Which Hand Do You Actually Wear a Watch? Right or Left? (2024)

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Is there the correct norm for which hand to wear a watch?

Jan 25, 2022

So, which team are you on? Left-hand or right-hand team? For the majority of people, which hand to wear a watch isn’t something to be concerned about. As long as it can sit comfortably regardless of which wrist is best, anything would be just good. But for ones who pay attention to certain unwritten rules of fashion etiquette, the left or right wrist does matter either for strapping the look or the practicality.

Which hand should I wear a watch?

Although there is no standard rule, you might want to read this article for a new perspective of why some people pay attention to this matter. As a rule of thumb, most people wear a watch on their non-dominant hands. On the left hand for a right-handed person and right hand for lefties. The reason is simple, people don’t want to mess up between the watch they wear and the things they do.

The dominant hand is the one we use to perform most actions indaily activities, be it writing, holding a glass, or eating. So, you might not want to spill your juice when you unconsciously twist your wrist to check the time. No one wants to worsen their day with spilled juice on their shirt.

Wearing a watch on a non-dominant hand would free you up to tell time while you are doing another thing with the dominant hands, such as writing. For example, you are a right-handed person and have a watch with especially a large one on your right wrist. It’s unavoidable that you’ll feel quite uncomfortable if you are writing using that hand — that would be harder for you too to perform that activity. So, if you are a right-handed person, wearing a watch on your left hand would be a good option and vice versa.

In addition to that, wearing a watch at the opposition of the dominant hand could protect the watch. During the time you use your dominant hand in daily activities, there is likely the watch gets bumped, jolted, or even scratched. Therefore, keeping it on a non-dominant hand would make it safe from damages.

However, it’s still not exactly a rule to wear a watch only on a non-dominant wrist. The choice will always be yours as the wearer. The matter of which hand you should wear a watch might seem as simple as just slapping it on your wrist. But, it turned out that some functionality and practicality are also things to consider. So, it’s not only about which hand you should wear a watch but also how it makes you feel comfortable.

Practical things to consider

The biggest concern of why you need to wear a watch on a non-dominant hand is the practicality to operate the crown. Look at your watch crown and where it is placed. Most of them are put at the 3 o’clock position because most people (90%) in the world are right-handed, which means at the right side of a watch. So, it would be difficult to operate the crown if you wear it on the right hand. Not to mention thesmall size of the watchcrown that needs another effort.

Further, the crown is meant to be easily gripped and operated. Therefore, determining where the crown is located first would help to decide which hand you should wear a watch. If the crown is at 9 o’clock then it’s the opposite which is the right hand. Otherwise, you’ll need a lot of effort to operate it and it’s a total pain to just adjust the time. So, time setting will be much easier if wearing a watch in accordance with the watch crown’s position. Besides, the watchmaker may have a specific picture in mind while designing it on where the wearer should wear the watch.

On top of it all, nowadays watchmakers also make watches specifically for left-handed people. For instance,Dievashas developed left-handed model watches with the crown located at the left side of the watch case. Left-handed watches are also known as “Destro watches”. So, you don’t need to worry as the world of watches wouldn’t leave you behind to taste the art of horology.

Final thoughts

With all of that being said, still, the matter of which hand to wear a watch is a personal preference. There are some considerations to pay attention to, such as practicality functions. But above all, you could wear your watch on whichever wrist you prefer as long as it is well-strapped on you. While wearing a watch on the right wrist is rare, the left wrist is familiarly known as the “officially correct” wrist.

The fact that most people are right-handed is the reason behind it. As we’ve known that the majority’s preferences are what eventually become the norm. So, it’s easy to understand why some people say that we should wear a watch on the left wrist. Even more, sometimes a certain group of watch enthusiasts wears a watch on both of their wrists. See, it’s all a matter of individual preference.

Some people might also ask, “what side do men wear watches?” and “what hand do women wear watches?”. But, this matter is so far away about man or woman. Both of them could wear a watch however they like it. Some differences might have happened in the past when watches were still considered as women’s things. But, it’s changed and watches can be everyone’s favorite now.

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    As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of horology and the intricacies of watch wearing etiquette, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article titled "Shop Highlights: Is there the correct norm for which hand to wear a watch?" published on Jan 25, 2022.

    The article explores the age-old debate of whether one should wear a watch on their left or right hand. While many consider it a matter of personal preference, the author sheds light on some unwritten rules of fashion etiquette and practical considerations.

    The prevailing recommendation in the article is to wear a watch on the non-dominant hand. For a right-handed person, this means the left hand, and for lefties, it's the right hand. The rationale behind this advice is rooted in the daily activities performed with the dominant hand, such as writing, eating, or holding a glass. Wearing the watch on the non-dominant hand ensures comfort and prevents potential mishaps, like spilling a drink while checking the time.

    Additionally, the article emphasizes the protection of the watch when worn on the non-dominant hand. The dominant hand, actively engaged in various activities, poses a risk of bumps, jolts, or scratches to the watch. Therefore, wearing it on the opposite hand can safeguard it from potential damages.

    However, the article makes it clear that this isn't an absolute rule, leaving room for personal preference. It highlights that the choice of which hand to wear a watch involves not only practicality but also individual comfort.

    The practical aspects of wearing a watch are further explored in the article. One key consideration is the position of the crown, which is often located at the 3 o'clock position due to the majority of people being right-handed. This positioning facilitates easy access and operation of the crown. The article suggests that wearing the watch on the hand corresponding to the crown's position enhances the overall experience of using the timepiece.

    Moreover, the article mentions the existence of watches designed specifically for left-handed individuals, known as "Destro watches." These watches have the crown located on the left side of the case, catering to the needs and preferences of left-handed wearers.

    In conclusion, the article emphasizes that while there are practical considerations and norms, the choice of which hand to wear a watch ultimately boils down to personal preference. The world of watches accommodates various styles and preferences, including watches designed for left-handed individuals. The author encourages readers to prioritize comfort and personal satisfaction when deciding how to strap on their timepieces.

    Which Hand Do You Actually Wear a Watch? Right or Left? (2024)
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