What's the perfect watch thickness for comfort?

[cbalster]

I've owned and enjoyed watches of all shapes and sizes, from 34mm-43mm diameter, and 6mm to 15mm thickness.

What I've found collecting over time is that sometimes a watch over 13mm is too thick for comfort (looking to you SD43), but feel little difference between 8mm and 13mm.

After collecting many watches, have you arrived at a conclusion for optimal dimensions (diameter and thickness) for the most enjoyable wearer?

[brandrea]

It’s a good question but unfortunately there’s no magic elixir

For me, it boils down to the caseback shape more than anything.

In general I find the lower profile the caseback, the more comfortable the watch wears

[Dino944]

Well, for purposes of this discussion, I would say my reference points are for round watches. Square and rectangular watches tend to wear "Larger" than their dimensions would suggest.

That being said, for round watches my preference is generally 36 to 40mm. With one exception, I have and enjoy a 42mm watch. As for thickness, I tend to prefer them to be between 8 and 12 mm. If you have been wearing a thicker bigger cased watch for a week or more, then I do think going to a smaller thinner 8 mm watch is noticeably different. At least for the first few hours it often feels like I'm not wearing a watch or I feel that its a much lighter watch.

[Ichiran]

The RRCCII is perfect in every sense in my opinion. 38mm and 8.75mm.

[INC]

Good question!

I think, not the thickness in itself the main point, but the shape of the housing.

For example an oyster case looks filigran compared to a Santos de Santos XL while the latter is the thinner.

[Jerrocop]

39mm wide and 12mm thick is perfect for me.

[pearson1995]

Just as it’s not just case diameter it’s lug width. It’s not just case thickness but case shape.

[Dino944]

Agreed, the case shape, case lugs, and whether the case back is curved or flat can make a big difference in how a watch fits, and how comfortable it is to wear.

[ts3]

I prefer 8mm to 10mm thickness and a size of 34mm to 42mm with 38mm being the sweet spot. I am sure I could put up with 12mm or even 14mm thickness if I really liked the watch but so far the thick stuff hasn't stuck.

[cbalster]

I own a subs and daytonas at 12-13mm thick and I don't feel they are too thick, but I've tried on a 15202 RO and was surprised to not find it wearing very slim in comparison. It's all a bit perplexing to me.

[shafran]

i just picked up a breguet 5847 and found its way too thick for me

[enjoythemusic]

This one is quite comfortable and should fit under any cuff

Bvlgari_Octo_Finissimo_S.jpg

[ts3]

Originally Posted by cbalster

I own a subs and daytonas at 12-13mm thick and I don't feel they are too thick, but I've tried on a 15202 RO and was surprised to not find it wearing very slim in comparison. It's all a bit perplexing to me.

I guess the case shape matters too. I could do a Daytona but a 14mm thick IWC GST Chrono with its box shaped case was too much on my wrist and had to go again. I have never tried on a RO Jumbo but a Patek 5711 wears a lot thinner than a Sub or a Daytona to me. People coming from Rolex are often disappointed and think it is flimsy...

[Dino944]

Originally Posted by cbalster

I own a subs and daytonas at 12-13mm thick and I don't feel they are too thick, but I've tried on a 15202 RO and was surprised to not find it wearing very slim in comparison. It's all a bit perplexing to me.

I'm very surprised, I own a Sub, Daytona, Explorer II, GMT, and a 15202 and I find it wears far slimmer. The RO case is 8.1mm thick so it's about 2/3s the thickness of a Daytona, Sub, Explorer II, etc. Personally, I think it wears far slimmer than professional model Rolex watches, but as always YMMV.

[GB-man]

12 is good. 10 is better. 8 is sublime.

[gretch6364]

39mm wide...8mm thick. Obviously ;-)

[JR16]

Under 10mm wins in my book. Admittedly most of my watches are thicker though


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[Nathan_]

I have a 7.25" wrist and favour thicker watches like sub proportions (11-13mm)

[AvGeek]

While I don't mind the sub/gmt thickness (12-13mm), after you get your first 8mm watch, it's game over. So I say 8-10mm is probably the sweet spot.

[GST15]

My comfort level for a sports watch is under 13. For a dress watch I like to be around 11 or less

[mongrelnomoad]

36-38mm wide and 7mm thick. Basically a 5165 Aquanaut.

[rag5178]

As others have said, case shape plays a huge role, but for a sports watch, I look for 40-42mm and under 12mm thick (10mm is perfect). For dress watches, I go for about 38-39mm and 8mm thick. My wrist is 7.25 inches for reference.

[enjoythemusic]

Agreed case and shape matters, as does weight. This is lightweight and easy to wear. Case design against the wrist is important. Max B and others have talked about this.

MAD1_New_Red_Strap2_Side_BIG.jpg

[BobtheBaby]

Agree all around on case and lug shape making a much bigger difference. I have never minded a rather thick watch, but find comfort more down to the weight.

[TunaTuna]

Originally Posted by cbalster

I've owned and enjoyed watches of all shapes and sizes, from 34mm-43mm diameter, and 6mm to 15mm thickness.

What I've found collecting over time is that sometimes a watch over 13mm is too thick for comfort (looking to you SD43), but feel little difference between 8mm and 13mm.

After collecting many watches, have you arrived at a conclusion for optimal dimensions (diameter and thickness) for the most enjoyable wearer?

I've worn over the years everything from a 36mm datejust to a 44mm pam, steel, gold, two tone. I have never felt a watch that was uncomfortable.

Maybe if it was an invicta 50mm, but how is a watch uncomfortable?

[nicky77]

39mm and 10mm thick.