How to choose the size of a watch? Ultimate Guide

Today we are tackling an existential question: how to choose the size of a watch. We don’t necessarily think about it, but like clothing, there are watch sizes for men. To help you make the right choice, here are some tips and measures to consider.

In this article

  1. How to choose the size of a watch?
  2. Measure around the wrist
  3. Analyze the dimensions of the watch
  4. Choose the size of a watch, but also its style

Page Contents

How to choose the size of a watch?

To choose the size of a watch, you must start by measuring the circumference of your wrist. This measurement must be put in parallel with the diameter of the case of the watch. The thinner your wrist, the smaller and thinner the case of your watch will have to be to ensure a harmonious rendering.

A small wrist will appear even smaller and crushed if it wears a watch that is too bulky or a bracelet that is too thick. Conversely, a small watch will look ridiculous on a thick wrist.

Overall, if you have a wrist smaller than 15 cm, choose a watch with a case diameter of fewer than 40 millimeters.

If your wrist is more than 15 cm, you can orient your choice towards a watch with a case with a diameter greater than 40 millimeters. You will find more detailed information below to help you make the best choice.

Measure around the wrist

In general, men’s wrists are between 15 and 19 cm in diameter and there are different watch sizes to suit all wrists. For the measurement, there are several possibilities.

Measure around the wrist

The first technique to measure your wrist circumference is to use a tape measure. Simple and effective, the tape measure wraps around your wrist and will give you the wrist circumference in centimeters that will allow you to choose the size of your watch.

If you don’t have a tape measure to take this essential measurement, but you don’t want to make a mistake in choosing the size of your watch, you can use a simple string or a rope. Wrap it around your wrist, mark where the string crosses, then use a simple ruler to measure the distance between the two points.

If the measurement falls on a round number, it’s perfect, otherwise rounded up to the upper half centimeter.

The dimensions of the watch

Now that you have the diameter of your wrist, you can observe the different dimensions that will allow you to choose the right size for a watch.

dimensions of the watch

The diameter of the case

The case diameter is the most important element in choosing the size of a watch.

  • If you have a wrist less than 15 cm, you can choose a watch from 24 to 32 mm in diameter.
  • Men with a wrist measuring 15 to 17 cm can choose a watch with a size of 28 to 36 mm.
  • Wrists of 18 cm can choose a watch with a case measuring between 36 and 44 mm.
  • Finally, men with a wrist measuring 19 cm or more can choose a larger watch size with a case of 42 to 50 millimeters.

The thickness of the case

The next element to consider when choosing the right size for your watch is the thickness of the case. Logically a thin wrist will have to wear a thin watch, while a thick wrist can afford a thicker case.

Luckily, the majority of watches are quite harmonious and the thickness is often proportional to the case. In general, watches from 38 to 42 mm have a thickness of 7 mm while larger watch sizes have a thickness of about 9 mm.

Size of a watch, the importance of the bracelet

The size of a watch is also measured by the size of its strap, which will allow a perfect fit to your wrist and good support. The strap length of a watch is usually made up of two measurements  ; the short section with the clasp and the long section on which the holes are located. To help you choose:

  • wrist circumference < 16.5 cm choose a bracelet of 120/70 cm,
  • wrist circumference between 16.5 and 17.8 cm choose a bracelet of 125/75 cm,
  • wrist circumference between 17.9 and 19 cm choose a watch strap 130/80 mm
  • wrist circumference between 19 and 20.3 cm choose a strap of 135/80 mm

If you can’t find a watch strap that fits, know that it is possible to add a hole to adapt it to your wrist. In some cases, you can also change the strap to have a watch size that is perfectly suited to your wrist. A bracelet will fit perfectly if you can pass your index finger between your wrist and it without forcing it.

Choose the size of a watch, but also its style

Choosing the right watch size is essential, but for a harmonious rendering, you must also take into account the style. If you have a slender wrist, choose the most understated watch possible with slender lugs and a discreet crown.

If you have a thicker wrist, you can go for more casual and original models with potentially a tachymeter or a chronograph. These elements will add volume to the watch, and if they look good on a wide wrist, they can tend to crush the thinnest wrists.

Conclusion: What is the perfect watch size?

Well, there are those who say that between 38 mm and 40 mm in case diameter. Not too big, not too small. It seems that people are getting tired of wearing watches that look like paella pans, right? This is for fashion.

50 years ago all wristwatches had 36, 38 mm and for a few decades watches have done only one thing: increase their size… until very recently, when it seems that the dimensions are more reasonable again… with permission from Casio and his G-Shocks.

eye! The perfect watch size really depends a lot on the dimensions of your wrist, so don’t rely on someone else’s advice. Try the watch on and find your sweet spot.

Where if you have to be careful is to take into account the handles of the clock. Many times we go beyond them and in the end, they add a lot of size to the outfit and come off your wrist.

As for the thickness: it will depend a lot on how you dress. In winter you probably want watches with less thickness to be able to check the time more comfortably.

And one final consideration: watches that have a large bezel usually have a small face… And the watch looks much smaller than it is on the surface! This type of bezel is usually found in sports or diving watches.

And don’t forget one thing: the black or blue spheres look smaller compared to the white ones. A good optical effect to power. It is only a perception, but one that must be taken into account.

eye! You also have to take into account which wrist you are going to wear the watch on. Which wrist is the watch worn on? Well, normally, for convenience, the watch is usually put on the left hand if you are right-handed and vice versa if you are left-handed. It bothers you less to do the things of your day-to-day. But it is not a fixed rule. Put the watch in your hand where you are most comfortable.

You may be interested in seeing the following entries where we tell you which are the best Seiko Field Watches, Best Invicta Pro Diver Watches, and Citizen watches.

Leave a Comment