What Size of Watch is Right for Me?

When it comes to choosing a watch, size matters. The right size can greatly impact the comfort, style, and overall look of the watch on your wrist. But with the plethora of watch sizes available in the market, how do you determine which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when determining the ideal size of a watch for your wrist.

Retro vs Modern

Watch size has varied massively over the years. Smaller watches, with a Case Diameter of around around 36mm, were the norm for most of the time men have been wearing wristwatches. However, sometimes in the last 25 years watches started to get larger to the point where 40mm+ became the norm.

However, trends swing back and forth – and in the 2020s smaller watches started to come back into fashion – mostly due to vintage (or vintage style) watches becoming trendy.

Case Diameter & Wrist Size

The case diameter refers to the width of the watch measured from one side of the case to the other, excluding the crown. It’s usually measured in millimeters (mm) and can range from as small as 20mm to as large as 50mm or more. Most Baltany watches are between 36mm and 40mm.

The size of your wrist plays a crucial role in determining the right size of a watch. If you have a smaller wrist, a large and bulky watch may overwhelm your wrist and look out of proportion. On the other hand, if you have a larger wrist, a small watch may look too dainty and get lost on your wrist.

However, personal preference and style also play a significant role in the choice of case diameter – as does the style of the watch. Most retro watches have ‘retro sizes’

It’s essential to measure your wrist circumference accurately to get a better understanding of the size that would fit you well. In the UK, average wrist size is 7 to 7.5 inches. If you’re wrist is larger than average, a smaller watch might not be right for you.

Lug-to-Lug Length and Strap Width

The lug-to-lug length is the measurement between the lugs, which are the protruding parts on either side of the case that attach the strap or bracelet to the watch. This measurement determines how the watch will fit across your wrist. A shorter lug-to-lug length may fit better on smaller wrists, while a longer lug-to-lug length may be more suitable for larger wrists. Lug widths are mostly standardised with most watches having 18mm, 20mm, 22mm or 24mm. Most lugs are sized appropriately for the case diameter, so this measurement is usually only important if you’re buying a new strap for your watch.

When buying a new watch, look at the photos to see if the lug width (and watch thickness) is proportional. Remember, the only opinion that really matters on this is your own!

In addition, the strap width also plays a role in the overall size and fit of the watch. The strap width should be proportional to the case diameter and lug-to-lug length. A wider strap may look more balanced on a larger watch, while a narrower strap may complement a smaller watch better.

If you’re looking to replace the strap on your watch, you can find the lug width if your watch by measuring the width of the space between the lugs with a ruler. All watch-strap retailers will have the lug-width listed, so you know which strap to get