Your cart is empty
Start ShoppingFinding a watch strap you really like is not always easy. For those with a larger wrist, the search can be even more challenging.
Over the past eight years, we have spoken to many NorteSpring customers who face exactly this difficulty: they find a strap they like, but it is not long enough to fit comfortably and securely on their wrist.
This problem is particularly common with two-piece straps. When a strap is too short, very little of the tail remains after fastening it and, in some cases, it barely reaches the keepers.
But there is another difficulty we often hear about.
Many of these customers are tired of finding the same options again and again: a black strap, a brown strap or a NATO strap. They want to try different materials and colours and give their watches a different look, just like any other customer. Fortunately, there are now more alternatives.
At NorteSpring, we have been gradually expanding the range of lengths, widths, materials and adjustment systems available across our watch straps. In this article, we have brought together some of the options we consider most suitable for larger wrists.
What size is considered a large wrist?
There is no universal classification that defines exactly when a wrist is small, medium or large. As a rough guide:
- Up to around 16 cm: a small wrist;
- Between 16 and 18 cm: a medium wrist;
- From around 18–19 cm: a larger wrist.
These measurements should, however, be treated as guidelines only.
When choosing a strap, wrist circumference is just one of the measurements to consider. Two people with exactly the same wrist circumference may need different strap lengths depending on the size of the watch case and the construction of the strap itself.
A watch with a larger case, for example, naturally takes up more space on the wrist and changes the strap length needed to complete the circumference.
That is why, at NorteSpring, when a customer tells us they struggle to find straps that are long enough, we prefer to start with something much more specific: the length of a strap they already wear and know fits comfortably.
How can you tell whether a strap is long enough for your wrist?
This is probably the first question to answer before choosing a new strap.
When a customer contacts us because they have a larger wrist, there is one detail we particularly like to know: how long is the strap they currently wear and know fits comfortably? For us, this is an excellent starting point.
If you have a two-piece strap that fits well, you can measure each part separately and use those measurements as a reference when looking for a new strap.
You will often see measurements such as 115 + 75 mm or 130 + 80 mm. These figures refer to the lengths of the two parts of the strap.
For larger wrists, I would start by looking for a strap measuring around 130 + 80 mm or longer, although this should not be treated as an absolute rule.
There is another element that contributes to the overall circumference: the watch itself.
A larger case adds several millimetres to the overall length, so two people with exactly the same wrist circumference may find that the same strap fits differently depending on the watch they use it with.
This is precisely why, whenever there is any doubt, we prefer to compare measurements with a strap the customer already wears comfortably.
A strap that is too short is more than a comfort issue
There is one principle we consider particularly important when advising a customer: appearance should never come before comfort and the security of the watch.
A strap that is too short may force you to use the last few holes, fit too tightly or leave so little of the tail that it barely passes through the keepers. Apart from being uncomfortable, this is not a fit we recommend.
A strap that is regularly worn under excessive tension is also exposed to greater friction and wear.
So, if you have to choose between a strap you really like that is too short and another that offers the right length, we always recommend the second option. A watch should feel comfortable on the wrist and, above all, stay secure.
Classic Cut To Size: our first choice for larger wrists
If a customer asked us today for our first recommendation for a comfortable everyday strap for a larger wrist, we would probably start with our Cut To Size FKM rubber straps. There is a very simple reason: the adjustment system is completely different from that of a conventional strap.
The strap, including its integrated clasp, measures approximately 230 mm in length, to which you also need to add the length of the watch case itself.
Rather than relying on a traditional row of holes, the Cut To Size system lets you gradually trim the strap along the marked sections until you find the right length for your wrist. There is then a second way to fine-tune the fit. The folding clasp has four micro-adjustment positions, allowing you to make small adjustments without cutting the strap again. This is particularly useful throughout the year.
In summer, for example, it is perfectly normal for your wrist to swell slightly in the heat. In winter, the opposite can happen. With micro-adjustment, you can make the strap a little looser or tighter without permanently changing its length. FKM rubber also offers an excellent combination of comfort, flexibility and durability for everyday wear.
There is another factor that matters to us: the colours. For someone who has spent years limited to the same options for larger wrists, finally being able to choose different shades and pair the strap with different watches makes a difference. This recommendation is also based on real customer experience.
We have recommended this model to several NorteSpring customers with larger wrists, and the feedback has been very positive. One customer even went on to buy several in different colours after trying the Classic Cut To Size.
For him, it became one of the best options he had found for combining the length, comfort and appearance he was looking for.
NATO straps: the classic option for larger wrists
Our longer NATO straps remain an excellent alternative for anyone who needs extra length.
The three main models we offer at NorteSpring measure, on average, approximately 280 mm in length, although there may be small differences between collections.
As a guide:
- Total length: approximately 280 mm
- First hole: approximately 170 mm
- Last hole: approximately 255 mm
It is precisely this length that makes NATO straps such a common choice for larger wrists. Interestingly, it is also one of the reasons some customers who contact us want to try something different.
Many have worn NATO straps for a long time because they were one of the few options they could find for their wrist size. When looking for a new strap, they do not necessarily want another NATO: they want to discover alternatives.
That said, for those who enjoy this style, our NATO Classic, NATO Ribbed and Premium Seat Belt straps still offer a generous adjustment range and are available in different colours and patterns.
Tropical Rubber: a longer alternative in FKM rubber
Another option that is sometimes overlooked is our Tropical Rubber strap in FKM. This model has two parts measuring 130 + 80 mm, giving a total of 210 mm, excluding the watch case.
This is a more generous length than you will find on many conventional rubber watch straps and can be a particularly useful alternative if you want a little extra length without choosing a NATO strap or a metal bracelet.
In our experience, these proportions work particularly well on wrists measuring around 18 to 19 cm, where the additional length helps the strap sit naturally on the wrist.
This does not mean that the Tropical Rubber is exclusively a strap for larger wrists. We regularly sell this model to customers with average-sized wrists, where the additional length simply leaves a slightly longer tail.
If you are looking for an FKM rubber strap with a traditional two-piece construction but need a little extra length, this is certainly a model to consider.
Metal bracelets: another excellent option for larger wrists
Our metal bracelets offer another important advantage: their length can be adjusted through the links themselves or the clasp system.
Within NorteSpring’s current collection, we would highlight three options for anyone looking for a bracelet for a larger wrist.
Milanese mesh bracelet
The Milanese mesh bracelet would be one of our first recommendations.
Unlike a conventional bracelet with fixed adjustment positions, the clasp can slide along the mesh, allowing a much more precise fit.
In practice, you can adjust the bracelet almost millimetre by millimetre.
This is particularly convenient if you like to adjust the fit slightly throughout the year. If your wrist swells during the warmer months, you can easily increase the circumference. In winter, you can tighten it again.
SteelLink Silver and Smart Silver Matte
For those who prefer a metal link bracelet, the SteelLink Silver and the Smart Silver Matte are also worth considering.
With these models, you adjust the fit by removing the necessary links until you reach the right length.
The bracelets come with enough links to provide a generous adjustment range. NorteSpring does not sell additional links separately.
If you choose a link bracelet and have a larger wrist, we always recommend checking the measurements on the relevant product page before buying.
So, what is the best strap for a larger wrist?
There is no single answer, because it depends on the watch, your wrist size and, of course, the style you are looking for.
However, if we were making a recommendation for someone with a larger wrist who wants a comfortable strap for everyday wear, our current order of preference would be:
1. Classic Cut To Size in FKM rubber
For its generous length and the combination of trimming to size and four micro-adjustment positions.
2. Milanese mesh bracelet
For its extensive adjustment range and how easily you can slightly increase or reduce the circumference whenever needed.
3. Metal link bracelet
Especially when the clasp also offers some form of micro-adjustment.
Then there are two excellent alternatives: our versatile NATO straps, for those who enjoy this style, and the Tropical Rubber, particularly if you want a traditional two-piece FKM strap with a more generous length.
Have a larger wrist? Start by measuring the strap you already wear
If you found this article because you struggle to find watch straps for larger wrists, there is one simple thing you can do before you start looking.
Take a strap you currently wear and know fits comfortably, and measure its length.
This information is much more useful than simply saying you have a “large” wrist.
When a customer contacts us, this is one of the references we use to work out which of our models might offer a similar fit or, if needed, a little extra length.
And if a particular strap is not long enough, we prefer to say so.
For us, choosing a different model is better than wearing a strap that is too tight or leaves the watch less secure on your wrist.
More options for larger wrists in the future
NorteSpring was founded in 2018 because of the difficulty of finding universal watch straps that offered distinctive styles, good quality and a fair price. Eight years later, this remains one of our main goals.
Over this time, we have worked to expand not only the number of models, but also the widths, colours, materials, buckle types and lengths available.
We know that finding something different is still particularly difficult for those with larger wrists. This is work we want to continue.
One possibility we would like to explore in the future is a collection of leather straps designed specifically for larger wrists, giving these customers even more choice and allowing them to pair different strap styles with their watches.
Because having a larger wrist should not mean being limited to the same two or three straps.
We hope that, little by little, that choice will continue to grow.
Frequently asked questions about watch straps for larger wrists
There is no universal classification. As a guide, a wrist measuring up to around 16 cm can be considered small, between 16 and 18 cm medium, and from around 18–19 cm larger.
However, when choosing a strap, it is more important to check the length needed for a comfortable and secure fit with your watch than to rely on this classification.
There is no universal measurement, because the length of the watch case must also be taken into account. As a guide, for a traditional two-piece strap for larger wrists, we generally look for options measuring around 130 + 80 mm or longer.
Whenever possible, we recommend measuring a strap you already wear comfortably and comparing those measurements with the new model.
Yes. NorteSpring’s NATO straps measure, on average, around 280 mm in length, providing a generous adjustment range. Measurements may vary slightly depending on the model.
Currently, one of our first recommendations is the Classic Cut To Size in FKM rubber, as it measures approximately 230 mm including the integrated clasp and combines trimming to size with four micro-adjustment positions.
Milanese mesh bracelets and other metal models are also excellent alternatives thanks to their adjustment range.
It can contribute to faster wear. If you need to wear the strap too tightly, it will be exposed to greater tension and friction. In addition to wear, a strap that is too short can be uncomfortable and leave too little of the tail to stay properly secured in the keepers.
Measure your wrist circumference and, if possible, also measure a strap you already wear and know fits comfortably. Compare these measurements with those listed on the product page.
If you are unsure, you can contact us before placing your order. At NorteSpring, we would rather help you find a strap with the right length than recommend a model that may be too short for your wrist.