Best Watches for Small Wrists: A Guide to Perfect Proportions

Written By: Bob's Watches Reviewed By: Paul Altieri

For decades, contemporary consumer trends were calling for larger timepieces, and across the entire industry, luxury watches were getting bigger. However, although the average watch case size was getting increasingly larger from one year to the next, the average size of the human wrist was not. This trend seems to have finally slowed down; however, decades of gradual increases in case size have left many watch collectors feeling as though many brand’s models are too big for their wrists – and for those that already had more slender wrists, some of the larger models were simply unwearable.

With that in mind, just because many brands spent years steadily increasing the sizes of their watches does not mean that those with slender wrists are completely out of luck. Some brands such as Rolex have always adhered to more conventional case sizes, even during the height of the big-watch-trend years, while the vintage-inspired heritage pieces from other brands such as Tudor and Oris have significantly expanded the number of models with modest case sizes in more recent years.

Whether you have slender wrists or simply desire a high-end timepiece with a slightly more compact profile, the current luxury watch industry offers a number of fantastic options. Knowing how to wear a luxury watch is part of the ownership experience, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly into your daily life. However, if your watch doesn’t properly fit your wrist, you’ll be less likely to wear it, and consequently, you won’t enjoy it as much as you should. Simply put, there is a perfect timepiece for every possible wrist size. So below, we take a look at some of the best luxury watches for those with slender wrists.

Watch Sizes Explained

A watch’s size can be described in several ways. The most common is by the case diameter. For example, the most iconic version of the Rolex Datejust is 36mm in diameter. The average sports watch in Rolex’s portfolio measures 40mm, although this seems to be increasing in recent years with the latest Submariner, Explorer II, and Sea-Dweller all now clocking in between 41mm and 43mm in diameter. For many collectors with a slender wrist, 36mm is a nice size and weight, while 40mm might be slightly on the larger side. Those looking for the 36mm Datejust in this instance would likely find what they are looking for in the Rolex Datejust 36 collection

From there, the size is also characterized by the case thickness and also from lug to lug across the length of the case. If the watch has a slim profile or more tapered lugs, it might be easier to forgive a larger diameter because it will hug the wrist more tightly. Likewise, if the distance from lug to lug is too long for your wrist, the watch will protrude over the sides and may feel a bit uncomfortable, regardless of whether or not the actual case diameter is too large for your wrist. Additionally, the type of watch can also influence its perceived size on the wrist. For example, both the Rolex Datejust 41 and the Submariner have case diameters of 41mm, but the Datejust will likely wear slightly larger since its dial makes up a greater proportion of its overall size.

Other factors to consider are the size of the crown, pushers, and hour markers. These features can significantly impact how the watch appears on the wrist, even if the watch’s size is one that you are normally comfortable wearing. The type of bracelet can also affect the way a watch is worn. For example, metal bracelets typically wear larger than leather straps, and the amount of taper in a bracelet or strap can also alter the perceived size of a watch on your wrist. Each brand will generally have a different bracelet type which can make a difference. Rolex bracelets will be different from OMEGA watch bracelet options, and so on. The case diameter only gives you an approximation of size and it is actually the combination of all of these different measurements that ultimately dictate whether or not a watch will comfortably fit your wrist. Case diameter is certainly the first thing you will want to look at, but these other factors are all important to consider when buying a new watch.

How to Measure your Wrist

Using a tape measure or a piece of string, measure around your wrist at its largest point with your palm facing up and your hand open. This position will ensure the most accurate measurement possible. Slender wrists (for men) usually fall between 6″ and 7″ – although this scale is subject to the individual wearer and their specific preferences regarding how tight or loose that they like a watch to fit on their wrist.

How to Find the Right Size Watch for your Wrist

Now that you know your wrist size, it’s time to find the perfect watch. Starting with the bracelet, a general rule is to allow yourself a little extra room if it is a metal bracelet, although this is entirely up to the wearer. Since most metal bracelets will be a fixed length, a little bit of extra room from sizing up will help prevent your watch from feeling too snug and becoming uncomfortable if your wrist slightly swells throughout the day.

The argument for sizing up is that as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day, the wrist might expand. If the bracelet is fitted to your wrist’s exact measurement, it might become too tight as you go about your day. Some brands, such as Rolex, include clasps that offer extension systems, which allow wearers to adjust their bracelets on the fly and without the use of any tools to help guarantee a tailored fit. If your bracelet does not offer this micro-adjustment functionality, it might be worth going a size up.

Just like the bracelet, the case size is entirely up to the wearer. Those with a smaller wrist will find most watches under 40mm suitable. However, watch tastes are different among collectors. Some love how a larger watch looks on the wrist, in which case 40mm or larger might suit them best. On the other hand, others might prefer a modest timepiece that is perfectly proportionate to their wrist or even gravitate towards an undersized one due to preferences in regards to weight and comfort.

Let’s assume the wearer has a slender wrist and would like a watch that hugs the wrist nicely with lugs that don’t protrude over the sides. If their wrist measures around 6″, a 31mm, 34mm, or 36mm timepiece will suit them nicely. If the lug-to-lug measurement isn’t too long, a watch in the 40mm category might also be appropriate, especially if it is a sports model. If the wrist measures between 6.5″ and 7″ (or anything around that), a case size between 36mm and 40mm should be comfortable. Again, depending on the measurement between the lugs, something larger than 40mm might also be suitable. These measurements are completely subjective and are meant as a general guide because as we’ve already mentioned above, watch tastes can vary from one individual to the next.

Wrist Shape Also Matters

Lastly, it is also important to note that the actual shape of your wrist can also influence the size of the watch that you can comfortably wear. For example, two different wrists may both share the same circumference measurement of 6.5 inches; however, if one wrist is flatter in its shape, while the other is more circular, the flatter wrist will likely be able to wear a slightly larger watch, simply because the top surface area of it is larger than the more circular wrist.

Types of Watches

Most luxury watches can be broken into two main categories: dress and sport. From there, dress watches can also be defined as formal or casual, while sports watches are often divided into different “professional” categories that commonly include dive, pilot, and motorsport. There are many other types of sport and tool watches, but these are just a few of the most popular examples currently available on the luxury watch market.

Dress Watch:

The dress watch category includes more luxurious timepieces in either steel, two-tone, gold, or platinum that look suitable tucked under the sleeve of a black tux or business suit. They’re often simple in design and function, and they often feature a thin profile that wears easily under the cuff of a tight dress sleeve.

Casual Watch:

Casual watches are just that – timepieces for everyday wear and use. They look best when worn casually or as part of a person’s daily wardrobe, and they don’t often include precious metals or gemstones. A typical casual wristwatch might include timeless and classic models, such as a stainless steel Datejust or Oyster Perpetual.

Sports Watch:

Timepieces within the sports watch category often perform a specific set of functions, such as a diver’s timer or stopwatch features. They’re typically designed with a lifestyle, sport, or specific profession in mind, although watches from this category will ultimately appeal to collectors of all walks of life. Sports watches are often rugged and durable; however, in the right setting, they’re also suitable for just about anything. Just think of James Bond wearing an Omega Seamaster or Rolex Submariner with his tuxedo.

Pilot Watch:

Pilot watches typically have highly legible dials and can often feature movements with dual-time functionality. A legible display is certainly a necessity, as is a tough case. One of the most iconic pilot’s watches in the world is the Rolex GMT-Master, which includes a rotating 24-hour bezel and dedicated 24-hour GMT hand on the dial.

Dive Watch:

The primary objective of any dive watch is to offer a significant level of water resistance for divers to use while tracking time while underwater. A high-contrast luminous dial is also a must, as the wearer might often find themselves keeping time in low-light conditions, and most dive watches will feature rotating timing bezels that are graduated to sixty minutes for tracking emersion times.

Motorsport Watch:

Most watches that fall under this category include chronograph (aka stopwatch) functionality, which could also be called a racing watch. The chronograph mechanism typically includes pushers to engage and stop the stopwatch function and corresponding registers on the dial to measure elapsed time. The Rolex Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster are among the most recognizable motorsport watches in the world and they also include tachymeter bezels meant for calculating driving speeds.

Vintage Watch:

Decades ago, 36mm was considered large for men’s wristwatches and most of the timepieces produced during this era were modest in both size and design, with many having cases much smaller than even that. Coupled with irresistible retro styling and often a handsome patina that can only be earned through the test of time, the vintage watch category is hard for many slender wrist gents to resist.

Rolex Watches for Slender Wrists

Slender Wrists Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34mm

Rolex Models for Slender Wrists:

Rolex is one of the world’s most coveted luxury brands. With an ever-expanding pre-owned market, there has never been a better time to finally add your grail Rolex to your collection. If it’s a classic dress watch that you desire, the Rolex Date in 34mm, the elegant Rolex Lady-Datejust collection with its range of smaller sizes, the refined Datejust 31, and the versatile Datejust 36 are some of the best Rolex watches for smaller wrists.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is another popular gents watch available in a broad range of case sizes, including 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, 39mm, and just recently, 41mm. And if you really want the flagship offering from Rolex, the classic Day-Date 36 also makes for a perfect fit on slender wrists who want a solid gold statement watch.

If you’re in the market for a sport or tool watch from Rolex, this Rolex watch review highlights the Yacht-Master 37, which offers a modest size and weight perfect for many slender wrists. The lugs are nicely tapered, and the midsize edition is available on either an Oysterflex or Oyster bracelet. It exudes the classic tool watch aesthetic that many collectors seek without the larger diameter characteristic of most other sports models. The Rolex Explorer at 36mm or 39mm is another great option with more modest styling that offers a smooth bezel and a simple, time-only dial from the Rolex brand.

OMEGA Watches For Smaller Wrists

OMEGA Models for Slender Wrists:

If you’re in the market for an OMEGA watch, the Speedmaster Reduced is a few millimeters smaller than the standard 42mm edition. Measuring 39mm in diameter, the OMEGA Speedmaster Reduced edition of the iconic Moowatch caters to those with a smaller wrist without sacrificing the famed chronograph styling that has accompanied the watch for decades. Although the Speedmaster Reduced has been discontinued, OMEGA still offers smaller Speedmaster watches in the form of the Speedmaster 38 and Speedmaster Racing.

For many years, James Bond was depicted with a Rolex Submariner strapped to his wrist. At 40mm in diameter, the Submariner pushes the boundaries of what will suit a smaller wrist. However, in the 1990s, when Pierce Brosnan took over as Bond, he wore an OMEGA Seamaster Professional Diver 300M.

The Seamaster stands among the best OMEGA watches for those seeking a James Bond timepiece in a more modest size. Unlike the Submariner, the OMEGA Seamaster is available in a broader range of case sizes. If you’re keen on owning a James Bond watch, consider the mid-size version of the classic Seamaster Diver 300M, which offers all the same stylings as 007’s watch but in a noticeably more compact 36.25mm package.

Breitling Watches for Slender Wrists

Breitling Models for Slender Wrists:

Despite their reputation for large and polarizing watches, as this Breitling watch review reveals, the brand also offers timepieces suitable for gentlemen with smaller wrist sizes. One such example is the Navitimer 1 Automatic in 38mm, released just recently in 2018. At 10mm in thickness, the watch hugs the wrist nicely. Also gaining popularity among Breitling enthusiasts with slender wrists is the Breitling Colt, which is available in a variety of sizes, including 38mm and 41mm models.

On the dive watch side of things, Breitling offers a 36mm version of its Breitling Superocean professional diver. Despite the watch’s significantly reduced case proportions, the Breitling Superocean 36 is still water-resistant to an industry-standard 200 meters, making it more than capable of standing up to serious scuba diving use.

Tudor Watches for Slender Wrists

Tudor Models for Slender Wrists:

Tudor watches falls under the Rolex umbrella and is often referred to as the sibling company of the world’s most famous luxury watch manufacturer. The ethos that pairs high-quality and precise timepieces with an affordable price point is the brand’s cornerstone. Collectors who seek a quality luxury watch that won’t break the bank often turn to Tudor and the brand’s heritage-inspired pieces such as the Black Bay and Ranger offer modestly sized watches with classic and historic styles.

The best Tudor watches for small wrists include the Black Bay, which features 32mm, 36mm, and 41mm case options. A smooth bezel surrounds the case, and the dial is simple and easy to read. Additionally, the Black Bay is sold on either a metal bracelet, a fabric, or a leather band. The versatility of the Black Bay makes it a very desirable option for wrists of all sizes and is often highlighted in Tudor watch reviews. Also within the Black Bay family is the Black Bay Fifty-Eight, which offers all the same style cues as the full-size Black Bay dive watch but in a significantly smaller 39mm package, making it perfect for those with slim wrists who still want a Tudor dive watch.

Cartier Watches for Slender Wrists

Cartier Models for Slender Wrists:

Cartier watches is another brand that is universally known, with a rich history of Cartier watches that have captivated enthusiasts for generations. Even if you aren’t very into watches, chances are that you’ve at least heard of Cartier – even if you primarily know the brand due to its famous jewelry offerings. Cartier holds its value well and includes several excellent options for smaller wrist sizes, specializing in watch models that have non-traditional case shapes.

The Tank holds the title of the best-known Cartier watch for men with smaller wrists. Its design is sleek, and timeless, and typically includes a rectangular case topped with the brand’s iconic tall Roman numeral markers. The collection is varied, with several bracelet options, case materials, and dial color options. In the same way that the Tank is available in multiple sizes, many of Cartier’s top collections such as the Santos and the Ballon Bleu are also available in multiple case sizes, allowing for the perfect fit, regardless of wrist size or preferences.

Oris Watches For Slender Wrists

Oris Models for Slender Wrists:

The well-respected Swiss watchmaker Oris has been in business for over a century and is often the first name out of people’s mouths whenever discussing the topic of affordable Swiss-made luxury watches. When covering Oris watch FAQs, this is a common question. The brand’s catalog includes everything from casual and formal dress watches to pilot’s watches and a vast assortment of different divers. Additionally, Oris typically offers multiple sizes of many of its top models, which means that buyers with slim wrists have all the same options available.

One of the best Oris watches for smaller wrists is probably the Oris Diver’s Sixty-Five. The retro-inspired diver takes numerous design cues from Oris’s iconic dive watch from the 1960s, including luminous plots in a warmer hue and smaller case size options that range from 36mm to 42mm, all while offering modern movement technologies and materials. The 36mm, 38mm, and 40mm editions will likely appeal most to those with slender wrists; however, Oris watches also offer smaller-sized options for many of its other top collections such as the Oris Aquis and the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date.

Tissot Watches for Slender Wrists

Slender Wrists Tissot Bridgeport Chronograph

Tissot Models for Slender Wrists:

For around $1k, you can add the Tissot Bridgeport chronograph to your collection, which measures just over 37mm in diameter. For an automatic-winding chronograph watch, its size and weight are on the smaller side relative to comparable offerings, and it falls into that sweet spot for anyone with a smaller wrist; however, it still offers elegant styling that enables it to effortlessly pair with formal attire.

Sporting a 39mm case, the T-Classic Le Locle Automatic is also a nice option for slender wrists. As detailed in our Tissot watch review, the sleek design can be classified as either casual or formal and is powered by a reliable movement. For any collector seeking versatility, this Tissot watch offers meticulous attention to detail – from the dial’s finish to the case’s shape – making it a worthwhile acquisition despite its budget-friendly price point.

Conclusion

What matters most whenever shopping for a luxury watch is how it makes you feel when it’s on your wrist. If you have slender wrists but love the way a large watch looks, then you should always buy the model that you want because your personal preferences matter more than any possible fashion rules or conventional guidelines. However, if you are unsure of where to start the search for your dream watch but want to first make sure that whatever you’re looking at will fit your wrist, then consider any one of the fantastic models above or shop our website for even more luxury watch options.

Best Watches for Small Wrists: Top Slim Timepieces Reviewed

Watch Sizes Explained

How to Measure your Wrist