For watch enthusiasts and collectors, larger timepieces often offer a bold statement on the wrist, combining impressive craftsmanship with substantial presence. Here’s a look at the top 10 watches above 42mm, each offering a unique blend of style, functionality, and technical excellence.
1. Seiko Prospex Sumo SPB103J1
45 x 12.9mm stainless steel case, 52.6mm lug to lug, calibre: 6R35 movement, strap options include a stainless steel bracelet. Retail price: £780 on bracelet.
The Seiko Prospex Sumo SPB130J1 stands out in the realm of dive watches with its 45mm case. It features a deep green dial paired with a robust stainless steel case, making it both stylish and durable. Powered by the reliable Seiko calibre 6R35, it offers a 70-hour power reserve. With 200m water resistance and Lumibrite-coated hands and markers, this watch ensures excellent legibility and performance under water
2. IWC Big Pilot's
6.2 x 15.4mm stainless steel case, 53mm lug to lug, calibre 52110 movement beating at 28,800 vph, 7 days power reserve, Strap options include a leather strap. Retail price: £10,900 on strap.
The IWC Big Pilot’s watch is an iconic timepiece known for its aviation heritage. The 46.2mm case size makes a bold statement, while the classic design features large, easily readable numerals and an oversized crown. The calibre 52110 movement inside provides an impressive seven-day power reserve, making it a reliable and powerful choice for aviation enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
3. Panerai Submersible Quaranta Quattro Bianco
44 x 13mm stainless steel case, 52mm lug to lug, calibre p.900 movement beating at 28,800 vph, 3 days power reserve, Strap options include a rubber strap. Retail price: £8,600 on strap.
Panerai’s Submersible series is synonymous with professional-grade dive watches. The 44mm case size offers a significant wrist presence while ensuring durability and functionality. The Panerai Submersible Quaranta Quattra Bianco features a ceramic bezel and a unidirectional rotating bezel for precise dive timing. The P.900 automatic movement provides a three-day power reserve, blending Panerai’s military heritage with modern watchmaking prowess.
4. Casio Mudmaster
56 x 18mm carbon and stainless steel case, Casio 5713 movement. Retail price: £699.
The Casio Mudmaster is designed to withstand extreme conditions. With a massive 56mm case, it’s built for durability, featuring shock resistance, mud resistance, and 200m water resistance. The watch includes practical features such as a digital compass, thermometer, and altimeter, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and rugged timepiece. We took this watch to Finland and tried to break it… with no success. Its durability is unparalleled.
5. OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Master Chronometer
43.5 x 16.1mm stainless steel case, 49mm lug to lug, calibre OMEGA 8900 movement,60 hours power reserve, Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet. Retail price: £6,700.
The OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Master Chronometer, with its 43.5mm case, offers a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness. Its deep black dial and ceramic bezel exude sophistication, while its 600m water resistance and helium escape valve highlight its professional dive capabilities. The calibre 8900 movement is both METAS certified and anti-magnetic, ensuring precise and reliable performance.
6. OMEGA Seamaster Professional 300M Diver-42mm
42 x 13.6mm stainless steel case, 49.9mm lug to lug, calibre OMEGA 8800 movement, 55 hours power reserve, Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap, and nato strap. Retail price: £5,300 on rubber strap, £5,600 on bracelet.
The OMEGA Seamaster Professional 300m Diver just makes the cut with its 42mm case, but you know me; I had to include it! This exceptional timepiece is known for its wave-pattern dial and skeleton hands, offering both visual appeal and functionality. The calibre 8800 movement provides a 55-hour power reserve and is Master Chronometer certified. Its 300m water resistance and ceramic bezel make it a reliable companion for diving adventures.
7. Tissot Seastar 2000
46 x 16.3mm stainless steel case, 51.4mm lug to lug, Powermatic 80 movement, Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet and rubber strap. Retail price: £1,030 on
rubber strap, £1,060 on bracelet.
The Tissot Seastar 2000 is a robust dive watch with a 46mm case, offering an impressive 600m water resistance. Powered by the Powermatic 80 movement, it provides an 80-hour power reserve, making it perfect for extended diving expeditions. Tissot’s high-quality Swiss engineering, combined with an accessible price point, makes this watch a standout choice for dive watch enthusiasts.
8. Glashutte Original SeaQ Chronograph
43.2 x 16.9mm stainless steel case, calibre 37-23 movement beating at 28,800 vph. Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap, and synthetic strap. Retail price: £13,200.
The Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph is a testament to German watchmaking precision. Its 43.2mm case houses an elegant yet sporty design featuring a blue dial with contrasting subdials. The calibre 37-23 movement offers a flyback chronograph function and a 70-hour power reserve. This watch combines fine craftsmanship with functional design, ideal for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance. I was fortunate enough to visit the Glashütte factory to see these movements being made first hand. The quality is indescribable.
9. Parmigiani Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
42 x 12.9 mm stainless steel case, PF070-COSC movement beating at 36,000 vph. Strap options include rubber strap. Retail price: £27,570
The Parmigiani Tonda PF Sport Chronograph, with its 42mm case, merges luxury and sportiness. Its sleek design includes a beautifully finished dial and an integrated bracelet. The calibre PF070 movement offers a 65-hour power reserve and exquisite finishing. This watch is notable for its blend of understated elegance and high performance, appealing to collectors who value sophistication. Unfortunately, Parmigiani’s numbers are very low, meaning there is a slim chance of acquiring this model easily.
10. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathscaphe Flyback
43.6 x 15.2mm stainless steel case, 51mm lug to lug, calibre F385 movement, Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet, fabric strap and rubber strap. Retail price: £17,100
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback is a true icon in the diving world. The 43mm case size provides a substantial yet wearable dive watch experience. It features a flyback chronograph function powered by the calibre F385, which has a 50-hour power reserve. Blancpain’s rich diving heritage and commitment to excellence are evident in this timepiece, making it a revered choice among dive watch aficionados.
Each of these watches offers unique attributes, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged durability of the Casio Mudmaster or the refined elegance of the Parmigiani Tonda PF, there’s a large timepiece here to suit every style.
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