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We are in awe of Julie Kraulis, who creates extremely detailed, large scale pencil drawings of classic watches

Take a moment to appreciate the art of Toronto-based Julie Kraulis, who has carved out a niche with her detailed, large scale pencil drawings of classic watches from Rolex, Omega, Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne, TAG Heuer and more.

Yes, pencil – not a medium you would expect to find being used to painstakingly reproduce high end luxury timepieces. She loves the humble pencil so much, she describes it as, ‘…an extension of my hand, mind, and soul’. And people have been taking notice – including TAG Heuer and Omega, who have commissioned her work. Thanks to her association with Omega she has even met some of the legendary ‘Moon Team’, including Buzz Aldrin. Not bad work if you can get it.

Zaeger caught up with her to find out what drives her passion, her process and much more.

Shop Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

How did your journey with watches start?

I started drawing watches about two years ago. At the time, I was looking for a new subject to explore for a collection of work. I came across an article about iconic timepieces that piqued my curiosity and I had a feeling there would be plenty in the world of watches to inspire.

In terms of brands, which are some of your most commissioned watches?

Heaps of Rolex watches. Quite popular, aren’t they?! Submariners, Daytonas, Milgauss, an Oyster Sotto. I’ve done quite a few OMEGA Speedmasters, too.

Shop Rolex Submariner

Have you worked with any watch brands yet?

I’ve had the great pleasure of working with collectors from all over. In terms of brands, I’ve worked with TAG Heuer and OMEGA and look forward to opportunities with others in the industry.

Why did you choose pencil?

I have always loved graphite and the ways you can work with it, not to mention its lovely shimmer when you catch it in the right light. I like the idea of using one of the simplest tools to create highly detailed, elaborate pieces of work. It was most likely the tool used to sketch out the concept and design of these icons and so it seems a fitting medium to echo the starting point. Also, I find that the monochromatic palette allows the unique details of a watch to really stand out – line, form, and balance are clearer without the distraction of colour.

What combination of pencil grades do you use?

I work with Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils in HB, B, 2B, 3B, and 4B grades.

And your paper of choice?

Arches Hot Press. It’s gorgeous and the texture really makes the graphite sing.

A.Lange & Söhne

How do you prevent the lead from smudging?

I work left to right and top to bottom to minimize smudging. I lay down sheets of paper on top of the artwork while I’m working and spray the finished piece with a fixative to set the graphite in place before shipping. I use a Staedtler kneadable eraser to clean up any unintended marks.

How long is each labour of love?

Each drawing takes anywhere between 200 – 300 hours and around 50 pencils, depending on the level of detail and complexity.

Shop Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

What is your process for each artwork?

I always start reading about a watch. I’ll glean as many details as I can and then I let those roll around, distilling into ideas. There is often a strong theme for each timepiece and that lends itself to a different design approach. I like to incorporate elements inspired by the watch’s history and narrative, as well as anything else of significance. From there I sketch out a bunch of ideas and work together with clients refining the idea through a series of mock ups. I then move on to the final stage rendering the artwork.

What is your daily wear – the watch on your wrist everyday?

I’m on the hunt for my first watch. Crazy, I know. I spend all these hours drawing watches and I don’t own one! I tend to go through each day untethered, by feel rather than time, and so I’ve not needed one. Now that I’m working with watches, it’s impossible to resist their charm and so I’d like to start collecting.

Brand collaboration/Pencil jar/Press

And for any of our readers who want to own a Julie Kraulis – we presume there is a queue? What are the options to purchase?

There is a wait list for commissioned pieces but of course, I’m always happy to add names and projects to the list. For a different option, I offer limited edition timepiece prints through my shop and I’ll be releasing my third in the next little while, a vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 metres first.

Julie at work

You can follow Julie Kraulis on Instagram, or check out her online shop.

Updated Mon 1st August 2022 by Craig Gibson

Looking for the right size watch for your wrist?

It can be tricky choosing, especially if you are shopping for a luxury watch online and don’t have the option of trying it on.  And even though we give you the option of coming into our Sydney or Melbourne showrooms, we realise this is not always practical.

This guide is the next best thing – and is designed to give you an idea of what your timepiece will look on your wrist – and what to consider before you buy. Ultimately there is no ‘correct’ watch size – it’s up to you what goes on your wrist and what feels right and comfortable.

How to choose the right size watch for your wrist

A number of elements determine how a watch looks on your wrist, including:

• The size of your wrist compared to the watch (proportion)
• Case diameter, measured across the watch face
• Case thickness, which determines how high the watch sits on your wrist
• Lug length, if they extend over your wrist the watch is probably too big
• Band or strap width, ideally this should be half the case diameter
• Band or strap material, with steel looking more chunky, and leather/fabric slimmer
• Size of the other elements, including the crown, pushers, hands and numbers can all impact how slim or chunky a watch looks

Watch and wrist size: It’s all about proportion

The most important factor to consider when choosing a watch size is proportion, specifically the size of the watch compared to your wrist size. Both can play a part and could limit your choice – especially if you have a very slim or outsize wrist. Watches with large case diameters will look overly large on a thin wrist, while a small watch face will be dwarfed on a very large wrist. This is not to say that you can’t wear an overly large watch. Personal taste as well as fashion will also play a part in your choice.

What is the average watch size?

Watch sizes for men are getting larger. In fact the average watch size has been creeping up since the 1960’s when 34mm – 38mm was considered the ‘standard’ sizing for men. Today that size dial would be considered feminine, and the average is now closer to 38mm to 42mm. In fact watches larger than this are not uncommon and actually sell very well – just look at Panerai’s Luminor (44mm). This trend has also crossed over into ladies watches, where large dials and oversize watches have become popular.

Let’s take a look at some common case sizes, how they will look on an average diameter wrist and what some popular models are.

Large/oversize watches: Impressive scale and presence

If you want to make a statement go with a large or oversized watch. These were uncommon until fairly recently when models like Hublot’s Big Bang (42mm to 44mm) broke onto the scene in 2005. Panerai’s Luminor has been around longer, and has gained cult status with a new generation of watch fans who love the chunky look and impressive size of an oversized watch case.

Fit: If you have an average diameter wrist, a large or oversize watch will dominate your wrist, and the lugs may even overlap your wrist. If you have a larger wrist it should fit and look just right, while they will overwhelm a thinner wrist.

Common case sizes: 44mm, 46mm, 50mm

Medium size watches: The sweet spot?

Watches that measure 39mm to 41mm are currently the most popular watch case size, and you will have many iconic watches to choose from in this size range. This includes many models from the Rolex Submariner, Omega Speedmaster, IWC Portuguese range – and many other brands.

Fit: If you have an average size wrist you can expect the lugs on watches this side to fit comfortably and not overlap at all. Proportionally the watch will not overwhelm your wrist. It is most probably a good fit for larger wrists, and could even work for a thinner wrist – depending on your style and preference.

Common case sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 42mm

Small size watches: Elegant, vintage and ladies

Watches this size – 34mm to 38mm – where once the ‘standard’ for men’s watches in the 1960’s and 1970’s. After this larger, oversized watches became more fashionable. Like everything, this has come full circle, and vintage-sized watches are now back in fashion. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a modern watch in this size – Patek Phillipe’s Calatrava and the Frederique Constant Slim Line range are both fine modern examples. Or you can buy vintage, where there are a lot of classic pre-owned watches to choose from. Ladies watches are also in this size range, and even go smaller down to 26mm cases.

Fit: If you have an average size wrist you can expect small watch cases to sit in the centre of your wrist, and look proportionally smaller than a medium size watch face. If you have a thin wrist this will look proportionally ‘right’ and is probably a good choice. If you have a larger wrist, this size watch is likely to look feminine and a little lost on your arm.

Common case sizes: 32mm,34mm, 36mm

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