How/why watches wear differently than their dimensions
Just using these two watches as context:
So, we all know dimensions don't tell the full story on how a watch will ultimately wear on-wrist. For example, the Kamasu wears quite a bit smaller than its 41.8mm case size, while the Islander Republic GMT wears larger than its stated 40mm size (on my calipers, the case actually measurs smaller than that).
Looking at them you can kind of see why. While the Kamasu's case is larger, it's bezel measures 39.5mm and slopes inwards drawing your eyes from the case and towards the dial. The Islander has the opposite effect, since the bezel actually protrudes past the case (measuring ~40.5mm), making the watch appear a full mil larger on-wrist.
So, in effect, even though the Kamasu is larger, it appears smaller on-wrist than the Republic.
So, I think it's important for watch companies to not only list the case dimensions but also the bezel dimensions, so buyers can get a better approximation of how the watch will look when it's actually on your wrist. And we haven't even't touched on how the lug-to-lug affects things.... but for me that has less of a visual effect, and more of a comfort thing.
People like Teddy Baldisare, Jody from One More Watch, the Watch Idiot, etc do a really good job of showing how the watch looks/wears vs. it's dimensions.
What other factors affect how a watch looks on wrist compared to its dimensions?
Teacher/Dean in NYC. Lefty that wears watches on the left, so sapphire crystal is a must (with a few exceptions). My collection is in the "affordable" range, with watches ranging from $150 - 800.
oh, that's cool! thanks for the link to the other discussion on the topic
Personally, I’ve found the lug-to-lug dimension, the curve of the lugs and even the placement of the spring bars in the lugs all contribute to wearability.
Personally, I’ve found the lug-to-lug dimension, the curve of the lugs and even the placement of the spring bars in the lugs all contribute to wearability.
totally!! But I've found that to have more of an impact on the watch's comfort on-wrist and less on it's visual appearance.
For ex: my Nodus Sector GMT has really long lugs relative to its case size, and it does affect how comfortably it sits (and what straps look good with it)
Personally, I’ve found the lug-to-lug dimension, the curve of the lugs and even the placement of the spring bars in the lugs all contribute to wearability.
Could not agree more. 👍