Ten big watch beauties under $10k for those with large wrists

Ricardo Sime

As Zach Blass stated in his recent article, size does truly matter. Yet in our cases, we represent opposite sides of the spectrum. Where Zach is a staunch proponent of those with slender wrist, I represent those with large wrists who both love and appreciate a big watch. We had our moment in the early 2000s, but the community has changed and now leans heavily to those more like Zach. Don’t believe me? Check the comment section of any watch greater than 41mm and see just how many people wish it was 40mm or smaller.

But don’t fret my big-wristed pals. The industry hasn’t abandoned us and there are still a ton of watches out there for us to enjoy. Here’s a list of 10 under $10k that would look great on your wrist.

Nodus Avalon II (48mm lug-to-lug)

Right off the bat, it’s important that I let you know this list will not be full of 50 to 55mm beast. The key to a watch wearing well on a big wrist really comes down to case shape and proportions. That’s why I start off with this Avalon II from the microbrand Nodus. With it’s cushion case, coming in at 43.5mm in width, the brand has created perfection for those in the 7-8 inch wrist realm. A relatively slim thickness at 12.75mm also means the watch wears closer to the wrist and doesn’t feel too case heavy.

Best part? The inclusion of a proprietary on-the-fly adjustable clasp for those hot, wrist-expanding summer days.

Price: $700 USD

Hamilton Navy Frogman Auto (51.3mm lug-to-lug)

Don’t worry. This list won’t all be divers.

Here we have this no date beaut from Hamilton, the Khaki Navy Frogman Auto. At 46mm and 13.9mm thick, the watch will definitely have a presence on the wrist. And at 51.3mm, you can tell the lug-to-lug is very acceptable. How you might ask, did I make that assumption? Well, at only a few millimetres more than the width, I know that the lugs either curve down sharply or are short.

Our review of the watch confirms it’s the latter.

Price: $1195.00

Formex Essence Leggera (49mm lug-to-lug)

Another microbrand joins the list with an all around epic watch.

This is the Formex Essence Leggera, Forty Three. It’s a 43mm, carbon fibre composite cased watch with a 49mm lug-to-lug. It’s the larger version of the Essence Leggera, as Formex continues to provide their customers with options when it comes to sizing (something those of us with large wrist appreciate.).

Beyond the size, the package is also quite compelling. Chronometer-grade automatic movement inside. Cool material. Patented suspension system. And a plethora of strap options.

Price: $1640 -1790 USD

Tissot Telemeter 1938 (51mm lug-to-lug)

The newest offering from Tissot. In fact it’s so new, they don’t start shipping until September 9.This is the Tissot Telemeter 1938 chronograph.

While many have been focused on the brands recent PRX chronograph offering, news of this piece quietly broke. At 42mm and with a lug-to-lug of 51mm, it’s a watch with vintage vibes, minus the vintage sizing. There is always a constant argument to have these watches sized closer to the vintage pieces they’re inspired by. But many of us want upsized versions of past classics and are happy when brands accommodate.

Price: $1950 USD

Doxa Sub 1500T Professional (47mm lug-to-lug)

There is a cult-like love for Doxa’s offerings. Their watches are technical beauties that many of us enjoy.

One of the main reasons for the lovefest is how great the brand is when it comes to proportions. The Doxa Sub 1500T Professional is a perfect example of this. At 45mm, we once again benefit from a cushion case that only has a 47mm lug-to-lug. The 45mm case also spreads out the 16.25mm height of the case over a larger area. Which leads to a better, more secure feeling on the wrist.

Price: $2390 USD

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Timer GMT (51mm lug-to-lug)

You really thought I’d make this list and not include a GMT?

This offering from Oris is great for the large wristed. Its 44mm case is beefy and with a 51mm lug-t0-lug and female end links, the watch wears well on anyone flexing a 7 inch or larger wrist. The 13mm thickness further helps its cause, allowing it to fit smoothly under a cuff. And finally, Oris throws in a nice little bonus with the bi-directional bezel.

So if you’re looking for a cool and simple GMT for your large wrist, this has you covered.

Price: $2800 USD

Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Logo (48mm lug-to-lug)

No way we were getting through this list without a Panerai as well.

The brand dominated the days when bigger was considered better. As the years have past, they have added more offerings for those with smaller wrist but still are a dream for the large wristed. And if you’re looking at the brand, a great place to start is with the Radiomir Black Seal Logo.

Another perfectly proportioned cushion case that will wear well with it’s 48mm lug-to-lug. The Radiomir Black Seal Logo also represents one of the brand’s most classic designs and it’s version of a day to day watch.

Price: $5000 USD

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue (54mm lug-to-lug)

Officially the biggest watch on this list, with it’s 45mm case and massive 54mm lug-to-lug, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue is quite a beast. The long lugs and large crown add to the presence on wrist. And though many may lament that this watch is too big, a large, classic looking pilot watch benefits from the oversized look of it’s historical predecessors.

So if you’re looking to make a statement with a pilot watch on your large wrist, this may be the way to go.

Price: $7400 USD

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TopGun (53mm lug-to-lug)

IWC makes some amazing pilot instruments. My favorite of the bunch and one I think many of the large-wristed familia will love is the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN.

Beyond just the nostalgia of the movie and the connection to the amazing U.S. Navy’s Fighter Weapons School, the watch is amazing. It’s 44.5mm of black ceramic chronograph bliss, with a long 53mm lug-to-lug. The dial is a very legible black and white. And in this black case colour, you get the added benefit of the watch visually wearing smaller than it’s size would suggest.

Price: $8,450

Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph (49.8mm lug-to-lug)

The last spot goes to arguably one of the best chronographs on the market under $10k.

The Omega Speedmaster racing goes back to the roots of what that line was about. Before the journey to space, it helped many a driver push man and machine to the limits here on earth. In its modern form, the watch is 44.25mm of METAS certified glory, with a 49.8mm lug-to-lug and 14.92mm thickness. All measurements that would look great on a large wrist. It also represents some of the best, technically, that Omega has to offer.

So, if you’re large wristed and love a bit of speed, this Speedmaster Racing should hit the spot.

Price: $8,750.00 USD