Wrist width vs circumference?

You can only really tell if a watch fits you or not, if you try it on.

I have a „medium“ sized wrist circumference at 7,2“ but I think that my wrist isn’t very wide tho. So bigger watches can feel good to wear but look „too big“ (if there’s such a thing)

While I agree that circumference isn't everything, that width measurement pictured isn't the one you should be looking at. If you bought a lug-to-lug of 59 the overhang wouldn't be a good look - the straps would be vertical to the lugs.

It's a judgement call, but I'd measure where the wrist starts to noticeably drop away.

If I'm buying without having tried it on then I find the largest lug in my collection and see how that fits for comparison.

7.5 inch wrist here and I can't stand watches over 39mm and especially on metal. Like wearing a handcuff. I like small watches like my parents and grandparents wore.

It's not just the measurements, it's the shape of the wrist. I've heard the term flat wrist (I'd count myself in the category) as more of the area is top n bottom and you can get away with a bigger watch, rather than a round wristed person who's area is more equal with the sides. Hope that makes sense.

Never forget…

As with all things in life, the perception of your own size might not reflect reality.

With some experience, you will know the range of sizes that will typically fit you and some that are on the fringe. As we all know, it's best to try on physically if possible.

My wrist width 59.5 mm,and 42 mm 47 lug-to-lug Citizen Eco-drive wears very comfortably.

39-40mm 46-48 lug-to-lug is ideal size of watch for my wrist.

No substitute to putting it on the wrist!

There definitely is some sort of ratio of wrist circumference to wrist span that dictates the look and comfort of a watch.

Mine is 6.5” with a span of around 55mm ish and is quite flat. That makes me feel like I can get away with larger watches than the internet would suggest as there isn’t the lug overhang you’d get on a more rounded wrist.

That being said, I’m still hopeful an Elliot Brown Holton Proffessional might be wearable for me, the internet says with 52mm lug to lug is a no go, and I have a 50mm that looks to my eye to be my maximum, but I’ll wait until I can get down to their showroom to try it on and be 100% sure before move on to lusting after something else.

It’s certainly a perception issue for me. My wrist is ~8 inches. I wouldn’t have said this a few months back but I am now comfortable with a 37mm, sub-47mm L2L. That’s a bit of a departure as most of what I own is 40mm+. Case style and strap choice (minimal tapering if possible) are key considerations when I’m looking at sub ~39.

Im the same 34-36mm are my favourite sizes at the moment. It's nice to see watches getting smaller again.

My wrist is 6.25 inches. And yes, I also measured my wrist width, which is much thinner than yours at 50 or 51mm.

So this Citizen GMT simply looks like a water meter on my wrist, despite its thick bezel and black dial, which visually can make it seem to wear smaller. But the width is undeniably chunky.

So, a suitable case size for me is within this sweet spot of dimensions-- Diameter of 34-38mm, LTL of 40-45mm. Beyond that, the lugs will just overhang.

I tried wrapping the measuring tape around my wrist but the metal kept cutting me! Ha!

I tried doing the same thing too

7.5" here. Now off to measure the width........

Smart to use your calipers! Can be a tricky measurement to get 🤙

Yes, I thought the same and did a post on the topic a few weeks back, then got a comment from someone else who had posted a similar view last summer.

It appears more people are figuring this out! Although I agree with comments regarding trying a watch on whenever possible.

For sure! Its a nice number to have as reference. Trying on can never be replaced 💯

Yeah, good point. As @Stricko mentioned and you also pointed out, wrist shape is part of it. I was just looking at my wrist shape and it is indeed pretty flat. Having tried quite a few watches, I know I feel good wearing 50mm lug to lug or just a bit over that. Will have to re measure where it looks like my wrist drops off

I have a 6.75mm wrist with a pronounced wrist bone. I think 40 mm watches look fine on my wrist.

Your making alot of sense here

I find straight lugged watches ALWAYS sit/feel weird.

Love that Braun, btw. I always liked that date complication. Somewhat hard to find.

I agree. I always thought my wrist was on the small side, but I think it was mainly due to the width. First time I measured the circumference I was surprised it was 7.25”. Width is only 57mm. I like larger watches. Not including G-Shocks, I have have 4 watches that are 42 or 43mm, and they fit great.

Darren, a fellow Cruncher, Leo just posted asking for opinions if his new watch was "too big"? I thought "too big for what"? for looks, for comfort, for others to not shame me? A fellow Cruncher asked him if it was comfortable to wear and I hope that it is for his sake.

As this pertains to this thread, I think we all know that wrists come in different sizes, and shapes so the raw measurement of circumference is valid but not the only important data point.

Also, we know that watches come in different lug lengths, lug sizes and lug shapes i.e. curved, flat, etc.

Further, some like bracelets and some bands, straps and bungee cords and that impacts how things look and feel.

Lastly, how loose or tight, where on the wrist the watch sits, all figure into the equation.

So, finding a watch that you like, that matches your wrist shape and size is hard enough so it does come down to two things; do you like the watch and is it comfortable to wear?

There is really no reference chart to look at or comparing with someone else since you are wearing it, not them. Just my .02c and likely not worth the price.

Good guide by Brock of The Slender Wrist.