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- Mar 30, 2009
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Beautiful AP!!! Values on a lot of pieces from the 1980s are kept in that range due to size. Simple time only pieces were often 33 or 34mm, with more complicated pieces being 36mm. Even AP's RO and Patek's Nautilus shrunk and were offered most of them were 36mm (although yes Jumbo's were still available). Today, people expect larger/bolder cases and lugs, so many piece from the 80's are a bit tougher to sell. But they can represent a great value to those who like the size and those designs.
Since I got my 36mm explorer, I have not taken it off my dainty wrist. To me, 33-34 mm is still too wee for my taste. And I still have zero qualms with sports watches between 40-42mm. But for a dress watch, 36-39 mm is the sweet spot for me. In fact, a lot of these 39mm plus dress watches have way too much dial, in my opinion. I tried the Patek 6119 recently, and it looked like a dinner plate on my wrist. (Note: Patek's Caliber 30‑255 PS is really nice, but 39mm is seemingly as small as they can go with that caliber. That is a bit of a pity. I think it will be fine with a complication or so, however.)