Horological Meandering

A few weeks ago I posted a thread regarding the size of my watch (AP ROO Rubber Clad) with the original strap in contrast with my wrist.  I just received the short strap from Audemars and now the watch definitely fits better but I wanted to know out of curiousity, how tight should a strap be worn.  Again you guys were very helpful last time and I'm looking forward to you feedback this time again. Here are a few pics.   

Just buckle it where it feels comfortable and if later in the day it's too loose or tight, change it. (I am fussy about fit and often have to cut additional holes in my straps.)

Different straps will require different levels of tightness. Generally, I have found that a medium-stiff strap can be worn loose because it will still hold the watch in place. A flexible strap may have to be tighter to prevent flopping. A very stiff strap may have to be tighter (or at least feel tighter) to get it to curve around your wrist. Obviously, the weight of a watch head is also a factor.

The real problem comes when you have a bracelet (without micro-adjustment) or a deployant clasp. Then whatever decision you make about tightness is, so to speak, binding. You have to make sure there is enough room inside the bracelet for it to be comfortable when your wrist is at is largest (for example, on a hot afternoon after standing up all day). If that makes it too loose at other times, you either have to decide to live with it or reject the watch. I have found that a reasonably light watch with a reasonably flexible bracelet and a good adjustment mechanism can normally be sized so it works for me. However, if the watch is too heavy, the bracelet is too stiff or the link configuration doesn't allow for an accurate original fit, I have to give up.

Hi Watchismo,

Strap fit for me is really dependent on watch/ strap/ bracelet combinations, but that said, I can not have the fit be too tight. When I lean toward a snug fit it really feels bad when you move your hand or wrist around and that will make me.....well crazy. For me having the fit go toward the looser side without being sloppy, is my happy medium and I have a felling it stresses the straps and bracelets a little less. There are a lot of straps I will either open the hole a bit or add a hole to get a better fit.

Just my own personal 2 cents,

Mark V

... and this is also dependent on the size and weight of the watches. In order to be worn comfortably, my larger watches have to sit snugly.

Manufactures should pay more attention to adjustability on bracelets in particular, but also straps.

A

No message body

I don't like it too tight. If I can insert my pinkie finger between the strap and wrist, but not the thumb, then I know I've got it just right.

Best, Horo

I usually want to be able to fit my finger in between my wrist and the strap... tight enough to hold the watch in place, loose enough not to cause discomfort. In summer I prefer a tad looser, and in winter tighter.

I use my little finger, though.

Room for my pinky and I'm good to go.

The watch has to sit as tight as to allow only a minimal movement of the watch itself without comprising blood circulation and causing pressure sores .
That´s why I also prefer leather or Nato straps.

Kind regards,

anaesdoc

 

NB: not my wrist, not my watch

It looks like it's cutting of the circulation?

I don't mind a bit of play, but not so much that the entire watch can spin around your wrist.

Also it comes down to how warm you are, too hot and the strap is tight, too cold and on the same hole the watch is loose!!

That´s why I wrote: "Not my watch, not my wrist!"

anaesdoc

T

aaesdoc

But for bracelet, I like a little bit loose..

Sam

Judging from all the replies I guess it really comes down to personal preference.  Great feedback., glad I joined this forum.

watch is an ultra thin, leather strap with double deployment thingie. Extra hole.

1cm from the wrist--i wear it tight. When i take it off it leaves a subtle mark

and so often the extra hole becomes a dreary necessity.

If the strap is soft and comfortable, especially rubber, I prefer to wear it tight.  Otherwise it will wear it a bit loose in order not to hurt my wrist.  The buckles play an important role as well.  I do not want to leave some visible marks on my wrist.

The Golden Rule: you wear it the way you feel comfortable.

Regards

Ling

I would say to the point of not being able to move on the wrist...snug but not tight.  That is the way I wear mine.

leading a very small child - which I was at the time - by the wrist through the city streetds.

amerix

Not too tight, not too loose.. just right
I prefer keeping some space for my wrist to breath

regards
Marwan

Offshores are very clunky, and you need to wear it tight on the wrist.  Otherwise, the watch will noticably wobble back and forth on your wrist and be an annoyance.

Plus, you have the AP deployant which really isn't that comfortable so wearing it loose will make things worse.  You'll find the AP deployant rubbing on the bottomside of your wrist.

So in summary, for your Offshore, wear it tight

Also, another suggestion for those who use a short strap on an Offshore - if the watch is still uncomfortable, try swapping the strap to the opposite side so the deployant opens the other way.  You may find it more comfortable that way.

Cheers,
Anthony