How to Measure Wrist Size for a Watch

How to Measure Wrist Size for a Watch

As luxury watch experts, we will show you how to measure wrist size for a watch with simple sizing techniques recommended by our horologists.

Shopping for luxury watches is an exciting time for any watch lover. While you may have a brand, style and list of complications prepared, do you know your wrist size or how to measure wrist size? As luxury watch experts, we will show you how to measure wrist size for a watch with simple sizing techniques recommended by our horologists.

How To Measure Wrist Size For A Watch

Depending on your preferences, you may want to wear a looser or more snug fitting watch. Your watch should always sit comfortably on your wrist, never digging into your skin or turning on your wrist. The key is to find a balance between comfort and security. Keep your fit preferences in mind when trying out the following measurement techniques.
Wrist measurement techniques:

1. Measure your wrist with a flexible tape measurer
2. Measure your wrist with a piece of paper
3. Buy a wrist sizer
4. Measure a well-fitting watch

1. Measure Your Wrist With A Flexible Tape Measurer:

Tools: Flexible tape measurer
Steps:

1. Wrap the tape measurer around the part of your wrist where your watch will rest until it overlaps with the starting point.
2. The number where the tape measurer overlaps is your wrist size.

2. Measure Your Wrist With A Piece Of Paper:

Tools: Paper, ruler, pen and scissors
Steps:

1. Cut a strip of paper to make a mock tape measurer.
2. Wrap the paper around the part of your wrist where your watch will rest.
3. Gently wrap the paper around your wrist until it overlaps with the starting point.
4. Use the pen to mark where the paper overlaps on your wrist.
5. Place the paper on a flat surface and use a ruler to measure from the base of the paper to spot you marked.
6. The measurement will be your wrist size.

3. Buy A Wrist Sizer:

Tools: Plastic wrist sizer
Steps to follow:

1. Buy a plastic wrist sizer for a few dollars.
2. Place your hand inside the sizer and gently tighten it around the part of your wrist where your watch will rest.
3. The number the sizer points to is your wrist size.

4. Measure A Well-Fitting Watch:

Tools: A well-fitting watch, watch sizing cone
Steps:

1. Take a well-fitting watch to a watch store with a sizing cone.
2. A staff member will slip your watch onto the sizing cone and the number the watch settles on is your wrist size.

How To Resize A Watch

When bought, a standard watch will be 8 inches long for men and 7 inches long for women. You will likely need to have your watch resized for an optimal fit. You should never resize watches on your own because you may accidentally scratch the watch, strip a screw or cause other unnecessary damage. Watches should only be resized by watchmakers because they have the necessary skills and industry tools to safely and correctly size a variety of watch bracelets and straps.
There are different sizing techniques depending on your watch’s bracelet and strap type:

Bracelets: To make a bracelet smaller, links need to be removed. Make sure that the link removal is balanced by taking a link from each end of the bracelet.

To make a bracelet larger, more links need to be added to the bracelet. If you do not have any spare links, you will need to buy additional links from your watch’s respective brand. Links prices can range from as little as $25 to well over $1,000 per link depending on the brand, metal type and gemstone adornment.

Leather straps: To make a leather strap fit a smaller wrist, certain watch stores have leather strap hole punchers, a process similar to having another hole punched into a belt. If you need a larger leather strap, you will need to purchase a new one. Generic leather straps can cost as little as $100 while straps from your watch’s respective brand will likely cost more.

Rubber straps: To make a leather strap fit a smaller wrist, certain watch stores have a rubber strap cutting device. If you need a larger rubber strap or had your rubber strap poorly cut, you will need to buy a new rubber strap. Generic rubber straps can cost as little as $50 while straps from your watch’s respective brand will likely cost more.

Where To Buy Affordable Watches

Now that you know how to measure wrist size for a watch, are you ready to buy your next luxury watch? MyGemma is your one-stop-shop for all of your luxury watch needs. From vintage finds to modern day favorites, myGemma carries a wide array of pre-owned luxury watches at up to 80% off retail prices. Shop beloved brands such as Rolex, IWC and Patek Philippe at outstanding discounts. To make your next luxury watch even more affordable, we provide easy monthly payment plants with our partner Affirm as well as free US shipping.