We tell you what to look for so that the watch not only runs, but also fits perfectly. The world's largest wristwatch was created by designer Frank Villa and called it Black Russia. As conceived by the author, the model with a diameter of 56 mm embodies the passion for catchy accessories characteristic of Russian billionaires. If you are not one of them and do not read gangsta rap at your leisure, then you probably prefer a standard-sized watch with a strong, comfortable strap.
But since the Internet intervened in the business of buying and selling wrist chronometers, the good old way of fitting by trying on has sunk into oblivion. Now you need to know in advance at least the diameter of the dial and the length of the strap that are approximately suitable for your hand.
How to choose them so that you do not have to wipe the imprinted Swiss Made inscription from your wrist at the end of the day or fix a constantly slipping bracelet, we will tell in this article.
Selection by dial diameter
The most common method, but not the most accurate. Numerous guides advise measuring the circumference of the wrist the way tailors do: with the tape tight, but not tight. According to the parameter, watches are either medium-sized or large.
So, if the circumference of the wrist is not more than 17 cm, be guided by the dial diameter of 38, 40 or 42 mm. This is the average watch size.
If your wrist is over 17 cm, select models with a watch diameter of 44, 46, 50 mm.
Note that both large-diameter wristwatches and medium-sized watches are presented in different price categories. The choice is wide: there are aviator models, and sports, and classics, and real works of art from design houses. In addition, a large wristwatch with a dial diameter of 50mm is easy to find in the Casio G-Shock range.
There is also a drawback to this method. It does not take into account the shape of the wrist, which can be either rounded or flatter. Therefore, there is a second method of choosing a watch - by the length of the case.
How to choose a watch by the length of the case
This parameter is measured from the tip of one of the lugs (a protrusion on the case for securing a bracelet or strap) to the tip of the other (along an axis parallel to the line from 6 to 12). It is designated as "Lug to lug".
The length of the body should be slightly less than the width of the wrist. You can find out the last indicator using a measuring tape, ruler or caliper.
The correct selection of the watch case height also depends on the shape of the hand. If you have a rounded hand, it is better to focus on a thin watch with a distance of no more than 10 mm from the glass to the back cover.
If your wrist is wide and relatively flat, you can opt for a more massive, taller watch. But it should be borne in mind that they cannot be worn with a business suit and shirt, since they will interfere with fastening the cuff.
It should also be borne in mind that watches with a square, rectangular or barrel-shaped dial look more massive in comparison with their “colleagues”. These models are suitable for men with a non-circular wrist.
How to determine the size of your watch strap
Finding out the size of a watch strap is not difficult, it is calculated using a simple formula in three steps. First, measure the circumference of your wrist where you plan to wear the watch. In this case, the measuring tape should not fit closely - you must leave a gap on the floor of the finger.
Second, take a look at the chronometer you are going to wear and find the lug to lug reading. This is the length of the case from the top of the lug on the side with the number 12 to the top of the lug on the side with the number 6. The length of the watch must be subtracted from the size of the wrist.
Third, add the length of the strap from the tip to the 4th hole to the remaining number. As a rule, this indicator for men's watches fluctuates between 38 and 45 mm. You can take an approximate, average value.
You can choose the length of the bracelet using the same method. However, it should be borne in mind that with the same length and width, metal bracelets look more massive than leather straps. This effect is given by the texture of the material.
Selection according to the width of the bracelet or strap
This parameter is rarely taken into account, but in vain: it can both emphasize and hide the thinness of the hands or thin wrists. This question is especially relevant for watches for men.
Traditionally, it is believed that the width of the strap is half the diameter of the dial. Lovers of watches with narrow wrists are better off choosing models with a wide strap, which is only a few millimeters narrower than the dial.
With caution, you should also look closely at the watch on the bracelet. If it gives the impression of a heavy, massive accessory, then, most likely, it will contrastly emphasize the thinness of the hand. For the same reason, you should not buy square or rectangular watches - they look more massive than round and oval chronometers.
Affects perception and material. Gold or platinum will draw attention to the hand, a thin stainless steel bracelet will look more neutral.
Advice in conclusion
If you are looking for a watch in an online store, pay attention to the photo of the watch on the model. If they are not there, ask the seller to send pictures in order to independently determine how the chronometer looks on a real hand. Taking into account the previous methods of choosing the optimal watch size, dial diameter and strap, this will help you make a purchase that will not disappoint you.
