Choosing the right size
Of course, the size of a watch is not the same as the size of your shoes, because theoretically you could wear a larger watch on a smaller wrist. However, in order to find the right watch, you should first measure your wrist using the wristband. Small watches have a diameter of 41 millimetres and are particularly suitable for a wrist with a circumference of about 16 centimetres. If the wrist has a circumference of about 19 centimetres, a medium model with a circumference of 46 millimetres makes sense. There are also watch models that are marked with the suffix XXL. Such particularly large watches are especially suitable for wrists with a circumference of 22 centimetres or more.
However, the whole item is not as simple as shown here, because there may well be other gradations, which can differ significantly depending on the manufacturer. Thus, some manufacturers also offer particularly small watches with a circumference of 34 to 37 millimetres. In addition, the terms can also differ to a great extent. A watch of size XXL, can therefore also be called oversize.
A watch should not only be chosen according to personal feeling
The watch size is, of course, first of all an important criterion for providing your wrist with a sensible fit. Only by choosing the correct size will a watch have the perfect fit. But this is by no means only about practical aspects. A watch in XXL format can certainly look interesting in certain professions and make a sensible impression. Among other things, this is the case if you work in a creative profession. A beautician or someone who works in the field of design can really stand out with a large and also very colourful watch. In such professions, it is certainly welcome.
The item can be quite different in professions where a particularly serious appearance is required. An employee in a bank will therefore tend to opt for a more discreet model that does not stand out because of its excessive size. Of course, the type of watch also plays a role. A silver watch in XXL format naturally has a completely different effect than a large watch that is pink or light blue. Generally speaking, in serious professions where you have to pay particular attention to your appearance, you should opt for smaller watch sizes.
Other important factors regarding the correct size of a watch
As already mentioned, the subject of watch size is indeed very tricky. This starts, as already described, with the different graduations. Not all manufacturers conform to this. But even watches that have the same circumference can appear quite different. This is mainly due to the relationship between the dial and the bezel. A particularly wide bezel can make a watch look smaller, whereas an extended dial can make a watch look larger. This effect is even more pronounced when the bezel has been finely crafted. A wide bezel can also make a watch look a little bulky, but of course this is again in the eye of the beholder. Colours can also influence the perception of the size of a watch. A black watch always tends to look a little more pompous.
Ultimately, you can orientate yourself by the following orders of magnitude:
A wrist circumference of 16 cm results in a watch diameter of 38 mm – 41 mm.
A wrist circumference of 17 cm results in a watch diameter of 39 mm – 42 mm
A wrist circumference of 18 cm results in a watch diameter of 40 mm – 44 mm
A wrist circumference of 19 cm results in a watch diameter of 41 mm – 45 mm
A wrist circumference of 20 cm results in a watch diameter of 42 mm – 46 mm
A wrist circumference of 21 cm results in a watch diameter of 43 mm – 50 mm
Determining the right watch size on the wrist
But how do you go about reading off the correct watch size from your wrist? It is best to use a flexible ruler or, even better, a tape measure. Now you can read off the exact value. Multiply this value in centimetres by a factor of 2.3 to obtain the correct watch size. For a wrist circumference of 20 centimetres, this would result in a watch diameter of 46 mm.
However, you also have to distinguish between round and square watches. If you decide to buy a square watch, it makes sense to subtract another 20 percent from the overall result to arrive at an appropriate average.
Men and women have different needs
Gender can also play an important role in choosing the correct watch size. Men often prefer a larger watch. This is actually not surprising, because for many men it is the only jewellery that is worn regularly and therefore has a particularly important meaning. If the chosen watch is ultimately a size too big, this does not have to be a problem at all.
Women often decide differently here. Here, watches should look rather small and delicate. This is not necessarily surprising, because almost every woman wears rings, necklaces and sometimes other jewellery. The watch does not necessarily have to be the most important piece of jewellery.
The design can also influence the size of the watch
The colour and shape, as well as the respective design of a watch can also have a very strong impact on the appearance in relation to the size of a watch. A black dial with a very wide bezel often makes a watch look particularly large. A white watch with a wide bezel and a narrow dial can often be perceived as much smaller, even though the two sizes are comparable.
Conclusion
The world of wristwatches is extremely colourful and diverse. To determine the right watch size, you should first measure your own wrist and multiply the value determined by a factor of 2.3, especially with regard to round watches. Ultimately, however, you also have to like the watch. Men often opt for somewhat larger models.