Finding the Right Watch for your Wrist

We’ve all seen it. Someone is wearing a beautiful timepiece BUT it’s just way too big or too small for their wrist or body type. It can be distracting and it can take away from an otherwise stunning watch!

While there is no hard and fast set of rules for choosing the correct watch for your wrist, there are guidelines that you should follow. These tips will help to ensure you end up with a proportionate and balanced timepiece each and every time.

Knowing your wrist size

First things first, in order to find the right size watch for you, you need to know your wrist size. To measure your wrist, print out Feldmar’s wrist sizing guide, cut out the bracelet sizer and measure your wrist right above the wrist bone where you would typically where a watch. Be sure to allow enough room for your index finger to fit between the bracelet sizer and your wrist. Read the measurement as it appears through the slit.

Generally, 5.5-6.5 inches is considered a small wrist, 6.5-7 inches a medium wrist and 7+ inches a large wrist.

Case diameter

Case diameter is probably one of the most noticeable watch characteristics, and can easily make a watch look unbalanced if it is too big or too small for the wearer. Typical men’s watches range in size from 38mm-46mm with a few outliers either way. For a small to medium wrist, try 38-42mm cases. For a larger wrist, try 44-46mm cases.

Case thickness

Believe it or not, case thickness can also play a part in how proportionate a watch looks on your wrist. However, because case thickness generally just increases with diameter, you should be choosing the best proportioned watch for your wrist if you’re paying close attention to case diameter.

Strap

Generally, straps should be about half as wide as the case diameter in order to look proportionate. For example, if you wear a 42mm watch, the strap should be about 21mm. Keep in mind that metal bracelets can look more chunky or heavier on your wrist when compared to their leather, rubber or nato counterparts.

Features and details

Very prominent or large markers, hands, pushers, sub-dials, etc. can make your watch appear much larger. As a rule of thumb, minimalistic watches tend to suit those with small wrists while watches with more prevalent features work best for those with larger wrists.

It may sound like there’s a lot to think about, and there certainly is. However, we have a team of dedicated watch experts ready to help you choose the timepiece that’s the perfect size for you. Stop in and see us!