Determine wrist circumference & select appropriate band length

When buying a beautiful wrist Watch, the eye immediately falls on the case, the Dial, and the design through additional functions. But a Watch strap is also an interesting link not only in terms of appearance! It is also important that it provides the right hold on the wrist so that the Watch sits comfortably.

We are increasingly being asked about Watch straps. Our buyers ask: How do I determine my wrist circumference? Are there longer or shorter straps or special lengths? Are there other colors, materials, and styles?
Today we are dealing with wrist circumference and the different strap lengths. Information about materials, quality, and manufacturers can be found in our blog posts “The new Watch strap shop of Zeitauktion GmbH” and “Watch straps at Zeitauktion – What's behind it?“.

Determining the wrist circumference

To determine your wrist circumference, you basically don't need much: You can easily measure the circumference with a tailor's tape measure . Place the tape measure around a spot on your wrist where you are used to wearing a Watch. Pay attention to a small gap if you want to wear the Watch rather loosely.

If you do not have a flexible tape measure at hand, you can alternatively cut a strip of paper about 2cm wide from an A4 sheet . Then place it around your wrist like a tape measure. Hold the paper strip together at the overlapping ends. If the paper strip fits well, you can fix it with a piece of tape. Then mark the spot where the two ends overlap. After that, simply measure the strip up to the mark with a ruler and you will get your wrist circumference.

Size overview of strap lengths

After you have determined your wrist circumference, choosing the right strap length will surely be easier. The measurements of the two standard lengths M (women's length) and L (men's length) can be found in the tables below. Also the special size XL. Straps in the special size XS are very rarely requested, which is why we do not keep them in stock and would have to order them specifically from the dealer. For this reason, we have not listed this strap length here.

Standard strap lengths of pin buckle straps

Pin buckle straps are usually between 17cm and 21.3cm long.

Standard strap lengths of folding clasp straps

Notes

– Note that the end pieces of Watch straps are each needed for closing and thus a small part of the total length indication is lost (hole part for pin buckle straps and adjustable part for folding clasp straps).

– Keep in mind that a Watch with a metal strap always weighs more than a Watch with a rubber or leather strap. It can therefore slip more easily if you are used to wearing the Watch loosely.

– Straps made of metal are often thicker and more massive than leather straps. Therefore, allow for one to two millimeters more if you are not used to wearing the Watch tightly on your wrist.

Additional criteria for choosing the Watch strap

Strap lug and clasp width

The strap lug is the part of the Watch measured between the two lugs at 7 and 5 o'clock as well as at 11 to 1 o'clock. The strap lug can vary depending on the size of the Watch. If you buy a strap and want to combine it with your Watch case and possibly an original clasp, you should pay attention to the strap lug and the clasp width of the strap.

For leather straps, the clasp width usually tapers by a few millimeters.
For metal straps, each link is usually the same width. That means the clasp width corresponds to the strap lug width. However, there are exceptions where a metal strap tapers towards the clasp.

Strap thickness

The thickness of the Watch strap differs partly in the form of domed and flat straps. Domed straps are equipped with an additional padding, which is integrated in the middle of the straps. These padded straps are particularly popular with large, high Watch cases. The domed strap complements the voluminous style of such Watches very well.

Metal straps are solid and stable. However, they are not necessarily thicker than a domed leather strap. The thickness of metal straps can always vary. Significant differences exist especially between narrow and wide metal straps.

In our Watches online shop you will find the indication of the wrist circumference in the product description under the item "Strap". Here you will find the information for metal and rubber straps. Additionally, you will find a note whether the Watch is equipped with an original clasp.
For Watches equipped with a leather strap, you will not find an indication of the wrist circumference, as we usually use leather straps in standard sizes.

In our Lederbandshop you will find numerous offers of high-quality straps made of calf, alligator, and shell cordovan leather. Information about strap lengths and materials can also be found there in the product description.