Garmin Instinct 3 – how does it look on wrists of different sizes? Does it ‘wear small’
More: Very detailed Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Review – with maps workaround
I have the large 50mm AMOLED version of the Garmin Instinct 3. Generally, I prefer the medium-size Garmin watches. Still, the 50mm seemed OK, and anecdotal comments from around the net suggested others thought that the 50mm model ‘wore small’, ie it looks a bit smaller than it is and might be OK on medium-sized wrists.
Here are some images of my watch on different wrists. See what you think.
Interpretation and measurements
The largest 20cm wrist is just under 8″. I would say the person’s wrist is thicker than average and the watch looks fine
The smallest 16cm female wrist is just over 6″. I would say the person’s wrist is thicker than average for a female and the watch looks a tad too big.
The medium 18cm male wrist is 7″. I would say the person’s wrist is slightly thinner than average for a male, and the watch looks a tad too big but maybe OK.
Perhaps the angles of the photos could be improved.
Take Out
You might get away with the aesthetics of the 50mm model on a medium-sized wrist with these Garmin watch straps. The watch, IMHO, still looks a bit big but Ok. Perhaps the light green colouration of the bezel focuses the attention on that rather than where the lugs are (where the strap attaches) creating a slight illusion of smaller size. Perhaps also the light-feel of the Instinct 3 plays into a perception of lightness and smallness.
Last Updated on 11 April 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Somehow it looks better on 16cm than on 18cm.