The Definitive Watch Size Guide: All you need to know

Written by Ryan F. Miller
| Last Updated on March 4, 2024

Watch sizing has become a prominent topic in the watches industry. There are many different watches on the market, and it’s not always easy to find the size that fits best.

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This article is your definitive guide on watch sizes from small watches to big watches.

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about watch sizes so you can buy with confidence!

Watch size guide

Here are some of the things, we’re going to cover:

  • General rules
  • How are watch cases measured and sized?
  • Watch face size
  • Watchband sizing
  • Watch case size
  • Small wristwatches
  • Big wristwatches
  • Which watches have big wristbands or strap sizes?

We’re also going to talk about how you can measure your current watch’s wristband size.

Watch size guide: Rules of thumbs

Here are a few things to consider when buying watches:

  • First off, make sure they have the right size; this is measured by taking the width of your wrist circumference minus six inches
  • Watches should be fitted so that they can stay on without coming off during the day. Look for watches with a one finger band rule – if you’re able to put one finger under it, then there is enough space between the watch and your arm
  • Watches are generally worn tightly or loosely, depending on preference. Make sure watches are the right size so they don’t fall off or blur numbers during wear
  • Watches that have a case width of at least 47 mm for big watches and under 32mm for small watches will ensure that they’re eye-catching enough to be worn every day but not too flashy when working in a professional setting
  • Watches are fitted to the wearer’s physical needs, so it is important to take into account wrist size and preferences when selecting watches

How are watch cases measured and sized?

Watch cases are measured in millimeters, usually. Small watches may measure 32mm-36mm while big watches might be 38 mm up to 50 mm or more (depending on the size of your wrist).

There’s a lot that goes into choosing a watch! This guide should help you determine whether watches will work for small wrists and large hands with different sizes – as well as what type of case it has. Be sure to also take measurements into account when ordering watches online so they’re not too tight or loose around your arm.

A good rule is to subtract six inches from your wrist measurement, so if you have an 18″ circumference go with at least 36mm watches; alternatively, make sure there’s enough room between the watches and your wrist so that the watches won’t be too tight.

A watch should never go past your wristbone because there might not be enough space between the dials and your arm in order to read what time it is.

Pairing of sizes

Here’s a quick cheat sheet, if you don’t know what to go with:

  • If your wrist circumference is 6-7 inches – you have a small to medium wrist. Look for small to medium diameter watches of 38mm, 40mm, and 42mm.
  • If your wrist circumference is 7.5 to 8 inches – you have a larger wrist. Look for watches with a diameter of 44mm, and 46mm.

Watch face size

Now, when you buy a watch, you’re going to have to take the watch’s face size into consideration. The face of the watch is where the dial, numbers, and hands are. The size of watches can vary from very small to very big – for example, a man’s watch will be larger than that of a woman’s!

However, there is one standard size referred to as “men’s watches,” which measure approximately 38mm-40mm in diameter (all across the world).

Watches with face sizes under 36 mm or over 40 mm are considered either women’s watches or unisex watches. When measuring your wrist circumference, subtract six inches from it so you have an accurate reading when you buy watches online. It might take some trial and error before finding out what works best for your wrists. For instance, if your wrist measures 18″, go with at least a 36 mm watch.

Watchband size and wrist circumference

Now, you have to take the width of your wrist into consideration when determining what watches are best for small wrists or big watches. This is why it’s important to measure your wrist circumference and know either centimeters or inches; this will help determine how wide a watch band should be for you. One way to measure your wrist circumference is by wrapping a measuring tape around the widest part of your arm (don’t wrap too tightly).

If you don’t want to do that, just use a string and then place something snugly against it – like two pencils in an X formation – so the string can stay taught while keeping its measurement at 18″. You’ll see numbers on many watches’ bands, which each represent a size. If you find watches with the same measurements but different numbers, those are considered to be male and female watches respectively.

How tight should a watch be?

Now, you want to find out how tight a watch should be on your wrist. How tightly watches are worn is totally up to the wearer. But, if watches are too tight or loose they’ll either fall off of your arm completely or their numbers will blur and become illegible – which can make them have no function at all!

If a watch feels good when you first put it on, but then start feeling uncomfortable later after some wear time it means that it’s probably not the right size for you.

A good rule of thumb, when looking at the tightness of a watch, is the one-finger rule. This is when you place one finger under your watches’ watchband to see if it’s too tight or not. There should be just enough space for you to do that. If the watch feels fine, then that means there is enough space between the watch and your arm for it to function properly.

You might be interested in: Watch Fitting Guide.

Watch case size

There are watches with cases that are both big and small. Big watches have a size of at least 47 mm in length, while smaller watches’ sizes range from 24mm to 32mm.

Big watches will be best for people who want something eye-catching but good as an everyday watch; they’ll also work well if you’re looking for watches that can be worn both at work and for going out. Small watches will do well if you want something relatively subtle, or just need a watch to keep track of time during your downtime.

Small Wristwatches

The watches that work best for small wrists or people who have smaller hands will usually measure 32mm-36mm in diameter – this would include women’s watches as well! This is because it can be difficult to see what time it is on a watch without being able to read the numbers easily.

Some of these watches may not even come up past your wristbone, so they’re perfect if you want something understated and lightweight too. You might also need one of these watches with a stretch band instead of leather or metal bands since some models might fit too tightly.

Big Wristwatches

If you’re looking for a watch with larger watches or extra-large watches, be prepared to measure at least 38mm in diameter – this is the size of most men’s watches and what many people are comfortable wearing on their wrists today. You might want to go up as high as 45 mm if you have large hands; these watches will usually accommodate different wrist sizes due to the weight distribution across them.

Some big watches will come in two parts: one that sits on top of your arm (like metal bracelets) while another part goes around it (usually leather).

These bands can also stretch out a little bit more so they fit comfortably over your hand without being too tight or loose. Men’s watches are also available with additional size measurements, like 41mm or 45 mm cases.

Which watches have big wristbands?

Watches that come in wide bands and/or two-part watches usually work best for people who need larger watches (like women’s watches) because they’re more accommodating to different hand sizes due to the weight distribution across them.

Men’s watches might also offer a wider range of size options – between 36 mm up to around 50 mm – which is why you’ll see many men trying on one watch after another until they find what works best for them.

That said, we recommend going towards the higher end of this scale if your wrists measure over 18″. You should be able to tell just by looking at it if a watch will work for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, watches come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate both small wrists or big hands (or feet). It’s also important that the size of your watches fit comfortably on your wrist because they should sit close without being too tight or loose.

If this article helped you figure out what kind of watches are right for you, feel free to check out some other articles about watches!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my watch size?

It can be difficult to know what size watches you like, but it’s usually a pretty easy thing to figure out. The best way is just by trying on different watches and seeing which one feels the most comfortable.

How do I choose a watch size chart?

It’s up to you, but watches with larger wristbands usually work better for people who have bigger hands or wrists. It’s still important that watches are a comfortable fit and don’t pinch your skin though.

How do I know what type of watch band will be best?

There are many different types of watches available on the market, and most watches come with different styles of bands. You should always try on watches to see what you like best – some people might prefer a watch that comes in a wider band while others may be more interested in leather or metal watches because they are lightweight and easier to wear.

What size watches do women typically buy?

Watches come in a variety of sizes, but watches for women usually have smaller watches than men’s watches – and they’re often measured by the width (in millimeters) rather than diameter. You can calculate your wrist size though to see what size watch is best suited for you.

What are big watches?

Big watches typically measure at least 38mm in diameter, and many watches for men measure as high as 45mm. Big watches come in two parts – one that will sit on top of your arm (like a metal bracelet) while another part goes around it (usually leather). These watches also typically have wide bands so they can accommodate different hand sizes without being too tight or loose.

Is a 38mm watch too small for a man?

A 38mm watch is generally on the lower end of the scale when it comes to men’s watches, but that doesn’t mean it’s too small. It just means that watches with a diameter of 40mm or more are typically better for larger wrists, while watches with a diameter of 38mm or less are better for smaller wrists.

What size watches do men typically buy?

Men might also offer more options in terms of size – between 36 mm up to around 50 mm – which is why you’ll see many men trying on one watch after another until they find what works best for them. That said, we recommend going towards the higher end of this scale if your wrists measure over 18″. You should be able to tell just by looking at it if a watch will work for you.

How do I know if watches are the right size for me?

It’s important that watches fit comfortably on your wrist because they should sit close without being too tight or loose. If this article helped you figure out what kind of watches are right for you, feel free to check out some other articles about watches!

What is a small watch?

Small watches are watches that measure less than 36mm in diameter. Small watches typically work well for people with smaller wrists, but they can also be good options if you have tiny hands or a petite frame as well. You should always try on watches to see what size works best because it’s difficult to tell just by looking at them – and different brands may offer watches with different sizes.

What are medium watches?

Medium watches measure around 40mm in size and they’re a good option if you want smaller watches that are still easy to read. Medium watches work well for people with average-sized hands, but you should always try on watches to see what size watches feel the most comfortable on your wrist.

About Ryan F. Miller

For years I’ve been buying and selling watches as a hobby, which led me to the decision of starting Watch for Tomorrow. I write a lot of the content, and I enjoy doing it. The most important aspect for me is the guidance of buying watches as well as avoiding bad ones. There are many bad watches out there, that are just too expensive. Hopefully, I can help you find your dream watch!