5 ‘Big Face’ Luxury Watches That Make A Statement

At some point, we feel guilty for being too preachy about small-case wonders—the watches that fall under the 36mm or 38mm category. But what we also know is that there’s a time and a trip for everything, and now is the time to talk about the comfortable 42mm - 44mm beasts—the Big Face watches!

There was a time, mainly after the First World War, when men’s wristwatches were quite small compared to today’s standards. Even in the 20th century, men’s watches were typically in the 34mm to 36mm size range for dress watches and around 38mm to 40mm for tool and sports models.

The inclination of men towards big-face watches started around the 1990s, and since then, from and after the 2000s, oversized watches have become a real trendsetter. Now, for those with slender wrists, here's a question: what do you think a big chunk watch looks like? Let’s break it down for you.

What is a ‘Big Face’ watch?

A big face, big dial, or oversized watch is a timepiece with a large case diameter. Today, big-face watches are considered those between 44mm and 52mm. The appearance of a large watch on the wrist depends on the case size and how it is worn.

When choosing a big watch, you can consider things like:

• Dial Design: Empty dials appear vast and make a watch appear larger than it actually is, while busy dials make the watch appear smaller as the indices, inscriptions, displays, and other pieces of information are all placed together.
• Dial Size: Check the dial-to-case ratio and ensure that the dial is proportionate to the rest of the case. Think of it as looking down on the watch from above, the bezel, dial, lugs, and everything, and see the ratio between the dial and the rest of the case from that top view.
• Dial Colour: Dial colour can profoundly impact the watch's aesthetics and entire look. While brighter dial colours will appear more prominent because they reflect more light, a dark dial will appear smaller. If you want a large watch to appear smaller, simply choose a dark dial colour and vice versa, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be black.
• Bracelet Style: Another important aspect of a big watch face is the bracelet or strap it is attached to. Integrated bracelets make the watches appear larger than a traditional bracelet type, which makes the watches appear more prominent than a leather or rubber strap.
• Case Shapes: Not all watch designs are equal, and watches with rectangular or tonneau case shapes are larger than those with round cases.
• Bezel Design: A thick bezel could overcrowd the dial, and a small bezel could make the dial appear larger, thus making the entire watch face appear either larger or smaller than it actually is.

All in all, if you want a watch to appear larger on your wrist, choose a tonneau-shaped case with an integrated bracelet style, for example, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Similarly, if you want your watch to appear smaller, pick a watch with a round case on a leather or rubber strap.

If you’re into big men’s watches, here’s a selection of our favourite large timepieces from a range of top luxury watch brands.

5 Best Oversized Watches You’ll Love

1. Rolex Deepsea Sea Dweller, Ref: 116660

Big missions call for ‘Big’ tools, and if you’re going to the bottom of the ocean, you’ll definitely need something to accompany you while you do it. Rolex has a history of pushing limits and setting new boundaries, and in 2008, it released this extreme version of the Sea-Dweller, named the Deepsea.

The watch boasts a hefty 44mm steel case that can go down up to 12,800 feet underwater, thanks to its patented Ringlock System, which features a nitrogen-alloyed steel central ring, a 5mm thick domed sapphire crystal, and a titanium-centered two-piece case back. This increased diameter gives the wearer a feeling of professionalism.

Six years after the release of Ref. 116660, Rolex launched another very special variant to the collection in honour of famous filmmaker James Cameron’s solo drive to the deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench. This special version, named the Rolex Deepsea ‘James Cameron,’ is characterised by the ‘D-Blue’ dial, a blue-to-black gradient dial with the word ‘Deepsea’ written in neon green letters.

Quick Features:

• Model: Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea ‘James Cameron’ Ref: 116660
• Size: 44mm
• Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Black Cerachrom unidirectional bezel
• Dial: D-Blue dial
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
• Movement: Automatic, Calibre 3135
• Water-Resistance: 3900 metres

2. Rolex Yacht-Master II, Ref: 116689

The Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 is one of the most impressive Rolex creations, with a very heavy and large appearance on the wrist. When Rolex announced the release of this Yacht-Master in 2007, it was the biggest watch the company had ever made, imposing a 44mm case. The Yacht-Master II leaves behind its predecessor, Yacht-Master, in terms of complications and was designed with the professional yacht race in mind.

The Yacht-Master II Ref: 116689 combines an 18ct white gold case and bracelet with a platinum bezel. It features a chronograph, a programmable 10-minute regatta countdown that can be synchronised forwards or backwards, depending on the fly. While Rolex added many more models in a range of metals in this collection, this particular reference has a more solid look than the others. Credit goes to the vast silvery-white metal and dial that makes the watch appear bigger on the wrist. Moreover, it is widely acknowledged that this ultra-luxurious Rolex is a sound investment for its uniqueness and sportiness.

This particular reference (116689) had two different dial releases. The earlier releases featured square hour markers and baton hands, while the ones made after 2017 have square hour markers and white gold Mercedes hands, accompanied by a rectangle at 6 and a triangle at 12.

Quick Features:

• Model: Rolex Yacht-Master II, Ref: 116689
• Size: 44mm
• Material: 18ct white gold
• Bezel: Platinum bezel
• Dial: White dial
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
• Movement: Automatic, Calibre 4161
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

3. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M XXL, Ref: 231.13.49.10.06.001

Omega is a name associated with many historical achievements, including being the first watch to land on the Moon. The Aqua Terra is one of Omega’s most well-made and super versatile timepieces that not just stands out functionally but also has a great presence on the wrist.

The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M XXL Ref: 231.13.49.10.06.001 has an enormous 49.2mm case, making it one of Omega's biggest watches. The watch features a smooth fixed steel bezel and a dramatic grey striped ‘teak concept’ dial punctuated by a small second subdial at 6 o’clock and a broad-arrow handset at the centre. It is fixed on a black leather strap that beautifully completes the look.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has always been one of the most masculine timepieces out there, and Ref: 231.13.49.10.06.001 is one of its best examples. It offers great legibility because of the white markers on a contrasting dark-coloured dial

Quick Features:

• Model: Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M XXL Ref: 231.13.49.10.06.001
• Size: 49.2mm
• Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Stainless steel smooth bezel
• Dial: Grey ‘teak concept’ dial
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Black Alligator leather strap
• Movement: Manual Winding, Calibre 2211
• Water-Resistance: 150 metres

4. Panerai Luminor, Ref: PAM00557

Panerai is one high-end watch brand that led the oversized watch trend since the 1990s. The company started making supersized water-resistant watches for the Italian Navy as early as the 1930s and quickly became a part of pop culture, thanks to celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sly Stallone. 

The Panerai Luminor Ref: PAM00557 is a very popular watch among enthusiasts for its vintage aura. It has a large 47mm cushion-shaped case, and the dial looks fantastic with its faux-patina and gilt hands, perfectly matching the hour markers and the Luminor Panerai writing on the dial. Additionally, it has big and luminous Arabic numerals, hands, and hour markers. Another very interesting aspect of this dial is that it has a ‘sandwich’ construction that is quite typical for a Panerai.

This Luminor Ref: PAM00557 is a watch that won’t go unnoticed. Its large size offers superior robustness and extreme strength, and the protective bridge and crown on the left side make use easy for left-handed people.

Quick features:

• Model: Panerai Luminor Ref: PAM00557
• Size: 47mm
• Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Stainless steel bezel
• Dial: Black dial
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Leather strap
• Movement: Manual Winding, Calibre P.3000
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres

5. Breitling Super Avenger, Ref: A1337011

Breitling is a brand widely known for its extensive collection of men’s watches, especially chronographs. Loved by pilots and aviation enthusiasts, the Breitling Super Avenger is an exceptionally accurate power watch with a polished finish.

The Breitling Super Avenger, Ref: A1337011, is a massive 48mm watch that appears even bigger because of its large chronograph pushers and crown, appropriately positioned on the right side of the case. It houses a crisp white dial adorned with a trio of sub-dials placed at 12, 9, and 6 o’clock and a date display at 3. Subtle red accents here and there on the dial highlight the sporty nature of this chronograph. Completing this meaty piece is the Breitling Professional three-link steel bracelet.

The Super Avenger is a comfortable beast and an ideal companion for any challenge. It’s bold and robust, and it fits the rugged environment it is intended for.

Quick Features:

• Model: Super Avenger, Ref: A1337011
• Size: 48mm
• Material: Stainless steel
• Bezel: Stainless steel unidirectional rotating bezel
• Dial: White dial
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Steel professional bracelet
• Movement: Automatic, Calibre 13
• Water-Resistance: 300 metres

Popularity of ‘Big Face’ watches 

Many watch trends come and go depending on the era, pop culture, media celebrity influence, etc. In today’s market, big and bold watches have gained much popularity amongst collectors because of their unusually big size and large bracelets.

Oversized watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe look cool on a woman’s wrist. In fact, celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Anniston say that large-sized watches allow for a larger movement and can be more practical. Others say that they make a statement and help you stand out from the crowd of slim-case marvels.

According to reports, there has been a 15% rise in the demand for women’s oversized watches, with gold and steel bracelet models being the most popular. The fact that they go with everything makes them even more desirable.

Men have been riding the oversized trend for a while now, and large men’s watches feature a more detailed and complex dial frame. They are also more elaborate, flashy, and technical. However, the popularity of oversized watches among men has slightly decreased but not completely rubbed off. Brands continue to release large-face watches for men.

Despite the tendency to go small, some watches need space or a large case to showcase their brilliance.

After such extensive research and findings, what we can finally conclude is that comfort can indeed come in big sizes.   

Final Thoughts..

With all of that said, whether from Rolex, Panerai, Omega or any other, the choice of men’s big watches is varied. So, it is safe to conclude that the trend for oversized watches is here to stay, as the watches will always have a separate fan base. Not only do larger watches cater to various wrists, but they are also ideal for wearers who prefer a bold fit.

Ultimately, it all comes down to your preference. Whether you’re looking to turn heads or simply elevate your watch game, the big-face watches from these top-tier luxury watch brands prove that big really is better.

So, go ahead and let your wrist do the talking!