ThomasM
[PuristS]
14331
There is no simple, universal answer, but as a general rule...
something that has its weight spread out over a larger area, tends to be more "comfortable"
This for a given overall diameter, a flat back will feel "lighter" than a domed one.
That said, there are other haptic considerations, as well, such as edges versus contoured curved surfaces that come into contact with skin (which is more comfortable depends on ones preferences; some like to sit on razor edges... 
)
Given the weight of most watches, the second consideration is more significant, to me, than the first.
Cheers,
TM
Most comfortable case backs: flat Vs. domed
Dear Purists, me and a friend of mine have had a discussion on how comfortable a wristwatch can be, depending on the shape of its case back. We've focused our attention especially on flat and domed case backs, such the ones of - respectively - the AP ROO ...
There is no simple, universal answer, but as a general rule...
something that has its weight spread out over a larger area, tends to be more "comfortable" This for a given overall diameter, a flat back will feel "lighter" than a domed one. That said, there are other haptic considerations, as well, such as edges versu...
How tight do you wear it?
I've found that the tightness of the bracelet/strap is one of the biggest factors in the comfort of a watch. Size and weight are also crucial for me. I'm never convinced that there's a significant difference in comfort between bubble/domed and flat, and I...
Tightness and aesthetics
Thank you, Nick, for your reply. You have introduced other two interesting point of view: tightness and aesthetics. I use to wear my watches not so tight and close to the back of the hand (in any case after the head of the ulna). This habit leads to a pot...
Haptic considerations
Thank you, Thomas, for your reply. I’ve appreciated your reasoning, based upon the difference between “theory” and “practice”, and I share your opinion. As I’ve already written, I prefer a watch to have a domed case back and now I’d like to add some perso...
What about curved the other way...
...a la Richard Mille... ;-) I've worn plenty of APs, and the RM I have on now is much more comfortable than flat-backed watches, for me personally. I reckon it depends a lot on the type of wrist one has. Obviously, a watch will wear differently on a thin...
Bony and fleshy wrists
Thank you, Rob, for your reply. Of course, the physiognomy of our wrist will contribute towards how comfortable a watch will be felt. In the same way, it will affect how the timepiece will look once worn. There isn’t a general rule, but I think that a ver...
To which Ikepod are you referring?
Thank you, Flamenco, for your reply. Me too I love Ikepod for their design, even if I’ve never seen one of their timepieces in the real life. Ikepod uses two kind of cases: the monocoque-style of the Hemipodes and Horizons (with domed case back) and the s...
Within are my 4 most comfortable watches
Below are my 4 memorable watches for their comfort (on and for my wrist) 1. AP Concept 1. Girard Perregaux EVO 3 1. AP Scuba 1. Rolex Yacht-Master I am not sure whereas domed is better than flat and visa-versa, I believe that the watchcase curves and heig...
The Rolex comfort
Thank you for your reply, Poy. You’re right, the caseback’s shape is not the only characteristic that makes a watch comfortable. AFAIK, both of the AP you mentioned have a flat case back, while the GP and the Rolex have a domed one. I’ve tried only the la...
There are many other factors to consider ...
Some are related to the user wrist (Size, skinny/chubby etc.). Some are related to the strap/bracelet. A bad adjusted bracelet or a stiff strap can kill the pleasure of a watch. Some are external temperature (winter/summer). We also, as not owners of a si...
Watches that don’t “glue”
Thank you, Nilo, for your reply. I live in the biggest Mediterranean island and it seems that our climate is slowly turning tropical, so I fully understand your view, because in the hot season my experience is exactly like yours. Also during winter time I...