Size Matters: Big Watches That Buck The Shrinking Timepiece Trend
If you’re one to follow luxury watch trends, you may have noticed an inclination towards shrinking timepiece sizes. However, while there is certainly a growing interest in smaller watches for men, big watches are not going anywhere. Feast your eyes on these four beasts that rock the oversized style with pride.
Rolex Deepsea
Although the stainless steel Deepsea is not the only Rolex watch that measures 44 mm (the other is the Yacht-Master II), when you take into account the 17.7 mm thickness of the case, the Rolex Deepsea is the brand’s biggest watch to date. The proportions of the Rolex Deepsea are necessary to achieve the dive watch’s impressive water resistance rating of 3,900 meters, which includes a 5.5 mm domed sapphire crystal, a helium escape valve, a titanium caseback, and a nitrogen-alloyed steel compression ring. The watch is available with either a classic black dial or the popular blue-to-black gradient “D-Blue” dial made in honor of James Cameron’s historic dive to the deepest point on earth. Along with the black Cerachrom ceramic unidirectional rotating dive bezel, the Deepsea is fitted with an Oyster bracelet equipped with two extension systems to accommodate extra thick diving suits.
Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico Magic Gold
Since 2011, Hublot and Ferrari have collaborated closely to produce a collection of over 50 ultra-luxurious watch models that marry the Swiss watchmaker’s expertise with the Italian automaker’s flair for drama. The first watch to kick off the partnership was the 2012 Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold, which was reissued in 2018 as the Magic Gold Big Bang Unico Ferrari. The generous 45 mm case and bezel are fashioned from Hublot’s patented 18k Magic Gold—the world’s most scratch-resistant gold alloy. The transparent sapphire dial houses a speedometer designed subdial fitted with a minute counter and a date window, an air-extractor style running seconds indicator, and of course, the famed Ferrari prancing horse. Limited to only 250 pieces, the large Big Bang Unico Ferrari is attached to the wrist via a black rubber and Alcantara suede strap with red topstitching, reminiscent of upholstery found in select Ferrari cars.
Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Bronzo
Until the recent launch of the smaller Luminor Due models, big watches were the heart and soul of Panerai with cases spanning anywhere from respectable 40 mm to gargantuan 52 mm. With a 47 mm case, the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Bronzo is most definitely an oversized watch by any standards, especially when the signature lever-controlled bridge over the winding crown adds even more surface area. The use of bronze—a material historically favored in marine environments—for the case and unidirectional dive bezel emphasizes Panerai long history with diving and the sea. Contrasting with the bronze case (which develops a unique patina over time) is a rich blue dial with luminous hour markers, luminous center hands, a date window, and a running seconds indicator. Completing the look of the limited-edition PAM 671 is a brown leather strap with a hypoallergenic titanium buckle.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “150 Years”
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of IWC in 2018, the brand released a capsule collection of commemorative timepieces of some of their popular models. The lineup included the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “150 Years.” As part of the Big Pilot’s Watch range, the watch sports a large 46.2 mm stainless steel case that actually wears bigger thanks to the oversized fluted winding crown. The vibrant blue lacquered dial is punctuated with plenty of white and silver details including luminescent hands, displays for the month, date, and day, a power reserve indicator, and a small seconds register. With a limited production run of only 1,000 pieces, the anniversary Big Pilot’s Watch comes with a black alligator strap that appropriately measures 22 mm wide to accommodate the proportions of the case and lugs.
