The Best Unisex Watches: Why 40mm Works on Every Wrist
In short: a unisex watch is one designed to suit any wrist, rather than being sized or styled for men or women specifically. The sweet spot is a slim case of around 38mm to 40mm with a clean dial, because it looks balanced on smaller wrists without looking small on larger ones. The Hartley Heritage is 40mm wide and 7mm thick for exactly that reason.
For a long time watches were split neatly into two aisles. Men's watches were big and heavy, women's watches were small and decorative. That line has blurred. More people now choose a watch for how it looks and feels, not for which aisle it sits in, and the most popular designs are increasingly the ones that work for everyone.
What makes a watch unisex?
A unisex watch is not a compromise between a men's and a women's design. It is a watch where the proportions, the dial and the colours are balanced enough to suit anyone. In practice that comes down to four things.
1. A moderate case size
Size is the biggest factor. Very large cases of 44mm and above can overwhelm a smaller wrist, while very small cases under 34mm can look delicate on a larger one. A case in the 38mm to 40mm range is the middle ground that works across the widest range of wrists.
2. A slim profile
Thickness matters as much as diameter. A tall case looks bulky on a slim wrist even if the diameter is reasonable. A thin case keeps the watch in proportion. We explain this fully in why a 7mm case changes everything.
3. A clean dial
Busy, sporty dials tend to read as masculine, and ornate, jewelled dials tend to read as feminine. A simple, minimalist dial sits comfortably in between.
4. Interchangeable straps
The strap is where personal style comes in. The same watch head can look bold on black leather, soft on pink leather or sharp on a mesh bracelet. Quick release straps let one watch suit different people and different moods.
Why 40mm works on every wrist
Case diameter is measured across the case, not including the crown. Here is roughly how different sizes tend to wear:
| Case size | On a smaller wrist | On a larger wrist |
|---|---|---|
| 34mm to 36mm | Classic and neat | Can look small |
| 38mm to 40mm | Modern and balanced | Balanced and understated |
| 42mm to 44mm | Can look oversized | Bold presence |
| Over 44mm | Usually too large | Statement size |
A 40mm case lands in the zone where it rarely looks wrong. On a smaller wrist it reads as a confident modern size. On a larger wrist it reads as understated and classic. Pair that with a 7mm case and the watch hugs the wrist rather than sitting on top of it.
How to check if a watch will fit your wrist
- Measure your wrist with a soft tape or a strip of paper just above the wrist bone.
- Look at the lug to lug width, the distance from the top lugs to the bottom lugs. As a rule, the lugs should not hang over the edges of your wrist.
- Consider the thickness. A thinner watch will always look smaller and sit more comfortably than a thick one of the same diameter.
- Think about the strap. A leather strap can be adjusted to fit, and a mesh strap adjusts easily too. Our how to guides show how to adjust each strap.
Choosing colours for a unisex watch
Colour is personal, but some combinations are especially versatile.
- Silver: the most neutral choice, easy with any outfit.
- Black: bold and modern, especially striking on a black leather strap.
- Gold: warm and classic, great with brown leather or a gold mesh bracelet.
- Rose gold: softer and warmer, available on the Heritage with either a white or a black dial.
Not sure which suits you? Our guide to gold, silver, black or rose gold covers skin tone, jewellery and wardrobe, and black dial or white dial helps you choose the face.
Why unisex watches make great gifts
When you are buying for someone else, a unisex watch takes the guesswork out of sizing and style. It is also a watch that can be shared between partners or passed down, which is part of what makes a watch meaningful. Read more in watches as milestone gifts.
The Heritage: designed for every wrist
The Hartley Heritage was designed as a unisex watch from the start. It has a 40mm stainless steel case just 7mm thick, a sapphire crystal, a Japanese Miyota quartz movement and 50m water resistance. It comes in black, gold, silver and rose gold, and fits every Hartley strap through 20mm quick release lugs, so the same watch can be worn a dozen different ways.
Explore the Heritage Collection, or browse women's watches and men's watches.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a unisex watch?
Most unisex watches are between 36mm and 40mm. A slim 40mm case like the Heritage suits the widest range of wrists.
Is a 40mm watch too big for a woman?
Not usually, especially if the case is thin. A 7mm thick 40mm watch sits flat and looks balanced on most wrists. Many women prefer a 40mm watch for its modern look.
Is a 40mm watch too small for a man?
No. 40mm is a classic size for men's watches and is often considered the ideal everyday size.
Can men and women wear the same watch?
Yes. A well designed unisex watch suits anyone, and changing the strap lets each person make it their own.
What is the best unisex watch strap?
Black leather and a silver or gold mesh are the most versatile. Coloured leather like pink, beige or brown adds personality. All Hartley straps are 20mm and fit the Heritage.
