Buying a Watch Online? Here’s How to Make Sure It Suits Your Style and Wrist

At a glance

• Choosing the right case size ensures your watch fits comfortably and suits your wrist shape.
  
• Face colour should complement your skin tone and reflect your personal style.
  
• Strap material affects both comfort and versatility, so pick one that fits your lifestyle.
  
• Buying from a transparent, reputable brand helps you avoid surprises when shopping online.

Buying a watch online can feel like a gamble. You scroll through perfectly lit product photos, make your pick, and click “add to cart,” only to realise it doesn’t quite match your style or fit when it arrives. That’s why getting the right size, strap and face colour matters before you check out. 

This guide from Stone & Browne walks you through exactly what to look for so your next online watch purchase feels personal, polished, and perfectly you. 

Choose The Right Case Size

When shopping for a watch online, getting the case size right is one of the most important steps. It affects both how the watch feels on your wrist and how it looks with your outfit. A case that's too large can overwhelm a slimmer wrist, while one that's too small may feel out of place on a broader frame. Size impacts comfort, proportion, and personal style. So it’s worth getting right from the start.

Watch case sizes typically range from around 36mm to 46mm:

• 36 to 38mm is often chosen by those with small wrists or anyone who prefers a more subtle look. This size is common for women’s watches and minimalist men’s styles.
  
• 40 to 42mm is the modern-day average for most men’s and unisex watches. It provides a middle ground between subtle and bold. 
  
• 44 to 46mm is a better fit for larger wrists or anyone looking for a watch with a more prominent, statement-making appearance.
  

If you're unsure about sizing, here’s a simple trick to figure it out at home:

• If your wrist is less than 17cm in circumference, 40mm watches will likely feel more comfortable and proportional.
  
• If your wrist is over 17cm, 44mm watches will likely feel more flattering and offer a confident fit.
  

Do you have a watch in your collection that fits well? Measure the diameter of the case and use that as a point of reference. If not, the 40mm to 44mm range is well-established and a good place to start. Stone & Browne offers both 40mm and 44mm options, making it easy to find a size that suits your wrist and your style.

Read More: Choosing Between 40mm and 44mm – Which Watch Series Suits You Best?

Think About Strap Comfort and Style

A watch strap does more than complete the look; it plays a major role in how the watch feels on your wrist throughout the day. When buying online, where you can’t physically try it on, evaluating both the material comfort and the styling versatility of the watch band becomes essential.

Leather straps are soft, flexible, and mould naturally to your wrist over time. This makes them ideal if you want something that feels comfortable throughout the day and blends naturally on the wrist. Leather is breathable, too, so there’s less chance of irritation or discomfort when worn for long durations. Leather straps are best for formal settings.

Metal bands provide a structured, elevated look and are usually adjustable with removable links. They are great for versatile styling; however, they often feel cooler on the skin, seem less comfortable, and can take a little longer to break in. For those with sensitive skin or a lower tolerance for materials that feel rigid on their wrist, it’s important to ensure the links don’t pinch or slide uncomfortably.

If you’re unsure which feels better, choose a watch with an interchangeable strap system like Stone & Browne that allows you to switch between metal and leather. You can change the straps depending on how you’re feeling on that day or which outfit you’re wearing. This flexibility allows you to match watches to distinct occasions without discomfort.

Read More: How to Select the Right Watch Band or Strap Material for You

Choose a Face Colour That Works with Your Skin Tone

The face colour is often the first thing people notice in a watch, and it’s a powerful way to express your style. But the right colour depends on both your wardrobe and your skin tone.

Here’s how to make a confident choice:

• Cool skin tones tend to suit cooler shades like blue, navy or crimson.
  
• Warm skin tones pair beautifully with warm-toned colours like olive green, chocolate brown or gold.
  
• Neutral skin tones suit both cool and warm shades, giving more freedom to experiment.
  

Think about your go-to outfits. If you wear bold or creative looks, high-impact faces like Emerald or Azure will fit right in. If your style is more minimal, neutral shades like Blush, Chocolate Rose or Midnight offer a timeless match.

Read More: Colourful Watch Faces You Must Have This Season

Match The Face Colour & Strap to Suit Your Lifestyle

A great watch should seamlessly fit into your routine, whether you're dressing for the office, heading out on weekends, or adding a statement to your look. The key is pairing the right face colour with the right strap to suit your everyday wear.

For work or formal wear, opt for darker face colours like black or navy, paired with a leather strap. This combination delivers a sharp, professional edge that works with suiting, button-downs, or dress shoes.

For casual or everyday wear, choose muted face tones like olive or chocolate brown with a metal band. These offer a balance of durability and relaxed style, ideal with denim, chinos, or casual layers.

For a bold or creative style, go for striking face colours like Azure or Blush. Let the face colour stand out by keeping your outfit minimal and pairing it with either strap type, depending on the setting.

If you prefer to keep things flexible, every Stone & Browne watch comes with an interchangeable strap system, so you can switch from metal to leather with ease, depending on the day.

Pick a Trustworthy Watch Brand

When you shop for a watch on the Internet, you want to make sure it’s from a brand you can trust, just as much as you want it to be stylish. Since you can’t try it on, you are only depending on the description and photos of the product, which means it’s extremely important to buy from brands that are as transparent as possible and have a dedicated reputation for quality assurance.

A brand like Stone & Browne is transparent about exactly what goes into each watch, from movement to materials, so you know what to expect before it arrives. Here’s how you can check for quality online:

• Movement type: The Japanese quartz is well known for dependable timekeeping and minimal upkeep, so look out for it.
  
• Glass material: Sapphire glass is highly scratch-resistant and stays clear for a longer period. It’s a high-end extra that’s worth looking for.
  
• Band materials: Only leather and metal bands are suitable for long-term wear. Avoid options that list unclear materials.
  
• Dimensions: The case diameter and thickness determine how the watch looks on your wrist. These details should be easy to find on the website.
  
• Water resistance: You might not be planning on swimming in it, but basic water resistance will keep it protected from splashes, hand washing, and rain.
  

If you come across a site that doesn’t detail these explicitly or where the descriptions seem vague or generic, you should question whether the product quality will be as good as they say. Staying with a brand that actually trusts product transparency means that what you get will match what you ordered, both in appearance and feel.

When you know what to look for, from the case size and face colour to the strap material, it's easier to find a watch that complements your wrist style and daily life.

Discover Stone & Browne's complete range of modern, versatile watches designed for your style, your wrist, and your lifestyle. Whether you seek quiet elegance or a statement addition, there’s always a watch for men, female watch, or unisex watch ready to enhance your everyday life.