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41mm or 45mm?

  • 41mm

    Votes: 29 38.2%
  • 45mm

    Votes: 49 64.5%

  • Total voters
    76

TheBeardedFrog

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 25, 2021
13
12
Hi all,

Recently I've been getting back into the Apple part of town. Very happy new owner of an iPhone Pro 13. One of the reasons I decided to go iPhone again, was that I've always wanted to try an Apple Watch. With the Series 7 releasing, I bought a 41mm watch, without actually thinking too much about the size. Figured my wrists weren't massive, so it would be better.

However, since I've got it, I've been doubting this choice. That's why I've been to an Apple Store to check out the 45mm watch. I'm still undecided, so I wondered if people with somewhat similar wrist sizes can chime in. I like the bigger screen (for obvious reasons), but I do have some fears that the bigger size may feel a bit clunky overtime. Regarding the looks, I go back and forth. Any thoughts would be appreciated, and I hope the pictures can maybe help someone with similar sizes choose.

Some info:
  • Wrist size is +- 171mm or 6.73 inches
  • Watch with the black unity band (with the green) = 45mm
  • Watch with the regular sports band = 41mm
  • Don't think it really matters, but I'm an average built guy (185 cm or 6'1)
  • I tried to make the pictures as accurate as possible, which is actually quite hard. As I've seen with many other pictures, a simple photo topdown facing the watch and wrist makes any size look bigger than it actually is.

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Hi all,

Recently I've been getting back into the Apple part of town. Very happy new owner of an iPhone Pro 13. One of the reasons I decided to go iPhone again, was that I've always wanted to try an Apple Watch. With the Series 7 releasing, I bought a 41mm watch, without actually thinking too much about the size. Figured my wrists weren't massive, so it would be better.

However, since I've got it, I've been doubting this choice. That's why I've been to an Apple Store to check out the 45mm watch. I'm still undecided, so I wondered if people with somewhat similar wrist sizes can chime in. I like the bigger screen (for obvious reasons), but I do have some fears that the bigger size may feel a bit clunky overtime. Regarding the looks, I go back and forth. Any thoughts would be appreciated, and I hope the pictures can maybe help someone with similar sizes choose.

Some info:
  • Wrist size is +- 171mm or 6.73 inches
  • Watch with the black unity band (with the green) = 45mm
  • Watch with the regular sports band = 41mm
  • Don't think it really matters, but I'm an average built guy (185 cm or 6'1)
  • I tried to make the pictures as accurate as possible, which is actually quite hard. As I've seen with many other pictures, a simple photo topdown facing the watch and wrist makes any size look bigger than it actually is.

View attachment 1878471View attachment 1878473View attachment 1878474View attachment 1878475
View attachment 1878476
Definitely 45mm.

My wrists are smaller than yours and I prefer the 45mm, bigger screen, easier to navigate.
 
Both sizes fit your wrist, it's just a matter of which you like best. I have the same size wrist as you (170mm) and I have the 45mm en route. I am a mechanical watch guy so I know the 45mm, while it may look big, will fit on my wrist without issue since there aren't any lugs to worry about.
 
My wrist is 170mm. I have the SE in 44mm and I like it but I’m not sure I’d want bigger. I considered the 41mm for the S7, but in the end sticking with the SE so luckily it’s not a decision I need to make. The 41 loses just a fraction of screen but slims down a larger proportion of case. I’d then have to consider replacing my straps too I suppose, but no big deal as they are cheapo Amazon ones. I do think that in that one shot with both watches you have A large overhang of the unity strap but maybe it just could be tighter? Or maybe it’s just right for you.

Mostly it’s question of comfort and personal preference and I don’t think you can go too wrong with either, as long as you’re not wearing it too loosely so that it interferes with the sensors.
 
Also 170mm here. We are a tough size where you can pull off both really so as others said its personal preference.

Most importantly, what do you like better? If you’re worried about looks have you checked it out looking into a mirror And see if the 45 looks odd or the 41 too small?

I was torn, but ultimately chose 41mm as i use it mainly for health (cycling, sleep tracking) and so far really appreciate the smaller size. But I don’t think i would of been disappointed with the 45 either.
 
Thanks for all your input!

I agree the unity strap looks a bit odd on the photo with both watches on the wrist, but it's not in the correct place (it's like on the bone).

For now I decided to return the 41mm, and when I can get the 45mm (+- 4 weeks) I will try that out and see how I like it after a couple of days. I might change it back to 41mm if I don't like it, I will have to wait and see. At least I will know for sure that my decision won't be based on what is/was in stock, and stop wondering if I would have liked the bigger one better.
 
I think 41mm looks in better proportion for your wrist size.
My wrist is 18cm and I have the 45mm Watch which is just about ok for me, but if my wrist were any smaller, I'd have gone with the 41mm.

Just my humble opinion of course though.
 
Hi all,

Recently I've been getting back into the Apple part of town. Very happy new owner of an iPhone Pro 13. One of the reasons I decided to go iPhone again, was that I've always wanted to try an Apple Watch. With the Series 7 releasing, I bought a 41mm watch, without actually thinking too much about the size. Figured my wrists weren't massive, so it would be better.

However, since I've got it, I've been doubting this choice. That's why I've been to an Apple Store to check out the 45mm watch. I'm still undecided, so I wondered if people with somewhat similar wrist sizes can chime in. I like the bigger screen (for obvious reasons), but I do have some fears that the bigger size may feel a bit clunky overtime. Regarding the looks, I go back and forth. Any thoughts would be appreciated, and I hope the pictures can maybe help someone with similar sizes choose.

Some info:
  • Wrist size is +- 171mm or 6.73 inches
  • Watch with the black unity band (with the green) = 45mm
  • Watch with the regular sports band = 41mm
  • Don't think it really matters, but I'm an average built guy (185 cm or 6'1)
  • I tried to make the pictures as accurate as possible, which is actually quite hard. As I've seen with many other pictures, a simple photo topdown facing the watch and wrist makes any size look bigger than it actually is.

View attachment 1878471View attachment 1878473View attachment 1878474View attachment 1878475
View attachment 1878476


Just for comparisons - I've just measured my left wrist and it is 165 ish mm so smaller than yours.

I have been wearing the 44mm Apple Watch for the past 4 years :

1635344988864.png


I have recently upgraded to the S7 45mm watch although I don't actually receive it for another month! I would go for the larger watch if I were you!
 
I’m in the same predicament my wrist is 165 1st pic is my Nike 40mm and I’ve recently got the series 7 45mm what do you guys think?
 

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I’m in the same predicament my wrist is 165 1st pic is my Nike 40mm and I’ve recently got the series 7 45mm what do you guys think?
Personally I think it looks OK ........ others will say the opposite .......... The important part is what YOU think, the fact you need to post on here tells me you have doubts :) ...... My only other comment is that sometimes the silicone bands tend to exaggerate the size compared to the sport loops or braided
 
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I’m in the same predicament my wrist is 165 1st pic is my Nike 40mm and I’ve recently got the series 7 45mm what do you guys think?
45mm looks fine on your wrist to me. When I got my Series 7 45mm earlier this week, I wondered if it would look ‘too big’ on my thin wrists. If anything I am glad with my choice as I would love for the screen to be even bigger.

Design me a 47mm Series 8, Mr Timothy Apple. You know you want to.
 
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I have small wrists and I don't care what anyone thinks about how the 45mm looks on me. The extra screen real estate is not something I would give up. My mom has smaller wrists and is wearing my old series 6 in the larger size and she loves it. It should only matter if you like it.
 
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Im in the same boat….170 mm and can’t decide. Left 45 mm and 41mm on the right, I’m also right in between and can wear both considering apples recommendation.
 
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My wrist is 175 mm. I prefer the look of the 41 mm on me, although the 45 mm looks fine also. I think if you’re buying it for the fitness aspects then the 45 mm may be better for glancing during a run, bike ride, etc.
 
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I have 145mm wrists and have always bought the smaller watch. This time I am going the 45mm watch, thought it might look too big but was just in the apple store and it looks fine. Easier to read too lol.
 
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My wrist is 165mm and went with the 41mm. Both look ok, but the 41mm felt less bulky than the 45mm and more comfortable to wear, especially while sleep tracking.
 
I wore my 44mm Nike series 4 pretty much every day since I bought it. Depending on the bands, I definitely felt it was borderline too big at times. Recently found a great deal on a SS series 7 and went with 41mm. I’m still feeling it out, but I think this might be my new size.
 
I have always preferred larger watches so I would default to the larger size.
But then that is why I am wearing an Ultra!😂😂

Seriously though, go with what you feel comfortable with and what you like, not what others think.
 
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My wrist size is almost the same as yours 175 and i have considered to get the smaller version , but my hands are unusually large and I didn’t like the overall look of the 41mm on my arm so I went with the 45mm ,I know that everyone just talks about wrist size when choosing a watch size but it didn’t feel right to me following that rule
 
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