What Hand Do You Wear a Watch On?

Have you ever wondered why most watches feature a crown on the right side of the case? Or where did the rule about wearing your watch on your left hand come from? This article explores the question, “What hand do you wear a watch on?”.

Before anyone cared about the aesthetical contribution a timepiece made to an outfit, left or right didn’t really matter.

That’s because a timekeeping instrument was initially worn around the neck on a chain. Then we started caring. And the evolution of the wristwatch officially began. 

The Evolution of the Wristwatch

When the neck-worn timepiece turned into a pocket watch, it brought a smaller and more streamlined look. One would simply reach into one’s pocket to consult the time of day. Then, we began wearing watches on our wrists. Watches became a statement piece and a product of luxury at this time.

A pocket watch turned out to be too impractical during wartime, as the soldiers needed both hands free. This drove the adoption of wristwatches among soldiers in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

(Below: Omega 1900 Labrador Pocket Watch)

To remedy the issue, pocket watch movements were implemented into cases and attached to the wrist with a material strap. During the early 20th century, women began wearing these wristwatches as bangles, and a trend soon emerged. Watches reflected a status of wealth and good taste.

The same applies in the modern world, although the emphasis on the fundamental features of a practical timepiece is more prominent than ever before. But the basic question still stays the same today: how does one wear a watch? On the left hand or the right hand? Worry not, we’re soon going to find out.

What Hand Should a Man Wear a Watch?  

If you’ve been wearing watches for some time, no doubt you will have reached this predicament before. But those new to the hobby might be wondering, “What hand should a man wear a watch on?”. To answer that question, we’re going to look at some theories.

For practical reasons, the very first wearers of the wristwatch began wearing their timepieces on their non-dominant hands which for the majority of people is the left hand. These may have been pilots or soldiers with an important mission to complete.

When under pressure, there is simply no time to lose. A snap decision could be detrimental to the outcome of the agenda. To eradicate further complications, time needs to be accessible and easy.  

(Below: Advert for an early wristwatch for military use)

A non-dominant hand is the hand you don’t write with and the less dexterous out of the two. For around 80-90% of the population, this is the left hand. It seems in many cases that historical watch-wearing has been carried through to modern-day timekeeping.

Wearing a watch on the non-dominant hand makes timekeeping easier while performing everyday duties with your dominant hand. 

Imagine sketching or painting with the hand you wear your watch on. What about checking the time whilst sipping a coffee? Now, try to imagine using your less dexterous hand to wind a watch.

Wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand just makes more sense. Of course, the situation is the other way around for lefties. If you’re left-handed, wearing your watch on the right hand seems the better option. But is it right for everyone?  

(Below: Left-sided crown on the TAG Heuer Monaco for a right-handed person)

Left or Right – Does It Matter?

Clearly, the practical benefits of wearing a watch on the opposite hand to your dominant one are logical. Wearing a watch on your non-using hand means that it is susceptible to less shock impact.

As such, fewer knocks and bumps will inevitably prolong the quality and the life of your watch.  

A crown positioned on the right side of the case is generally easier to operate or wind when you are wearing it on the left wrist. But then there is the argument that a quartz watch needs neither hand to wind it.

Thus, the rationale for either side of the argument soon diminishes. Yet the population of left-wrist watch wearers still far outweighs the right. Why is this? 

As a society, we like to conform to the “norm”. We can’t help ourselves. Society dictates a rule to us, and we rarely question it. If more people challenged the norm based on rationale and reason, more would follow in their footsteps, surely!

Regardless of what the majority of the population tends to do, there are still plenty of people who wear their watch on their dominant hand. Left-handed people can and do wear their watch on their left hand and vice versa simply because they want to. 

The Takeaway  

The majority of the population is right-handed and wear their watch on their left wrist. There are several advantages to wearing your watch on your less dominant hand. Wearing your watch on your “doing” hand can be less practical and sometimes uncomfortable.

The right-sided crown is also beneficial when wearing a watch on the left hand since it becomes more accessible to your dexterous hand. It’s also easier to read the time whilst using your dominant hand for other things. 

Wearing a watch on your less dominant wrist also reduces the risk of shock impact and wear and tear on the timepiece. It is less likely to encounter bumps, nicks, and scratches whilst at work.

Using a hammer with the hand that your watch sits on, for example, could prove problematic for the movement inside the case. The same goes for sports. Playing tennis, for example, or catching a cricket ball with the dominant hand.  

With all that said, you may not choose to follow any of the above criteria. You may not partake in sports or situations where shock impact is an issue. Your job role may not require a lot of writing or desk duties.

Your watch of choice may feel less natural and less comfortable on your non-dominant hand.  So, do what works for you!

The answer to the question “What hand do you wear a watch on?” is open to debate. More collectors are challenging these perceived ideas and “norms” about watch etiquette. At the end of the day, wearing a watch is also about enjoying a premium product. Do whatever floats your boat. Left or right? No hard and fast rules apply!

It’s also about telling the time and balancing functionality with comfort. If you can tick all those boxes in a timepiece, it makes no difference which side you wear your watch.   

How do you wear yours? We’d love to know. Drop your comments below for us!