Watch CBS News

Here's how to pick the right Apple Watch size for you

How to pick an Apple Watch size and get the best Apple Watch for you
The Apple Watch Series 7 was introduced in the fall of 2021.  Apple

The Apple Watch Series 7 is on sale for the lowest we've ever seen it: $313 at Amazon. But before you buy one, you may be asking yourself: Which size, the 41mm or the slightly more expensive 45mm? If you need help deciding which one's right for you, then we're here to help.


Top products in this article:

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41 mm), $313 (reduced from $399)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm), $359 (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Milanese loop band, $95 (reduced from $99)


How much Apple Watch do you need? 

On one hand, there's no science to choosing between the 41mm and 45mm case. Even Apple says the selection process comes down to "personal taste." So, ask yourself some basic questions. Like, do you want a bigger display screen (which is actually the line's biggest display screen yet)? Then you probably want the 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 (pictured). As an added bonus, you'll also get more pixels, and, in some instances, larger display text. 

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS 45mm
Amazon

Do you want a watch that's a lighter lift? A watch that's closer to what you're used to? Then you may want the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 (pictured). That model is a few grams lighter than the 45mm model, and roughly the same size as the largest Apple Watch Series 3 model (42mm).

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41 mm), $313 (reduced from $399)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm), $359 (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm) GPS + cellular, $460 (reduced from $529)


How much do you want to spend on an Apple Watch? 

There are also dollars-and-cents considerations in an Apple Watch purchase: The 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 (pictured) costs less than the 45mm Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS 41mm
Apple

The 41mm model, which starts at $399 on Apple, is on sale for $329 at Amazon and Walmart

The 45mm model, meanwhile, goes for $429 and up at Apple. But you can get it on sale today for $359 at Amazon and Walmart, the lowest price we've ever seen on offer. But don't delay -- this extra discount probably won't last forever.

The cellular-enabled version of the Apple Watch Series 7 is also on sale -- it's $459 at Amazon.

What Apple Watch is the right fit for you -- literally? 

According to Apple, the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 is sized for wrists between 130mm and 200mm. (That's roughly 5 inches to 8 inches, if you're rusty in the metric system.)

The 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 is sized for wrists between 140mm to 220mm, or, roughly 5.5 inches to 8.5 inches. 

Apple Watch Band Milanese
Apple

The 45mm model also has a extra-large band option; that band is for wrists between 160mm and 245mm, or, about 6 inches to nearly 10 inches.  

Something else to consider: Some makers of Apple Watch fashion bands only make models for the smaller, 41mm version. Then again, some make them for both versions, so just be sure to check. Apple's own Milanese loop fashion band, for instance, is available for both the 41mm and 45mm models.

Apple Watch Series 7 GPS (41 mm), $329 (reduced from $399)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm), $359 (reduced from $429)

Apple Watch Series 7 (45 mm) GPS + cellular, $459 (reduced from $529)

Apple Watch Milanese loop band, $95 (reduced from $99)


Don't forget to pick up extra Apple Watch bands

Apple Watch bands
Apple

Apple Watches are very versatile. Looks-wise, not only can you swap out Apple Watch faces to match your mood, outfit and activity, but you can also switch out the bands as well. These Apple Watch bands let you keep the look of your Apple Watch fresh and appropriate with their different colors, style and material. Plus, swapping them is a snap -- literally.

(For more options, check out our picks for the best Apple Watch bands.)


Kendra Scott "Alex" 5 link watch band

alex-watch.jpg
Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott has launched its first watch collection featuring Apple Watch bands. This luxe-looking five link watch band is available in six different colored metals and metal patterns including stainless-steel, rose gold, two-tone, tri-tone and black. This Kendra Scott watch band is compatible with Apple Watch Series one through seven. It features a butterfly clasp closure. 

Kendra Scott "Alex" 5 link watch band, $148


Kendra Scott "Whitley" chain watch band

whitley.jpg
Kendra Scott

This chain link watchband is available in gold and stainless-steel. It can be purchased in sizes S/M and M/L. This Kendra Scott watch band is compatible with Apple Watch Series one through seven.

Kendra Scott "Whitley" chain watch band, $128


Kendra Scott "Dira" 3 link watch band

dira.jpg
Kendra Scott

Two two-tone "Dira" watch is available in two metal colorways. This Kendra Scott watch band is compatible with Apple Watch Series one through seven. It features a butterfly clasp closure. 

Kendra Scott "Dira" 3 link watch band, $148

Coach flower mesh Apple Watch band

Coach Flower Mesh Apple Watch Band
Nordstrom

Make your Apple Watch look more formal with this mesh band from Coach, which has an eye-catching, two-tone blossom appliqué and a safety clasp closure. Coach also has a wide variety of Apple Watch bands for more options.

Coach flower mesh Apple Watch band, $125


Apple Watch Sport loop band

Apple Sport Loop Apple Watch Band
Amazon

You need a soft, lightweight and breathable Apple Watch band for working out. For that, the Apple's Sport loop band may be the ticket, thanks to its durable-layer, dense loop nylon weave. It snaps onto 38 mm, 40 mm and 41 mm models with ease.

Apple Watch Sport loop band, $47 (reduced from $49)


Apple Watch leather link band

Apple Leather Link Apple Watch Band
Amazon

Looking for an Apple Watch band for casual business meetings? The Apple Watch leather link band might do the trick. It's made of Venezia leather handcrafted in Italy and hidden magnets for quick and easy adjustments in fit. It's compatible with 38mm, 40mm and 41mm models.

Apple Watch leather link band, $99


Oyodss Apple Watch bands (5 pack)

Oyodss Apple Watch bands
Amazon

Grab a five-pack of these uber-affordable silicone Apple Watch bands to switch your look anytime. They come in four sizes, to fit the watch you own, plus seven colors.

Oyodss Apple Watch bands (5 pack), $13 after coupon (reduced from $20)


Related content from CBS Essentials

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.