What Hand Do Men Wear Watches?

Have you ever wondered what hand do men wear watches? Social media is not just bringing us together but creating tough competition in the fashion industry. These days maintaining all the fashion etiquette is becoming difficult. Our society is full of unwritten rules for every attire and accessory to wear.

No wonder the same applies to watches, and the most common curiosity is what hand do men wear watches, either right or left wrist?

The question sounds so simple, but the answer is somewhat practical. If you think the response will be in one word, either “left wrist” or “right wrist.” Well, in that case, we need you to think again.

The simple rule is to wear your watch on your non-dominant hand.

Wearing a watch is not just about adding aesthetic appeal to your attire; it also tells the time. Choose your non-dominant hand, either its right or left wrist, to quickly see time, wear it, and adjust it when needed. 

If you are right-handed, your left hand is non-dominant, so wear the watch on the left wrist. Conversely, left-handed people should wear their wristwatch on their right wrist.

But is it enough to know that a non-dominant hand is suitable for wearing a watch? Of course not! 

Let’s dig a little deeper to know the history behind the watch-wearing etiquette.

History of Watch-Wearing Etiquette

Do you know that the first wristwatch was designed for women, and men only used pocket watches until the early twentieth century?

During wartime, wristwatches became popular among men for organizing military activity. These watches, however, were significant and were carried by officers in leather pouches on their wrists.

These watches featured massive balancing wheels that were extremely fragile and easily broken. Wearers wore those watches on their non-dominant hands to keep chronometers safe from damage. 

The story doesn’t end here; there is much more you must know about how wearing the watch on the left wrist became a standard. 

Keep on reading!

How Does Wearing a Watch On The Left Hand Become A Standard?

It has always been a simple rule that you should wear your watch on a less dominant hand because of the ease of use, and there are fewer chances to be jostled and bumped, thus saving it from damage. 

There are many right-handed people in the world, and what the majority does eventually becomes a norm, with no debate. 

Since most people used to wear their wristwatches on the non-dominant hand, the “left wrist,” this is what became a standard and is defined as “the right way.” The population of left-handed people has always been minor, so a right-handed person created this rule.

However, it’s not something that just came out overnight. There are several benefits of wearing your watch on the non-dominant hand.

Watches for Left-Handed People

Interestingly, wristwatches are traditionally derived from pocket watches, precisely a pocket watch style known as a SAVONNETTE. 

Instead of being at twelve o’clock, the crown on these watches was three o’clock. They also included a spring-loaded cover that covered the dial and opened with a button push, having a hinge at nine o’clock.

Like SAVONNETTE, most watches have the crown at three o’clock, which is a comfortable position for a left wristwatch. The crown points against your hand and doesn’t irritate you if you move your left arm regularly.

The issue emerges when the watch is worn on the opposite wrist. The protruding and knurled crown scratches against the skin if you wear it on the opposite wrist, causing irritating redness.

Several watchmakers decided to manufacture watches for left-handed people to deal with this issue. The movement was mounted precisely the opposite way around, with the crown mounted at nine o’clock instead of three o’clock.

It makes people feel comfortable by not hurting the wrists of the right hand but is also functional for left-handed people. If you are left-handed and wear your watch on your non-dominant hand, your right wrist, you can easily set time without feeling awkward.

Tudor and Rolex are the most highlighted names of the watch brands that design wristwatches for the right wrist. 

Now, what is this watch crown? Confused? Don’t be as we are about to take a glance at the watch crown.

Which Watch Design is the Best?

Most individuals are right-handed, so most timepieces are designed for them, and they may never have to worry about this. However, knowing this is helpful if you are left-handed.

When purchasing a watch, ensure it does not require you to wear it on your left wrist to function correctly. The timepiece should be designed to accommodate right-handed wear, or better yet, both hands.

Invicta and Seiko are the watch brands that design gorgeous, functioning, and affordable watches for both right and left hands.

Hopefully, you got the idea behind wearing the watch on the non-dominant hand. However, luxury watch etiquette is a little different from traditional norms.

Exception for Luxury Watches

Now we know that people are advised to wear watches on their less dominant hands to protect their timepieces from scratches. 

But luxury watches are the most expensive watches, and still, there is an unspoken rule that you should wear your luxury watch on your dominant hand. 

Sounds strange? Well, there is a reason behind this exception.

People wear luxury watches on special occasions. You use your dominant hand frequently, so it’s a way to show off your luxury watch so that everyone notices the luxurious timepiece.

Keep in mind that the more you use your hand, the more risk of damage to your precious watch. Do show off but be careful too.

Still, some people don’t own luxury watches but wear watches in their right hands.

Who Wears the Watch on the Right Hand?

We cannot conclude just by seeing a person wearing his watch on his right wrist. Also, it doesn’t have any link to sexuality. There could be one of the following reasons.

The first is the most obvious: a left-handed individual wearing it there for convenience because it would be uncomfortable if they wore it on the other wrist.

The second reason could be for a personal style statement: wearing a watch on the right hand is unquestionably a unique sign that sets the wearer apart from the crowd, and thus a personal style statement.

The third cause is directly tied to physical conditions. Some people, for example, have tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome in one arm and prefer to wear their watch on the other wrist to avoid fatigue.

And the fourth group is individuals who desire to consult their watch quietly. In other contexts, such as business meetings, every gesture matters, and even gazing at your watch might send an unwelcome message of anxiousness or impatience.

Wearing the wristwatch on your arm where no one expects it can help you read the time without giving a negative sign to your interlocutors – especially if you wear watches upside down, with the dial facing the inside of your wrist. Don’t tell your colleagues about it; it’s a secret.

Amusingly, psychology does have something to tell about the personality of people wearing the watch on either hand.

What’s the Psychology Behind Wearing a Watch on Either Hand?

There are several theories about the psychological reasons for wearing a watch on one arm rather than the other. 

These are frequently linked to the creative and rational universes of the brain, implying that those who wear their watches on the right wrist by choice are more creative than those who wear them on the left wrist.

The Non-Dominant Theory

The simple consensus is that you should wear your watch on your non-dominant wrist, and most right-handed men wear their watches on their left wrist.

This theory is that the non-dominant hand is not used as frequently during the day as your dominant hand. Hence, your dear watch is less likely to be damaged by knicks or scratches on the left wrist.

Wearing the watch on your non-dominant hand rather than your dominant hand reduces the chances of it getting in the way of whatever you’re doing. 

However, if you’re wearing your watch on the right wrist, it may make you uncomfortable while performing your tasks. Imagine if you are wearing a wristwatch, particularly a large one, and try to write something; it will get stiff and painful.

Furthermore, a watch has a distinct weight, and in certain circumstances, that weight gets considerable, for example, bulkiest diver watches. 

Excessive watch weight causes more exhaustion to your arm, especially while doing repetitive tasks like writing at the computer, and can be harmful to your health.

If you are left-handed, wear your watch on your right wrist. But that’s not as straightforward as it seems. There are practical benefits of wearing the wristwatch on a non-dominant hand.

Easy To Set Time

The majority of the watch brands create watch crowns on the right side of the watch case. When you wear your watch on the left wrist, the crown is easily accessible, thus making it easy to change or adjust the time. 

But if you are wearing your watch on the right wrist, it will be tough to adjust the time, and you’ll have to either try harder or remove the timepiece and then fix the time. 

In that case, remember, you purchased your wristwatch for ease and not to struggle hard, so it’s better to wear it on the non-dominating hand.

Easy To See Time

The hand you frequently use is your dominating hand. A right-handed person should wear the watch on their left wrist. Through this practice, you can easily see the time while busy at your work.

Looking at the time should not take any extra moment, and you don’t have to stop your work for a while just to look at the time. That will be weird.

Works Better For the Movement of Your Watch

You inevitably do more wearing on the watch’s movement while executing chores as a right-handed person.

Shocks of all kinds, especially severe shocks, tend to wear down the movement, causing it to be damaged or destroyed entirely. 

Using a hammer while wearing your watch on your right wrist will produce considerable shocks to the watch’s movement, leading it to wear out faster.

The same is true while performing actions such as badminton or throwing something. If you wear it on your dominant hand, you have to be more concerned about your watch.

Try to make it simple by wearing it on your left wrist if you are a right-handed person and vice versa. 

Protects Your Watch from Damage

Wearing your watch on the left wrist saves you from the pain or damage caused by the timepiece and prevents your wristwatch from getting damaged.

The frequent use of your dominating hand creates more risks of damage to your valuable watch.

We have talked a lot about right-handed people. It’s time to look at the left-handed men and what watch brands are doing for the comfort of our lefties.

What is the Modern Watch Wearing Etiquette?

Despite the traditional norm of wearing your watch on a non-dominating hand, there are some modern rules about wearing watches that you can’t neglect.

Knowing these simple but essential rules can help you avoid making mistakes. These rules apply to all watches, including inexpensive, expensive, casual, and formal.

Let’s take a look!

1. Match Your Metals & Colors

Try to match the metals and colors of your watch to the rest of your attire. Choose a wristwatch that matches the color of your rings, belt buckles, collar bars or pins, shoe buckles, and cufflinks. Yellow gold works with yellow gold, but a brown band doesn’t suit a black outfit.

Concentrate on the watch’s most striking features, such as the metal, strap color, and dial color.

2. Pair Watches With Your Outfits

Match the watch you’re wearing to your activities each day. If you’re not sure what you’ll be doing, wear a sports watch with athletic wear and dress watches with office attire.

Moreover, consider a lighter-colored dial, like white or cream, if you’re going out during the day and focus on darker dials such as black, brown, or gray at night. A dark watch dial should be on your wrist at night, not during your 9 a.m. tee time at the country club.

3. Beware The Implications Of Checking Your Watch

A great watch is a men’s ultimate accessory, but checking it sometimes can deliver a negative image. If you are in a meeting, on a date, or at any social event, avoid checking your watch visibly. 

Checking your watch is like checking your phone in a movie theater or restaurant; it shows that you have other things on your mind, taking preference over your current gathering.

4. Never Wear A Dive Watch With A Suit

You should not wear a diver watch with a suit. Dive watches are big and hefty, don’t fit well under a suit, and are a sure sign that you don’t understand the rules of watch-wearing. 

Leave the dive watch for casual wear and combine a plain dress watch with your suit, just like you wouldn’t wear your sunglasses at night.

5. Admire Other Men’s Watches From a Distance

Like other men’s wallets, don’t touch their watch as well. Many men consider their wristwatch the only piece of jewelry and take great care to keep it well-polished, dust-free, and fingerprint-free. 

It’s OK to gently inquire about the watch but don’t expect him to remove it from his wrist and give it to you. If he offers, accept it but handle it as little as possible and avoid placing it on a harsh surface that could scratch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hand should I wear my watch?

Simply opposite of your dominant hand. If you are left-handed, wear your watch on the right wrist, and if you belong in the right-handed world, wear it on your left wrist.

Why do guys wear watches on their right hand?

Don’t let the stereotypes play with your mind. If guys are wearing watches on their right wrist, they could be left-handed or prefer it on the right hand. You are allowed to do whatever feels comfortable for you. 

Is my watch for the right or left wrist?

When the watch is on your wrist, the crown should always face down toward your hand rather than your shoulder, making it easier to adjust the time on the watch face with your other hand.

If the crown is at three o’clock, it’s for your right wrist, and if the crown is at nine o’clock, it’s for your left wrist.

Can I wear my watch on my right wrist if I’m right-handed?

Yes, while the non-dominant hand is a general rule, it is by no means absolute. Regardless of their handedness, some people find it more comfortable to wear a watch on one wrist than the other.

Should you wear your watch above or below the wrist bone?

You should wear your watch just above the wrist bone. The ulna guarantees that your watch sits flat on your wrist, but it also acts as a “stopper” for the wrist watch, keeping it planted.

Can I wear my watch to bed?

It is often not advisable to sleep with a luxury watch. While a timepiece gives you the time as soon as you wake up, sleeping with one on can be uncomfortable, and there’s a chance your watch will be broken or suffer long-term damage if you wear it to bed.

Should I wear my watch tightly?

Regardless of which hand you wear your watch, make sure it fits properly, especially how tightly it should fit. Your timepiece should not move more than an inch up or down on your wrist. 

If your watch moves more than that, it appears too large and sloppy. It might be painful to wear a watch that pinches your wrist and puts excessive strain on the band or clasp.

Conclusion

There is not a hard and fast rule for wearing watches. You can wear your wristwatch on the right wrist, left wrist, or whichever wrist according to your preference. 

Your non-dominant hand is practical for many reasons, but if you are comfortable wearing it on the dominant hand, that’s fine too.

You are not wearing your watch to follow society’s rules; you are wearing it to look good, see time, and protect your wristwatch from damage or scratches. We know the value of your timepiece, so take care of it. 

If you liked this article, you might want to check our other articles at Eveswatch.com.