Choosing the perfect watch size for your wrist
Choosing the perfect watch size for your wrist
The diameter of your timepiece, expressed in millimeters, is a silent announcer of style on your wrist. It whispers tales of the watch’s internal mechanics and the design era it hails from. To demystify these numbers, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to finding your perfect watch size.
- Under 36mm: The Vintage Charm
Modern catalogs may not showcase many options under 36mm, but vintage collections tell a different story. These smaller sizes were once the standard, offering a vast array of choices for the discerning collector. While wrist sizes haven’t changed, preferences have, making the classic sub-36mm watch a unique statement piece. For those seeking subtlety, a vintage gold watch from the 1950s, paired with a patent leather strap, can add just the right amount of sophistication peeking out from a shirt cuff.
- 36-38mm: The Return of Elegance
Recent trends have seen a shift away from larger, more ostentatious watches back to the refined 36-38mm range. This resurgence balances the catalog with options that cater to a broader audience, including women who desire elegance without the frills. The revival of mid-century designs in their original sizes brings a sense of authenticity and, simply put, sensibility to the selection.
- 38-41mm: The Contemporary Classic
For a modern look that complements almost any attire, from formal to casual, the 38-41mm range is ideal. If your wrist circumference is within the average male range of 16–19cm, this size offers a noticeable yet tasteful presence. It’s fascinating to consider that what was once deemed ‘oversize’ is now the epitome of style and versatility.
- 42-44mm: Bold and Distinguished
Stepping into the 42-44mm category, you enter the realm of the "oversize" - a concept pioneered by iconic brands like IWC Schaffhausen and Officine Panerai. These sizes pay homage to historical precision and purpose, from the Portugieser’s pocket-watch origins to the Luminor’s military-grade durability. For those with larger wrists, this range provides ample choice without compromising on style or comfort.
- 45mm and up: The Statement Makers
Watches exceeding 45mm are for the bold, the trendsetters who aren’t afraid to make a statement. These sizes can be traced back to historical models like IWC’s Big Pilot, originally designed for aerial navigation. Today, they represent a choice for those who dare to stand out, much like the striking design of Bell & Ross’ BR 01.
- The Often-Overlooked Z-Axis
In the digital age, the thickness of a watch, or its z-axis, is frequently overshadowed by its face-on appeal. Yet, this dimension significantly influences the watch’s profile and how it interacts with your attire. From the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Squelette to the robust divers’ watches, the thickness must harmonize with the watch’s overall design and function.
- Measuring Your Wrist for the Perfect Fit:
- Rest your hand, palm up, on a flat surface.
- Spread your fingers slightly to ensure an accurate measurement at its fullest point.
- Encircle your wrist with a measuring tape just above the wrist bone, making a complete loop.
- Note the measurement where the tape meets its starting point, using inches or centimeters for precision.
The diameter of your timepiece, expressed in millimeters, is a silent announcer of style on your wrist. It whispers tales of the watch’s internal mechanics and the design era it hails from. To demystify these numbers, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to finding your perfect watch size.
- Under 36mm: The Vintage Charm
Modern catalogs may not showcase many options under 36mm, but vintage collections tell a different story. These smaller sizes were once the standard, offering a vast array of choices for the discerning collector. While wrist sizes haven’t changed, preferences have, making the classic sub-36mm watch a unique statement piece. For those seeking subtlety, a vintage gold watch from the 1950s, paired with a patent leather strap, can add just the right amount of sophistication peeking out from a shirt cuff.
- 36-38mm: The Return of Elegance
Recent trends have seen a shift away from larger, more ostentatious watches back to the refined 36-38mm range. This resurgence balances the catalog with options that cater to a broader audience, including women who desire elegance without the frills. The revival of mid-century designs in their original sizes brings a sense of authenticity and, simply put, sensibility to the selection.
- 38-41mm: The Contemporary Classic
For a modern look that complements almost any attire, from formal to casual, the 38-41mm range is ideal. If your wrist circumference is within the average male range of 16–19cm, this size offers a noticeable yet tasteful presence. It’s fascinating to consider that what was once deemed ‘oversize’ is now the epitome of style and versatility.
- 42-44mm: Bold and Distinguished
Stepping into the 42-44mm category, you enter the realm of the "oversize" - a concept pioneered by iconic brands like IWC Schaffhausen and Officine Panerai. These sizes pay homage to historical precision and purpose, from the Portugieser’s pocket-watch origins to the Luminor’s military-grade durability. For those with larger wrists, this range provides ample choice without compromising on style or comfort.
- 45mm and up: The Statement Makers
Watches exceeding 45mm are for the bold, the trendsetters who aren’t afraid to make a statement. These sizes can be traced back to historical models like IWC’s Big Pilot, originally designed for aerial navigation. Today, they represent a choice for those who dare to stand out, much like the striking design of Bell & Ross’ BR 01.
- The Often-Overlooked Z-Axis
In the digital age, the thickness of a watch, or its z-axis, is frequently overshadowed by its face-on appeal. Yet, this dimension significantly influences the watch’s profile and how it interacts with your attire. From the JLC Master Ultra-Thin Squelette to the robust divers’ watches, the thickness must harmonize with the watch’s overall design and function.
- Measuring Your Wrist for the Perfect Fit:
- Rest your hand, palm up, on a flat surface.
- Spread your fingers slightly to ensure an accurate measurement at its fullest point.
- Encircle your wrist with a measuring tape just above the wrist bone, making a complete loop.
- Note the measurement where the tape meets its starting point, using inches or centimeters for precision.
|
Handgelenkgröße |
Gehäusedurchmesser |
Dicke des Uhrengehäuses |
Banddicke |
|
13 cm (5 Zoll) |
29 mm - 32 mm |
Unter 10 mm |
14,5 mm - 16 mm |
|
14 cm (5,5 Zoll) |
32 mm - 34 mm |
10 mm - 12 mm |
16 mm - 17 mm |
|
15 cm (6 Zoll) |
34 mm - 36 mm |
12 mm |
17 mm - 18 mm |
|
16,5 cm (6,5 Zoll) |
36 mm - 38 mm |
12 mm |
18 mm - 19 mm |
|
17,5 cm (7 Zoll) |
39 mm - 42 mm |
12 mm |
19,5 mm - 21 mm |
|
19 cm (7,5 Zoll) |
43 mm - 46 mm |
14 mm |
21,5 mm - 23 mm |
|
20 cm (8 Zoll) + |
47 mm + |
15 mm + |
23,5 mm + |
|
Uhren- und Handgelenkgröße für Herren – (cm/mm) |
|||
|
Handgelenkumfang |
Uhrengröße |
||
|
Klein |
Mittel |
Groß |
|
|
15 cm |
32 mm |
37 mm |
41 mm |
|
16 cm |
34 mm |
39 mm |
43 mm |
|
17 cm |
36 mm |
41 mm |
45 mm |
|
18 cm |
36 mm |
42 mm |
45 mm |
|
19 cm |
37 mm |
43 mm |
46 mm |
|
20 cm |
38 mm |
44 mm |
47 mm |
|
21 cm |
39 mm |
44 mm |
47 mm |
|
22 cm |
40 mm |
45 mm |
48 mm |
|
23 cm |
41 mm |
45 mm |
48 mm |
|
24 cm |
42 mm |
46 mm |
49 mm |
|
Uhren- und Handgelenkgröße für Damen (cm/mm) |
|||
|
Handgelenkumfang |
Uhrengröße |
||
|
Klein |
Mittel |
Groß |
|
|
12 cm |
21 mm |
27 mm |
34 mm |
|
13 cm |
22 mm |
27 mm |
34 mm |
|
14 cm |
23 mm |
28 mm |
35 mm |
|
15 cm |
24 mm |
29 mm |
36 mm |
|
16 cm |
25 mm |
30 mm |
37 mm |
|
17 cm |
26 mm |
31 mm |
38 mm |
|
18 cm |
27 mm |
32 mm |
39 mm |
|
19 cm |
28 mm |
33 mm |
40 mm |
|
20 cm |
29 mm |
34 mm |
41 mm |
|
21 cm |
30 mm |
35 mm |
41 mm |
|
22 cm |
31 mm |
36 mm |
42 mm |
|
23 cm |
32 mm |
37 mm |
43 mm |
|
24 cm |
33 mm |
38 mm |
44 mm |
