What’s your most comfortable watch?
I’ve had the good fortune to wear several watches and gotten familiar with a few brands. I consider myself very lucky to have had the chance to so. And in my experience, I can say that even some high end watch makers don’t always make a very comfortable wearing watch - as nice as they may be in other aspects. Comfort is definitely one aspect when we consider a watch, and we often know right away when it just “feels right”.
There are two watches I have which rise to the top:
Omega Seamaster 300
This is my all time most comfortable watch. In the hand, you can feel the precision in its manufacturing and production - sharp in all the right ways. But not sharp to the point of being uncomfortable. It’s not a thin watch but it still hugs my 6.5” wrist perfect. Of course, the half link adjustments help you dial in the right fit, and the on-the-fly adjustability in the clasp gives you the ability to fine-tune the fitment. The on-the-fly adjustment also makes this watch incredibly comfortable as your wrist swells or changes due to the seasons and temperatures.
Cartier Santos (large size)
This watch is unique in my collection as it is the only one with an integrated bracelet design. This bracelet is super comfy, and has a nice taper to it, ending in a double deployment clasp. Many reviews have highlighted it before, but the ease of adjustability in the bracelet - the ability to add or remove links without a tool - makes it easy to dial in the right fit. But the element that makes this watch ultra comfortable is just the inherent design of the back of the watch: it’s curved to hug your wrist perfectly! Other watches may have lugs that curve down, and yes that helps with hugging your wrist. But you still have a flat surface for most of the watch back. Here, Cartier has designed a curved back where your wrist just fits snugly into. Love this!
And now onto my least comfy watch in my collection: this distinction goes to the Stowa Chronograph 1938.
Stowa Chrono 1938
I acquired this watch years ago and although I love it, I have to say it’s not the most comfortable. It’s a little thick for a dress watch. I opted for the croc strap, it also came with a brown leather strap as well. But neither strap was nicely finished, with stitching that poked at your wrist. The straps never really got to the point of being broken in and soft either. They just kinda remained stiff and uncomfortable. Love the brand, and I think Stowa designs are a little underrated. But they aren’t doing themselves any favours with their straps. This watch is almost 20 years old now so maybe Stowa’s straps have improved since then. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So…what’s your most comfortable watch?
Oh and by the way, the Rolex pictured at the top of this article doesn’t even come close to the Omega in terms of comfort. But it is pretty to look at!
Lifelong watch lover. Learning more every day about this hobby. See more photos on IG @morebillablehours
not in the same league as your beautiful pieces, but this is my most comfortable watch;
Mine is the Citizen Garrison Field watch. Don't have a photo handy, but it's all titanium with a very legible dial. It's the one where I most got the 'feels' when I put it on. Even before I got it sized. The reason was that the curve of the lugs somehow fit exactly onto my wrist, as if it was made for it. It's still my most comfortable, feeling like it 'belongs' on my wrist. Even my Monta Noble doesn't do that.
My most comfortable would have to be either my Grand Seiko SBGA413 in High Intensity Titanium (Grade 5) or my SLGH005 White Birch. The wide bracelet and thin case profile make it sit really well on my wrist. I should also mention my Rolex Yacht Master 37. The case profile is nice and curved unlike the slab sided GMT & Submariner models. It has a wonderful bracelet and its smaller size fits my wrist perfectly. I just sometimes prefer the lightness of the titanium vs stainless steel.
Great write up here and thanks for sharing! To me, I think the most comfortable one I have right now has got to be my Monta OceanKing. Since the second I took it out of the box, it has just clicked for me. The bracelet sized up perfect for my wrist, the 40mm case size is perfectly balanced on me and thinness is always a plus compared to my Pelagos. The Pelagos is quickly growing on me and very very comfy, but I think I have to give it to my Monta on this one!
I agree with the Seamaster. Very comfortable. Weighed just right.
Wouldn't it be awesome if our most expensive watches were also our most comfortable? But nope! I bought this Tissot chrono diver to serve as an effortless quartz GADA while not really expecting to vibe with it as much as I have. It's been a wonderful buttery smooth fit and exceeds my expectations on every level. Can't always say that about some of my more substantial outlays.
My 36mm Stowa Flieger is such an effortless joy to wear on my small wrist.
Honorable mentions to the Tudor BB58 (by far the most comfy diver I’ve ever worn) and the Sinn U50 (a 41mm, 500m diver has no business being this easy to wear).
SMP on Zealande rubber, definitely the most comfortable combo 👌
I think it would have to be the Cartier Basculante. This just disappears due to its slim size, light weight and the crown seated at 12 instead of 3.
The most comfortable watch for me is the Tudor Royal 38mm. The jubilee style bracelet just nails it. There is no micro adjustment though.
Watches on soft rubber straps! 😊
Not gonna lie but uncomfortable watches don’t survive for long in my collection so all of them are comfortable. Here’s a few standouts anyway.
Dam, I wish I had enough watches worn to be able to comment, your seamaster is a beaut.
This is the one for me and my big wrist. On the original band too. Not in the same realm as Seamasters or Submariners, but for me it just fits.
197 USD for Credor??? wowww. i had never looked into secondary market for Credor but this has got me interested!
These two.
I’m not wearing it now but my Cartier Santos ADLC with rubber strap is my most comfortable to wear. I hardly notice it’s weight it’s so light.
G shock 😅
On its OEM bracelet/strap, my Cartier santos medium. On an aftermarket strap, literally any watch on a Nick Mankey Designs hook strap
A comfortable watch for me is a watch I don't have to worry about wearing and knocking into things, and a watch that's rugged so that it survives when I do eventually hit something. Additionally, it should be a watch that's relatively light, less than or equal to 40mm wide, and not longer than 47mm lug to lug. Unfortunately, the criteria around dimensions is what knocks most G-Shocks out of the running.
So this leaves me with one option: my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical, with the NATO strap changed to a two-piece leather one. Sapphire glass, bead-blasted case, fits the dimensions, and very light.
Honorable mention: Longines HydroConquest 39mm on a NATO strap (steel bracelet is nice, but I just prefer lighter watches), but the aluminum bezel reduces the durability and the 19mm lugs makes this one hard to find straps for in my country.
Believe it or not, it's my Amphibia. On the mesh bracelet, it feels ad if it adheres to my my wrist. Plus, I worry about nothing :)
On its OEM bracelet/strap, my Cartier santos medium. On an aftermarket strap, literally any watch on a Nick Mankey Designs hook strap
i happen to be wearing my Santos Large today! the Sales Associate also gave me the black leather OEM strap for the santos but it doesn’t feel as comfortable as the OEM bracelet
I would have to say the Casio f9w or my sea-master as they have rubber straps , and Im not really super into wearing a bracelet watch for long periods.
Definitely, Cartier Santos Medium. Sometimes forget I have it on.
well written piece..My most comfortable watch is the one I am wearing that day for that purpose..
The most comfortable watch I have is this 2264.50.
Followed by this 5513
The older watches with slimmer cases are more comfortable for me........
The most comfortable watch that I have is my Stuhrling Original Concorso Raceway, and mainly because it's on a NATO strap. It's lightweight, and doesn't make my wrist sweat.
As far as a daily wear watch I have to go with a GA-100 G-Shock after a couple minutes I forget I'm wearing it (regular resin band)
SMP on Zealande rubber, definitely the most comfortable combo 👌
I love the look....