How to properly wear a Patek

[zabazja]

Or any wrist watch..

I have been going back and forth with the snugness of my watches. Sometimes I like them loose, sometimes snug. Same issue with my bracelet watches.

I like to do things right, so I tried to get information about how to wear it properly. Unfortunately there are a lot of sources giving different advices.

There’s the advice to wear it snug, for these reasons:

1. Watch absorbs shocks better, which is good for the longevity of the movement.
2. Less risk of bumping the piece.
3. Properly wear it underneath the cuff, less risk of theft. Besides that, showing off is not necessarily a good thing.

The downside, throughout the day it can get too snug and could feel very uncomfortable..

There’s also advice to wear it at loose, where you have the ability to put 1 finger in between the wrist and the strap. The reason:

1. Comfort.
2. Comfort.

Downside, when it gets colder the watch could end up way to low on the wrist..

Interestingly I saw a guide book from Rolex itself, suggesting the amount of links to be taken out per wrist size per preferred fit, lose or snug. So I assume they’re ok with their watch’s being worn comfortably.

And than there’s all the online pictures of collectors and famous people wearing Patek. Including the Stern family. Some wear them lose, some snug..

So I get it, it partly comes to personal preference. I just don’t know what to prefer and I’m getting tired of going back and forth.

Anyway, here’s what it looks like on my wrist. Which fit would you chose, comfortable or snug?

[jcdevoe26]

when I first got into higher end watch collecting I went down this same exact road/conversation with myself hahahaha. I looked at online pictures, read articles etc etc. I use to wear my watches tight for a long time, my wife wears her's very loose...eventually for myself I found what worked best was to evaluate each watch I own differently, some feel more comfortable snug, some looser (I wear my Daytona and Speedy slightly snugger because it feels better on the wrist and the pushers dont dig into my wrist/hand area. I wear my Explorer slightly looser because it just feels comfy. I wear my 4947 in between the daytona and explorer for snugness as the butterfly style clasp feels more balanced and comfortable. At the end of the day wear it however you like, its your watch.

Side note, have you ever noticed how loose a lot of celebs wear Rolexes?!? its like a publicist handed them a watch right before an interview event and they didnt even size it

[Andad]

I wouldn’t wear it over the bone.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Andad

I wouldn’t wear it over the bone.

That’s always a good start

I like to be able to slide a pinky under the bracelet. Just the right amount of snug without being uncomfortable

[zabazja]

Originally Posted by jcdevoe26

when I first got into higher end watch collecting I went down this same exact road/conversation with myself hahahaha. I looked at online pictures, read articles etc etc. I use to wear my watches tight for a long time, my wife wears her's very loose...eventually for myself I found what worked best was to evaluate each watch I own differently, some feel more comfortable snug, some looser (I wear my Daytona and Speedy slightly snugger because it feels better on the wrist and the pushers dont dig into my wrist/hand area. I wear my Explorer slightly looser because it just feels comfy. I wear my 4947 in between the daytona and explorer for snugness as the butterfly style clasp feels more balanced and comfortable. At the end of the day wear it however you like, its your watch.

Side note, have you ever noticed how loose a lot of celebs wear Rolexes?!? its like a publicist handed them a watch right before an interview event and they didnt even size it

Hahah I’m happy to read I’m not the only one. Seems that you’re wearing your watches similar as I do. I don’t have a Explorer, but I like to wear my early 5513 a bit more lose. Modern gold gmt in between and my modern steel Daytona snug. The OF Daytona feels better when not to tight.

Indeed it’s interesting to see how many celebs wear their watches very loose. Wouldn’t be surprised if the majority is borrowed!

[Chiboy]

With a heavy watch (platinum), I find a somewhat snug fit feels most comfortable. My wrist doesn't change enough to ever really let out the micro-adjustment.

[jcdevoe26]

Originally Posted by zabazja

Hahah I’m happy to read I’m not the only one. Seems that you’re wearing your watches similar as I do. I don’t have a Explorer, but I like to wear my early 5513 a bit more lose. Modern gold gmt in between and my modern steel Daytona snug. The OF Daytona feels better when not to tight.

Indeed it’s interesting to see how many celebs wear their watches very loose. Wouldn’t be surprised if the majority is borrowed!

[GB-man]

The 5205 while pedestrian movement side makes up for it in case and dial. It fits like a glove and is just the right amount of patek. A perfect successor to the 5146 which to me was always a portrait of patek casual luxury for the "working class."

[1William]

Wear it on your wrist and not your hand. Many wear watches too lose and all the way down on the upper part of the hand.

[subtona]

IMO Snug always looks and sits better,

But comfort is paramount. Wear it as snug as is comfortable.

[mrmoto88]

Problem is my 5270 PP Leather strap needs a hole punched between two holes. Agree the heavier watch head needs more firmer fit.

My AD was happy to do this in past but now saying needs custom sized strap for holes- fearing the strap giving way.

That’s never happened, I guess it’s all insurance speak( insurance requires yearly evaluation of all straps to prove watch won’t ‘fall off’ owner!)

Luckily the Nautilus fits perfectly year round with the extra 3/4 link. But I guess there are some folk who will still need strap adjusted to season. Fine if you’re near an AD….


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[zabazja]

Originally Posted by GB-man

The 5205 while pedestrian movement side makes up for it in case and dial. It fits like a glove and is just the right amount of patek. A perfect successor to the 5146 which to me was always a portrait of patek casual luxury for the "working class."

English is not my native language. But I’m not quite sure if I should read this as a compliment or an insult?

I think I would love to live in that country where the “working class” wears Patek.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by zabazja

English is not my native language. But I’m not quite sure if I should read this as a compliment or an insult?

I think I would love to live in that country where the “working class” wears Patek.

It was meant as a compliment.

I consider working class anyone who works. I’m not talking about metro bus drivers. In America the working class in my opinion broader than people like to think. I consider doctors and lawyer working class.

In America 40k-50k is within reach for someone who works hard just like say a Rolex DD40. And it’s a damn good option as a daily.

[PhilLynott]

Wear it however it's comfortable that should be the only thing you consider.

I sold my Alpine Eagle 100% only because it didn't have a micro adjust and I was constantly choosing between too tight and too loose. Crazy for such an otherwise amazing piece to have to be let go because of something that should be standard in 2025 but some brands still feel isn't necessary.

[zabazja]

Originally Posted by GB-man

It was meant as a compliment.

I consider working class anyone who works. I’m not talking about metro bus drivers. In America the working class in my opinion broader than people like to think. I consider doctors and lawyer working class.

In America 40k-50k is within reach for someone who works hard just like say a Rolex DD40. And it’s a damn good option as a daily.

Thank you. Where I live (Europe) working class isn’t able to afford this. Usually you see people with steel Rolex and Omega, and those are considered luxury.

Here we always try to tell ourselves that the grass isn’t greener on the other side. But I’m starting to believe life might be better in the USA. At least if you’re looking for wealth. Since I can do my work remotely, I have been thinking of relocating to Dubai.

[zabazja]

Originally Posted by mrmoto88

Problem is my 5270 PP Leather strap needs a hole punched between two holes. Agree the heavier watch head needs more firmer fit.

My AD was happy to do this in past but now saying needs custom sized strap for holes- fearing the strap giving way.

Ideally I would have the hole also in between. I’m just afraid to it will ruin the esthetics of the strap.

I had a custom strap ordered at Camille Fournet. Rumor says they’re the supplier of the PP straps. Unfortunately the strap came out more or less the same. When I reached out to them about my disappointment I haven’t heard back from them anymore. So I cannot recommend Camille Fournet.

Maybe I should just order a mtm strap from the PP boutique.

[zabazja]

Originally Posted by PhilLynott

Wear it however it's comfortable that should be the only thing you consider.

I sold my Alpine Eagle 100% only because it didn't have a micro adjust and I was constantly choosing between too tight and too loose. Crazy for such an otherwise amazing piece to have to be let go because of something that should be standard in 2025 but some brands still feel isn't necessary.

Very sad to hear. I’m experiencing the same with my Royal Oak. However, I’m not planning to sell it since I can live with the loose fit.

[77T]

So...Anatomy and Words...101.

Originally Posted by zabazja

Anyway, here’s what it looks like on my wrist. Which fit would you chose, comfortable or snug?

What we call a wristwatch is a bit of a misnomer.

In the upper photo it is technically on your forearm, resting above the distal
radioulnar joint and the head of the ulna. Many here have said this is the more proper place to wear it - some noting that the wearer should be able to fit a finger between the watch and the skin. In this manner it is an armwatch.

In the lower photo it is on the wrist, resting at the intercarpal and radiocarpal joints. Some like the looseness this affords and it is now actually a wristwatch.

For kinetic dynamics, consider the models:



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[springer]

...

[springer]

The average working class individuals normally, and considering most, can not afford a Patek. Patek is an upper middle class and upper class watch - for those that can afford one.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Andad

I wouldn’t wear it over the bone.

Neither would I.

I love my Pateks and I always wear mine with a piece strapped to my belt!

[funkright]

Not too loose, not too tight = just right

[~JJ]

As long as it’s on the wrist and not below, then it’s all on comfort for me.

[PhilLynott]

Originally Posted by zabazja

Thank you. Where I live (Europe) working class isn’t able to afford this. Usually you see people with steel Rolex and Omega, and those are considered luxury.

Here we always try to tell ourselves that the grass isn’t greener on the other side. But I’m starting to believe life might be better in the USA. At least if you’re looking for wealth. Since I can do my work remotely, I have been thinking of relocating to Dubai.

Steel Rolex and Omega are 100% luxury here as well. America is a fantastic place to live for a number of reasons but the average person is paycheck to paycheck here and the last thing on their mind is spending more than what an apple watch costs for something on their wrist.

[DonLee]

Just tight enough that the watch doesn't move up or down every time i move my arm.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by springer

Neither would I.

I love my Pateks and I always wear mine with a piece strapped to my belt!

[Calatrava r]

It seems I never get a good fit. I am somehow always between the holes. Too snug or too loose. Why don't they make the holes closer together, at least on the S straps, for smaller wrists.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by Andad

I wouldn’t wear it over the bone.

Originally Posted by springer

Neither would I.

I love my Pateks and I always wear mine with a piece strapped to my belt!

Best comments in this thread.

[CarForHire]

It's unfortunate because if you have 4 seasons, most of the time the winter is okay because by the end of the morning your watch fits nice and snug but in the summer months I almost always add a link. I can see the appeal of the new Nautilus micro adjust, I wonder if anyone misses having it on their older bracelet model.

[geoach]

My 5066 is perfect not to tight when it's hot or to loose when cold. Rubber stap does not slide easy on the wrist and being so light can't feel it wearing it.