5 Tips For Purchasing Proportional Watches

5 Tips For Purchasing Proportional Watches

As human beings we are drawn towards natural balance. Leaning towards correct proportions is instinct, whether we’re balancing a checkbook or building a house.

Generally speaking if you have a smaller wrist, you will want a smaller watch. If you have a larger wrist you will want a larger watch.

Let’s break that down a little bit more into 5 key elements.

• Watch Case Diameter
• Watch Case Thickness
• Watch Band Width
• Watch Band Material
• Watch Details & Components

1. Watch Case Diameter

Case Diameter is the most obvious and noticeable element of proportion. 

Men’s watches usually range from 38mm to 46mm.

• Anything above 46mm starts to become too large, and is usually reserved for rakish or flashy outfits.
• Anything below 38mm leans towards jewelry and eases into women’s size watches.

So how do you know what size works for you?

Measure your wrist.

You can use a dollar bill as a hack to measure. Modern US Paper Currencies are 6 inches in length. Wrap it around your wrist to find the circumference of your wrist.

•  If your wrist is 6 to 7 inches you will be a small to medium wrist size. The small to medium diameter cases are 38mm, 40mm, and 42mm.
• If your wrist is 7.5 to 8 inches in circumference, that will be more proportional with large cases which are 44-46mm.

2. Watch Case Thickness

Case thickness is oftentimes directly correlated to case diameter.

Back when mechanical watches were dominating the market it was perceived that a thinner case was higher quality. This is no longer the case now with electronic watches entering the market, as well as quartz designs. A general rule is, as the diameter of the case increases or decreases, the thickness does as well. Usually for 38mm to 42mm diameter you will see around 7 mm in thickness. Once you get up to 44mm and beyond the thickness increases to around 9mm.

The thickness of the case will usually be best proportioned to your body if you choose the right case diameter. 

3. Watch Band Width

A well proportioned watch usually has a band width of about half its case diameter.

If you wear a 40mm watch, the width should be approximately 20mm in width. Depending on your style preference you may want to wear a watch with a wider band width.

My preference is for smaller band widths, however, I do have smaller wrists. If you have larger wrists you may lean towards wider bands. If you are only shopping for cases and want to pick out a band later, you can determine what the width of the band will be based on the lug width.

4. Watch Band Material

Leather bands are going to give your watch a slimmer look.

A metal watchband, even one the same size as a leather band, will always appear larger & heavier because of the nature of metal. This is an important consideration if you have smaller wrists.

Metal bands will present the appearance of a larger watch, making it a primary choice for men with larger wrists.

If you have small wrists and want a metal band – check out this watch I personally own.  It combines the characteristics I described above and the metal bracelet is proportionally smaller.

Again it depends on personal preference.

5. Watch Details

Last but not least look at the size of the components on the watch.

This means notice the numbers, the hours, and second hands. The lug size, the pusher, and changer.

As these components grow in size and thickness it gives the illusion of a larger watch. This can cause watches on men with smaller wrists to appear to be out of proportion, especially combined with any of the elements mentioned above. The important thing to notice with components is how they play into the other elements of the watch. 

If you have a 38mm to 40mm watch and the numbers are huge, it will look unbalanced. On the flip side if you have a 9mm thick watch with a 46mm case diameter and thin hour hands something might seem off as well.

TOP 10 DESIGNER WATCHES FOR WOMEN

TOP 10 DESIGNER WATCHES FOR WOMEN

Buying a watch is no simple task. Although there are plenty of timepieces on the market, finding one that is stylish, high-quality, and that suits your tastes can be challenging. As such, narrowing down your field of search can be extremely helpful. From the ultimate luxury brands to the must-have modern labels, each of these designer watchmakers is adept at creating fashionable watch designs. Now, all you need to do is choose which one of their stylish timepieces you want to buy. To assist you in this endeavour, we’ve curated a list of the top designer watches for women.

1. Gucci

When it comes to accessories, Gucci certainly knows what it’s doing. It isn’t just the label’s fur loafers or iconic Dionysus bag that we love, though. Gucci’s range of watches is also impeccable with many chic and fashion-forward designs.

2. Chanel

Chanel’s incredible style and quality extend beyond its clothes into accessories. The luxury fashion label’s watches are particularly impressive and worth every penny of their considerable price tags.

3. Coach

Looking for an on-trend watch to adorn your wrist? Iconic American fashion label, Coach may have what you need. The brand has reinvented itself of late and now boasts a modern and youthful aesthetic while maintaining its traditional roots.

4. Versace

If you want a real piece of luxury on your wrist, look no further than Versace’s range of watches. The Italian label’s timepieces are just as glamorous and irresistible as its stunning fashion designs

5. Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani’s signature Italian style translates perfectly into the label’s collection of watches. As such, when you buy one of the brand’s designs, you’re not only getting a timepiece, but also a striking and timeless accessory with an air of casual sophistication.

6. Burberry

Although there are many designer watches on the market, Burberry’s are some of the best. The British label’s timepieces are as fashionable and chic as its clothes and made to the same incredible quality.

7. Christian Dior

If you’re the type of lady who likes a little bit of luxury on her arm, you can’t go past a Dior timepiece. As glamorous as they are luxurious, the label’s selection of watches for women is filled with impeccable and unforgettable designs.

8. Fendi

Boldly fashion yet easily wearable, Fendi’s collection of watches contains an excellent selection of modern designs. What else would you expect from this iconic Italian fashion house?

9. Furla

Stylish straps and unique faces make Furla stand out in a sea of designer watch brands. From its double-wrap bracelets to its chic subdials, this label knows how to perfectly infuse Italian glamour into a practical timepiece.

10. Givenchy

French couture house, Givenchy knows what it takes to design something truly wonderful, and the label’s range of watches for women is no exception.

Top 10 Luxury Watch Brands

Top 10 Luxury Watch Brands

Watches are a reflection of personal style. They represent more than just utility and are an example of taste, character and individual branding. A true reflection of one’s taste in accessories, finding the perfect watch is a top style priority for most. Whilst some great timepieces can be found at lower price points, an understanding of the top luxury brands will guide your own tastes in watches and direct you to some worthwhile styles. In fact, a greater understanding of luxury watches will inform your own aesthetic. These watches are prime examples of internationally acclaimed brands that have been popular for look and functionality alike. Below we recap the top luxury watch brands you should know for stylish models and styles worth their weight in gold. 

1. Audemars Piguet

Founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet produces 36,000 of their prestigious timepieces a year. In fact, Tiffany & Co and Bulgari use this brand’s movements. This luxury watch brand is also noted for creating the first steel luxury sports watch. This was dubbed the Royal Oak in 1972. Later, in 1993, the brand created the first oversized watch named the Royal Oak Offshore.

2. Vacheron Constantin

One of the oldest manufacturers of luxury watches, Vacheron Constantin, was founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755, in Geneva Switzerland. This brand of fine watches is a member of the Richemont Group. Vacheron Constantin’s watches truly reflect their heritage. With precise detailing alongside traditional shapes and styling, these watches are unlike others. Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have worn their watches, along with other noted historical figures like Harry Truman and Pope Pius IX. 

3. Patek Philippe

The Swiss brand, Patek Phillipe & Co was founded in 1851. The watches boast complicated mechanics and traditional styling and have been worn by royalty throughout history. Inspiringly classic and unique with their distinctive signature style, this brand keeps their marketing consistent with their promotional campaigns.

4. Blancpain

A subsidiary of the Swatch Group, watch brand Blancpain was much like the other brands founded in another era; 1735. Blancpain underwent big developments, with its growth thriving in the 19^th century, updating and modernising production and innovation of their watches. Blancpain has a broad range of different watches available; including minimalistic designs as well as more elaborately styled pieces.

5. Chopard

Known for their Swiss watches, Chopard is not only known for their unique timepieces, but also for their jewellery. Founded in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard, a Swiss watchmaker, Chopard is identifiable for its classic look and great detailing. With state-of-the-art technological influence and well-established craftsmanship, Chopard is coveted because of its sophisticated models. With a clear design aesthetic and innovative development, Chopard has grown into a worldwide luxury brand.

6. IWC Schaffhausen

Established in 1868, IWC Schaffhausen has specialised in premium Swiss watches. This watch manufacturer combines precision engineering with exclusive design, and its timepieces are identifiable by their classic shape and superior material. Interestingly, the brand has expressed a desire to create watches with superior standards while responding to the environmental challenges of today as well as supporting landmark projects around the world.

7. Rolex

One of, if not the most identifiable luxury watch brands, Rolex is internationally acclaimed and coveted by society. Prized for its timeless form and function, Rolex watches are prevalent in popular culture. Its British origins are still represented in this brand’s consistently classic designs. Rolex is internationally recognised and has been featured on Forbes’ list of world’s most powerful global brands. Rolex is also the largest single luxury watch brand, making 2,000 watches per day.

8. Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin has been in continuous production since its creation in 1846. Specialising in wristwatches, writing instruments and accessories, the materials used in this products are visually distinctive, much like the uniquely coloured leathers utilised in many of their goods. The craftsmanship of the Ulysse Nardin watches is also internationally renowned for their work with modernised materials and manufacturing.

9. Jaeger-LeCoultre

The luxury Swiss watch brand, Jaeger-LeCoultre features timepieces boasting faces with unique and complex detailing. Since 1833, this brand has sustained the initial envisions for the brand, which was innovation and unique clarity. The classic elements of these watches are particularly appealing because they can be worn again and again.

10. Panerai

Founded in 1860 in Florence Italy, today Panerai’s headquarters are located in Milan Italy. With an international clientele, the Italian company is known for its bold styles and simplistic numeral and design elements. 

History of watches

History of watches

The history of watches began in 16th century Europe, where watches evolved from portable spring-driven clocks, which first appeared in the 15th century.

The watch which developed from the 16th century to the mid 20th century was a mechanical device, powered by winding a mainspring which turned gears and then moved the hands, and kept time with a rotating balance wheel. 

The invention of the quartz watch in the 1960s, which ran on electricity and kept time with a vibrating quartz crystal, proved a radical departure for the industry. During the 1980s quartz watches took over the market from mechanical watches, an event referred to as the "quartz crisis". Although mechanical watches still sell at the high end of the market, the vast majority of watches now have quartz movements.

One account of the origin of the word "watch" is that it came from the Old English word woecce which meant "watchman", because it was used by town watchmen to keep track of their shifts. Another says that the term came from 17th century sailors, who used the new mechanisms to time the length of their shipboard watches (duty shifts).

First wristwatch in the world

First wristwatch in the world

"The first wristwatch was made for a woman, Countess Koscowicz of Hungary, by Swiss watch manufacturer Patek Philippe in 1868. Although it was the first timekeeping device to be designed specifically for use on the wrist, it was intended primarily as a piece of decorative jewellery. 

It has been claimed that pocket watches were adapted to be worn on wrist bracelets prior to 1868, perhaps as early as the 1570s. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this, and Patek Philippe’s design for Countess Koscowicz was the first true wristwatch in the modern sense of the word. 


Wristwatches were a natural progression from pocket watches, but men did not initially take to the idea, preferring to rely on the larger, more traditional (and masculine) timepiece. However, the practicalities of the wristwatch, which could be operated with one hand rather than two, eventually won over popular opinion, appealing especially to those in the military, who needed to be able to monitor the time while also operating machinery and weaponry. 


Consequently, the first wristwatches to be produced in large quantities were those manufactured specifically for the German military in the 1880s by Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux."

By Guinness World Records.