Wrist Size: We've been doing this wrong?

[007_Omega]

Just did a quick experiment as people always go on and on about wrist size, yet sometimes we see people with smaller or larger wrists pulling off a watch worse or better than their wrist size.

As I suspected, wrist circumference is the wrong measurement. I have a 6.5 inch wrist but my wrist real estate (diameter across the top of my wrist where a watch would actually sit without extending off my wrist) is 53mm. I knew I had a flat wrist but I guess this pretty much cements that.

Just measure yourself and then compare the lug-to-lug length of the watch to see if the watch would extend off your wrist. Also, you can measure solid end link to solid end link for a more accurate measure as well as the modern Rolex models wear bigger due to the SELs.

Hope that helps. It's not an exact science as your overall body is going to play a big part in how a watch looks on you but in general I think this works better than just stating your wrist size and arbitrarily determining whether you have a flat or rounded wrist. Generally, the lower body fat %=flatter wrists.

[WatchNutcase]

This is a great idea and I totally agree. As someone who suffers from tiny wrists I'll make sure to try out this tip

[awol123]

I agree. Also, how much does wrist size change with weight and aging?

[Jmbarrack]

This is great advice. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and I know my limits in terms of watch sizes. But I agree, the first thing I look at is the lug to lug or end link to end link measurement. That's what takes up the real estate on the wrist.

47.5 lug to lug is my ideal measurement.

Solid end links are really the tricky part. They can take a 48mm lug to lug measurement and make the actual measurement 52mm.

This is why I chose the 14060 over the 16610. It has hollow endlinks and the true measurement is actually lug-to-lug.

[polaris72]

I have been saying this over and over, it’s the shape, not just the wrist circumference.

[R G]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

Just did a quick experiment as people always go on and on about wrist size, yet sometimes we see people with smaller or larger wrists pulling off a watch worse or better than their wrist size.

As I suspected, wrist circumference is the wrong measurement. I have a 6.5 inch wrist but my wrist real estate (diameter across the top of my wrist where a watch would actually sit without extending off my wrist) is 53mm. I knew I had a flat wrist but I guess this pretty much cements that.

Just measure yourself and then compare the lug-to-lug length of the watch to see if the watch would extend off your wrist. Also, you can measure solid end link to solid end link for a more accurate measure as well as the modern Rolex models wear bigger due to the SELs.

Hope that helps. It's not an exact science as your overall body is going to play a big part in how a watch looks on you but in general I think this works better than just stating your wrist size and arbitrarily determining whether you have a flat or rounded wrist. Generally, the lower body fat %=flatter wrists.

Loads and loads of ill fitting watches shown on this site. Lots of users claiming their wrist sizes are larger than what is obviously smaller.

Lug to lug is the most important dimension. More so than case diameter.

[subtona]

Pics

[Torque Time]

I’d also consider the size of you hand...especially if you wear your watch low on your arm and up against your hand.

[AckAck]

Lugs shouldn’t extend over your wrist. If so the watch is too big for you.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Torque Time

I’d also consider the size of you hand...especially if you wear your watch low on your arm and up against your hand.

Yes the size of one's hand is also a major factor depending upon how one likes to wear their watch.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by polaris72

I have been saying this over and over, it’s the shape, not just the wrist circumference.

Yes, but we need to have a width to thickness ratio in order to quantify.
It seems everything else is quantified and measured to the nth degree these days.

Or we could simply go back to assessing wrist pics if in doubt.
But only the ones taken in the mirror. Mirror wrist pics for the best guide

[AckAck]

I’ve seen so many pictures on here of people with watches way too big for their wrists.

[77T]

This also depends on personal preferences. Some people wear a watch above the junction of the ulna and carpal bones.

Others keep it very loose to let it “drape” below that. And this helps them wear a larger watch than otherwise possible given their wrist size/shape.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[123Blueface]

Great idea but more simplified, with my 6.5” wrist, I wear whatever makes me smile.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by AckAck

Lugs shouldn’t extend over your wrist. If so the watch is too big for you.

This is the most important thing regarding fitment. If the lugs are hanging over each side, watch is too big. Of course there are many variations in wrist shape. I'm lucky, have a nice flat spot on my 7.5 inch wrist and any 40mm fits like a glove. However I am partial to Subs.

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

This is the most important thing regarding fitment. If the lugs are hanging over each side, watch is too big. Of course there are many variations in wrist shape. I'm lucky, have a nice flat spot on my 7.5 inch wrist and any 40mm fits like a glove. However I am partial to Subs.

Not just lugs. Modern Rolex endlinks stick out beyond the lug tip. I’ve found that if the bracelet drops straight down the sides of my wrist a watch is too large both visually and from a comfort standpoint.

[visualplane]

Also, the width looks wider when the palm is facing you. When the palm is facing away from you, the wrist becomes more narrow.

[visualplane]

This is why most IWC won't work with me, long lugs as well.

[dkg1616]

Originally Posted by polaris72

I have been saying this over and over, it’s the shape, not just the wrist circumference.

Agree!

[subprimero]

Very true!

[mfm22]

Agree. Lug to lug is a key. The shape of lugs matter as well if lugs curve downward like a Seiko Sumo a 44" case still fits a smaller wrist

Another factor that is Seldom mentioned is body size I have a 6 7/8 wrist plus or minus depending on temps
A 36mm to 40mm will work if lugs are under 50mm. But that said a 36" looks too small on my 6'1" 220lb frame