Our previous discussions centered around identifying the right timepiece for you, taking into consideration your personal style, preferred activities, as well as the level of formality of a given event. In this article, we are taking a vertical dive into specifics, dissecting all the do’s and don’ts of proper watch wearing, such as selecting the right dial in relation to your wrist size.
Which Wrist to Wear Your Watch
The rule of thumb is to wear the watch on your non-dominant hand. There are practical reasons for this, as you want to make sure your watch does not get in the way every time you try to do something with your dominant hand. Now, this is not a set rule, more like a practical tip, so if it feels more comfortable and natural for you to wear the watch on your dominant hand, go for it. Because most people are right handed, the vast majority of watches are made with the crown on the right side of the watch case, making it easy to adjust the time with your right hand while wearing the watch on your left wrist. Bottom line, this is a flexible rule and definitely do what feels more natural to you!
Where the Watch Should Be Positioned
Watches are meant to be worn just above the wrist bone. If a watch bracelet is loose and the case slides down all the way against your hand, you could lose some wrist mobility and even risk injury by poking yourself with the crown or push buttons. For the safest and most comfortable wear, fasten your watch above the wrist bone and minimize the risk of damage to both your timepiece and your hand.
Size Your Watch Bracelet Appropriately
Since we already covered where your watch should be positioned (above your wrist bone–in case you slept through the previous paragraph), we’re one step closer to finding the appropriate size for your watch bracelet or strap. Obviously, it shouldn’t be too tight as you want your skin to get some air and not feel like you are being attacked by a boa constrictor, but it should also not be too loose and enable your watch to slip down against your hand or worse yet, move around your arm horizontally making you chase the watch dial every time you want to look at it. This might require some trial and error, especially when it comes to steel bracelets, but once you hit the sweet spot you will know the exact sizing for all your watches.
Dial Size
Dial size is absolutely essential when picking your watch, as the actual size of your wrist could have a visual impact on how the watch looks on you. Also keep in mind, big case dials come with wide straps or bracelets, and can easily overpower your wrist if the sizing is off balance. Here are some of the most common dial sizes with the accompanying strap size. Okay, one more thing…not that our opinion should sway you in any way, but for the love of all that’s holy, please stay away from XXL watch cases as it almost never looks balanced, and might even make some people think you are *overcompensating* ya know? Back to what we were saying:
- Small Watch Case: Smaller than 34mm
- Usual Strap Size: 18mm wide
- Mid Size Watch Case: Between 34mm – 38mm
- Usual Strap Size: 18mm
- Standard Watch Case: Between 39mm – 42mm
- Usual Strap Size: 20mm
- Oversized Watch Case: Between 43mm – 46mm
- Usual Strap Size: 22mm
- XXL Watch Case: Bigger than 47mm
- Usual Strap Size: 26mm
Wrist Size
Alright, you know about common watch case sizes and the usual width measurements of their straps. How about the ideal size for your wrist? We got you covered, but first, get a measuring tape or a foldable ruler and wrap it around your wrist – make sure that the tape or ruler is neither too tight nor too loose before getting the measurement. It should feel comfortable, and make sure you are measuring just above the wrist bone.
- 6 inch wrist – Considered small.
- Wear small to medium diameter cases. Your ideal size is between 34mm – 38mm.
- 7 inch to 7.5 wrist – Considered average.
- Wear mid-size and standard diameter cases. Your ideal size is between 39mm – 42mm.
- 8 inch and larger wrist – Considered large.
- Wear oversized diameter cases. Your ideal size is between 44-47mm.
Here at The Watch Resource, we are all about finding watches on the market that are timeless in their style, so that when you invest into a timepiece you can be sure it will look just as classy and contemporary decades later. Take a look at some of our most popular curated lists below.
