Guide
Which watch size for my wrist? The men’s and women’s guide
· 5 min read
Buying a watch online means you cannot try it on. The good news: a simple measurement of your wrist is enough to choose the right diameter. Here is how, and which watch size to pick for a man or a woman.
Measure your wrist in a minute
- Wrap a sewing tape measure around your wrist, just above the bone.
- No tape? Use a piece of string or a strip of paper, mark it, then measure it with a ruler.
- Write down your wrist size in centimetres: it guides the choice.
Which size for a man?
| Wrist size | Recommended diameter |
|---|---|
| Under 16 cm | 38 to 40 mm |
| 16 to 18 cm | 40 to 42 mm |
| 18 to 20 cm | 42 to 44 mm |
| Over 20 cm | 44 to 46 mm |
A dress watch is worn a little smaller than a sports chronograph. 40 to 42 mm suits most wrists (for example: Classic Black Leather — White Dial, 42 mm), while 44 mm and more is for wider wrists or anyone who likes a bold watch (for example: Titan Chronograph — Steel & Grey Dial, 44 mm).
Which size for a woman?
| Wrist size | Recommended diameter |
|---|---|
| Under 14 cm | 26 to 30 mm |
| 14 to 16 cm | 30 to 34 mm |
| Over 16 cm | 34 to 38 mm |
Women’s watches around 36 mm (for example: Rose Gold Elegance — Pink Leather Strap, 36 mm) are very popular today: large enough to read, slim enough to stay delicate.
The lug rule
More than the diameter, look at the distance between the two lugs (where the strap attaches): it should never be wider than the top of your wrist. That is what makes a watch sit well.
And the thickness?
A slim watch (under 10 mm) slides under a shirt cuff; a chronograph is thicker (12 to 14 mm), perfect for a casual style. Keep it in mind if you often wear a djellaba or a suit: the watch has to fit under the sleeve.
The diameter of every watch is shown at the top of its page, next to the movement and the water resistance.
See the men’s watchesOnce the size is chosen, the movement remains: read quartz or automatic, or discover our women’s watches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common watch size for a man?+
Between 40 and 42 mm: the diameter that suits the most wrists, for formal and everyday wear.
Is a 44 mm watch too big?+
Not for a wrist of 18 cm or more. On a slim wrist, prefer 40 to 42 mm, especially for a dress watch.
Can a watch strap be shortened?+
Yes: a steel bracelet is shortened by removing links at a watchmaker, and a leather strap adjusts with its holes.
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