This article is available in French only.
For a 6 to 6.3 inch wrist (15 to 16 cm), aim for a 36 to 39 mm case; for 6.3 to 7 inches (16 to 18 cm), 38 to 41 mm; above 7 inches, 40 to 44 mm. Diameter is only part of it: the lug-to-lug distance should not be wider than the top of your wrist, and thickness changes how a watch wears. Measure your wrist with a soft tape just above the wrist bone.
How to measure your wrist
- Use a soft measuring tape, or a strip of paper and a ruler.
- Wrap it just above the wrist bone, where you wear a watch, without pulling tight.
- Read the measurement. Most men's wrists are between 6.3 and 7 inches (16 to 18 cm).
Watch size chart
| Wrist size | Recommended diameter | Maximum lug-to-lug |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5.9 in (15 cm) | 34 to 38 mm | 44 mm |
| 5.9 to 6.3 in (15 to 16 cm) | 36 to 39 mm | 46 mm |
| 6.3 to 6.7 in (16 to 17 cm) | 38 to 40 mm | 47 mm |
| 6.7 to 7.1 in (17 to 18 cm) | 39 to 42 mm | 49 mm |
| 7.1 to 7.5 in (18 to 19 cm) | 40 to 44 mm | 51 mm |
| Over 7.5 in (19 cm) | 42 to 46 mm | 53 mm |
These are guidelines, not rules: a light dial and a thin bezel make a watch look bigger, a wide bezel and a dark dial make it look smaller.
Why lug-to-lug matters more than diameter
Lug-to-lug is the distance from the tip of the top lug to the tip of the bottom lug. If it is wider than the top of your wrist, the lugs overhang and the watch looks too big, whatever its diameter. A 40 mm watch with short lugs can fit better than a 39 mm watch with long ones.
Thickness and the strap
- Thickness: under 12 mm, a watch slides under a shirt cuff; an automatic dive-style watch is usually 12 to 14 mm thick.
- Bracelet or strap: a link bracelet is sized by removing links; on a small wrist, a rubber strap that you cut to length or a leather strap adjusts more easily.
- Integrated bracelet: it flows straight out of the case and makes a watch wear larger than its diameter. See integrated bracelet watches.
Modus sizes
Most Modus watches have a 40 mm case, the most versatile size for wrists from 6.3 to 7.5 inches. The exact size is listed on every product page, and the watch configurator offers several straps for each model.
Frequently asked questions
What size watch for a 6.5 inch wrist?
A 38 to 40 mm case with a lug-to-lug of 47 mm or less.
What size watch for a 7 inch wrist?
A 39 to 42 mm case. Above 44 mm, the watch starts to look oversized.
Is a 40 mm watch too big?
Not for most men's wrists: 40 mm is the most common size and suits wrists from about 6.3 to 7.5 inches. Under 6 inches, a 36 to 38 mm case usually looks better.
