Jim

Yeah the older ones have the italics. I prefer the older font as it gives it more of a laid back surfing company feel. Can also be a bargaining tool as shops may be looking to get rid of the older ones to make way for newer stock. I think the newer font has been on the watches for around a year now.

There is also a choice of 2 locations for the clip which allows a smaller adjustment (check the blue plaid watch above on detailed view. The open clasp shows this on the righ hand side of the clasp on the small part that folds over and locks the clasp). I would try asking a watch place to try these first if it's slightly out as it doesn't involving removing links and they'll usually do it for free. Also try getting it slightly too large if trying it in the cold as mine became tight when I got hot.

It's reassuringly weighty, as per the other answer you know it's there. Feels great.

I had the same dilema before buying mine. I don't have the biggest wrist in the world but it looks great. It may seem large at first but after a while it seems normal and looks killer. It has been big enough to catch the eye of a couple of attractive barmaids who have complimented it so my advice is buy one, you'll love, and so will the ladies.
Also try comapring the watch to the size of your hand rather than your wrist, sounds strange but it's actually your hands rather than your wrist that makes a watch look disproportionate.