Choose a watch in three steps. Measure your wrist to find the right case size, pick a strap that suits your weather and routine, and choose a dial that is easy to read and matches your clothes. A simple silver, black or blue dial on a metal strap is the safest first watch.
What watch size suits a small wrist?
For a small wrist under about 16.5 cm, men should look at cases around 36 to 40 mm and women at about 26 to 32 mm. The lugs, where the strap meets the case, should not hang past the edges of your wrist, or the watch will look too big.
To measure your wrist, wrap a soft tape or a strip of paper just below the wrist bone, where the watch will sit, and read the length. Then use this rough guide.
| Wrist size | Men's case | Women's case |
|---|---|---|
| Small, under 16.5 cm | 36 to 40 mm | 26 to 32 mm |
| Medium, 16.5 to 19 cm | 40 to 42 mm | 32 to 36 mm |
| Large, over 19 cm | 42 to 46 mm | 36 to 40 mm |
A slim case also looks smaller than a thick one of the same width, and it slides under a shirt or kurta cuff more easily.
Which watch strap is best: metal, leather or rubber?
A metal strap is the best all-rounder in Pakistan because it handles heat, sweat and splashes and suits both office and formal wear. Leather looks classic and feels warm in winter but dislikes water, while rubber is the most practical for sports, the gym and the monsoon.
- Metal or two-tone: office, weddings and daily wear. A watch shop can remove links for a snug fit.
- Leather: dinners, formal events and winter. Take it off before wudu, since repeated wetting cracks leather.
- Rubber: sports, travel and very hot days, because sweat wipes straight off.
Compare metal, leather and rubber straps in our men's watches.
Which dial colour and style should I choose?
Black, white and silver dials go with everything and are the easiest to read, so they make the best first watch. Blue, green and brown dials add personality without looking loud, and skeleton or diamond-set dials are statement pieces for events rather than daily office wear.
- Simple three-hand dial: the cleanest look for office and formal wear.
- Chronograph, with stopwatch sub-dials: sporty, and it looks larger on the wrist.
- Textured or skeleton dial: eye-catching for weekends and parties.
- Strong contrast between hands and dial, such as white hands on a dark dial, is easiest to read at a glance.
What watch should I wear with shalwar kameez or to a wedding?
With shalwar kameez, a slim watch on a metal or brown leather strap looks neat and fits under the kurta cuff. For a barat or walima, a gold, rose gold or two-tone watch matches the embroidery on a sherwani or waistcoat and adds a dressy finish.
Match metals across your outfit. A gold watch looks best with gold buttons, cufflinks or a gold buckle, and a brown leather strap should sit with a brown belt and shoes. For Eid and Jummah, a white or silver dial keeps the look fresh and simple.
What should women look for in a watch?
Women should look for a slim case of about 26 to 34 mm on a bracelet-style metal strap, because it suits both office wear and party outfits. Pick the strap colour to match your everyday jewellery: silver, gold or rose gold, or two-tone if you mix metals.
A slim silver or gold watch can also sit beside a couple of bangles or a bracelet at a dinner. Browse slim, two-tone and rose gold styles in our women's watches, and pair one with a delicate chain from our bracelets.
Quick answers
How do I know if a watch is too big for me?
It is too big if the lugs hang past your wrist or the case slides around when you move. A properly fitted watch stays on top of the wrist.
Can I wear my watch while doing wudu?
Check its water resistance first. A watch marked 30 m or 3 ATM handles splashes and rain only, and leather straps should always stay dry.
What is the difference between automatic and quartz watches?
A quartz watch runs on a battery and needs little care. An automatic watch winds itself as you move, so it can stop if you leave it off for a day or two.
Can women wear men's watches?
Yes, an oversized watch is a popular look. On a small wrist, keep it to about 38 to 40 mm so it still looks balanced.
Which watch makes a good gift?
A simple dial on a metal strap suits most people and most outfits. Browse our full watch collection for gift ideas for him and her.
From Eid gifts to wedding gifts, Glintory delivers all over Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with cash on delivery.