The Guide to Watches Sizes, Shapes & Materials

[@VectorAero]

THANK YOU! Finally someone gets it. Lug-to-lug is the only dimension I care about when buying a watch. Unfortunately this number is never published. 45-46mm L2L is ideal on my tiny 6.25" wrist. I can sometimes pull off 48mm L2L but only if the lugs curve down aggressively to hug the wrist.

[@masterg7895]

May i add just one more important thing? Lug to lug is not the last measurment you will want to look for on a watch, but the measurment from both ends of the bracelet's solid end links. Iv'e had many experiences with this issue, the lug to lug can be 47mm for example and they may be nice and short, making you think that the watch will wear small, but with the bracelet's solid end links the watch extends to a whopping 55mm. Yes it is tricky, and i have yet to see a video on youtube regarding this issue. The problem that it causes is a "broken" look of the bracelet which is so annoying. With straight end links there is no issue, but the solid ones that come with the original bracelet.

[@louiscyfer6944]

it matters not to me. the diameter, but even more so the size of the dial is more important. the lug to lug affects how it feels but not really how big it looks. of course, all this is less of a concern with a grown up sized wrist.

[@rustyshackleford17]

One of the funniest things I always hear is the "if this was only a 39mm instead of a 40" as if that 1mm magically changes every single property of the watch. Unfortunately, people do seem to be largely ignorant of the complexity of how a watch looks and feels on a wrist. The most linear relationships are the lug to lug height and the dial to case ratio

[@axisdriftguitarworks1384]

The best solution is to try on a watch before purchasing it as there are so many factors that go into whether something fits you or not. L2L, flat wrists vs round wrists, lower wrist vs upper wrist dimension, your height, weight, dial type/style and the overall balance among these elements : the golden number.Not to mention how the watch looks upclose vs farther awy. The vibe you give off wearing it... Crazy....

[@cedarcanoe]

You are very right about lug-to-lug being the deciding factor for wearability of a watch

[@louiscyfer6944]

wearability yes, but not to how big it looks.

[@SunsetSheen]

I’ll never understand why watch brands don’t make it a point to publish the lug to lug length. It’s literally the most important dimension.

[@tc6578]

Thanks for putting together this interesting video. I am a skinny guy with only 6-1/4" wrists and yet most of the watches in my collection have L2L of between 46 and 49 mm, inclusively. I do have a couple of watches with L2L of 44 and 45 mm (Hamilton intramatic, SARB033 and SKX013), but these are the ones that I wear less frequently than my diver and sports watches. So, you could say that I am small and skinny guy who thoroughly enjoys wearing larger and more substantial watches like the Turtles, Samurai, SKX009, Alpinist, Zelos Helmsmen 2 & Chroma 2, MWW 62MAS, Borealis Sea Storm, Vostok Amphibian 100 & K35, etc.

[@rumatadestora]

I really like your opinion on the issue! Exactly as I always say: if a person likes to wear their watches like they do, who am I to tell them otherwise

[@masterg7895]

May i add just one more important thing? Lug to lug is not the last measurment you will want to look for on a watch, but the measurment from both ends of the bracelet's solid end links. Iv'e had many experiences with this issue, the lug to lug can be 47mm for example and they may be nice and short, making you think that the watch will wear small, but with the bracelet's solid end links the watch extends to a whopping 55mm. Yes it is tricky, and i have yet to see a video on youtube regarding this issue. The problem that it causes is a "broken" look of the bracelet which is so annoying. With straight end links there is no issue, but the solid ones that come with the original bracelet.

[@thomashendrick6711]

T.W.C., I really, really appreciate your videos. They are full of wisdom knowlege, and common sense examples. With this video in particular, I'll say without doubt that it is the All Time most important video for new watch enthusiasts, and LOL-yes, even for many, many long time Lost Down The Rabbit Hole watch fanatics, this video for at least the majority of people, is a priceless compass to the dizzying twists, and turns of the Rabbit Hole World that is the the world of watches...to say that there is more to the eye than there appears to be when even a watch fan is looking at watches, without question is vastly understated. Thank you for all the help you give to us all around the globe with this, and all your excellently done and wonderful videos!:]

[@banditgriot]

Well done and informative. I am over 50 and just getting back into wearing watches again. I stopped wearing a watch, except while outdoors or during sporting events, about 18 years ago. It seems trends have changed and I can't help it, but I really like larger watches now. I have a couple of dress watches, but when I am away from work the big watches come out to play. It really is a matter of personal style and taste when it comes to watch size. My wrist size is 7.5 and my largest watch is close to 48mm with a 53mm lug to lug measurement.

[@louiscyfer6944]

that is not large. i prefer 48mm to 50mm watches but i have bigger ones.

[@sslouisy7740]

One with a 9 inch wrist can hardly get a watch to fit what would you recommend

[@thomashendrick7294]

Excellent, very well done.

[@jameshsu2558]

You perhaps should also mention "endlink-to-endlink" distance. Some solid end links extend beyond the lugs, making the watch wearing even larger.

[@malikknows3510]

Absolutely true. Modern Rolexes are a case in point. I bought an Explorer II, already an upsized watch at 42 and the end links made it wear like a 45 or 46. I took the bracelet off (otherwise a beautiful bracelet) and put it on leather.

[@ianwalker4803]

You are the man. Best watch blog.

[@samd.5203]

Great video, very informative. I have noticed that t he lug to lug measurement seem a lot more important than the width of th he w a tch for feel. I think seiko is a great example of this, they make huge divers (Tuna) that fit the wrist very comfortably due to t he lug to lug length being very short.

[@Redbirdsfan1970]

As always, great video, Armand. Size is a personal preference and much more than just a case diameter.

[@topmoviefightscene160]

Hi, my wrist is 6 inch and should I chose a steel watch with 42 mm case size and 47mm lug to lug ? Thanks

[@markplayford5836]

Excellent advice the top tip for me is ALWAYS try it on or ask the AD if they can get one for you to try without obligation to buy (in the size you prefer but if possible smaller and larger too, as you could be wrong). A test drive for a day would be nice but alas possibly out of the question. Having said that if I was buying a Bentley for example I would insist on a extended test drive so why not for a watch? Excellent advice as ever and I was oblivious to gold and platinum been considerably heavier (although unless a very rich relative departed and left me a stash, I can't see this bothering me!).

[@aamannadal7419]

Best channel on watches.

[@dr.omar.insights2000]

Thanks. I always felt that there is something wrong with my ocean 1 steinhart. Yes I think it is more of an anomaly than a normal variant and should have been marketed with a disclaimer "only for big flat wrists "

[@louiscyfer6944]

what are you talking about? it is tiny.

[@desmondoreilly1210]

It's a funny old thing, watch fit. We're talking about mm's of difference in the various dimensions, but it's amazing the impact they have. I personally like watches between 41-44mm, and I seem to be able to cope with L2L measurements of up to 52mm. I also favour tool watches, diver's and pilot's. Always try on if you can. You'll know immediately if the watch works for you. If you're scratching your head, probably not.

[@cody4586]

Wrist size?

[@desmondoreilly1210]

@@cody4586 17.5CM

[@willtothewong]

Another great video! I am soon to be in the market for a speedmaster and was wondering if it would be too big for my 7in wrist. This video helps alot.

[@Renaldo015]

Thanks. I was hesitating if I'll buy the junkers ladies watch and might look too small and feminine. The watch has a unisex look. It is 36mm case and I have small wrist so I guees it would fit fine on mynwrist.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Vostok Amphibia in the 710 ministry case. It is 40mm case but only 42mm lug to lug. And the lugs are curved down. So it fits perfectly. I wish you could buy watches that I have in store. I have a 42mm Orient Bambino that pushes it for me. I wouldn't have bought if I could have tried it in a shop. So the Ministry 710 vostok amphibia is perfect for me. More by luck than judgement. You have touched on lots of important points. I have inherited an Omega watch from 1954 which looks small on my wrist. But as it's got the 266 handwinding movement it's ideal under tight cuffs. I am getting used to wearing it.

[@jamesluciani3284]

Always learning new Watch facts with your videos!!!👍

[@lukebanfield6433]

Excellent video....very interesting and helpful Armand. Many thanks

[@ullekhchandran35]

Please suggest watch diameter for 6.5 inch wrist.

[@tunokies]

Lug-to-lug is a measurement I always find out before buying without trying on. 6.5" wrist and 48mm seems my maximum. It still gives me great choices though as I can wear a really wide 6105-8110 very comfortably due to it's practically lugless design. I can also wear a 300m Tuna or a 60's dress watch. Shame about the Tudor Black Bay though - the amount of times if tried one on because I love it so but walked away because it just doesn't feel right. It is 50mm though.

[@marcn8750]

Excellent video. I would like to add … when going to try on a watch, do not wear your regular sized watch. For example, don’t wear a 42 mm to the shop to try on a 36 mm. You will feel the 36 mm is small. Not because it is small but more because your brain has gotten used to the 42 mm. Also take picture from 10 ft away. Ask a friend for help. Short range pics don’t help much. You need perspective. Next factor in your height and weight and wrist shape. It all matters.

[@skaterfugater]

i have a sinfull diesel small daddy (mind you "small") dz7270. Its so big it actually starts hurting after a short while already (some few hours). i only wear it on parties and very seldomly even then. but i cant help it i still love it till this day for its looks.

[@JimIBobIJones]

Wristwatches used to be considered for women only before ww1. During the war, the practicality of being able to look at your wrist for the time (instead of pulling out a pocket watch) drove the trend for men's wristwatches. These started off at around 30mm. Between the world wars, trends remained pretty steady - 30mm remained the standard, with 35mm being the acceptable maximum and considered every large for the time and generally reserved for tool watches. Even chronographs and tool watches maxed around 35mm. Post WW2, watch sizes began to creep up - with (for non-tool watches) 32-36 becoming the norm in the 50s and 34-38 in the 60s. Tool watches grew larger and larger, which was largely due to the use of chronographs in sports and racing, where larger dials lent themselves to legibility. This basically remained the norm for non-tool watches until the late 90s and early 2000s, where the overwhelming preference for tool watches over "dressier" watches led to a general supersizing of all watches. Modern "size creep" has led to a state where anything under 40mm is considered small, 40-42mm is considered medium and 36mm (what would have been a "xl" watch back in the day) being considered essentially bare minimum size for a men's watch.

[@juanfor3182]

My wrist is about 15,5 cm. Very small for a big guy like me. What size do you recomend me?

[@mattiafesta5865]

Great video Armand 👍🏼 I just thinking in these days to this topic because I fighting with myself for which watch buy between the Seiko turtle and the baby turtle both PADI edition. I have a 6 and 3/4 in wrist and I don’t have the possibility to try to wear these watches because where I live there aren’t any Seiko’s stores. From your experience what do you suggest to me between these two options?

[@jayh9144]

Great video! With a 7 1/2 inch wrist, what size watch would you recommend for me in a dress watch? I find that 40mm fits me rather small.

[@louiscyfer6944]

try 44mm. 40 looks tiny.

[@roccochiero5117]

43-45 works and looks best on my 7.5 wrist

[@tl4238]

Always enjoy your videos

[@tantu2395]

as you known the watches size get bigger from time to time because the body size of most people get bigger compared to yesteryear, and so with the wrist, also some new design of "SPORTY DRESS WATCHES" THAT get enlarge the size for more eyes catching as today trend, it's looks so right if you wear some over size watches that match to today fashion, but the sweet spot watches size for most of people always calculate as 1/4 of their wrist size.

[@inkitatus1]

Interesting & helpful, thank you 👍

[@chriscastillo1978]

Very informative, thanks.

[@MiataBRG]

Excellent as always 👍☺

[@chrisauge6802]

Very interesting.... thanks for the review Armand

[@neilpiper9889]

And the Omega is solid gold.

[@pilotstyle123]

Thanks for the timestamps ;)

[@Mark132flw]

You are being too kind Armand. A fellow wearing stripped pants with a polka dot shirt is either Austin Powers or a schlub. A Panerai on a thin wrist looks like the fellow is wearing a wall clock.

[@geisteswissenschaft]

Is lug to lug measured diagonally?

[@meson183]

Short answer: no.

[@wireguided9572]

meson1: Very concise.

[@timur9429]

Vertically

[@dnjd-y8d]

Please, you need to show the points. Thanks

[@edulopez2140]

18.40 centímetros: 38, 39, 40, 41mm; lug to lug mínimo de 44mm y máximo de 48mm

[@chauhanrajput4733]

I undone the Like button when the moment you said there is a no size any size you can wear you came out like woolf disguised in sheeps

[@brianbommarito3840]

While this is an old video I wanted to stop by and say "Thank you." I am so sick of hearing "If you have a 6.5" wrist (which I have) do not get anything over a 40mm watch. If you get anything larger it will look stupid and like you are showing off." I have a 46mm Tissot Chrono-XL Tour de France watch which I /adore/. The color scheme is eye-catching, and it is easy to read at even a second's glance. It fits me fine in my opinion, does not catch on anything (Well the NATO style strap does but that's common), and is comfortable. Someone sitting there saying "Well, that's too big on you, you shouldn't wear it" is insulting, at best. If I took every guideline put out there by...certain other channels that shall remain nameless, I would be stuck with watches that are either illegible without scrutiny (horrendous eyesight) or look funny on me because they are too small (36mm and under are dwarfed by my wrist).

[@AroustabouT]

POP SHIELD

[@JDYTC]

Excellent video! With my tiny 5.7 inch wrists I wished more watch shops and -brands would state lug-to-lug distance! Of course I also have been wishing for decades that the obese watch trend is coming to an end, but even Longines' Heratige or dress line barely offers anything below 38mm! Forget about tool watches other than Rolex: the smallest male Seamaster or Speedmaster is still 39/40mm!? Sinn, Damasko, etcetera, al the same: barely anything under 39/40mm. And then there finally is company that makes awesome smaller watches: Nomos! But what did they do?! They put gigantic long lugs on them!? Arrrggghh...

[@topmoviefightscene160]

HI, 6 inch wrist here. What watches do you have?

[@happylemon89]

Second?

[@TruePekso]

Minute.

[@LeCrackHo]

First?

[@geisteswissenschaft]

Third and counting...

[@SkyBridgeRE]

4th