Finding the right size makes all the difference to how a watch looks and feels on your wrist. Here is a quick guide.
Case size guide
| Case diameter | Typical fit | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 mm | Small / ladies’ and vintage dress watches | Cartier Tank Must, Panthère Small |
| 30–36 mm | Classic, elegant; suits smaller wrists | Rolex Datejust 36, Tudor Royal 36 |
| 37–40 mm | The modern sweet spot for most wrists | Tudor Black Bay 58, Rolex Explorer |
| 41–42 mm | Sporty, bold presence | Rolex Submariner 41, Omega Speedmaster |
| 43 mm and above | Large, best on bigger wrists | Pilot and diving chronographs |
How to measure your wrist
- Wrap a soft tape measure (or a strip of paper) around your wrist, just above the wrist bone.
- Keep it snug but not tight, and note the length.
- As a rough guide: under 16 cm (6.3″) suits up to about 38 mm; 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1″) suits 36–41 mm; over 18 cm (7.1″) suits 40 mm and above.
Look at lug-to-lug too
The distance from the top lug to the bottom lug matters as much as the diameter. If the lugs extend past the edges of your wrist, the watch will look too big. Rectangular watches like the Cartier Tank are measured by width and height, so they often wear larger than their width suggests.
Not sure which size is right for you? Email [email protected] and we’ll help.