How to choose the right watch strap size? Full guide

When choosing a watch, every detail counts to make it both elegant and comfortable. The length of the strap plays an essential role. Well-fitted, it not only enhances comfort, but also contributes directly to your style. But you need to know which size to buy! Avel & Men explains how to measure your existing watch strap and your wrist to choose the length that's right for you.

How to measure a weatch strap?

The good news if you want to change the strap on your watch is that you certainly have the old one to hand. Measuring that strap makes it easier to buy the same size, or to go up or down a size if you're not satisfied.

Before grabbing your measuring tape, take the time to turn the strap over: its size and lugs width are sometimes printed on the back! Otherwise, it's time to measure.

1.                  Remove your current watchband and lay it flat.

2.                  Take the following 4 measurements:

a.                  Lug width (the width of the strap on the watch head’s side)

b.                  Buckle width (the width of the strap on the buckle’s side)

c.                   Length of the buckle side (positioned at 12 o'clock)

d.                  Length of the tail side (the longer piece, positioned at 6 o'clock)

With these measurements, you can easily order a leather watch strap or a canvas strap to match your timepiece, whatever the brand.

If you don't have a watch strap in your size, measure your wrist!

On the picture: Avel & Men ostrich skin watchstrap (camel), on a LIP Nautic

How to measure your wrist?

The easiest way is to use a tape measure, which has the great advantage of being flexible. Simply wrap it around your wrist at the height you like to wear your watch.

If all you've got is a stiff desk ruler, no problem - just add a sheet of paper to the mix! Cut a strip about a centimeter wide and wrap it around your wrist. A piece of string also works well.

In both cases, make sure the ribbon or paper is snug, but not too tight, for optimum comfort. Once done, mark the point where the ribbon begins and ends. Then unroll the ribbon or paper and measure the distance between the starting point and the mark.

All that's left is to add a slight gap for comfort and mobility, usually between one and two centimeters, depending on your preference.

Finally, if you'd like to give a bracelet to a loved one, it's best to ask them for their wrist size, or ask someone who can provide the information.

Here are the average measurements to help you make your choice:

• Men's wrist: between 16 and 21 cm
• Women's wrist: between 14 and 20 cm
• Children's wrist: between 10 and 15 cm

Once you've taken these measurements, you'll be ready to choose the perfect-fitting watchstrap to complement your style while ensuring comfortable wear.

What size of watch strap fits my wrist?

The length of your wrist is not the same as the length of the bracelet, since you need room to connect the two parts and keep overlapping to a minimum for both practical and aesthetic reasons. The diameter of your watch head can also play a role: the larger the watch, the greater the total circumference, and vice versa.

Here are the recommended lengths to help you make your choice.

Which watch strap size for which wrist?

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Avel & Men watch strap sizes

The Avel & Men standard is a 115/80 mm watch strap, which is a pretty big standard since many other brands default to 115/75 mm. They all feature seven-hole drilling.

Avel & Men standard

• Buckle side: 80 mm
• Tail side: 115 mm
• Lug width: 20 mm
• Buckle: 18 mm

All our watch straps are available in a range of widths. Simply select the buckle size of your choice when placing your order.

In case the size is not the right one, a return is possible within 14 days of receipt of your order.

Numerous customization options are also available on the entire range of Avel & Men watch straps (leather and canvas).

Customization available (custom bracelet)

We're all different, and that's a good thing! The standard size fits most wrists, but it can't satisfy every morphology or every style. If you'd like to order a personalized watch strap, that's perfectly possible. The Avel & Men team has the expertise to create your bespoke watchband, in our French workshops and using traditional leatherworking techniques.

Customizable features on Avel & Men straps

• Strap length: almost anything is possible! (105/70 or 105/65 for the finest cuffs, for example, or lengthening of the tail side to 120 or 130 mm).
• Lug spacing: 20-16 is possible (20-18 standard)
• Lining: microfibre or vegetable-based (especially in case of contact allergy to leather)
• Stitch removal
• Topstitching: color change possible

Would you like a strap color that's not in our range? Tell us what you'd like, and we'll take it into account when developing our next models!

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