Determine the appropriate size of the watch case

Are you looking for a beautiful wristwatch for yourself or as a gift for a loved one? The first thing you will naturally pay attention to is the appearance and for some of you certainly also the brand. The second question concerns the construction: quartz movement or an automatic watch?

Another no less important question is: How large can the watch case be so that it fits well on my wrist and looks good? Does a round or a square case suit me better?

All of this is of course a matter of taste. We want to assist you in making your decision and therefore present the different case shapes in more detail. Additionally, we have created PDFs that show you the models in several sizes. You can simply print out the desired PDF 1:1, cut out the watch cases, and try on your wrist to see which size suits you.

To download the respective PDF, simply click on the desired image of the case shape.

The case shapes at a glance:

The Chronograph model

Many wristwatches are equipped with a chronograph function. This serves to stop time. Usually, the measured time is displayed on totalizers on the dial, but some models are also equipped with additional displays.

You can recognize a watch case with a chronograph function by the additional pushers on the edge of the case. The classic among watches with this function is Breitling and the model Breitling Chronomat, but many other watch manufacturers such as Omega, Montblanc and TAG Heuer produce beautiful chronographs.

However, keep in mind with watch cases with additional pushers that these are not included in the diameter specification. The diameter of a watch always refers to the outer edge of the case without crown and pushers.

Elegant rectangle

Watches with a rectangular case shape are mainly found in the brands Jaeger LeCoultre, Eterna and Chopard. Also Glashütte Original uses the comparatively similar carré shape (slightly octagonal dial) in some models of the Glashütte Original Senator. These elongated rectangular cases look particularly elegant and clearly stand out from the classic shape. The lug of the rectangular watch cases is usually wider than with round models, so the case visually almost seamlessly transitions into the strap.

Many of the rectangular wristwatches of the models Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso and Chopard La Strada are adorned with diamonds and are thus particularly beautiful watch models for ladies.

If you are interested in a watch with a rectangular watch case, you should pay attention to whether the model has a flat or curved case back. A slightly curved back fits the wrist better.

The oval or tonneau watch case

The oval case shape or tonneau shape is used less frequently for wristwatches. However, there are manufacturers in our range who focus especially on watches with these case shapes: Franck Muller and Ulysse Nardin have beautiful tonneau watches in their range. Also in the model Cartier Roadster the tonneau shape is used. This shape resembles a standing barrel and is also called Cintrée Curvex .

Oval watch cases are particularly feminine and usually also somewhat smaller than other case shapes. Some of the few oval watches of the brand Piaget are considered special rarities.

Classically round

The by far largest selection is available for wristwatches with a round case without chronographs. This shape is used by almost all watch manufacturers and is particularly versatile. The variety of round watch cases ranges from classic dials, to elaborately designed bezels, to creatively crafted hands. The combination possibilities are virtually endless.

The best-known luxury watch manufacturers who have integrated a round case shape into their range are Hublot, Chronoswiss, Blancpain and Audemars Piguet. Also the brand Rolex prefers to use a round shape. The special feature of this brand is that models like the Rolex Oyster form a combination of a round dial with a tonneau-shaped case.

Square through time

Square watches are quite rare but create an individual and interesting impression. The best-known brand that has not only round but also square watch cases in its range is Nomos. The models are usually finely and elegantly crafted. Often, hands and/or dial are designed with subtle colors like blue or orange.

Also Cartier belongs to the brands that use square case shapes for their models like the Cartier Santos and the Cartier Panthere . Likewise, Bvlgari offers some very stylish watches with square watch cases in the model range Bvlgari Quadrato .

Instructions for size overview

1. Choose between the 5 case shapes: Chronograph, Rectangle, Oval, Circle, and Square.
2. Click on the desired case shape and print out the PDF with the different sizes of a case model on DIN A4 paper.
3. Cut out one or more case models in the sizes of your choice.
4. Place the model on your wrist and determine which case size is right for you.

Further information can be found on our homepage. We wish you much joy testing sizes and hope that the overview helps you discover the right model for yourself!