Having sold thousands of new and pre-owned watches, the 300watches team has amassed vast experience in guiding collectors to ideal watch fits. In the same vein as dating, years spent matching wrists to watches has given our team a sound sense of what works – and what doesn't. Some of these lessons have been counterintuitive.
For example: case size (diameter without crowns or lugs) often has no bearing on user comfort. Pre-owned watches come in many case sizes, but the case size itself may have less of an impact on fit than the mass, shape, height, strap design, and lug contours of the watch.
On paper, the perennial collectors' favorite Omega Seamaster Professional (Ref. 2531.81.00: the original Omega “Bond”) features a 41mm case that sits well even on petit wrists. The refined chronometer-grade ETA caliber 2982-A2 inside the case is a very thin movement; the case lugs are short and curve to conform to the wrist; the case sides are flush with the bezel; the bracelet links are small and accept tight downward bends readily.
In contrast, the 42mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph only measures 1mm larger by case size, but it wears like a small clock in comparison to the 41mm Omega. The thick case sits much higher on the wrist, and the weight of the massive steel Offshore creates the impression of several Seamasters strapped together. Due to the way the flush strap abuts the case lugs, the strap cannot be pulled straight down to accommodate a very small wrist.
Owners of lumberjack wrists will love the 42mm Offshore, but not all men are blessed with the wrist of Shaq. This consideration is important when selecting pre-owned watches one has not tried firsthand.
Ironically, very large case sizes often fit better than expected. Consider the ergonomics of the AP Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Gran Prix Limited Edition. This model, which trades the older 42mm Offshore's case design for an evolved 44mm iteration, is a joy to wear on smaller wrists. The unique forged carbon case – an AP original innovation with aerospace roots – allows the huge watch to weigh less than the 41mm “Bond” Omega.
Moreover, advances in ergonomic science and strap design allow the 44mm Gran Prix to fit small wrists with great ease. The flexible strap can be cinched securely over smaller wrists, and the gently curved lugs are cut shorter than on the previous 42mm unit. Among pre-owned watches, the Offshore Gran Prix is a gentle giant that looks and feels at home on wrists of all sizes
Due to the often counter-intuitive nature of watch fit, a buyer's best bet is to speak with the friendly watch professionals at 300watches. Having sold thousands of watches for every type of wrist, we can help you measure your wrist, talk about your style preferences, and suggest options that are known winners. After you receive your watch, you can confirm sizing and fit while resting assured that 300watches offers a 14-day return window with no restocking fees.
Above all, 300watches offers the knowledge, options, and customer service protection to ensure that every buyer finds a watch fit for a king. And even if you're not a king, we have your size all the same!
