To choose the right watch size, start with your wrist circumference: under 15 cm, aim for a 26 to 34 mm case; between 15 and 17 cm, 34 to 40 mm; above 17 cm, 40 to 45 mm. Then refine your choice according to the case shape, its thickness and the type of strap, three factors that make a real difference to how a watch sits on the wrist.
How to measure your wrist
Measure where you actually wear your watch, just above the wrist bone on the hand side.
- With a soft tape measure: wrap it around your wrist without pulling tight, keeping the tape flat against the skin, and read the value to the nearest millimetre.
- Without a tape measure: wrap a strip of paper or a piece of string around your wrist, mark where the ends meet, then lay it flat against a ruler.
- Measure twice, ideally at the end of the day, when the wrist is slightly fuller than in the morning.
The same measurement tells you the right strap length: add 1.5 cm to your wrist size for a snug fit, 2 cm for a comfortable fit and 2.5 cm for a looser fit.
Which case diameter for your wrist size
The stated diameter is the width of the case, crown excluded. These guidelines are indicative and also depend on whether you prefer a discreet or a bolder watch.
| Wrist circumference | Recommended diameter | Look on the wrist |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 cm | 26 to 34 mm | Slim and delicate, the watch stays within the wrist |
| 15 to 17 cm | 34 to 40 mm | Versatile, works for the office and the weekend |
| Over 17 cm | 40 to 45 mm | Strong presence, balanced proportions on a broad wrist |
A simple visual check completes the table: seen from above, the case should not be wider than your wrist. If the points where the strap attaches, known as lugs, overhang the sides, the watch is too big for you.
Men or women: guidelines, not rules
Men's watches are generally larger and slightly thicker, women's watches smaller and slimmer. But your wrist size is what decides, not the category. A woman with a broad wrist can wear a 38 or 40 mm case without it looking oversized, and a man with a slim wrist will often look sharper in a 34 to 36 mm model than in a large piece that overhangs.
Case shape changes how big a watch looks
At the same diameter, two different shapes do not look the same size on the wrist.
Round
The easiest shape to judge: the diameter tells you almost everything. It looks slightly smaller than a square case of the same size, a safe choice if you are torn between two sizes.
Square
Its corners take up more of the wrist's width, so it looks larger. Go one size down from what you would choose in a round case. The men's square stainless steel watch strikes that balance well: a 35 to 39 mm dial, an 8 mm thick case and a 20 to 24 mm wide stainless steel bracelet with a deployant clasp, at €69.95.
Rectangular
A rectangular watch reads lengthways: it stays narrow across the wrist, which makes it ideal for slim wrists and understated on broader ones. The women's rectangular rhinestone watch is the most delicate example: a 19 mm dial, a 7 mm case and a stainless steel bracelet 9 mm wide and 20.5 cm long, at €49.95. For a slightly bolder format, the rectangular watch on a Milanese strap offers a 25 to 29 mm dial, a 7 mm case and a 23.5 cm stainless steel Milanese mesh strap, at €69.95. It is unisex.
Octagonal
Halfway between round and square, the octagon adds character without weighing the wrist down. The octagonal single-hand watch measures 38 mm and is 8 mm thick, with a 22 mm leather, steel or Milanese mesh strap depending on the model, at €119.95.
Tonneau
With its curved sides, the tonneau (barrel) case wears large and draws the eye. It mainly suits wrists over 17 cm. The skeleton-style tonneau watch on silicone measures 45 x 42 mm, is 16 mm thick and weighs 64 g, with a silicone strap 24 mm wide and 26 cm long, at €44.95.
Thickness, the often forgotten factor
Two watches with the same diameter can wear very differently depending on their thickness. A 7 to 8 mm case slips under a shirt cuff and goes unnoticed day to day. A taller case, like the 16 mm of the tonneau model, makes more of a statement: you see it, you feel it, and it catches more easily on fitted cuffs.
On a slim wrist, choose a slim case: thickness exaggerates size more than a few millimetres of diameter.
Leather, steel or Milanese: how the strap affects fit
- Leather: easy to adjust with a pin buckle and its holes. Check the total length, around 23 to 24 cm on our men's leather models.
- Steel link bracelet: adjusted by removing links, a quick job for a watchmaker. Heavier, it naturally slides towards the hand; leave a little room so it does not pinch.
- Milanese mesh: its fine, supple weave follows the shape of the wrist for a very even fit. Adjustment depends on the model's clasp.
- Silicone: soft and light, it adjusts like leather with a pin buckle and suits chunkier watches well.
Strap width matters too: a 9 mm bracelet suits a slim wrist, while a 22 to 24 mm strap balances a wide case. To compare shapes and sizes, browse our watch collection. Delivery is free in France from €49 and you have 14 days to return an item.
Frequently asked questions
What watch size for a 16 cm wrist?
Aim for a 34 to 40 mm case. A 38 mm round or octagonal watch fits well; for a square case, stay towards the lower end of that range.
Is a 40 mm watch too big?
It depends on the wrist: 40 mm is the upper limit for 15 to 17 cm and a starting point above 17 cm. Below 15 cm, it will usually look too large.
How do I know if my strap is the right length?
Add 1.5 cm to your wrist size for a snug fit, 2 cm for a comfortable fit and 2.5 cm for a loose fit. You should be able to slide a finger under the strap without the watch spinning round.
Are the watches water-resistant?
Our watches are not water-resistant unless stated otherwise on the product page. Even the single-hand watch, rated 5 bar by the manufacturer, should be taken off before swimming.