Choosing the right watch size is crucial for maximum comfort and style. Whether you're new to the world of watches or just wondering if you've been doing it wrong the whole time, asking how to pick the right watch size is never a dumb question.
And let's face it, watch sizes can be confusing. Technical terms like case diameter and lug width, and measurements in millimeters seem overwhelming at first.
But don't worry. We got you!
This comprehensive watch size guide will walk you through everything you need to know about watch sizing. From measuring your wrist to understanding watch dimensions, you're in the right place.
How to Pick the Right Size Watch
Whether you're buying your first watch or adding to your collection, finding the perfect fit is essential. Let's dive into the world of watch sizes and find the right one for you.
First, why does watch size matter?
Why Watch Size Matters
Choosing the right watch size is more than just a style choice. A poorly sized watch can feel uncomfortable and look awkward.
Watch size also influences how the timepiece complements your wrist. Go too big or too small, and you risk feeling awkward every time you put it on.
There are three main motivations for getting watch size right:
- Comfort: A good fit ensures you feel good when you're wearing your watch.
- Style: Watch size choices are as much about personal preference as anything else. Oversized or small... what do YOU prefer?
- Functionality: Generally, smaller watches will have less functionality as a result of less watch dial space.
Next, let's get into some of those technical terms you'll encounter in the watch world that relate to sizing.
Understanding Watch Measurements: Case Diameter, Thickness and Lug Width
If you don't know the language, how can you make a good decision? There are a few main terms you need to know when it comes to picking a watch based on size. Let's break them down.
- Case Diameter: This measures the width across the face of a watch. It is the most noticeable aspect of watch size and heavily influences the overall size of a watch. Currently at Nixon, our largest watch is the oversized 51mm 51-30 Chrono. Women's watches, on the other hand, are usually around 40mm or less in case diameter.
- Case Thickness: As you probably guessed, case thickness refers to how thick the watch is. The thicker the watch, the higher it will sit on your wrist.
- Lug Width: This refers to the distance between the two watch lugs that connect to your watch band. Lug width is especially important if you are looking to purchase a replacement watch strap.
Alright, so we have some of the key terminology for watch sizing down.
Next, we'll cover wrist measurements. For newcomers to the watch world, this is a good way to identify a watch that will be a good starting point for your horological journey.
How to Measure Your Wrist for a Good Watch Size
Getting the right wrist measurement is crucial for a good fit. Here's how you can measure your wrist correctly.
First, find a flexible measuring tape. Wrap it around your wrist where you plan to wear the watch. Ensure the tape is snug but not tight. Record the measurement in millimeters.
If you don't have a flexible measuring tape, a piece of string or strand of paper works fine. Just make sure to note on the string or paper where it closes around your wrist so that you can measure that section of the string or paper to find your wrist size.
However you do it, this is your wrist measurement.
Generally, these are the watch sizes recommended for different wrist sizes:
- Small Wrists (5-6 inches): Around 40mm, give or take a few millimeters
- Medium to Large Wrists (7-8 inches): 42mm and above
Of course, as mentioned before, watch size is also very subjective. If you have a small wrist but love how large watches look on you, rock on!
Check out our watch collections based on size to get a look at the differences:
At Nixon, many of our watches are considered unisex. In fact, our product department originally made the Frankie watch for a woman audience, but when it launched, we discovered that men loved it too! There is no right or wrong when it comes to your personal style.
If you want more information on watch sizing based on wrist sizes, check out our watch size guide.
Additional Watch Size Stuff to Consider
Case diameter and case thickness are the two main watch size considerations you'll want to make anytime you purchase a watch.
But wait, there's more!
Case shape, watch weight and strap width are also factors that contribute to the overall size of a watch. We won't get into too much detail on those aspects in this post, but they are worth considering when you're shopping for a new watch.
Here are the basics.
- Case Shape: Different case shapes can influence the appearance of watch size. For example, a rectangular watch will generally look much smaller on the wrist.
- Watch Weight: It makes sense that the bigger the watch size, the heavier that watch is likely to be. If you don't like the idea of having a heavy watch, you should consider looking at smaller watch sizes.
- Band Width: Watch bands come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, each contributing to the appearance of a watch. Learn more about the different band types at our blog.
Watch Sizing in Conclusion
At the end of the day, what size watch you wear should be based on your personal preferences. If you need help, the tips found above in this blog post are a great starting point.
But don't be afraid to try something a bit different!
Personally, I have skinnier wrists. But when I wear hoodies, I love having a larger watch on, like the 51-30 Chrono. It all depends on the context.
Choosing the perfect watch size is a blend of knowledge and personal preference. Does the watch feel good on your wrist? And do you like how it looks?
That's all that matters when picking a watch size.
