Which size watch is suitable for my wrist?

To determine which watch size is right for you, you should look at three things: the size of your wrist, the size of the watch case and the type of closure of the watch strap.

Wrist size

The circumference of your wrist is most important to determine which size watch suits you best. The ratio between your wrist and the size of the watch case should be in balance. Of course you also want the watch to fit comfortably; not too tight or too loose.

You can read how to measure your wrist size in this article.

Watch case sizes for men and women

Until the 1970s, the average watch size for men was 38 mm. Today the average watch size for men is 40-45mm. This was caused by the rise of quartz watches. A quartz movement is lighter and can control more functions with fewer parts. A comparable mechanical watch would simply be too heavy. Besides technical advancements, people have also grown taller in the past 50 years and the watches have grown with them. For example, 38 mm is now the average watch size for women's watches.

Watch sizes are also influenced by fashion. The last few years we have seen a move back to significanly smaller watch sizes inspired by retro and re-issue trends.

Which size watch you choose is very personal and depends not only on your wrist size, but also on the style of watch you choose. A chic watch or a dress watch is generally smaller, and a diving watch or a smartwatch larger.

Wrist-to-case size

It is important for the watch to fit comfortably on your wrist. A good rule of thumb for determining the correct watch case size for your wrist is to divide your wrist circumference by four.

For example: an 180 mm wrist should be able to carry of a watch with a 45mm case.

Factors that determine how big a watch looks

This is however, not the only determining factor on how a watch will look on your wrist. Another important factor is the lug-to-lug size. This is the case + lug height. Convention dictates your watch’s lugs shouldn’t extend beyond your wrist.

Watches with long and straight lugs will appear larger on your wrist than a watch with a larger case size and short or curved lugs.

And finaly, a watch with a small dial and wide bezel looks smaller than the same size watch with a large dial and thin bezel.

Recommended case sizes:

Adjustable clasps

The watch strap clasp allows the fit of the watch to be adjusted even more precisely. In a leather strap with a buckle, you can easily punch an extra hole yourself. With the folding or sliding clasp of a mesh bracelet, the size can be adjusted, and with metal link bracelets, it is often possible to make the strap slightly looser or tighter at the clasp.

That is why it is advisable to also pay attention to the clasp when purchasing a watch.