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How to Select a Watch Complementary to Your Wrist Size

June 15th, 2024

a woman’s arm reaching for a flower and wearing a simple watch.

Selecting a watch that best suits your individual style and wrist size is a crucial aspect of building a timeless wardrobe. Swiss Watch Gallery and Fine Jewelry understands this importance and has put together a comprehensive guide to help you make the perfect choice as you purchase your next timepiece. Our incredible selection of designer watches ensures that there's a piece for everyone, regardless of personal preference or wrist size. Discover the elegance and craftsmanship of our curated collections, each designed to complement and enhance your unique style. Let our expertise and exquisite range of timepieces assist you in finding the watch that truly reflects your personality.

a man and a woman embracing and wearing matching silver and blue watches.

The Importance of Wrist Size

Understanding your wrist size and keeping it in constant consideration is vital while selecting a luxury timepiece. A well-fitting watch not only enhances your overall look, but also ensures comfort and wearability. A watch that is too large can appear bulky and overwhelming, while one that is too small might go unnoticed and feel awkward and uncomfortable. Luxury timepieces are crafted with the utmost precision, and their aesthetic appeal is maximized when appropriately sized. By knowing your wrist size, you can select a watch that harmonizes with your proportions, ensuring that it both looks stunning and feels perfect. This attention to detail underscores the elegance and sophistication of a truly exceptional watch.

a pair of hands holding a steering wheel and adorned with a silver watch with leather strap

Methods of Sizing

Finding your wrist size to ensure your watch fits perfectly is a straightforward process. To measure your wrist, simply use a flexible measuring tape or a strip of paper. Wrap it snugly around your wrist, just below the wrist bone where you would typically wear a watch. Mark where the end meets the tape or paper, then measure the length with a ruler. This measurement will help you determine the appropriate watch size, ensuring both comfort and style. Knowing your wrist size allows you to choose a timepiece that sits elegantly and securely, enhancing the overall appearance and experience of wearing a luxury watch.

an outstretched arm wearing a plain silver watch and a beaded bracelet

What to Look for in a Luxury Watch

When selecting a watch that complements your wrist size, several elements should be carefully considered to achieve the perfect balance between style and comfort. Firstly, focus on the case diameter.

For women with smaller wrists 28mm to 31mm are a great option. Female larger wrists ask for 34mm to 38mm. Sometimes it is good to take in consideration your height as well. Nowadays, 36mm became this unisex size, since women are favoring large dials and some men are going back to the original gentleman's size.  For those with smaller wrists, a watch case diameter between 36mm and 41mm is typically ideal, providing a balanced look without overwhelming the wrist. Conversely, larger wrists can accommodate larger diameters, often between 42mm and 46mm, creating a bold and striking appearance. There is no official rule as to what size watch you should buy, and our watch experts are ready to help you try on different sizes in person to see what feels comfortable, looks good, and suits your style.

Another crucial factor is the watch’s case thickness. A slimmer case, generally under 10mm, is more suitable for smaller wrists, as it offers a sleek and refined profile. Larger wrists can carry thicker cases, adding to the watch's presence and durability.

The lug-to-lug distance— which measures the length from one end of the watch case to the other— should also be considered. A shorter lug-to-lug distance is better for smaller wrists, ensuring the watch sits comfortably without extending beyond the wrist edges. For larger wrists, a longer lug-to-lug distance can create a well-proportioned look.

Additionally, pay attention to the strap or bracelet width. A narrower strap, around 18mm to 20mm, is ideal for smaller wrists, maintaining a harmonious aesthetic. For larger wrists, a wider strap, ranging from 22mm to 24mm, provides a balanced and substantial appearance.

By considering these elements— case diameter, case thickness, lug-to-lug distance, and strap width— you can select a watch that not only fits well, but also enhances your wrist's natural elegance and style.

a woman resting her chin on her hand and wearing a yellow gold watch

Discover Incredible Timepieces at Swiss Watch Gallery and Fine Jewelry

Shop for incredible designer watches for every aesthetic and lifestyle at Swiss Watch Gallery and Fine Jewelry. Visit our jewelry stores in Brea and Mission Viejo, California, to explore our exquisite selection of timepieces. We also offer comprehensive watch services to keep your favorite timepiece in perfect condition for years to come. From luxury brands to the best in expert care, our showrooms provide everything you need to keep your watches ticking. Contact us today for more information on our products and services, and let us help you find the perfect watch for your wrist.