Methods for Selecting Appropriate Watch Sizes

TimeFAQ Feb 18, 2024

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Picture of measuring tape on a hand for Watch Size Guide post

Table of Contents

The Perfect Timepiece for your Wrist
Measurement and Sizing Procedures for Watch
The size of the watch case
The width of the watch band
Lug to lug measurement
Thickness of the watch case
Wrist Size Measurement for Watches
1. (Table 1.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Men
2. (Table 2.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in INCHES, watch in mm) for Men
3. (Table 3.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Women
4. (Table 4.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Women
Big or Small Watch
Choose Between Straps and Bracelets
Last Words

Many of us have wondered, "How do I know what watch size I need?" while looking for a new timepiece to add to our collection. In order to determine how big a watch should be, you need to know what kind of person is wearing it and what they like. You may use the information in this article to choose the right watch for your wrist size and wrist type. Learn how to avoid the hassle of trying on a bunch of different sizes whether you're new to watches.

The Perfect Timepiece for your Wrist

Size does matter, as the saying goes. Especially in regards to your timepiece. In order to get the best watch to fit your wrist size, many factors must be considered. If you want to select the best watch for your day-to-day activities, you'll also need to take your particular style and wrist size into consideration. Look for certain features in a wristwatch before making your purchase. For the perfect timepiece you need to take into consideration everything from case diameter to case depth to band width to band material to watch specifications.

Measurement and Sizing Procedures for Watch

Consider what it would be like to be forced to wear something you don't want to wear. If that makes any sense. Because it's not your style, you feel like a whole different person. Even your watches and jewelry are subject to the same rules.

Your own style is reflected in your timepiece. For this reason, you need know not only what kind of watch best matches your personality, but also what size it should be. Finding the proper watch size for your wrist isn't a guessing game. Measurement of watch sizes is something you should be knowledgeable with, as well as how to go about doing so.

Image of a watch with arrows indicating the watch diameter

The size of the watch case

When acquiring a new watch, the diameter of the case is a significant factor. Men's watches typically have a diameter between 38mm and 46mm. If anything is overly large or little, it will seem out of place.

Small	34mm
Medium	34mm - 38mm
Standard	39mm - 42mm
XL	43mm - 46mm
XXL	46mm

Image of a watch with arrows indicating the width of the watch band

The width of the watch band

Generally speaking, a watch's band width is equal to half the diameter of the case. As a result, a watch with a 42mm case should have a band with a 21mm width. There are many guys who like broader or thinner bands, and this is simply a general recommendation.

Small	18mm
Medium	20mm
Standard	22mm
XL	24mm
XXL	26mm

Image of a watch with arrows indicating the lug to lug width

Lug to lug measurement

The lug-to-lug width of a watch, often overlooked but crucial, determines how comfortably it fits on your wrist. This measurement, the distance between the two lugs, impacts both aesthetics and wearability. For those with larger wrists, a watch with a larger lug-to-lug width provides a secure and balanced fit, while those with smaller wrists may prefer a smaller lug-to-lug width for comfort. Additionally, this dimension influences the watch's overall appearance, with shorter lug-to-lug widths offering a more elegant look and longer ones creating a bolder presence. It also dictates the strap options, making it essential to choose straps that match the lug width. Understanding the lug-to-lug width is vital when selecting a watch, ensuring both style and comfort align perfectly.

Image of a watch from the side with arrows indicating the watch thickness

Thickness of the watch case

It's also important to consider how thick the case is. Generally speaking, the depth of a case should be equal to the diameter. As the diameter grows, the thickness should also grow. To get the perfect fit for your wrist, be sure the diameter of the watch you're considering is the proper size for your wrist. Most 38mm to 42mm watches are around 7 millimeters thick. Those with a diameter of 44mm or larger will be at least 9mm thick.

Wrist Size Measurement for Watches

It's not uncommon for novice watch collectors to wonder whether their new acquisition is too large or too little for them. While the answers to those questions is a matter of personal choice and style, it is helpful to know your wrist size in order to choose the ideal watch size for your wrist.

Using a piece of string, wrap it around the wrist so it touches, then measure the length of that thread from one end towards the place where that string contacts. Measurement collectors often utilise this method. Centimeters and inches are the most popular units for this measurement.

Watches with a case diameter of less than 40 mm are recommended for men with wrists measuring 6' 6.5" or shorter. Most people can wear watches up to 42mm in casing diameter with a wrist size of 6.5'-7.25"; those with wrists measuring 7.5-8" may wear watches with cases as big as 46mm in diameter and larger.

(Table 1.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Men

Wrist circumference	Watch Size
Wrist circumference	Small	Medium	Big
15 cm	32 mm	37 mm	41 mm
16 cm	34 mm	39 mm	43 mm
17 cm	36 mm	41 mm	45 mm
18 cm	36 mm	42 mm	45 mm
19 cm	37 mm	43 mm	46 mm
20 cm	38 mm	44 mm	47 mm
21 cm	39 mm	44 mm	47 mm
22 cm	40 mm	45 mm	48 mm
23 cm	41 mm	45 mm	48 mm
24 cm	42 mm	46 mm	49 mm

(Table 2.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in INCHES, watch in mm) for Men

Wrist circumference	Watch Size
Wrist circumference	Small	Medium	Big
5.9 inch	32 mm	37 mm	41 mm
6.3 inch	34 mm	39 mm	43 mm
6.7 inch	36 mm	41 mm	45 mm
7.1 inch	36 mm	42 mm	45 mm
7.5 inch	37 mm	43 mm	46 mm
7.9 inch	38 mm	44 mm	47 mm
8.3 inch	39 mm	44 mm	47 mm
8.7 inch	40 mm	45 mm	48 mm
9.1 inch	41 mm	45 mm	48 mm
9.5 inch	42 mm	46 mm	49 mm

(Table 3.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Women

Wrist circumference	Watch Size
Wrist circumference	Small	Medium	Big
12 cm	21 mm	27 mm	34 mm
13 cm	22 mm	27 mm	34 mm
14 cm	23 mm	28 mm	35 mm
15 cm	24 mm	29 mm	36 mm
16 cm	25 mm	30 mm	37 mm
17 cm	26 mm	31 mm	38 mm
18 cm	27 mm	32 mm	39 mm
19 cm	28 mm	33 mm	40 mm
20 cm	29 mm	34 mm	41 mm
21 cm	30 mm	35 mm	41 mm
22 cm	31 mm	36 mm	42 mm
23 cm	32 mm	37 mm	43 mm
24 cm	33 mm	38 mm	44 mm

(Table 4.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Women

Wrist circumference	Watch Size
Wrist circumference	Small	Medium	Big
4.7 inch	21 mm	27 mm	34 mm
5.1 inch	22 mm	27 mm	34 mm
5.5 inch	23 mm	28 mm	35 mm
5.9 inch	24 mm	29 mm	36 mm
6.3 inch	25 mm	30 mm	37 mm
6.7 inch	26 mm	31 mm	38 mm
7.1 inch	27 mm	32 mm	39 mm
7.5 inch	28 mm	33 mm	40 mm
7.9 inch	29 mm	34 mm	41 mm
8.3 inch	30 mm	35 mm	41 mm
8.7 inch	31 mm	36 mm	42 mm
9.1 inch	32 mm	37 mm	43 mm
9.5 inch	33 mm	38 mm	44 mm

Big or Small Watch

When it comes to case thickness, there seem to be no clear rules. However, keep in mind that the thickness of a watch may be affected by its complexity and the clothing with which it is most often worn.

For example, a diving watch, military watch, or chronograph watch will be thicker since they need more sophisticated movements to operate them. You may have difficulty wearing these larger timepieces unless your shirt is custom-made; for much the same reason, smaller timepieces are considered more sophisticated and appropriate for formal events.

Choose Between Straps and Bracelets

Simply swapping either the band or strap of your high-end watch may have a dramatic effect on its appearance. Choosing the appropriate watch strap may make a huge difference in how you appear and feel. Stainless steel bracelets or rubber straps are ideal for high-intensity sports like these. Leather straps are a fantastic choice for more formal events, such as attending the theater or the boardroom.

Countless options exist for straps, from the casual to the formal, the delicate to the sturdy, etc. Straps come in a wide variety of materials, from leather and cloth to metal and rubber. There is just one limit to what you may create: your own sense of style.

Last Words

Ultimately, it's a simple question: Which watch do you like best? When it comes to watch size, there are hundreds and thousands of individuals that have varying perspectives. Those views are irrelevant as long as you're delighted with your timepiece.

If you find this article helpful, you might want to check out my other posts :

>> Movement Types in Watches

>> Different Types of Watches

To learn more about watches :

>> Welcome to Our Learning Hub

To see my recommendations of watches, cases, and watch straps :

>> Explore Watches and More with TimeFAQ!

To see my reviews of watches :

>> My Watch Collection!

Table of Contents

The Perfect Timepiece for your Wrist
Measurement and Sizing Procedures for Watch
The size of the watch case
The width of the watch band
Lug to lug measurement
Thickness of the watch case
Wrist Size Measurement for Watches
1. (Table 1.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Men
2. (Table 2.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in INCHES, watch in mm) for Men
3. (Table 3.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Women
4. (Table 4.0) Wrist size and watch size (wrist in CM, watch in mm) for Women
Big or Small Watch
Choose Between Straps and Bracelets
Last Words