Have you ever bought a watch you thought was perfect, only to put it on and feel that something just isn’t right? Maybe it looks unbalanced, or it simply doesn’t suit your wrist.

In many cases, the issue comes down to wearing the wrong watch size for your wrist. To wear a watch comfortably and with style, it’s important to choose a case size that matches your wrist circumference.

The good news? Finding the best watch size for your wrist is simple once you know the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main factors that determine watch size and show you how to measure your wrist for the perfect fit.

What Determines the Right Watch Size?

When choosing a new watch, have you ever considered the importance of size? Wearing a watch that’s proportionate to your wrist eliminates the awkward feeling many people experience.

There are two key size factors to keep in mind when selecting a watch.

Watch cases come in a wide range of sizes, and the impression they create changes depending on your wrist size.

For example, someone with a strong build and thicker wrists may find that a small case (under 40mm) looks too delicate. Conversely, someone with slender wrists may find that a large case (around 44mm) feels oversized and unbalanced.

That’s why measuring your wrist circumference is the first step in finding the right case size for your watch.

So—what’s your wrist size?

Average Wrist Size: How Many Centimeters Is Normal?

Unlike measuring height or weight, most people rarely measure their wrist circumference.

On average, men’s wrist sizes fall around 17–18cm, with larger wrists reaching about 20cm. Wrists also tend to get slightly thicker with age.

Because wrist sizes vary from person to person, some people find that international watch brands can feel oversized or that the straps run a little long.

If you’re looking for a watch that fits smaller wrists, it’s best to choose a brand that creates timepieces with proportionate case sizes and strap lengths.

At About Vintage, we offer a range of watches designed to suit slimmer wrists as well. Even men with a wrist circumference of around 15cm can find the perfect fit. If you’re searching for a just-right watch size, we invite you to explore our collection.

How to Measure Your Wrist for the Perfect Watch Fit

Now, let’s look at the most important step in finding a watch that feels just right: measuring your wrist size.

Start by preparing a soft measuring tape.
Avoid stiff or metal rulers — instead, use a flexible tape made of cloth or vinyl, like the ones used in tailoring. Even an inexpensive tape from a dollar store will work just fine.

Once you have your tape, wrap it around your wrist. Hold the tape straight and snug against your skin to measure your wrist circumference accurately.

You can measure on your own, but since it requires using one hand to hold and wrap the tape, it may feel a little tricky. If that’s the case, simply ask someone else to help.

Key Points to Remember When Measuring Your Wrist

When measuring your wrist size using the method described earlier, keep the following points in mind:

Don’t Pull the Tape Too Tight

When wrapping the tape around your wrist, be careful not to pull it too tightly. The ideal fit is neither too loose nor too tight — just snug enough to reflect your natural wrist size. Adjust the tension carefully to get an accurate measurement.

Relax Your Arm While Measuring
If you tense your arm muscles, your wrist will appear thicker than it really is. To avoid inflating your measurement, relax your arm and keep it in a natural resting state while measuring.

Don’t Stretch or Clench Your Hand
Opening your hand wide or clenching it into a fist adds tension to the wrist, which makes it difficult to measure correctly. Keep your hand relaxed and measure in a natural position.

Match Your Wrist Size to the Right Case Size
As mentioned earlier, wrist circumference and watch case size are closely related. Next, let’s take a closer look at how to choose the right case size for your wrist.

What Is Case Size?
The case size refers to the diameter of the watch face — also called the case diameter. This is the primary measurement used when talking about watch size.

By the way, a watch is made up of many other components besides the case. Learning about these components adds another layer of enjoyment to owning and wearing a watch.

The Ideal Watch Case Diameter

A good rule of thumb is that the watch case diameter should be about 60–70% of your wrist width. Using the formula “wrist width × 0.7” gives you the ideal case size for your wrist.

For example, if your wrist width is 6cm (60mm):

6cm (60mm) × 0.7 = 4.2cm (42mm)

In this case, the ideal case diameter would be 42mm.

Of course, this isn’t a strict rule — it’s best understood as a guideline. Once you know the benchmark, you can adjust based on personal style. For instance, you might intentionally choose a slightly larger case for a bolder look.

Exploring these variations is part of what makes collecting watches so enjoyable for enthusiasts.

Why Bezel Size Matters Too

When considering proportions, don’t focus only on case diameter — the bezel size also matters. The bezel is the ring that surrounds the watch dial and crystal.

Depending on its design, the bezel can make a watch look larger than its actual case diameter. To maintain balance, choose a watch that doesn’t extend beyond the width of your wrist.

Bring Out the Best in Your Watch: How Case Diameter Shapes Style

The case diameter of a watch greatly influences the impression it makes. Of course, personal design preference is important — but if you want to maximize the appeal of your timepiece, it’s worth choosing a case size that matches both your wrist and the occasion.

Watch case sizes are typically grouped into three categories:

• 40mm and under
  
  

• 41–44mm
  
  

• 45mm and above
  
  

Let’s look at what impression each size creates, and in which situations it works best.

Case Diameter 40mm and Under — Perfect for Both Business and Casual Wear

Watches with a case diameter of 40mm or smaller are an excellent choice for those with slimmer wrists.

They’re highly versatile: ideal for business settings with a suit, yet equally elegant in casual, private moments. On average, sports models in this range are around 39mm, while dress models are often closer to 36mm.

In recent years, many watch designs have trended toward larger cases, so some people may find 40mm and under a little understated. However, when you consider how well this size works across different occasions, it remains one of the most practical and stylish options.

In fact, having at least one watch in this size range is a smart choice. Even if a sudden formal meeting comes up, you’ll always have a timepiece that feels appropriate and refined.

Case Diameter 41–44mm — Popular for Its Versatility

Watches with a 41–44mm case diameter are often praised as the most versatile and user-friendly size range. Years ago, this size was considered large among enthusiasts, even earning the nickname “big and thick.” But as watches have trended larger in recent years, this range has become widely recognized as the modern standard size.

For those with slimmer wrists, 41–44mm can feel slightly oversized. However, many people find that its overall balance and usability outweigh that concern — making it one of the most popular choices today.

That said, there are a few important things to keep in mind when wearing watches in this size range:

• Case thickness matters: if the watch is too thick, it may disrupt your shirt cuff and look bulky.
  
  

• Slim wrists may highlight the oversized look: in this case, a model closer to 41mm is recommended.
  
  

• Preference plays a role: if you like bigger watches, a case closer to 44mm will feel more substantial, while 41mm may appear a bit small.
  
  

Remember, both diameter and thickness affect the look and fit of a watch. Choosing the right balance ensures the watch complements your wrist without feeling awkward.

Case Diameter 45mm and Above — Bold Impact for Statement Makers

Watches with a case diameter of 45mm or larger are unmistakably bold. Too big to slip under a shirt cuff, these oversized timepieces make a powerful impression — not just on watch enthusiasts, but on anyone who notices your wrist. If you want your watch to be the star of your outfit, this size is for you. It also suits those with thicker wrists particularly well, and the large dial offers excellent legibility.

That said, oversized watches are generally better suited for casual or private settings rather than formal business environments. In the office, such large cases can disrupt your shirt cuff, feel heavy during active movement, or risk drawing the wrong kind of attention.

In casual settings, however, these watches shine. A large case brings satisfaction to collectors, adds presence to your look, and allows you to fully enjoy the fashion statement that only a bold watch can provide.

Why Owning Multiple Watches Brings the Best of Every Occasion

As we’ve seen, the impression a watch creates — and the situations it fits best — depends heavily on case diameter. That’s why many enthusiasts recommend owning more than one watch, each with a different case size, so you can enjoy the right style and comfort for every occasion.

There are plenty of other benefits to building a small collection, too. (For more on this, check out our dedicated article on the advantages of owning multiple watches.)

At AV86, our collection spans a variety of case sizes:

• 38mm — 1964 Horizon Automatic
  
  

• 40mm — 1960 Racing Chronograph (another popular choice)
  
  

• 41mm — 1844 Chronograph (a customer favorite)
  
  

• 42mm — 1934 Telechron
  
  

Each one is designed with proportion, versatility, and timeless style in mind.

Summary

When choosing a watch, it’s not only about design preference — the case size must also match your wrist circumference for the best fit and comfort. A watch that aligns with your wrist size looks more natural and feels better on your arm.

While everyone’s wrist is different, many men fall around the 17cm average wrist size, making 36–42mm cases an excellent range to explore.

At AV86, we offer a wide selection of watches designed with these proportions in mind. Every purchase also includes the option to bundle an interchangeable strap, so you can easily change the look of your watch. Plus, we provide complimentary engraving, making an AV86 timepiece the perfect gift for someone special — or for yourself.