We have covered the best watch straps for people with larger wrists, and now it is time to share some guidance with the people that have wrists on the smaller side. In the last article I used an average watch lug-to-lug measurement of 50mm. This time, I’m going to assume that people with smaller wrists wear smaller watches. Obviously, this isn’t always the case, but for the sake of continuity I’m sticking with an average watch lug-to-lug of 40mm. This is what you’d expect to find on smaller dive watches, field watches and dress pieces.
But with that said, these are my recommendations for the best watch straps for people with small wrists after extensive research across the entire WatchGecko strap lineup. I hope you find it helpful.
The Best Watch Straps for People with Smaller Wrists
Table of contents
The OCTOPOD
It almost goes without saying, but the OCTOPOD system is one of the most versatile and adjustable strap systems we’ve ever come across. And we’re not just saying that because it’s ours, I’m saying that because we are incredibly proud to be able to offer a system of this quality and versatility. While experimenting, I managed to shrink the OCTOPOD down on an elasticated nylon to just 135mm (5.31 inches). This does turn this strap into a double pass as the folded length of strap ended up covering the complete underside of the strap. But, with the elasticated nylon that doesn’t matter as the soft fabric is still very comfortable and stretchy.
Sedona CTS Rubber
The Sedona is one of our best loved cut-to-size rubber straps for several reasons. The first is its quality rubber and stainless-steel hardware, the second is the amount of adjustability in the clasp, and the third is the wide range of sizes you can make them. When they are delivered, each strap length is 100mm and will cut down to 44mm! That means that with the micro adjustment all the way in on the clasp, both pieces cut to their shortest section and our average size watch, this strap will fit a wrist of 144mm (5.66 inches) with the ability to adjust outward for those hot summer days!
Radstock Racing
This strap is a design based on vintage racing straps that are slim, comfortable and strong. The benefit of this design is the perforated pattern that makes these straps breathable and malleable. With our average 40mm watch, this strap will fit wrists of 160mm (6.29 inches). The leather at the top of each section bends easily to match the shape of your wrist, and the slim profile help it to wear close, even if the fit is slightly larger than you are used to.
Ravello
The Ravello is another beautifully slim leather strap that has a very gentle taper. It’s this gentle taper and svelteness that makes it a perfect option for someone looking for a strap that fits flush to your wrist. It also gives you the opportunity, should you need it, to easily make more holes slightly further up as the buckle on this strap is wide enough to slide all the way up to 3.5mm away from the spring bars. This strap with its holes as standard and our average 40mm watch head will fit a wrist of 160mm (6.29 inches). But, with added holes and that buckle able to slide up further, you could make this strap fit a wrist of 140mm (5.51 inches). The thin design and quality leather would mean making holes would be straightforward and they would last if done correctly. I’d always recommend taking these straps to a local cobbler to make new holes, they’ve added some holes to belts for me in the past, it took about 30 seconds, and they didn’t even charge for it!
Classic Milanese
The Classic Milanese is a timeless, elegant and charming bracelet that evokes the style of Northern Italy all while being water resistant. The other defining feature of this strap is the clasp that can be adjusted using a spring bar tool to release a latch and then positioned along the other section of the strap. The benefit of this system is that it is infinitely adjustable to the wearer, the watch, even the outfit (especially if you need to put it over a wetsuit). I found that this bracelet could be shrunk down to fit a wrist of 155mm (6.1 inches), with our 40mm watch, while allowing the extra length of mesh tuck under the other comfortably.
