Your Guide to Watch Sizing: Everything You Need to Know

When you buy a new watch, you want it to fit perfectly. No one wants to wear a loose watch that slides off their wrist. But, how do you ensure an ideal fit?

Watch shopping and sizing can be a complicated process, especially if you’re shopping online. When you choose your watch, the sizing might change depending on the material of the strap, your size, and the activities you’ll use the watch for. Though this sounds confusing, there are five available sizes to look out for when shopping. 

Keep reading to make sure you get the right size when watch shopping.

What Is the Right Size?

Finding the right watch size will keep your watch secure, and a securely fitted watch will look much better than an ill-fitting one.

Here are the five key components of sizing to focus on:

• Watchband thickness, material, and design
• Watch components and details
• Wrist size
• Watch case thickness
• Watch case diameter

How to Determine the Correct Watch Size

If you’re ready to find a watch that fits, check your wrist size first. Whether you’re looking for a custom strap or choosing from a range of sizes, knowing your measurements will inform the size you need. 

When we look at wrist sizing, these are the general categories:

• 6 inches: This is a small wrist size. Look at shorter straps and small or medium diameter cases (34mm to 38mm).
• 7-17.5 inches: This is an average size wrist. Most average watch straps will fit, and you should consider watch cases with diameters of 39mm, 40mm, or 42mm.
• 8 inches or above: This measurement is deemed to be large. Look for cases between 44 to 46mm to get a proportional look. 

What Watch Band Should I Choose?

Another critical factor aside from basic strap length is the watchband style and materials. These can also make a difference in the way a watch fits your wrist.

Band Materials

Different watches use different fabrics, which affects the fit and feel of the watch. To choose between fabric, leather, metal, and silicone, consider what best suits your style, as well as what material feels best to you.

• Leather. A leather watch band will look slimmer, and these grip your wrist nicely. Often, leather will need a tighter strap.
• Metal. A metal strap will feel heavier, but these bands aren’t always worn tight to your wrist. You might want to opt for a larger band. Also, a metal watch band can balance the look of a metal watch case.
• Rubber/Silicone. These band options are best for sports watches or active wearers. These come in an extensive range of colors, and they’re worn tightly. They are easy to clean and typically have a soft, velvety feel. Rubber and silicone styles are also waterproof and sweatproof.
• Fabric. Textile or fabric bands come in many shapes and sizes. They also come with different designs, prints, and weaves. The sizing for a textile band may differ, as some can be stretchy. 

Band Styles

While the material used for the watch’s strap will affect the fit, the general design also makes a difference. Design and style will affect your timepiece’s comfort, look, and function. 

When choosing a band, consider these elements:

• A larger band sometimes makes a smaller watch face look out of proportion. In this case, opt for a thinner band. 
• A stretchy fabric band or a silicone band may need to be purchased in a smaller size so it can wrap around your wrist tightly.
• A metal or heavy band will need to be looser for comfort, although it shouldn’t be so loose that the watch slides and chafes your wrist.

Which Hand Should You Wear a Watch On?

When wearing a watch, the standard rule is to place it on your less-dominant hand. This means if you’re right-handed, you should wear your watch on your left wrist. If you’re left-handed, wear the watch on your right wrist.

This is a standard rule as it allows the user to look at their watch while still performing activities with their dominant hand. It makes quick time-glances easy, and if you’re wearing a smartwatch, you can use the touchscreen with your dominant hand.

Fun fact: Did you know approximately three-quarters of the world population are right-handed?

Smartwatch Sizing Guide

Need some smartwatch sizing help? Here’s some information about popular smartwatches.

Apple Watch

With the release of the Series 7 model, Apple watches now have more size options than ever. The watch size range is 38mm, 42mm, 40mm, and 44mm, a good range if you want your watch to look proportional on your wrist.

When it comes to finding a band, your Apple watch options need to fit the specific measurements of the watch face. This gives you less versatility in band widths, but most options are flexible and adjustable for different wrist sizes.

Find out more about Apple Watch sizing here.

Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant to buy the Apple Watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch

If you’re interested in the Galaxy Watch range, there are lots of case size options and watch bands to try. 

If you want a smaller watch, the Galaxy Watch 4 Bluetooth and LTE versions are a 40mm diameter, but the range goes up to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic LTE and Bluetooth at 46mm.

Most Galaxy Watch bands are adjustable and flexible, perfect for those unsure of the fit they need. You can find many interchangeable colors, but the Galaxy Watch 4 only takes a 20mm band, so unfortunately you can’t choose different widths. 

Explore how to find the perfect size Samsung Galaxy Watch here.

Browse through your favorite merchants currently selling the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4/5

The Bottom Line

Finding the correct watch size can be challenging, but taking time to make sure your watch fits well makes a big difference. Hopefully, this article has inspired you to measure your wrist and purchase a watch band and case size that suits your needs.

Have you ever measured your wrist? What are your top techniques for finding the best watch fit? Let us know in the comments!

Last Updated on February 8, 2022

Isobel Coughlan( Author )

Isobel is a freelance copy and content writer who regularly contributes to Superwatches. Well-versed in all the ins and outs of the smartwatch industry. Isobel specializes in Fashion and design and is a First Class fashion design graduate.

Currently lives in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.