Wrist sizes fluctuate among everyone, so measuring your wrist is the first thing you need to do before you begin your quest for your perfect timepiece.
The width and thickness of your wrist determine the size, with some people having particularly petite wrists, while others are thicker.
Whilst there is no magic formula or calculation to perfectly fit the watch around your frame, there are steps you can take to ensure you invest in a proportionate and balanced piece. So, how do you measure your wrist size for a watch?
Knowing your wrist size will take all the stress of searching for a watch away, as you will know exactly what size to go for.
But how do you do it?
Measuring your wrist is simple, and we have broken it down for you in the following steps:
| 14-16 cm | Thin wrist |
| 17-18 cm | Slender wrist |
| 19-20 cm | Medium wrist |
| 20+ cm | Thick wrist |
The centrepiece on every watch is the dial, but if it is not in proportion with your wrist, it will strip your watch of its glory. Whilst some prefer to keep things subtle, others want the biggest available, but is there such a thing as too big? If your desired dial fits the wrist measurement below, you've found the perfect-sized dial. If it is not, consider selecting a different size.
| Wrist Measurement | Dial Size |
|---|---|
| 14cm - 18cm | 33mm - 43mm |
| 19cm - 25cm | 42mm - 46mm |
Generally, watches designed for men have larger diameters and larger straps. So, we have provided the following chart, which breaks down the recommended watch size for each wrist circumference.
| Wrist Circumference | Watch Size | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Medium | Big | |
| 15 cm | 32mm | 37mm | 41mm |
| 16 cm | 34mm | 39mm | 43mm |
| 17 cm | 36mm | 41mm | 45mm |
| 18 cm | 36mm | 42mm | 45mm |
| 19 cm | 37mm | 43mm | 46mm |
| 20 cm | 38mm | 44mm | 47mm |
| 21 cm | 39mm | 44mm | 47mm |
| 22 cm | 40mm | 45mm | 48mm |
| 23 cm | 41mm | 45mm | 48mm |
| 24 cm | 42mm | 46mm | 49mm |
Sleek and petite, women's watches are much smaller than men's because women generally have a smaller wrist width. To complement the thinner width, women's watches require a smaller dial to prevent an overly bulky appearance. The following chart shows the perfect dial size for every woman's wrist.
| Wrist Circumference | Watch Size | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Medium | Big | |
| 12 cm | 32mm | 37mm | 41mm |
| 13 cm | 32mm | 37mm | 41mm |
| 14 cm | 32mm | 37mm | 41mm |
| 15 cm | 32mm | 37mm | 41mm |
| 16 cm | 34mm | 39mm | 43mm |
| 17 cm | 36mm | 41mm | 45mm |
| 18 cm | 36mm | 42mm | 45mm |
| 19 cm | 37mm | 43mm | 46mm |
| 20 cm | 38mm | 44mm | 47mm |
| 21 cm | 39mm | 44mm | 47mm |
| 22 cm | 40mm | 45mm | 48mm |
| 23 cm | 41mm | 45mm | 48mm |
| 24 cm | 42mm | 46mm | 49mm |
We have a downloadable and printable Watch Case Size Guide, it will allow you to get some idea how a specific sized diameter case will look on your wrist as well as various case depths. This is a guide only, for a true representation please print the PDF file at 100% size.
Besides the size, there are other things worth considering regarding the fit and feel of your watch. These core things include the thickness of the dial, the width of your strap, the material used and your style.
Before the design of the quartz watch, manufacturers strived for thinner watches, but this is no longer the case. Modern-day watch designs lean towards thicker dials, around 9mm, and are the perfect timepiece.
Of course, your deciding factor is personal preference, but if you're looking for a larger dial, thicker options like diver watches are a great start.
When discussing the width of a strap, understand that the lug isn't included. Lugs can be referred to as the 'horns' and are simply the part of the watch that connects the strap and dial together.
The width of your strap is important, and if you already have a watch with a large dial, the lugs may take up a portion of your wrist. If your lugs are taking up a large percentage of your wrist, this isn't ideal and indicates you may have a watch that is too big. Therefore, we recommend you stick to your true size.
The strap's length is generally double the length of your wrist, but if unsure, refer to the watch sizing measurements above.
The material doesn't affect the size of your watch, but it does affect the weight. For example, a titanium watch is likely to weigh more than a ceramic watch. Both ceramic and titanium watches have pros and cons, but the decision ultimately depends on your preference and needs.
You can play around with illusion too. A 26mm stainless steel watch will appear larger than a 26mm dial with a black leather strap. Despite being the same size, different colours can manipulate the appearance, like with clothing, which is something to keep in mind when selecting your watch.
Now that you know how to perfect the sizing, always remember the most important deciding factor when choosing your watch is that you love it.
Ensuring that it embodies your style is fundamental. After all, it will be you who has to wear the watch. Consider the materials you love and the type of watches you are drawn to and your gut will steer you in the right direction.
Once you've discovered your perfect watch, thanks to this guide, you will know exactly what size to go for.
