Watch Size vs Wrist Size

[Tressles61]

My wrist measures 6.5". What's an appropriate watch size?

[Martyd3]

I would think you can wear up to a 44 mm. Anything over that may look cartoonish.

[Ronin]

+1 44 and down, unless the watch is thinner. The thinner the watch is, you can usually go a hair bigger. In my case I can get away with a SOH 46 (which is like 50mm including crown) but because it is thinner than say a 44 PAM or Steelfish, it wears just fine. Same is true with something like a PAM 183, bigger diameter but thinner.

[plaifender]

I would say 45.5 and down. My wrist is a hair smaller than 6.5 and I can pull off my UPO with no problems.

[fakemaster]

There is no definitive answer to that question. You should go to the AD and try on the gens before you buy.

[Tressles61]

Thank you plaifender. All of the watches that I'm interested in are 45mm. I particularly like the Seamaster and they make a Pro that's 41mm. The 45.5mm does not look out of place on you so it should work for me too.

I should just go to a jeweler and try on a watch. I just can't look them in the eye cause they know what you're up to!

Edited February 25, 2010 by Tressles61

[coolfire]

TBH, I don't care... As long as you feel good in the watch you strap on, that's good enough for me!

[Tressles61]

Update:

The Skyland Avenger worked out for me. Now I'm thinking anything below 41mm is too small! I think 45mm and down is about right - you guys were right on.

[Newbie]

Is there a rule for the depth of a watch? For example, I've fallen for the Ingy (42.5mm), but given my 6.5" wrists, not sure if its too thick (14.5mm). Any advice?

[Tressles61]

Is there a rule for the depth of a watch? For example, I've fallen for the Ingy (42.5mm), but given my 6.5" wrists, not sure if its too thick (14.5mm). Any advice?

IMO I think 42.5 @ 14.5mm thick is perfect for a 6.5 wrist. My Skyland is 44mm wide and 18mm thick and it looks fricken good man! Note: if you wear long sleeves with tight cuffs 18mm won't fit under the cuff.

[Panoris]

Seconded. I also have 6.5 inch wrists and think the Ingy looks great.

As an aside, while some good guidelines above, there's no hard and fast rule. I think the shape of the case, as well as a the size of a person's forearms also make a difference aesthetically. If you have a small wrist but perhaps more muscular forearms, you might be able to get away with a larger watch.

[FxrAndy]

TBH, I don't care... As long as you feel good in the watch you strap on, that's good enough for me!

Ditto,

[gran]

my wrisr ia 7.4 (189mm) so prefer 40 to 45mm but even 38mm is ok depending on the watch...but larger watches is the thing now

[cougaree]

There are really no golden rules about this. It all depends. What the watch is on, leather strap vs. metal bracelet. How the lugs are shaped, do they bent down and hugs the wrist or straight. The lug width. Thickness of the watch. The actual dial diameter. Even dial color (lighter dial color will make the watch looks bigger sometimes). Finish of the case... etc.

Your best bet is to go to a local AD and try the watches on your wrist and keep the mind open.

[ExtraExtra]

Cougraree is right. The local AD is definitely your best bet. The shape of the lugs also matters. Case in point, the Santos 100 chrono has the lugs sitcking out a bit in comparison. Then the thick leather strap prevents it from 'hugging' your wrist so you have this gap on both sides. The SA lugs are pointed downwards and the bracelet wraps around your wrist so although it is big, it hugs your wrist. You have to check it out from the AD.

[chronology1066]

OKay, more pragmatic approach perhaps. Some people have very flat wrists, some have rounder style. The shape of the watch case/lugs will play a large part in this, ie Breit SO Heritage is a big watch but the shape moulds to the wrist. a uboat not so much and a Panerai Big E , fagetaboutit. Bottom line, it is as much about balls as wrist size, if you like it then kuss mein arsche to the rest

[totalwise]

it depends really

Big watches recently [2,3 years ago] have come into fashion.

I have a 7" wrist, and my daily beater is a 42mm bce

I also wear my graham which is a 45.5mm without any probs, it's a bit chunky and weighty to wear as a daily beater though, there was a time when I only had the graham and wore iot every day. I wouldn't recommend wearing your best watches every day because you start to grow tired of them.

[billywhiz]

I got 8" wrist so anything under 45mm looks like i'm wearing a button

Love dress watches but they look so tiny when I'm wearing them

my pam196 fits just kinda right on s/s bracelet

[coolfire]

I got 8" wrist so anything under 45mm looks like i'm wearing a button

Love dress watches but they look so tiny when I'm wearing them

my pam196 fits just kinda right on s/s bracelet

Can't wait to see ya strap that beauty on once again, mate!

[Jkay]

I got 8" wrist so anything under 45mm looks like i'm wearing a button

Love dress watches but they look so tiny when I'm wearing them

SOLUTION! May I introduce the 43mm Senator Sixties

[parryl]

TBH, I don't care... As long as you feel good in the watch you strap on, that's good enough for me!

yep . just wear wat you like

[scottosaurus]

Just make sure the watch isn't too heavy, you don't want to walk around with a limp wrist.