How do I Know what Size my Rolex is? [Complete Guide]

How do I Know what Size my Rolex is [Complete Guide]

Rolex makes watches in a wide array of different sizes. Over the years, they have introduced some sizes and discontinued others. Some models have gotten larger in size whilst others have gotten smaller. Furthermore, some models are only produced in one size whilst other models are available in a selection of different sizes.

Moreover, a particular model may have been available in a certain size back in the day but is now only available in different sizes.

Rolex watches sizes

Like the watch industry as a whole, Rolex has moved towards larger sizes for its watches over the decades. Rolex adapts to what the market wants, and the trend in the market has been that people want larger watches.

In the 1940s and 1950s (and even before that), Standard men’s sizes were around 30-34mm. Today, the standard men’s size is somewhere around 39-44mm. This goes to show how trends and design ideals change over the years. And naturally, Rolex needs to follow them.

Modern Rolex sizes

Today, Rolex makes watches in the following sizes:

• 44mm
• 43mm
• 41mm
• 40mm
• 36mm
• 31mm
• 28mm

As mentioned, Rolex has discontinued a number of sizes from its collection. In some cases, they have discontinued sizes altogether, and in others, they have just removed them from certain models.

Rolex always specifies the size of its models in the product description. In some cases, they include the size of the watch as part of the model name. For example, Datejust 41, Sea-Dweller 43, or Submariner 41 to indicate the size of the watch.

Rolex size measuring and accuracy

Rolex’s sizes refer to the diameter of the watch not including the crown. As has been confirmed many times before, the sizes that Rolex specifies for each of its models are not 100% accurate. This is done for the sake of simplicity and because it wouldn’t look good if they used a bunch of decimals. For example, the Datejust 41 is specified as 41mm. But when it has been measured, the diameter only measures   39.52. But as you can imagine, it wouldn’t look good if Rolex named it “Datejust 39.52.

Note that most watch companies do this. But how different companies go about measuring a watch also varies depending on the brand. Some brands include the crown guards when they measure, others don’t. This is why it can be good to understand how a diameter is measured so you can get a better understanding of the actual size and whether it will wear large or small. When Rolex specifies its diameters, they do not include the crown guards.

How do I know what size my Rolex is?

There are several ways to go about finding out the size of your Rolex watch. And there’s also a difference between the specified size and the actual size, as specified above. But for the sake of simplicity, most people just refer to the specified size.

Look at the reference number

The first and easiest way to find out the specified size of your Rolex watch is to look at the reference number. Once you have found the reference number, a simple Google search for “Your reference number + diameter” will give you the information you are looking for.

But if you don’t know the reference number of your watch, you first need to figure this out. Fortunately, it’s very simple.

The reference number is engraved on the case behind the bracelet at 12 o’clock. Simply remove the bracelet from your watch and look for the engraved number.

Another, less accurate way, is to look at the printing on the dial. There, you can find the model of the watch, for example, “Day-Date“. Then you can look for images on Google and try to find your exact watch. Be careful, however, as some models are very similar, but may have been made in multiple sizes.

Measure the watch case with calipers

Another way to find out the size of your Rolex watch is to measure the case with calipers. This way, you get an exact diameter of your watch rather than the specified diameter of your watch. You should place the calipers in the positions at 10 and 2 o’clock. To get the correct case size, you need to measure diagonally. 

If your watch has crown guards, you should measure just to the edge of them. Make sure that you don’t measure the bezel diameter as the bezel can protrude from the case.

 

Cover photo courtesy of user @Chriswulff via Rolexforums.