Who hasn't been there? You discover a fascinating watch that impresses with its design and philosophy - but when you try it on, it looks oversized and disproportionate on your own wrist. People with narrow wrists in particular often encounter this problem and therefore avoid watches with a larger diameter. But how does the diameter of a watch affect its appearance? The BOTTA brand stands for innovation in the world of watches. This includes the Inverted-Lug System.
At BOTTA, we have mastered this problem with an elegant solution: the inverted lug system, developed in-house. This innovative design principle integrates the lugs into the case so cleverly that they barely protrude beyond the edge of the case, resulting in a remarkable result: on BOTTA watches, the lug-to-lug value is smaller than the case diameter - a rarity in the watch world that makes a decisive difference to wearing comfort.
The real problem: not the diameter, but the lugs
Why do many watches appear so dominant on the wrist despite their moderate diameter? The answer lies not in the diameter of the dial, but in an often overlooked detail: the lugs, also known as “horns.” These lugs protrude significantly beyond the case on conventional watches and visually and physically extend the watch - especially in width on the back of the hand. The distance from one lug to the opposite lug is known as the lug-to-lug distance, and largely determines how much space the watch actually takes up on the wrist. a practical example: a classic watch with a 38 mm diameter can easily reach a lug-to-lug dimension of 46 mm or more due to its long lugs. On narrow wrists, such a watch often protrudes beyond the wrist and therefore appears disproportionately large.
The BOTTA solution: The innovative Inverted-Lug System
At BOTTA, we have mastered this problem with an elegant solution: the inverted-lug system, developed in-house. This innovative design principle integrates the lugs into the case so cleverly that they barely protrude beyond the edge of the case, resulting in a remarkable result: on BOTTA watches, the lug-to-lug value is smaller than the case diameter - a rarity in the watch world that makes a decisive difference to wearing comfort.
Specific examples from the BOTTA collection:
- The UNO Automatic has an impressive diameter of 44 mm - but a lug-to-lug value of less than 35 mm. This means that the watch takes up less space on the wrist than its diameter would suggest.
- The UNO 24 automatic in 40 mm diameter even comes in at just 34.5 mm lug-to-lug.
You can see and feel this advantage immediately: the watches nestle gently against the wrist, do not look bulky and simply fit perfectly - even on very slender arms.
Think bigger, wear smaller: the practical benefits
The great advantage of the inverted lug system is obvious: people who were previously only able to wear watches with a maximum diameter of 40 mm now have the freedom to choose models with a diameter of 44 or 45 mm with BOTTA. This opens up completely new possibilities:
- Better readability: A larger dial provides more space for clear, easily recognizable displays - particularly important for our innovative one-hand watches.
- More presence: A watch with a larger diameter can be worn as a conscious statement without appearing oversized.
- More striking design: The larger surface area allows a more balanced design with more details, without the watch appearing overloaded.
- Optimum wearing comfort: The compact design means the watch lies flat and comfortably on the wrist.
Why the inverted lug system makes a difference
The inverted lug system is more than just a technical detail - it is an example of the BOTTA philosophy in which form and function form an inseparable unit. Every element of our watches is developed with the person who wears them in mind.
This human-centered design approach is evident in all aspects of our watches:
- Ergonomic optimization: The watches adapt to the wrist, not the other way around.
- Intuitive readability: Clear dials allow a quick, effortless view of the time.
- Reduced complexity: every detail serves a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony.
Who is the Inverted Lug System particularly suitable for?
The inverted lug system is particularly advantageous for:
- People with narrow wrists who previously had to do without larger watch models.
- Design lovers who value balanced proportions.
- Pragmatists who want to combine good readability with an elegant appearance.
- Individualists looking for a watch with a sophisticated design that stands out from the mainstream.
Practical examples from everyday life
Our customer Sophia has a wrist circumference of just 14 cm - and wears her UNO with a diameter of 40 mm with enthusiasm and comfort. What would be impossible with a conventional watch becomes a matter of course with the inverted lug system.
The perfect balance between presence and restraint
The inverted lug system perfectly embodies the BOTTA philosophy: it creates a harmonious balance between the presence of an expressive watch and the restraint of an elegant accessory. The watch becomes a statement without being obtrusive - a balance that is becoming increasingly important, especially in these times of overstimulation.
This balance is also reflected in our philosophy of time: BOTTA watches are instruments for a confident approach to time - present enough to remind us of the value of our most precious resource, but restrained enough not to dominate us.
Conclusion: size redefined
BOTTA watches are a good example of the fact that size is not just size. Thanks to the inverted-lug system, our models also fit narrower wrists - and still offer the clarity, elegance and legibility for which we are known.
This well-thought-out detail shows how BOTTA transfers the classic BAUHAUS principles into the modern age: Form follows function - and in our case, the wrist as well. It is another example of how we are rethinking watches and putting people at the center.
