Although an Apple Watch band can be adjusted, the case size must be determined before buying. We’ve put together this Apple Watch size guide to help you choose the best option.
Apple’s wearables introduced a new standard size back in 2018. As a result, the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch SE and SE 2 are now available in 40mm and 44mm sizes.
The Apple Watch’s first three iterations, including Series 3 (which you can still buy), are available in 38mm and 42mm sizes.
But today, with the new Apple Watch 8 and 7, we have more options now than ever. With a slight increase to 41mm and 45mm we are now getting a little more specific. The Apple Watch Ultra is even bigger at 49mm.
Are you unsure about which Apple Watch version is right for you? Let’s go through how to estimate your wrist and what the four models have in common.
Measuring Your Wrist for an Apple Watch
Although the fit of your watch is a personal preference, it’s crucial to know how big your wrist is before you purchase an Apple Watch or an alternative band.
But, how can you be certain? Simply take out a flexible measuring tape and measure the size of your wrist.
Wrap the tape around your wrist, just below where your wrist bone falls and about where you’d typically wear the band, and line it up with the dimensions of your Watch model.
A small wrist measures 5 to 6.5 inches, while a big wrist measures 7 to 8.5 inches. The good news is that many Apple Watch bands can be adjusted using velcro or through the holes of sports straps to get a very particular fit.
Just be careful not to go too tight or too loose; not only will it be unpleasant, but it will also compromise the Apple Watch’s heart rate monitor‘s accuracy.
Sizes of Apple Watches
38mm- 49mm depending on the model.
Let’s take a look at each category so we can clearly understand which models make which fits.
Apple Watch Series First Edition to 3rd
The first three generations of Apple Watches come in 38mm and 42mm casings. This left a pretty big gap in wrist sizes and in general, was left on the smaller side for both men and women with predominantly thin wrists.
Apple Watch Series 4 to Apple Watch Series 6
Recognizing that these casings might be a little too small Apple moved their sizing up to 40mm and 44mm finding that the wrist range fit much better than the previous generations while still allowing customers with thinner wrists to choose the previous series.
The Apple Watch SE and SE 2 also found themselves grouped into this category as not everyone wanted to upgrade in size to the Apple Watch Series 7.
Apple Watch Series 7
Adjustments still needed to be made so Apple turned around to put one more millimeter on both of its options. The Series 7 found itself being offered in 41mm and 45mm for their customers.
Apple Watch Series 8
As in Series 7, the two sizes offered are 41mm and 45mm. No change in design here.
Apple Watch Ultra
The Extra rugged and larger Ultra is offered as a one size only which is 49mm.
Specifics
Apple advises for the Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 that the 41mm straps will work with 38 and 40mm cases. The 45mm straps will work for 42 and 44mm cases. So in short the new Apple bands work with Apple Watch Series 3 and newer including the Apple Watch SE.
The Measurements Across the Board
Although the straps always play a part in the precise fit of the device on your wrist, these measures represent the size of the bezel. In addition, unlike most other manufacturers, Apple measures its Watch vertically rather than horizontally.
Calculating Your Case
Assume a width of 34mm, a depth of 10.7mm, and a case weight of roughly 30g for the 40mm variant. You’ll have to cope with a 38mm case width, the same 10.7mm depth, and a 36g case weight for the larger 44m variant.
The width of the 38mm variant is 33.3mm, while the 44mm variant is 35.9mm wide. Like the Series 4, there’s really no difference in depth between the two devices, with each measuring 10.5mm.
These sizes are vital for determining which face will be most suited to your wrist, so cutting out a paper equivalent to assess on your wrist – or just going to an Apple shop and trying on all four sizes – isn’t a bad idea.
| Product 40/44mm | Supplier | |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | Amazon | View offer |
| Apple Watch SE | eBay | View offer |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | Apple | View offer |
| Apple Watch SE | Target | View offer |
The Significance of Selecting the Appropriate Band
The material and tightness of the band, of course, have a greater impact on comfort.
Apple offers a detailed reference on each of its band types (Classic Buckle, Modern Buckle, Link Bracelet and Sport, Milanese Loop), some of which need you to select a mm size when purchasing, and others (like the Sport bands) that come with both a S/M and M/L strap to choose from.
Also, keep in mind that any bands that work with Series 1-3 will correlate to the Series 4 or Series 5‘s larger/smaller size. As a result, a Series 2 band in 38mm will fit Series 5 in 40mm.
You may also look through a variety of third-party Apple Watch bands. They’re virtually always less expensive, and many of them look identical to Apple’s own models.
We hope you have found our Apple Watch size guide helpful. Why not have a look at the new Apple Watch band from luxury carbon fiber brand – Pitaka.
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Last Updated on December 9, 2022
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