Can we guys wear women’s watches? Let’s explore this multi-layered question!
I’ve heard several watch experts say there is truly no such thing as a men’s watch versus a women’s watch. Like fragrances and colors, watches are inherently unisex, and we’ve assigned certain features to specific genders.
Heck, many traditionally masculine men have been known to incorporate traditionally “feminine” elements into their watches. Just look at all the pro athletes and rappers who love their sparkly gemsets. Plus, for us small-wristed folks, we sometimes do turn to the ladies’ section of a store’s watch department. It’s the watch equivalent of buying a nice blazer in the boys’ department.
Still, I understand all sides of this topic. Yes, telling the world that all watches are unisex is empowering. That doesn’t mean you’ll get me to wear a timepiece with a floral-themed dial covered in pearls and pink diamonds on a glittery lace-cut strap. And for men, who would wear such a watch? Truly and genuinely, more power to you. My biggest style philosophy is to wear what you love.
My ultimate answer is that men can wear women’s watches. I certainly do. Let’s look at some nuances.
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Men’s Watch vs Women’s Watch
Considering how change-resistant the watch world generally is, it’s interesting to see how much has changed just recently. For example, in the past few years, we’ve had more female leaders in the space.
Fortunately, for us slender-wristed gents, men’s watches are shrinking these days. Is the bigger-is-better era over? Some say yes. However, you’ll notice the big-watch camp digging their heels in. Even though I’m in the small-watch camp, I’m okay with this.
I don’t think we’re entering a new era of small watches for men. The invasion of smaller cases is just an example of the end of monoculture. Smaller cases are no longer weird for men. You can wear anything you want as long as it suits you.
So, how does this affect gendering in watches?
Well, let’s be real. There will always be “men’s watches” and “women’s watches.” There’s nothing wrong with that. In general, ladies do have smaller wrists than gents, and in general, gents have different tastes than ladies. But it’s great that we’re in an era where it’s okay to wear an accessory not necessarily marketed to you. Women have been wearing men’s watches since Annie Hall, after all. And I love a men’s watch on a lady — it’s truly chic.
Benefits of Women’s Watches for the Small-Wristed Man
As someone with skinny wrists, women’s watches have been a long-time style hack for me. And my approach was never particularly gender-bendy. Here’s what I mean.
First, I already mentioned this, but if you love a watch design that’s too big for you, check out the women’s equivalent. Some brands simply shrink that exact design. They don’t always add feminine visual touches. Victorinox ladies’ watches often resemble smaller, sleeker versions of the men’s equivalents.
Second, do you love a brawny aesthetic but have a small wrist? Ladies’ sports watches are the way to go. They often deliver the same muscled look as their male counterparts but won’t overtake your wrist. They utilize visual brawn instead of physical brawn. Instead of a big case, you get bold indices and thick bezels, all sitting powerfully on a small wrist.
And third, if you’re like me, you don’t love a dress watch. But you can’t wear your 45-millimeter Panerai with your tuxedo, right? Right. Well, find a ladies’ sports watch that might suffice. My ladies’ Omega Seamaster, again 28 millimeters, features applied indices that sparkle as if they were gemsets. Moreover, the case slips right under my dress shirt sleeve as elegantly as any dress watch. It almost imitates a cocktail watch in that sense.
And finally, some guys just love traditionally feminine styling. Nothing wrong with that.
Unisex Watches and Ladies’ Watches for Men
Remember when I mentioned that visual brawn is better for small wrists than physical brawn? Well, the Rolex Yacht-Master comes in a 35-millimeter case. It may be more man-of-leisure than its sporty cousin, the Submariner. But it’s still athletic, strong, and classy.
I already mentioned my love affair with the ladies’ Seamaster. This watch is a great choice if you want to do what I do—wear it as a dress watch. Or, hey, that design is already so unique and iconic. Going for a 28-millimeter takes that uniqueness to the next level. I often get impressed by people telling me they’ve never seen a Seamaster “quite like that one.”
The Seiko SNKL45 is a reasonable 37 millimeters. It balances sporty and everyday aesthetics and can be worn by men and women. You have that very classic simplicity, featuring an uncluttered black dial, three simple hands, and a discreet day/date.
Frederique Constant’s 28-millimeter Slimline looks beautiful on a slim wrist, whether a man’s or a woman’s. It has many familiar dress watch design cues, such as the Breguet hands and the stately Roman indices. However, because of its modest size, it doesn’t look overly ceremonial. It almost wears like a cocktail watch.
Recently, Cartier released the Tank Mini. And at 24-millimeters, boy, is it small. Here’s the thing, though. It was never meant to be a women’s watch. Again, I don’t think this is symbolic of the tide turning. I think we’re in a new era in which both big and small watches are celebrated.
Continuing with another luxury pick, the Rolex Day-Date’s most traditional size is 36 millimeters. It’s a perfect example of how a men’s watch became popular among women. Then, it eventually graduated into unisex territory. And it’s one of the watch world’s most major flexes.
Conclusion: You Do You
So, can men wear women’s watches? Yes. Moreover, should you even be worried about a watch being a women’s watch? Not really.
Use common sense here. Look at the colors, the details, and the size. Perhaps the watch in front of you is clearly a women’s watch; again, it might have a concentration of feminine features. Well, you won’t be able to wear it in a classic, traditional way. At least, not easily. If that’s okay with you, and you love the look, go for it.
But if you really can’t tell if a watch is a woman’s or a man’s watch, then it doesn’t matter where it’s categorized. For all intents and purposes, that timepiece is unisex. So rest assured that you can get that piece and wear it without anyone noticing. All that matters is whether you love it or not and if it’s the right size for your wrist.
Advertising and names are marketing material. But a manly design will always be just that. A masculine design looks natural on men. And women, of course!
Would you consider wearing a “women’s” watch? Do you already wear one? Which one? Let us know in the comments below!
