How Should A Watch Fit? The Right Way To Wear A Watch

Have you ever spent hours choosing the perfect watch, brought it home, and realised that the size is not quite right? Leaving you to question, how should a watch fit?

Unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence for those of us who are fresh onto the watch scene. 

When you’re spending your hard-earned money on a timepiece, however, it’s essential that it fits like a glove. It should be comfortable, practical and grab people’s attention. 

But, just how tight should a watch strap be?

This is down to personal choice as well as some key guidelines that we will go on to discuss in this article. 

Overall, the most important thing is research. Make sure you take into account the measurements of the case diameter and watch strap when purchasing a watch.

If you dream of owning a watch that sits comfortably on your wrist day and night, this article is for you. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Basic Rules

how should a watch fit

How tight do you wear your watch

Your choice of fit can depend on a range of factors, including gender, wrist size and personal preference. The most important thing to learn from this article is that your watch should feel comfortable on your wrist. Which is of course subjective.

In the early days of buying watches, many of us have wondered ‘how tight should a watch fit?’ As we have stated, this is largely down to personal factors.

However, there are some general rules of how a watch should fit on your wrist that can be helpful to know. 

So, how should a watch fit on the wrist?

It shouldn’t move more than an inch up or down your wrist. A watch that is constantly moving throughout your day is too loose for your wrist. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also appear untidy.

Equally, your watch shouldn’t be too tight. A key sign of a watch that is too tight would be that it leaves a mark after wearing it. This can be unpleasant as well as appearing unflattering.

As for the placement of the watch, it should sit in the middle of your wrist. With the lugs not extending past your wrist bone.

If you’re still wondering ‘how tight should a watch strap be?’, you should know that one pinky finger should fit comfortably underneath the band. 

Any more signifies the watch is too loose, and any fewer that it is too tight.

How Should A Watch Fit A Woman?

how should a watch fit a woman

Now that you know how a watch should generally fit, you can apply this to both men and women

However, there are a few differences that can be important to know.

So, how should a watch fit a woman?

As you may know, women’s watches tend to be smaller than men’s as they often resemble jewellery. 

For this reason, women should take into account that most watches will have small measurements.

However, some women wear their watches as statement pieces; it all depends on current trends. 

For example, oversized dials were all the rage in 2020. So, many women sported watches with dials of over 40mm. 

In general, women’s wrist sizes tend to range from 6.5 inches to 8 inches. In line with this, the ideal diameter for women to look for would be between 36mm-42mm.

How Should A Watch Fit A Man?

how should a watch fit a man

Masculine watches are stereotypically large, bold and bulky, with a case diameter of 38mm-46mm. 

This makes them much larger than watches for women without being overly ostentatious.

As men’s wrist sizes are between 8 inches-9.5 inches, we would advise men to acquire a watch with a case diameter of 42mm or more. 

This will allow the watch to sit comfortably on your wrist without appearing too oversized.

Types Of Watches

watch

So, you’ve measured your wrist and you’re on the lookout for a watch diameter that is perfect for you.

As you embark on this journey to acquire the perfect watch, it’s important to remember that watches come in all shapes and sizes. 

If you’re after a large diameter, it may be wise to look for an automatic watch or a chronograph watch. 

For a slimmer product, have a look at dress watches. Ultimately, different watches will fit differently.

What’s The Right Way To Wear A Watch?

watch

Personal choice is a running theme in this article. And yet again, we want to make it clear that there is no right way to wear a watch. 

However, if you want to keep to tradition, you would wear your watch on your dominant hand. 

For most people, this means the right hand. 

That way, you can go about your day without the watch getting in your way.

Where To Get A Watch Fitted?

where can you get a watch fitted

Some watches are incredibly easy to adjust and won’t require you to seek out a professional. 

If you’re wondering how to make a loose watch fit tighter or a tight watch fit looser, measure around your wrist bone with measuring tape and fix the watch strap accordingly. 

This is much easier to do with watch straps than metal bracelets. As the latter requires you to remove the metal links.

On the other hand, it is sometimes necessary for you to get your watch fitted professionally. 

So, where can you get a watch fitted? 

You could make a visit to the jewellers that you bought your watch from. Many jewellers (such as H Samuel) offer free watch adjustments in their stores!

Furthermore, at a low cost, watch repair shops are willing to fix your watch. They offer services including the repair of watch straps and the replacement of watch faces.

How Should A Watch Fit? Our Final Thoughts

how should a watch fit

All in all, how your watch fits is entirely your choice. 

However, it can be helpful to know the general recommendations so as to avoid wearing an ill-fitting watch.

We hope that you enjoyed this article!

Now you know how a watch should fit, don’t forget to browse our website for some stunning watches and find your perfect match.

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