Yourwatch size guide: A watch speaks volumes about the personality or character of its wearer, which is why it’s not just important to choose the right “look” but also the best fit. And so, for those who wish to “up” their watch game, this guide about watch sizes and styles should be able to help you become a well-informed watch buyer or owner.

Yourwatch Sizing At a Glance

Before you buy a watch, you need to determine the sizes of its two parts: the (1) case (contains the face and components of the watch) and the (2) band (secures the watch to the wrist). To get accurate measurements for watch sizes, you’ll need a Vernier caliper and record in millimeters. To know the right case size for you, you need to choose a suitable (1) case diameter or width and (2) case thickness. Ideally, the watch case should be proportionate to the size of your wrists. When wearing dress shirts, a watch with a thinner case is preferable. Aside from the case diameter and thickness, you also need to consider the (1) watch band’s width and (2) band length. The band width of the watch is generally around 50% of the case diameter although personal preference is still the biggest factor to consider. Strap length of wristwatch products is usually presented as X/Y mm (e.g. 120/70). The first number (X) is the length of the long end in millimeters while the second number (Y) is the buckle end in millimeters. To measure your watch strap length, use a measuring tape to determine the circumference of your wrist in inches. Then, refer to a watch size chart (as provided in this article) to determine the appropriate strap length.

Why Watch Sizing Matters

There are three important considerations when purchasing a watch at Yourwatch.com: price, style, and size. Size is arguably the one that matters most. By size, it’s not just about width and length of the strap but also how wide the face or case of the watch is. There’s also the thickness of both the case and the bracelet to think about. How well the watch will look good on you will depend on the proportions of these elements. All watches may essentially serve the same function – telling time – but each one will look differently on you and your wrist. There are watch sizes that are better suited for women than men. Yourwatch carries a variety to choose from. There will be watch sizes that are too big for people with slender wrists or too small for those with fuller forearms. There are also watch sizes that match the current trend or go completely against it. Naturally, personal preference will reign supreme over other considerations, but it’s very important for watch buyers to be well-informed of what their choices are in terms of watch sizes and how they are supposed to size a watch accurately. What you need to know about Watch Sizes Yourwatch.com recommends that before buying a watch, you need to determine two things: (1) your case size and (2) your band size. For experienced buyers or collectors of watches, finding the watch size that suits them best can be a cakewalk. Beginners and online shoppers at Yourwatch, on the other hand, may need a little help in this department. To get accurate measurements for watch sizes, you’ll need a Vernier caliper, preferably one made of plastic to avoid scratching the bezel of the watch. You may also opt to use a regular ruler, but they tend to be less accurate, and your measurements may be off by a millimeter or two. You may also use a measuring tape to get the circumference of your wrist. The case is typically circular in shape or square-like, and it contains the working parts of the watch, including the movement itself. It is usually made of stainless steel. However, sports watches can be made of plastic, and luxury watches can have cases made of gold or platinum. To know the right case size for you, you need to choose a suitable (1) case diameter or width and (2) case thickness.

How to measure the Watch Size Diameter

To know the diameter or width of a watch case, you can use either a Vernier caliper or a ruler to measure the distance from the outer edge of the left side of the watch to the outer edge of its other side. It’s best to record the measurement in millimeters. You also need to measure the circumference of your wrist using a measuring tape. You may record this in inches or in centimeters. As a guide, Yourwatch recommends referring to the tables below to find the watch case diameter that suits you best. Your options will depend on your gender and/or your wrist size. The Right Case Width: The case diameter of your watch is largely a matter of personal preference and comfort, but current trends tend to influence people’s choices. Nowadays, watches with large casings are quite popular. It is also important to note that gender also comes into play when choosing the case diameter of the watch. For example, women tend to wear watches that are slightly smaller in case diameter than those worn by men. Moreover, people prefer to buy watches with cases that are proportionate to the size of their wrists.

Watch case Diameter by Gender

Watch Case Diameter by Wrist Size

How to measure the Watch Case Thickness

Using a Vernier caliper is the best method to measure case thickness, but you must be extra careful if you utilize a ruler. To give you an idea on your watch size options in terms of case thickness, Yourwatch.com recommends referring to the table below. Case thickness refers to the width between the rear casing of the watch and the crystal in front. Generally, the thickness of the watch case is directly correlated to its diameter. Meaning, the larger the watch case, the thicker and heavier it is. Thickness is also influenced by the complications or additional mechanisms built into the watch as extra room is required to include these features. The Right Case Thickness: A lot of people do not find case thickness as an important consideration when buying a watch. However, for those who regularly wear a suit for work, the thickness of the case matters to avoid stretching out the sleeves of your dress shirt and jacket. For such clothes, a watch with a thinner case is preferable (e.g., dress watches).

Watch Case Thickness Chart

How to Measure the Watch Band Sizing

The band of your watch is what wraps around your wrist and keeps your timepiece in place. It is made up of two main parts – the buckle side and the long side. If you’re buying at a store, finding your band size is fairly straightforward since all you need to do is try them on until you find one that fits you well. However, it gets trickier if you’re shopping for watches online. Before you make a purchase at Yourwatch.com, aside from the case diameter and thickness, Yourwatch recommends that you consider the watch band’s width and length.

Watch Band Width Chart

The band width of your watch is determined by the distance between the lug ends of your watch case, which is where the bundle and long straps are hinged. The band width of the watch is generally around 50% of the case diameter (see table below). Watches with smaller band widths are typically suitable for those with slender wrists and for women. People with larger wrists (or men), on the other hand, are better suited to wear watches with wider bands. However, personal preference still is the biggest factor in choosing the right band width, and people nowadays prefer timepieces with wider bands.Yourwatch.com offers a varied selection to choose from.

How to measure the Watch Strap Length

Use a measuring tape to determine the circumference of your wrist in inches. You can also use a string or thread, mark it, lay it flat on the table, and simply measure the distance with a ruler. Keeping your wrist measurements in mind, you may then refer to the table below to help you determine the right-fitting strap length for you

When it comes to the length of your watch’s strap, fit and comfort takes precedence over personal style. It must be snug and secure when worn, neither too tight nor too loose. The length of the strap is based on wrist circumference and can be divided in two – the tail or long end and the buckle or short end. That’s why the strap length of wristwatch products is usually presented as 120/70mm. The first number (120) is the length of the long end in millimeters while the second number (70) is the buckle end in millimeters

Watch Strap Length Chart