Finding your ideal watch is no easy task, especially when you are thinking about the case size. The perfect timepiece reflects your personality, complements your style, and fits comfortably on your wrist. From size and shape to strap choice and movement type, every detail matters. To help you make a confident choice, we have put together this guide to understanding your ideal watch fit, so you can find a piece that feels as good as it looks.
1. Measure your wrist
Before browsing through our collection of Swiss watches, start by measuring your wrist. This simple step will help you identify which case size will look most balanced on you.
Methods to measure your wrist:
Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your wrist
Use a piece of string to wrap around your wrist, then measure it against a ruler
By knowing roughly your wrist size, it will make it easier to visualise which watch sizes will look best and feel most comfortable.
2. Explore a range of Case Diameters
Swiss watch brands offer a wide range of case sizes, and finding the right one for you is down to personal preference. However, you can understand general trends by looking at popular watch sizes:
Men’s watches typically range from 38mm to 46mm with 42mm being the most popular size
Women’s watches tend to range from 26mm to 36mm
To visualise scale, consider placing a 50p coin on your wrist. These coins measure 27.3mm in diameter, which makes it a good reference point for comparing watch sizes when at home.
3. Understanding Case Thickness
Case thickness plays a significant role in how a watch feels and looks on your wrist. The movement type and design often influence how slim or substantial a case will be.
Dress Watches (Quartz): These are often slimmer and sit closer to the wrist, offering a refined and minimalist profile.
Dive Watches: Built for durability, water resistance, and immense pressure, these tend to be larger and thicker.
As a general rule:
A medium-sized watch (around 40mm in dial size) typically has a 7mm thickness
A larger watch (45mm or more) might measure around 9mm thick
4. Strap Sizing
Your watch strap should not only look balanced with the case but also fit comfortably on your wrist. There are two key factors to examine:
The lug width (the part that connects the strap to the case) is usually about half the case diameter to maintain good proportions.
The strap length should be within ½ inch of your wrist’s circumference.
For metal bracelets, you can add or remove links to achieve the perfect fit. Leather straps, on the other hand, can be adjusted via the perforations for a more tailored feel.
Final Thoughts
Finding your ideal watch is as much about precision as it is about personality. Once you know your wrist size and the proportions that suit you best, you will be better equipped to choose a timepiece that enhances your style and feels uniquely yours.
You can of course explore our offering of Swiss watch brands on our website, or if you would like to browse in person, we cordially invite you to our Showrooms in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter, and Taunton, where are friendly team will be happy to assist you.
