too much.

^ this.

Also, nothing is TOO big as long as it wears comfy. I have a small wrist myself, but like TB I've worn 44-46mm without a problem.