The essentials / Watch Ritual editors

Lug-to-lug: the dimension that changes the fit

Lug-to-lug is the distance from the tip of the upper lugs to the tip of the lower lugs. It describes how far a watch extends along your wrist, which diameter alone cannot tell you.

Diameter is only part of the picture.

Case diameter describes the width of the watch body. Two watches with the same diameter can have very different lug shapes. A longer set of lugs can make a smaller watch occupy more of the wrist than a wider watch with short lugs.

Measure the flat part of your wrist.

Use a ruler to measure across the top of your wrist where the watch sits. Compare that measurement with the watch’s published lug-to-lug. A case that stays within that width is a starting point, but not a guarantee of comfort.

Bracelets can change the result.

Rigid end links and integrated bracelets may extend the effective footprint beyond the case. Curved lugs can help a case follow the wrist. Try the watch on if you can, especially if its measurements are close to your wrist width.

Put the details to work.

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