How Tight Should a Watch Be?

Written By: Vahid Moradi

A watch that is too tight is a pain in more ways than one. Aside from the obvious lack of circulation and physical torment a tight watch can cause, it also won't look right on your wrist bone.

Many types of watches, whether they come with a watch strapor bracelet, can be made to fit exactly how you want. While it is a best practice to purchase a watch made to your specifications, if you buy a watch straight off the rack, you will need to try it on to make sure it looks right on your wrist bone.

The easiest way to determine if your new watch is a good fit is with a simple test. The fit test is a surefire way to calibrate whether the watch strap is too loose, too tight, or just right. First, put the watch on. Most people wear watches on their non-dominant hand, i.e., the hand you DON'T use for writing and brushing your teeth (the left wrist if you’re right-handed and vice versa). Once the watch is secured to your left wrist, use your opposite hand's index finger and slide it in between the watch and your wrist.

The watch should be loose enough to slide your index finger underneath the band but not so loose that you can move the index finger around. If you cannot slide your finger underneath the band, the watch is too snug. Similarly, if you can move your index finger around once it's in between the band and your wrist, it is too loose.

Traditionally, a watch that is a perfect fitdoesn't slide around on your wrist. The right watchshould remain in place with the watch face on top of your wrist without sliding up and down your forearm. If you have a loose watchthat slides up and down your wrist, consider a new watch bracelet that is the proper fitfor your wrist size. The bottom line is you should also think about comfort.

Now that we've established how tight should a watch be, let's examine some do's and don'ts should you ever need to adjust your watch to the correct strap and case size.

ORDER A SHORT, STANDARD, OR LONG LENGTH STRAP

Whether you prefer a leather strapor a metal watch band, almost all manufacturers offer the option for you to order a strap that fits your wrist. Whether you need a short-length strap or a long strap, you can order the right fitfrom an authorized dealer. Watches typically come on a standard-length strap, but it's always a good idea to try these on to find a comfortable fitbefore purchasing.

CAN I REMOVE LINKS FROM A BRACELET-STYLE WATCH?

Nowadays, many brands have an easy link system requiring almost no tools to take out links. Taking out links can be a simple task once you get the hang of it, but if you feel uncomfortable with taking them out, you can take the watch to an authorized dealer or watchmaker like CJ Charles.

SEE A WATCHMAKER

Not all projects should be DIY. While there are some circumstances where you can easily adjust your adjustable strapor even change it outright, the case sizeand model of the watch have a lot to do with band customization. Especially with luxury watches, the last thing you would want to do is ruin the band by attempting to fix it yourself. Adjusting, swapping, or repairing a watch strapis a simple task for a watchmaker, especially those that fall into thefamous watch brandcategories.

There is no need to put yourself through a task you don't have the tools or skill set for when your jeweler or watchmaker can quickly and easily fix your watch strapto your desired specifications. It is far more likely that meddling with your watch band will cause an even more serious issue that requires a jeweler's handiwork. It's best to avoid making a bad situation worse and skip right to the step where you take your watch in for a professional touch orwatch repair.

Here are some tips for ensuring your next watch fits perfectly:

1. Schedule a fitting with a jeweler or watchmaker- The best watches are those that come tailored to your size. Most jewelers, like CJ Charles, are certified dealers for many fine watch brands. Getting fitted for a watch before you buy can help alleviate the frustration of a watch bandnot fitting correctly.
2. Replacement bands should match the watch brand - There is no point in having a gorgeous Rolex if you are going to put some cheap replacement band on. If you are interested in a replacement band, make sure it is made specifically for your watch by the same company that made the original timepiece.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Aside from being so loose it falls off your wrist, or so tight the watch is cutting off circulation to your wrist, how to wear a watchcomes down to personal preference. Whether you're wearing dive watches, pilot watches for outdoor activities, dress watches, or other types by CJ Charles, the standard fit is enough room to slip your index finger between the band and your wrist, that is certainly not a hard and fast rule. The index finger under the wrist is simply a general measurement that seems to be a comfortable fit for most people. If you like your watch to be a little snug, go for it!

If you're ever unsure about how tight to wear your watch or how to remove your current watch strap, see a trustedwatch retailersuch as CJ Charles. Our experts can help answer questions and concerns that you have about your watch as well as provide service and repair if needed. We carry a wide selection of new, pre-owned, and vintage watches from brands likeCartier,Panerai watches,used Patek Philippe,pre-owned Rolex,IWC,A. Lange & Söhne, and usedBreitling watches. Visit our website to learn more about our products and services today!

Written By: Vahid Moradi
Vahid Moradi’s lifelong passion, dedication, and commitment for the jewelry industry led him to become the respected owner of CJ Charles Jewelers in 1988. From that moment, Moradi’s single focus in business was to become recognized as the pinnacle of value and world-class quality in the his Community. Over 34 years later, CJ Charles continues to grow and thrive as a successful, family-owned business that consistently provides exceptional service to all their clientele.

Sources:

1. Ben’s Watch Club. How Should A Watch Fit? A Watch Guide For Beginners. https://www.benswatchclub.com/blog/how-should-a-watch-fit
2. Watches Buddy. How Tight Should A Watch Be? https://watchesbuddy.com/how-tight-should-a-watch-be/
3. Bob’s Watch. How to Wear a Men’s Watch. https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/watch-101/how-to-wear-a-watch.html