As human beings, we’re drawn towards natural balance.
Leaning towards correct proportions is instinct, whether we’re balancing a checkbook, building a house or wearing clothes.
You wouldn’t wear a suit that’s two sizes too big (or two sizes too small for that matter) because you’d look ridiculous. But do you apply the same principle to your watch?
In this article, we explain how to buy the right size watch for your wrist.
What watch size is right for my wrist?
Generally speaking, if you have a smaller wrist, you want a smaller watch. If you have a larger wrist you want a larger watch.
Let’s break that down a little bit more into 5 key elements.
#1 Watch Case Diameter
Case Diameter is the most obvious and noticeable element of proportion. Men’s watches usually range from 38mm to 46mm.
- Watch cases bigger than 46mm starts to become too large and is usually reserved for rakish or flashy outfits.
- Watch cases smaller than 38mm is leaning into women’s size watches.
So how do you know what size works for you? Measure your wrist.
How Do I Measure My Wrist For A Watch?
Wrap a tape measure around the area of your wrist you’d usually wear your watch.
If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a dollar bill. Modern US Paper Currencies are 6 inches in length. Wrap the dollar bill around your wrist to find the circumference of your wrist.
- Wrist circumference: 6-7 inches – you have a small to medium wrist. Look for small to medium diameter watch cases – 38mm, 40mm, and 42mm.
- Wrist circumference: 7.5 to 8 inches – you have a large wrist. Look for watch cases with a diameter of 44mm, and 46mm.
#2 Watch Case Thickness
Case thickness is oftentimes directly correlated to case diameter.
Back when mechanical watches were dominating the market, it was perceived that a thinner case was of higher quality.
This is no longer the case with electronic watches entering the market, as well as quartz designs.
A general rule is, as the diameter of the case increases or decreases, the thickness does as well.
Usually for 38mm to 42mm diameter, you will see around 7 mm in thickness. Once you get up to 44mm and beyond, the thickness increases to around 9mm.
#3 Watch Band Width
A well proportioned watch usually has a band width of about half its case diameter. If you wear a 40mm watch, the width should be approximately 20mm in width.
Depending on your style preference you may want to wear a watch with a wider band width.
My preference is for smaller band widths, however, I do have smaller wrists.
If you have larger wrists you may lean towards wider bands.
If you are only shopping for cases and want to pick out a band later, you can determine what the width of the band will be based on the lug width.
Also read:
How To Dress For Your Age (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s+)
Ultimate Guide to Wedding Attire For Men
How To Pack For Any Occasion (Ultimate Travel Packing List…
Can You Wear A Suit With A T-Shirt And Still Look Stylish?
5 Rules To Wearing Rings | Ring Finger Symbolism
How To Choose An Engagement Ring
#4 Watch Band Material
Leather bands are going to give your watch a slimmer look.
A metal watchband, even one the same size as a leather band, will always appear larger & heavier because of the nature of metal.
This is an important consideration if you have smaller wrists.
Metal bands will present the appearance of a larger watch, making it a primary choice for men with larger wrists.
#5 Watch Details
Last but not least, look at the size of the components on the watch.
This means notice the numbers, the hours, and second hands. The lug size, the pusher, and changer.
As these components grow in size and thickness it gives the illusion of a larger watch.
This can cause watches on men with smaller wrists to appear to be out of proportion, especially combined with any of the elements mentioned above.
The important thing to notice with components is how they play into the other elements of the watch.
If you have a 38mm to 40mm watch and the numbers are huge, it will look unbalanced.
On the flip side, if you have a 9mm thick watch with a 46mm case diameter and thin hour hands something might seem off as well.
Now that you have the right watch, let’s talk rings. Click here to discover the secret world of signet rings.
Click below to watch the video – 5 Rules To Buy The Right Size Watch For Your Wrist Proportions!
Also read:
- How To Dress For Your Age (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s+)
- Ultimate Guide to Wedding Attire For Men
- How To Pack For Any Occasion (Ultimate Travel Packing List…
- Can You Wear A Suit With A T-Shirt And Still Look Stylish?
- 5 Rules To Wearing Rings | Ring Finger Symbolism
- How To Choose An Engagement Ring