Watch Sizing Guide
Selecting the appropriate watch size involves more than the case diameter listed on a product page. Three measurements are most relevant: case diameter (the width of the case, typically measured from the 8 to 2 o'clock position to avoid the crown); lug-to-lug distance (the span from the tip of the top lugs to the tip of the bottom lugs, which determines how much of the wrist the watch covers); and lug width (the gap between the lugs where the strap or bracelet is fitted)
Lug-to-lug determines wrist coverage
Of these, lug-to-lug is often the most overlooked, despite the fact that two watches sharing an identical case diameter can wear noticeably differently if their lug-to-lug measurements diverge. A shorter lug-to-lug allows a larger-diameter case to sit close to the wrist, while a longer lug-to-lug can cause even a moderately sized case to extend beyond the wrist's edge. To identify a suitable size range, wrist circumference should be measured using flexible tape positioned just above the wrist bone, where the watch typically rests.
Most adult wrists measure between 15 and 19 centimeters in circumference, with case sizes of 38 to 42mm and a lug-to-lug under 50mm suiting the majority comfortably. To make this easier to picture, the table below suggests a case size, lug-to-lug limit, and total strap length for each wrist circumference range. Strap length follows a common industry formula: wrist circumference plus roughly 3 to 5cm, enough for the buckle to close within the middle holes with room to adjust in either direction.
|
Wrist (cm)
|
case diameter (mm)
|
Lug-to-lug (mm)
|
Length(cm)
|
|
14-15
|
36-38
|
Under 44
|
17-19
|
|
15-16
|
38-39
|
Under 46
|
18-20
|
|
16-17
|
39-40
|
Under 47
|
19-21
|
|
17-18
|
40-41
|
Under 48
|
20-22
|
|
18-19
|
41-42
|
Under 49
|
21-23
|
|
19-20
|
42-44
|
Under 50
|
22-24
|
For example, a 15cm wrist suits a case around 36 to 38mm, a lug-to-lug under 44mm, and a strap with a total length of about 18 to 20cm. These are general reference points; actual fit also depends on strap thickness and buckle hole position, so trying the watch on remains the most accurate method.
At Craft Mod, product listings state both case diameter and lug-to-lug distance, allowing fit to be assessed accurately prior to purchase rather than estimated from diameter alone.