If you are thinking of buying a watch online, it is going to be a different process from visiting a local shop. You can’t try out every piece and see how it fits on you. Wearing the wrong watch size is a disaster. If you have no idea on your matching size, here is our ultimate watch sizing guide.
Sometimes numbers can be deceiving. There are a number of things you should take into consideration when going for the right size.
If you are in a hurry, use the TOC below to navigate quickly.
- Why Size Matters?
- Case Diameter
- Case Thickness
- Watch Lugs
- Types of Watch Bands & Band Width
- Other Things to Consider
- How to Choose The Perfect Size?
- Watch Sizing Print Out
- Don’t Limit Yourself
Why Size Matters?
Finding a matching piece of watch is like finding a perfect pair of shoes. Rule number one is to check if the size fits or not. Not only do you want to get yourself comfortable wearing the watch, you also want to look good with it.
You might be asking why size matters? Either a watch too big or small looks really odd, check out the example below.
I’m sure you don’t want to be like them right? Read on to learn how you can find the perfect size.
Case Diameter
Usually the watch size refers to the case diameter. When buying a watch, either online or in a retail shop, we narrow down our preference with watch size.
Case diameter is measured diagonally across the case, excluding the crown. Average size of men’s wristwatches are between 38-46mm, anything smaller than 38mm is often for women.
Sometimes numbers can be deceiving. For example, dive watches normally look smaller than their actual diameter, and pilot watches are usually larger.
Watch 101
Japanese watch brand MUSK holds the record for biggest watch in the world, the MUSK MR2129 has a 90mm case and weighs 715g.
Case Thickness
Case thickness is measured from the top of the watch’s crystal, to the bottom of the case back. Although thickness does not affect the overall look as much as the case diameter, you might want to avoid getting a thick watch if you have a thin wrist.
The trick is to check out watches with less complications, usually they don’t have a thick case.
Watch Lugs
We often neglect watch lugs, they do make a difference in wearing comfort. Curved lugs are more friendly for slender wrists and flat ones suit better for medium and large wrists.
Types of Watch Bands & Band Width
There is a tip for choosing watch bands when it comes to size fitting. I’m not talking about the width, usually it’s about half of its case diameter and you can’t adjust that. But, you might want to pay attention to different types of watch bands.
In our experience, leather or nato straps look smaller and bracelets appear heavier, which is a better choice for you if you have a large wrists.
Other Things to Consider
You might be surprised that there are still many other details which can affect the size of a watch.
Bezel
For example the CAPTAIN COOK AUTOMATIC from RADO. It’s a 42mm watch, but you will find it smaller than any other watch with the same size, because of the bold bezel.
For more details, check out the video below.
Case Shape
There are other choices beside a round case, and each of them looks different on your wrist. For example the TANK AMÉRICAINE WATCH from cartier, its 22.60mm wide from 3 to 9, but 41.60mm long from 12 to 6. This timepiece might not be suitable for you if you have a slender wrist.
How to Choose The Perfect Size?
So what is the perfect size for you? In modern days, the golden ratio is that the lug to lug distance should cover about 70% of your wrist length, not more than 90%.
Not sure about your wrist size? Try out these three methods here.
In the 90s, men’s watches were often under 40mm, vintage timepieces were between 34 – 36mm. But in recent fashion, large watches are getting more popular, they can be anything between 38 – 46mm.[1]
Women’s watches are smaller, but don’t get me wrong, you can still wear an oversized watch to fit your personality or style.
Watch Sizing Print Out
Still not sure about the correct size? Here is a printable watch sizing guide which you can try on your wrist.
Don’t Limit Yourself
It’s not that difficult to get the right size, but don’t limit yourself to the golden ratio. After all, wearing what you like is always the number one priority, everything else comes after that.
