Watch selection is often a reflection of a person’s interest, personality, and style. Shopping for “the right watch” can be challenging as you browse through thousands of designs and sizes. We’ve got you covered with our watch size guide to help you find a watch that fits your wrist size and style.
What size watch should you wear? A controversial question
While most modern men’s watches are in the 38mm – 42mm size range, there are plenty of reasons to go up or down in size. Studies have shown that people naturally pick out anything that is out of place. Putting on an extra-large watch with your daily business suit screams that you want everyone to see the watch you are wearing. This could be your strategy in select instances but is probably over the top for day-to-day wear. Not to mention, if you are wearing an XXL watch with a suit, the thickness of the watch will constantly catch on your cuff.
Determining the right watch size for your wrist
In general, people with larger wrists should opt for a larger watch face and those with smaller wrists should seek smaller sized watches. We suggest the following as a general rule:
Wrist Size (circumference) | Dial Face Size |
Less than 6 inches | 36mm – 39mm |
6 – 7 inches | 38mm – 42mm |
Larger than 7 inches | 40mm + |
Your wrist will ultimately determine which watch is the perfect fit. People with flatter wrists can wear larger watches. Conversely, those with more round wrists should opt for a smaller watch face.
It is important to note that you should not get caught up in the numbers as guys with monster wrists can make a 44mm look too small. As well, consider the size of the bezel, as overall wrist presence.
All of this said, it is unanimously recommended to pick a watch for your personal style that you feel comfortable in.
The general guidelines for fitting a watch to your wrist is that the lugs (where the strap attaches to the watch) should not hang over your wrist. If they are hanging over, the watch will not be comfortable for wear day-to-day.
Trying on different size watches is the best way to figure out what size watch is right for you. Putting on the correct size watch will “feel right” and look proportional to your wrist and hand – see below for factors that can give the illusion of a smaller or bigger watch.
Other factors in choosing the right watch size
Other than the size of the dial, other features of a watch may make impact wrist presence. These are also important considerations when choosing the right watch size for your wrist.
Band material
Believe it or not, the band of your watch will actually make your watch look heavier or slimmer. Using a leather band, for example, will give your watch a slimmer look. Similarly, fabric bands will also give a smaller feel. On the other hand, using metal bands will always make the watch look heavier and in many cases, larger on the wrist.
Band size
The width of the band will also play a role in how the watch fits and looks – bands that are over 50% of the watch face size are considered to be oversized. The opposite is also true — narrower bands make a watch look smaller. For example, if you wear a 38mm watch, the band should be around 19mm in width.
If you are looking for the “perfect fit” for your wrist, consider the band width and thickness of the watch in proportion to your wrist size.
Lug size and case features
The lugs of the watch and the components around the face can also have a visual effect of making the watch look larger. Large pusher knobs, an oversized crown or a wider or bulkier bezel can lead to greater wrist presence. Of course, if you are going with the “bigger is better” strategy, than an oversized 46mm face with as large knobs will be your style choice.
Dial design
Even the numbers on the watch face can give a larger look. Some watches take the numbers off altogether to ‘slim down’ the watch, which counteracts a metal band and large watch.
Watch face sizes: comparison chart
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the choice is easy – which watch do you think looks good to you?
There are thousands of people with thousands of different opinions on what the “correct” watch size should be.
None of those opinions matter so long as you are happy when you wear your watch.
Other guides from Grey Market Magazine:
Guide to Rolex Serial Numbers
Buying Guide: How Much Does Rolex Day Date Cost?
Rolex Prices: Retail vs Actual