Top 12 Best Watches for large Wrists [List & Guide]
If you have a large wrist, you have probably found it a bit challenging to find watches that fit your wrist. Most men’s watches are designed to fit average wrist sizes, meaning a diameter of about 16.5cm to 20cm and so if you have really big wrists, you may find some difficulties when looking for a new watch.
The good news is that there are plenty of larger watches that are suitable for men with big wrists that you can opt for in all kinds of different designs and executions.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular watches for large wrists, and focus specifically on the more affordable alternatives since most people aren’t willing to spend tens of thousands on a wristwatch. Further on, we’ll also look at what you should consider when choosing a watch to help you find the perfect watch for your needs.
Before we dig into the list, we need to define what a ”large wrist” actually is. Obviously, there is no defined size where a watch goes from average to large, but in general, men’s wrists with a circumference of more than 21cm are considered to be on the larger side. Most men have a wrist size between 18-20cm. To get a sense of your wrist size, it can therefore be a good idea to measure your wrist before looking at watches.
Best watches for big wrists
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When it comes to watches for large wrists, you of course need a large and bulky watch that suits your wrist size, as discussed earlier. But oftentimes, large and bulky watches also mean a quite sporty and bold design. The good news is that even if you have a large wrist, you can find some more elegant, dressy timepieces as well, which is why we have included a few of these pieces in this article as well and not just focused on huge and sporty timepieces. And, as mentioned, this article is focused on affordable watches.
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000
First up, we have what is one of the toughest and most robust timepieces on the market, the Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000. It follows the ethos that G-shocks always have of being tough and durable – built to handle the most extreme environments, whilst at the same time providing numerous useful functions.
The watch is presented with a large and bulky case which is why it is particularly suitable for men with large wrists. The case is made in resin to make it more resistant to shocks, bangs, and scratches, and has numerous design elements to provide additional protection, for example at the crown guards to protect the crown and the bezel to protect the crystal.
The watch combines both analog timekeeping and digital functions via the two LCD screens presented on the dial. This is a watch that is built for the most extreme environments, so if you have large wrists and want a tough and robust timepiece for your outdoor adventures, this is actually a rather appropriate choice. Now, obviously, with its resin case and very sporty design, it’s not something that you’d wear for formal occasions, but as an outdoor watch, there are actually few watches that can compete with G-Shock.
Furthermore, the watch is packed with useful functions including twin sensor capabilities that provide access to direction and temperature information. To allow for easy reading, it has large numerals and hour markers, and the face is also illuminated by a Super Illuminator with strong brightness. All in all, this gives you the best of both worlds with a timepiece that is both tough and also packed with functions.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: quartz
Seiko SRPA21 Prospex X Padi
The Seiko Prospex Padi SRPA21 is certainly not a huge watch, but it is appropriate for a lot of people with large wrists with a diameter of 44mm. Since it is a dive watch, it has a rather bulky and sporty case design that makes it feel bigger and bulkier on the wrist.
Since it is a dive watch, it features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale, and since it is developed together with PADI, a diving organization, it incorporates their signature blue and red colors on the bezel insert for a touch of color. To complement this, it has a blue dial with a brushed/matte effect with subtle yet important red accents. As a dive watch should, it puts great emphasis on legibility with large hands and large markers filled with luminescence for a strong glow.
If you’re a fan of mechanical watches, you’ll be happy to hear that it is powered by the in-house automatic Seiko caliber 4R36 which has 24 jewels and a power reserve of 41 hours. This movement also has manual winding and hacking functions.
A dive watch needs good water resistance which is why this timepiece is water-resistant to 200m/660 feet, meaning you can go diving and swimming with it. For added sportiness and perhaps versatility, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.
With its 44mm, it is a good choice for men with large wrists and should be suitable for men with wrists of up to 23-24mm in circumference. It is not huge, but with its distinctive case shape, it will have a sporty presence on your wrist.
Specifications
- Movement: automatic caliber 4R36
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Diameter: 44mm
Diesel DZ4328 Mega Chief
Diesel is one of the most popular watch brands for men with large wrists as they make some of the largest watches on the market, often larger than 50mm. These watches are huge and therefore require a large wrist to pull off. If you have a small wrist, they risk looking clumsy and out of place.
But if you have a big wrist, then this Diesel DZ4328 Mega Chief may just be the watch for you. It is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 54mm, thick lugs and an overall bulky case design. To make it even more sporty, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. On top of the case, it has a mineral crystal.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. In addition, the watch also incorporates chronograph functions.
The dial is sporty but still toned down with a white background and large applied hour markers. The hands are relatively large as well and have luminescence on them which helps with legibility in dark environments. For your convenience, Diesel has also added a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
In terms of design, it certainly leans more towards sportiness than elegance, but it’s still a watch that could work for everyday wear – as long as you have the wrist size to pull it off.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: mineral
- Movement: quartz
Bulova Precisionist 98B152
Bulova is a watch brand that is appreciated by watch enthusiasts as they put emphasis on fine watchmaking, details, and build quality. If you are into that – and have large wrists, then this Bulova Precisionist 98B152 could be for you.
It has a large rose gold-tone case with a diameter of 46.5mm with a squared and very bulky case shape and design. The lugs are rectangular, angled, and thick, giving it an even sportier impression. In addition, the dial is quite large which contributes to making the watch appear even larger on the wrist.
It has a black bezel with 4 screws on top. Whilst these screws do serve a practical purpose, they also add to its tool-like design. At the same time, Bulova has opted for a rose-gold ion-plated finish to give this sporty timepiece a more elegant appearance which is an interesting design feature. On top of the case sits a curved mineral crystal and the watch is equipped with a multiple-layer black carbon fiber dial. The dial has large applied hour markers filled with luminescence and large hands. At 3 o’clock, there is also a date window. At the center, there is also a 24-hour track.
Perhaps a bit surprising, this watch also has a great water resistance of 300m/660 feet meaning that you can go diving and swimming with it. It is powered by a precisionist quartz movement with a 262kHz vibrational frequency for excellent performance.
This Bulova Precisionist has an interesting design that combines sportiness with luxuriousness since it has a large and bulky case, paired with a rose gold finish. All in all, it makes for a suitable choice for men with large wrists who want a well-made watch with good performance, both movement-wise and water-resistance-wise.
Specifications
- Diameter: 46.5mm
- Water resistance: 300m/650 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: curved mineral crystal
Diesel Boltdown Chronograph
Here is another large timepiece from Diesel, the Boltdown Chronograph which has a rather unique and eye-catching design that stands out from the ordinary. The watch has a diameter of 56mm with a stainless steel case where the dial takes up most of the watch’s property. What’s interesting about the dial design is that it is divided into three different sections and with 5 different ”dials”, each with its own watch hands for the time display. This watch also incorporates a chronograph function. The background of the dial is blue and also features pieces of metal that give it a more industrialized, tool-like look. It also incorporates a date function on the dial at 3 o’clock.
Also, this watch is available in a number of different iterations and versions so you can choose between those that suit your taste and preference the best.
The water resistance of 30m isn’t great, but at the same time, it isn’t a dive watch either. It can handle water splashes but should not be worn when swimming.
This watch certainly ticks the box of being suitable for men with large wrists, and it also ticks the box of being highly unique. If you prefer a watch with a unique and distinct design that stands out from the ordinary, not only in terms of size but also in terms of design, it’s certainly worth considering.
Specifications
- Diameter: 56mm
- Water resistance: 30m
- Movement: Quartz
- Thickness: 13 3⁄4 mm
Nixon 51-30 Chrono XL
The Nixon 51-30 Chronograph is an XL watch with a stainless steel case that has a diameter of 51mm. This is a tough and masculine timepiece with a bold design but one that works like an everyday watch as long as you have large enough wrists to pull it off. Worth mentioning is that it is available in a number of different designs and iterations.
The dial takes up most of the property of the watch, so the case isn’t chunky or clumsy in any way. In addition, Nixon has put the crown and chronograph pushers on the left side of the case to make it more comfortable on the wrist. The dial is matte black and puts utmost attention to legibility by featuring large white Arabic numerals and large watch hands filled with luminescence. At the center of the dial, we have the three chronograph sub-dials.
For added sportiness, it is presented on a three-link stainless steel bracelet with a double-locking clasp.
It offers a great water resistance of 300m/660 feet, making it suitable for swimming and diving which is a good bonus to this watch. According to Nixon, it is also built to meet the demands of high-intensity work and play environments, so it is a suitable choice both as an everyday watch but also as a sports watch for more demanding activities.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 300m/660 feet
- Diameter: 51mm
- Movement: quartz
Fossil Nate Chronograph
Fossil is known for making high-quality affordable watches, and the Fossil Nate Chronograph is no exception. Interestingly enough, it has a design that is quite similar to the Nixon we just looked at.
The watch has a large case size with a diameter of 50mm but not a bulky case design as the lugs are relatively slim. At 3 o’clock, it does, however, have crown guards to protect the crown, and of course chronograph pushers on each side since it is a chronograph. Overall, it has a sporty, masculine, and rugged look, which is partially contributed by the fact that the case has a matte, gray finish – and equally so the three-link stainless steel bracelet on which it is presented.
Fossil has strived for a pilot/military-inspired look for the dial with large white Arabic numerals and large white pilot-inspired watch hands which together ensure really great legibility. At the center, we find the chronograph sub-dials, and discreetly tucked in between the 4 and 5 o’clock, markers, it has a date window. On top of the case, it uses a mineral crystal.
With all of the sporty elements discussed, this is a watch that gets a tool-like appearance, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as casual occasions.
It is run by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 50m/165 feet.
The Fossil Nate Chronograph is a watch for men with large wrists looking for something functional, bold, and sporty.
Specifications
- Diameter: 50mm
- Movement: quartz
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Invicta Pro Diver Scuba 50mm 22340
The Invicta Pro Diver Scuba 22340 is an eye-catching, bold, and unique timepiece that stands out in so many ways. First and foremost, it has a large and bulky case with a diameter of 50mm and a thickness of 14.5mm. Not only is this case large but it also has thick lugs, large crowns, large crown guards, and an eye-catching yellow-gold dive-style bezel (that doesn’t rotate). As if the watch wasn’t bold enough considering its large size, it is also finished in yellow gold.
The watch has a black dial with yellow gold accents and chronograph sub-dials since it also incorporates a chronograph function. Whilst it is designed as a dive watch, it only has a water resistance of 100m. This is ok, but it means it is only suitable for swimming and not diving. Powering it is the quartz caliber VD53. The chronograph measures 24 hours 60min, and 60 seconds.
To go with its dive-theme style, it is fitted on a black rubber strap.
All in all, this watch required both a large wrist and someone who likes timepieces that stand out and catch people’s attention, because this Invicta sure won’t go unnoticed.
Specifications
- Diameter: 50mm
- Thickness: 14.5mm
- Movement: quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Seiko SSC139 Excelsior Gunmetal solar
The Seiko Excelsior SSC139 doesn’t have a huge case size, however, it still deserves a spot on this list because the case is still relatively large, but most importantly, has a bulky case design that makes it wear a lot bigger than it actually is.
Truth be told, I’m not quite sure how to describe this watch case, but it has a unique look with an integrated bracelet design that allows the stainless steel bracelet to integrate with the case seamlessly. What I can say, however, is that it makes for a very bold, unique, and distinct appearance that certainly stands out from the ordinary. Seiko describes it as a ”sculpted bracelet”. On top of the case, it has a Hardlex crystal.
This watch also incorporates a chronograph function and has 3 chronograph sub-dials on the dial. The dial is black and has silver accents with applied metal hour markers. Positioned at 3 o’clock, there is also a date window discreetly integrated into the dial. The hands have luminescence applied to them which helps with legibility in low-lit conditions.
In addition to the chronograph function, it also has an alarm function which you may find useful. Powering all of this is a solar quartz movement, meaning it is powered by solar and ambient light – both an interesting and convenient feature.
The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.
With its diameter of 43mm, it’s ideal for men with a wrist size of about 19-24cm but can work for both smaller and larger wrists if you have a preference for either larger or smaller watches. Regardless, it’s safe to say that the Seiko Excelsior Excelsior is most suitable for someone who wants something truly unique that stands out from the ordinary and can work as a conversation starter.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: solar quartz
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Casio GBDH1000-1A7 G-Shock
The Casio G-Shock GBD-H1000-8CR is primarily intended as a fitness watch, but it can be used for sports, activities, outdoors, or even for everyday wear if you want a smartwatch (not a smartwatch) that can provide you with various key information such as heart rate.
Like most G-Shocks, it is presented with a robust and big resin case that is built to withstand harsh and demanding conditions. And like most G-Shock watches, it has a large case design which is suitable for men with large wrists with a diameter of 55mm.
This watch does not have an analog clock but only a digital LCD screen which provides all of the information. And there is indeed a lot of information that it has to offer. First and foremost, it is equipped with a GPS signal function that allows you to receive a number of different key information such as position information, time information, and more. It is equipped with wireless linking using Bluetooth.
The water resistance of this watch is 200m/660 feet which means you can go diving and swimming with it as well.
The screen has an LED backlight, also known as a super illuminator to help with legibility in any condition. In addition, it has a tough solar quartz system that powers this watch and charges this movement via solar and ambient light. Other useful sports functions that can come in handy in particular for the outdoors are the altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and compass functions.
As mentioned, Casio has made this watch specially focused on activity and fitness, which is why it has a wrist heart rate measuring function. This feature also includes target heart rate setting, heart rate zone graphic indication, heart rate graph, maximum heart rate, and minimum heart rate. But this is not all, as additional fitness-related functions include speed measuring, pace, lap times, run timing, calories burned, and a lot more. As you can see, this is a really versatile sports watch that is appropriate for essentially all kinds of different sports activities or sports adventures.
Specifications
- Diameter: 55mm
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: quartz
Seiko SNE329 Sport Solar
This is a watch that has a versatile and classic design that makes it suitable for everyday wear. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm which isn’t huge, but most men with larger wrist sizes will still find its size suitable. It has a simple stainless steel case design with a fixed bezel and primarily a satin finish. Still, Seiko has put some effort into the finishing of the case by making polished beveled edges which is a nice bonus seeing that it has a price tag of only around 200 dollars.
On top of the case sits a Hardlex crystal in traditional Seiko fashion. It is powered by a solar quartz movement.
The dial is simple and clean but with a focus on legibility. It has a black background with a nice sunburst finish and large white Arabic numerals on the dial. The hands are large and filled with luminescence. The result is of course great legibility. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window.
The water resistance of this watch is 100m/330 feet which is what can be expected from an everyday watch and is still quite good for everyday wear since it is suitable for swimming.
If you have slightly larger wrists than average and are looking for something versatile yet stylish with great legibility, this Seiko could be exactly what you are looking for.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: Solar quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
Tissot Chrono XL T1166171104701
Last but not least, we have the Tissot Chrono XL T1166171104701. This is a watch that captures the classic and elegant design language that Tissot is known for, but repackages it in a larger case size that is suitable for men with larger wrists.
The result is a stylish and elegant timepiece that works well both for everyday wear as well as formal occasions and works well for men with large wrists. This is also one of my favorite timepieces due to the fact that there are not a lot of larger elegant watches on the market. Most watches for men with large wrists are bulky and chunky, so it’s nice to see alternatives when you also want something more elegant for more formal occasions. The thickness is also reasonable at 11.02mm which means it can slide under a cuff with no issues.
The watch features a stainless steel case with elegantly curved lugs and a thin polished bezel where the dial takes up most of the watch’s property. Whilst it is a chronograph, it has relatively small and discreet chronograph pushers which don’t take up too much attention and retain its classic style.
The watch has a dark blue dial with Arabic numerals and three chronograph sub-dials. At 4 o’clock, it has a date window. The hands are filled with a luminescence which helps with legibility.
Inside this watch is a Swiss quartz chronograph movement.
Whilst this watch has a classic style, it is presented with a three-link stainless steel bracelet which adds to the versatility of this timepiece. If you want to make it more elegant, simply put on a leather strap, or keep the stainless steel bracelet for a more versatile look.
The water resistance of this timepiece is 100m/330 feet which is also quite good.
Specifications
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 11.02mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Swiss quartz
How to choose a watch with a large wrist
Regardless if you have a large wrist or not, the watch size is something that is very important to consider. The size of the watch will affect how it looks, feels, and sits on your wrist. Just like a too-small watch will look strange on your wrist, a too-big watch will both feel and look clumsy.
Look at the diameter
Obviously, the most important dimension for deciding how big a watch is is by looking at its diameter. This is the most common measurement from side to side of the watch case. Most men’s watches are between 36mm and 42mm. 43mm and upwards generally require a larger wrist, so this is a great starting point to have. As a guideline, you should choose a watch with a diameter of 44mm to 55mm if you have large wrists. This obviously depends on how big your wrist is, but also your own preference, if you prefer something bulky and sporty or perhaps something a bit more discreet.
Look at the thickness
The diameter is not the only thing that affects the size of a watch and how it wears. As a matter of fact, depending on the shape and design of the watch, two different watches that have the same diameter on paper may wear completely different just because of the way the case is designed.
The thickness has a great impact on how large a watch feels on the wrist. In general, the thicker the watch, the clumsier it will feel. If you don’t mind a watch with some presence on the wrist, then you can look for those that are thicker. But if you prefer a larger diameter but a slimmer thickness, you need to pay great attention to the thickness of the watch to ensure that it doesn’t feel like a brick when wearing it.
The design of the watch
Continuing on the same theme as above, the design of the watch will have a great effect on how it wears on the wrist. For example, a watch may have a large diameter, but the case may be slim and elegant. This will naturally make the watch feel smaller on the wrist, even if the diameter is larger. Therefore, start by considering the type of watch you would like, and also factor this in when choosing one. Remember that it’s not only the diameter that affects how it wears on the wrist.
A sports watch, for example, is meant to be large and bulky. But a dress watch is meant to be the opposite. A .arge size does not necessarily have to mean sporty, large, and bulky. At least not if you have a large enough wrist to pull it off.
Consider strap and strap length
The strap of the watch is also an aspect you want to consider for several reasons. First and foremost, the type of strap or bracelet will affect how the watch sits on the wrist, and can also affect how big it feels. For example, a slim leather strap will make the watch sit smaller on the wrist compared to if you are wearing it on a large and bulky steel bracelet.
Furthermore, if you have a strap, you want to think about the strap length. The reason for this is that if you have a large wrist, the strap may not fit your wrist. However, in general, this is not an issue because watches that are large will usually design the strap to be longer so that it fits a large wrist. The same goes for metal bracelets, which will be made larger as well.
Type of watch
This is not only something you need to think about when buying a watch if you have a large wrist, but it is something everyone should consider. Doing so will help you narrow down your alternatives and find the one that speaks to you the most.
For example, are you looking for a tough and robust sports watch, or are you looking for a dive watch? Are you looking for an elegant timepiece that you can wear on formal occasions?
A great starting point is asking yourself when you intend to wear it. Are you going hiking and subjecting it to harsh environments? Or will you wear it as an everyday watch?
A rugged tool watch may not be ideal on formal occasions, in the same way, that a dress watch won’t be suitable in harsh environments. This is why it is so important to choose the watch depending on the occasion.
And the second question to ask is if how you intend to wear it affects the functions you need. This brings us to the next point.
Functions
Do you want any particular functions on your watch? For example, a chronograph function, a date function, or a day indicator? Deciding what functions are crucial in your watch will obviously help you narrow down the options and choose a timepiece that suits your taste and preference the best.
Water resistance
The water resistance of a watch will play an important role if you intend to go swimming, or diving, or wear it in harsh environments. Again, depending on how and when you plan to wear it, this may or may not be important. But if you know that you may want to go swimming with it in the future, it can be good to choose a watch with a water resistance of at least 100m so that you can at least go swimming with it if you decide to.
Quartz or mechanical?
The next thing you want to consider is whether you want a quartz or mechanical watch. This ultimately comes down to preference because both of these have pros and cons. Quartz watches are known for being more affordable, more accurate, and cheaper to maintain. But mechanical watches are still highly popular amongst watch enthusiasts who want to wear a watch that is made with great craftsmanship and that is powered by a movement that highlights the charm and appeal of fine watchmaking.
At the same time, if you’re looking for watches with special functions and features, like G-Shock watches with barometer, thermometer, GPS, and so on, quartz will be your only option.
