You’re probably familiar to the fact that the left wrist is the called and considered the ”officially correct” wrist to wear a watch on for men. The debate of which wrist you should wear your watch on has been ever present, especially in the last couple of years as social media has evolved, and more people are sharing photos of them wearing their watch – sometimes on what some people mean is the ”wrong” wrist. But why is it that the ”right” wrist to wear your wrist on as a man is on right wrist? And can’t you wear your watch on whichever wrist you prefer? In this article, we’re looking at the reason why the left wrist today is considered to be the ”right” wrist to wear a watch on, and the reasons for wearing your wristwatch on the left wrist.
Wearing the watch on the right wrist
Most people wear their wristwatch on their non-dominant hand. As such, this means that many left-handed individuals tend to wear their watch on the right hand. As such, this is also the reason why watch brands such as Tudor have developed ”left-hand models”, with the crown and crown guards on the left side of the watch case as opposed to the right, making it more comfortable for left-handed people to wear the watches. Since most people are right-handed, it means that most people also wear their wristwatch on the left wrist, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, there are plenty of people who are right-handed who wear their watch on the right wrist, just like there are left-handed people who wear their wristwatch on their left wrist.
Now, no matter if you would argue about the practical benefits of wearing a watch on your left wrist, due to the fact that the majority of the population is right-handed, it’s easy to understand that this is what then becomes the norm. What the majority of people do is eventually what becomes the norm, and since the majority of people wear their watch on their non-dominant hand, this is what becomes the norm, and classified as ”the right way to wear a watch”. Since left-handed people have always been a ”minority” in the society, the rule of wearing your watch on the left hand has been ”invented” by a right-handed individual. But the most important part about the ”norm” for wearing your wristwatch on your left wrist is not about something that someone just one day said that this is how it should be. In fact, there are real, actual benefits to wearing your watch on the left hand.
Practical advantages
Wearing your watch on the right hand has a few practical advantages. Of course, these practical advantages are only true when you’re right-handed. Now, note that the practical reasons for wearing your watch on the left hand that I’ll go into will focus on right-handed people, as this is what has created the ”rule” of wearing your watch on the left hand. As such, technically, despite the fact that wearing your watch on the left hand is the norm, in order to benefit from these ”advantages”, as a left-handed person, you need to, in theory, wear your watch on your right wrist.
You’re more active with your dominant hand
This is the key reason why left-hand watch-wearing is the norm. Since you tend to use your dominant hand more and are more active with it, it’s easier to accidentally scratch or break your watch when wearing it on your right hand. Additionally, if you are right-handed and wear your watch on your right hand, your watch may get in the way, as well as making it harder to twist your wrist. As such, your watch sit uncomfortably as you’re performing tasks using your right hand. For example, if you have a watch, especially a large one on your right wrist and are trying to write by hand using your right wrist, it becomes quite uncomfortable and harder to write.
Bruno Söhnle Glashütte – Hamburg Automatik Small worn on the left wrist
It’s easier to set the time
The vast majority of watches have their crown on the right side of the watch case. If you are wearing your watch on the left hand, the crown becomes easily accessible, making it easy to change the time. If you, on the other hand, wear your watch on the right hand, it becomes essentially impossible to change the time with your watch on your arm. This means that you have to remove the watch in order to set the time.
It’s easier to see the time
If you’re right handed, you do more work with your right hand. This means that when your right hand is occupied, it will be easier to quickly check the time without interfering with what it is you’re doing.
Squale – Matic – Light Blue – 60 ATM paired with a Tropical Style Rubber Watch Strap – Grey | WB Original on the left wrist
It’s better for the movement of the watch
Since you’re more active with your right hand as a right-handed person, you will inevitably do more wearing on the watch’s movement as you’re performing tasks. All kinds of shocks, in particular, tend to wear the movement, especially hard shocks which can damage the movement or destroy it completely. For example, if you’re using a hammer and are wearing your watch on the right wrist, you’ll cause major shocks to the movement of the watch, causing it to wear out faster. The same goes for when you’re performing tasks such as playing tennis (yes you use both hands, but mainly your dominant hand) or when you throw something etc.
Formex Essence Chronometer COSC certified Sellita SW200 movement and patented case-suspension system
You protect your watch from damages
I’ve already mentioned briefly about how you perform most tasks with the right hand, and the thing is that the world is designed for right-handed people, and this is why it, despite being left-handed, might make sense to use the watch on the left hand. For example, door handles, scissors, computer mouse, watches, and so on, are all designed for right-handed individuals, and this means that in many cases, as a left-handed person, you may still use your right arm a lot when performing various tasks throughout the day, and can thus suffer scratches, especially on the case and metallic bracelet. Using a Nylon strap prevents your watch from falling off your wrist, in case a spring bar breaks. Because of its double layered strap, where the watch is fitted in between, the watch will always being held by at least one spring bar. If you want to know more about nylon straps make sure to check out our blog post All you need to know about Nylon (pull-through) Straps
Conclusion
You don’t need to follow the “stereotype” of wearing your watch on the left wrist – no matter if you’re left or right-handed. The most important part is that you do what feels best for you. Sure, the ”watch norm” says that you should wear your watch on your left hand, but if this just doesn’t work for you, use the other wrist. This is especially true for left-handed people because, in theory, the same rules of practicality as wearing the watch on the left arm for a right-handed people should apply to a left-handed people wearing the watch on the right wrist. Yes, left wrist is most common but that doesn’t mean it is the best alternative for you.
RZE – Fortitude GMT – Nighthawk on the left wrist
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About the author
Jens Wirdenius is the editor-in-chief of marketing blog Veloce International and the influencer directory Veloce Network. He is a social media and marketing nut, sharing his passion for business and digital marketing in his articles.
Thanks for the post, it has some great information that will be very beneficial about Why should i wear your watch on the left wrist,Thanks For Sharing………..!
Iam right handed and wear my watch on the right hand. Funny!
Yeah Im trying to get to the left side but it just feels more natural to me on the right side
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Same with me. 🙂
Me too
same, and it doesn’t even feel uncomfortable
When I was a kid, and had my first watch, I also used the right hand, as I was right-handed… It felt the obvious choice, as it is the hand you like to move more and thus has a tad more control with it.
Then however, I got the info… it should go on the left if you’re a man, and right if you’re a lady… oh boy, I was fast to change the watch to the left wrist! 😀 Besides the “stereotype” of male/female things, it is more than that. The crown is to be accessed, and that is why watches have the crown on the right side so that when wearing the watch on the left, you can access it with your right hand, on the outside. If instead, you were wearing the watch on the left, it would be awkward.
That being said, usually “ladies” watches have (or at least had) the crown on the left side, so they could use the watch on the right.
Today, however, you have watches with the crown wherever the manufacturer fancied it… which is ok I guess, so as a rule of thumb, wear the watch where the crown is towards your hand, and not your elbow, and you will be doing fine. I’ll personally never buy a watch with the crown on the left, for that reason, and oh boy I like the U-Boat Capsoil (dopiotempo) with white dial… but unless they come out with the crown on the right… I’m out of luck.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience and insights on wearing a watch on the left wrist! It’s fascinating to hear how you initially wore your watch on the right wrist as a kid but switched to the left wrist based on the traditional advice.
Your point about the accessibility of the crown makes a lot of sense. Indeed, most watches are designed with the crown on the right side to make it easier to adjust with the right hand when worn on the left wrist. As you mentioned, there have been exceptions, especially with some “ladies” watches that have the crown on the left side to accommodate right-handed wearers.
In recent times, watch manufacturers have become more creative with crown placements, and it’s true that there’s now a wider variety of designs available. Your rule of thumb to wear the watch with the crown toward your hand, rather than your elbow, is a practical guideline for ensuring comfort and ease of use.
It’s clear that you have a strong preference for watches with the crown on the right, and the U-Boat Capsoil (dopiotempo) with the white dial has caught your eye. We understand that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing a watch, and it’s essential to find one that suits your style and comfort.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your enthusiasm for watches. We hope you find the perfect timepiece that matches your criteria and brings you joy!
I am left handed, first I wear my watch on my rt. wrist…. my dominent side is left. changing rime is dificult.also having tour watch on your dominent wrist can get damaged caught in stuff.
No, not funny. I’m right handed and wear my watch on right wrist. Perfectly comfortable for me.
Same , feels out of place on my left . My dad’s left handed so I wonder if that’s got anything to do with it . I also use my knife and fork opposite to most people
I’m left handed and wear my watch on my left wrist because it just feels right. Besides, watches are supposed to be worn on your left side.
I wear my watch on the RIGHT-WRIST and I’m RIGHT-HANDED. It just feels natural that way, my parents wear their watches on the right wrist, It seem to be some inherited trait or something. P.S It doesn’t get I my way at all.
If It is an Automatic watch I am sure you wind her up-well. I heard excessive masturbation can kill a watch
Really?
Yeah that’s to only time I take my watch off .
I’m right handed, I wear my watches on the right wrist. I can’t recall ever encountering any difficulties wearing it on my right wrist. Maybe because I wear cheaper watches especially, when I’m doing physical work. Wearing my watches on my right wrist feels right to me although, when I see the majority wearing it on their left makes me feel I’m wearing it wrong.
I write with my right hand and wear my watch on my right hand also, I tried wearing my watch on my left hand and it felt awkward
is like you just totally ignored what you just read. Is what feels “right” (ha, see what i did there?) to you. There is no “supposed to”.
do u trained to wear it on the left wrist or you could control it from first time
Unless you purchase a left handed crown or crown that is push button. The only reason they’re “supposed to be worn on the left wrist is because most watches are made for that reason. I am left handed and refuse to wear or buy a right handed watch. My choice.
Thanks for helping me understand that one of the reasons why it would be best to wear a watch on the left side is it might wear out faster when you put it on the wrist that you use the most. As you said, it can have damages over time when it receives an impact when you use a hammer. I just got curious since I will be buying one for my husband on his birthday this coming Saturday, and I noticed that he wears most of his bracelet on his left wrist. So he might probably wear the watch on his left wrist as well.
Anyone that grew up with a father have usually been taught Certain things in life like always shake a persons hand firmly with eye contact and always say god bless you when someone sneezes or hold the door open for the person behind you and always help a person in need and then the small things like how to shave and wear a suit and put on a watch these things get past down from generation to generation… but certain circumstances change things I was in a bad accident and my left wrist was put together with titanium plates and 18 screws and now I can’t wear a watch on my left wrist but haven’t gotten used to a watch on my right wrist I’ve actually gone watch less for 2 years , I would like to get back into watches but life changes in mysterious ways
No one wants to hear your sob story, it sounds like your dad should’ve taught you that with all the other good thing he taught you. So just put your watch on and pull up your big boy pants and stop being a little bitch about life.
I think you will find that if he can’t wear a watch then he probably will have some difficulty putting on his big boy trousers.
Your mean you should be ashamed of yourself!
You’re a cruel and heartless person. Your comment was not necessary or needed.
You’re mad cause he had a father that taught him how to act like a man . You’re clearly a mommy’s boy . Men don’t argue or be disrespectful. Grow up young fella
⁸
I do not know you. I’m glad to say that I DO NOT though.
Didn’t ‘your Dad teach you… “ If you don’t have anything nice to say… ➡️ don’t say anything at all.”
Makes we wonder why it is that you’re even reading through all of the reply/commentary 🤔 … just a friendly reminder > …many people encounter tragic accidents that force them to modify their regular usage of their limbs. I feel that person that you made the insensitive comment to might’ve been one of those very people.
Bless you and especially you ☝️”Matt”. 🙏
..correction ^ makes ME..not > ‘ we ‘.
Would you not consider then a pocket watch maybe?
It makes sense that you would want your watch on your non-dominant wrist to prevent scratching or breaking it as easily. My kids want to get their dad a nice watch for Father’s Day this month since the band on his old one is a little worn down. Hopefully we can find a great watch for him! He’s left-handed, so we’ll have to recommend him wearing it on his right wrist to prevent scratches.
I m left handed as well hi
I don’t agree with this and think outside of heavy manual work with shock being a factor it’s a myth. I never scratch my watch on my dominant wrist presumably because it has the most dexterity, it’s linked directly to my sense of spatial awareness through muscle memory.
I actually did a quick Google search to test the theory out and found there’s more hand injuries reported to non dominant hands than dominant ones. 🤷🏼♂️
The non-dominant hand rarely holds the tool that does the damage, the dominant hand does. For instance, carving something with a knife, the dominant hand is safe, while the non-dominant hand is typically stabilizing the work, leaving it more vulnerable. That said, I am a lefty and wear watches on my dominant hand, never had an issue, although I do take it off when performing labor.
I don’t wear watches because I’m right handed and wearing a watch on my left hand feels super uncomfortable. I’ve tried wearing them on my right hand and it feels more natural/comfortable. However, they never last. The last one I tired was a mechanical watch and it stopped working after 9 months. After reading this article, it makes sense why they never last. I guess I’ll never be a watch person lol
I had to google this subject after my wife told me that it was wrong for me to wear my wristwatch on the left wrist. I somehow got confused by this. But with what I have read here, I am now more enlightened. Thanks.
Thanks admin for sharing this informative article.
My husband got a few watches from his mom that passes away recently, so I wanted some maintenance and cleaning tips. I didn’t know you can scratch your watch more when it’s on your right wrist since that’s usually your dominant hand, thus you use it more. I’ll have to keep that in mind and when I go to a watch repair shop, I’ll ask for more tips, thanks to this post!
im a big fan of watches no matter if its a left or right handed watch I still wear it on my left wrist because im left handed
Thank you so much you are very helpful and I absolutely agree with you!!
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thanks for sharing.
I found it interesting to know that watches are made to be worn in your left hand. My son told me that he needed a watch because he wasn’t able to carry his phone in class. Thank you for helping me learn more about hand position, Once my son gets his watch I’m going to check what hand he prefers wearing it.
It all started in the 90ies in school. Back then everyone wore a watch. I had mine on the left. One girl that wore it on the right conviced three other girls to put it on the right. Somehow this spread and indeed quite soon everyone wore the watch on the right. Some first refused, but group pressure made it. When I putted my watch on the right, I liked it from day one. It also didn’t distract me when writing. And it was a cool feeling that everyone wore it on the right.
Recently we had a reunion. Some don’t wear watches anymore but no one switched to the left.
When my wife wanted a watch for her birthday (she didn’t wear one for some time) I made the condition she must wear it right. She first refused but then agreed. She also said “Why didn’t I try that earlier”
So I strongly disagree with you.
I honestly never thought much about there being a cright” or “wrong” side. Since I started wearing a watch when I was probably 9 or 10, I always thought it made more sense to wear it on the hand that I write with. If I ever needed to write down the time or date, I could just turn my wrist real quick and look. 30 years later, I still wear it on the right. Im “mostly right handed”.. Most things I do right handed (write, swing a bat, golf), and some I do lefty (eat – knife and spoon in left hand, draw and shoot a gun, play basketball). I am NOT ambidextrous, I just do certain thing better with my left hand. I’ve honestly only owned a few “daily” watches. I don’t go through them like water like some of the other commenters. The one I got as a kid (a Shark Freestyle which were all the rage back in the 80s and 90s) which I had until I was in high school, a Casio Wrist Commander (the one with the TV remote built in) – good for hours of fun driving the teachers nuts with the classroom TVs :D, and a Casio 3 dial that I got for my 18th birthday. I wore it every day for 20 years and it still works. I still have it, I just made the jump to a smartwatch for daily. For special occasions I have an Omega and a Bulova that were passed to me from my grandfather. But anyway, if a $100 Casio (yes, Japan/Quartz, not Swiss, but still) can survive 20 years on my mostly dominant hand, I dont buy the whole movement causes damage bit. Hitting it on things, sure. But the extra movement is not a factor.
I wear mine on my ankle – left side. I’m ambidextrous
Back in the 80’s-90’s it was considered correct to wear a watch on the left wrist; however, I was a rebel and wore it on my right wrist. I also button the bottom button of my suit jacket. Down with The Man!!!!
My thai wife got me a seiko for christmas, $340 which would feed her family abroad for 3 weeks. So i am greatful, and left wrist as my father taught me.
But I’m a Lefty and I tend to wear my watch on my left wrist.
Both sides are preferable to hiding it up your ass pulp fiction style.
By the way I hope ‘not a bitch’ dies.
I’m left handed, wear watch on left wrist and will soon buy pelagos LHD and wear on left so bezel doesn’t annoy me. I’ll take off watch to change time that may happen on a few occasions through the year.
I’m a lefty , but I favor the right when I’m performing my daily stroke.. Left for lube & right for the ?.. I always remove the Ol’ Casio from my right wrist, big load would ruin the calculator…
Tim Allen is a lefty and he wears it on his left.
Richard Karn is a lefty and wears it on his right.
Home Improvement is the best 90’s sitcom.
This was very helpful for me because now I understand why wearing a watch on my left wrist is a best alternative. I will have to change because I wear my watch on my right whist. Truly I was lacking education.
I’m right handed and have always worn my watches on the right wrist, and clipped anyone suggesting otherwise round the ears with my left wrist.
Hey, I thought your article was pretty informative. I’d say I learned quite a bit! History plays a role too. Back in the old days, men used to carry around pocket watches. They’d be on the non dominant hand as this reduced their chance of getting damaged.
Thanks Theodore, I didn’t know that. Thanks for sharing.
I wear my wrist watch on my right wrist because if I wear it on my left wrist it will not keep good time. Mechanical or quartz it doesn’t matter.
This is one of the strangest comment threads I have ever seen.
Awesome article, Appreciate you for sharing this article actually this is excellent and really helpful.
I’m left handed and I feel comfortable with my watch on my right wrist even though it doesn’t actually get in my way it feel like it does if it’s on my left wrist
The reason is simple. I use my right hand to reach into dishwater to retrieve silverware. I would get my watch wet if it were on my right hand!
actually a reason behind this right hand wrist watch person you know? Our right hand nerve connected to left brain and as we know our left brain is useful for decision making and analytical thing besides right brain is more emotional and creative thinking so some people use their right hand to wear watch on this hand….. Hope you will make this habit on your daily life….
I have, always worn watch on left wrist but for many years wore it inside my wrist not outside this protects it from knock and also makes it much easier to view. Am I the only person on the planet who does, this, ?⌚
I am left-handed and wear my watch on the left. I too used to wear my watch on the inside for a very long time. Years ago I got a much nicer watch and started wearing out since it was as much a timekeeping device as a piece of jewelry. Never wore it inside my wrist again.
There’s nothing wrong wearing watches on the right hand-side though it’s easier to adjust and set while on the left hand, but i’m a southpaw “left handed” so i wear my watch on the right hand because it’s makes me feel better and cool
You and me both, Alex. Hope these are all robit comments. Weird man.
I’m a right handed male.
I remember I wear my very first watch on the right wrist, just because it felt right. Nobody told me which side it was supposed to go on.
After many many year, I finally got my second watch and I really wanted to wear it on the left wrist but, it turns out my left wrist is just thicker than my right one, so my new watch just fits better and is way more comfortable on my right wrist.
I guess this just an excuse to use even more my left hand since it is the strong one.
Actually, a reason behind this right-hand wrist watch person you know? Our right-hand nerve connected to the left brain and as we know our left brain is useful for decision making and analytical things besides the right brain is more emotional and creative thinking so some people use their right hand to wear a watch on this hand, Hope you will make this habit in your daily life. buy your watch on this site juglo.
I drink from cups,glases,and bottles etc.with my dominant right hand so the percentage of making a mess myself would increase as a result…lol???☕????
I’m right handed and I wear my watch on my left wrist funny enough no one told me to do so it just felt so good on my very first time
Sometimes forget to put the watch on
I sometimes even forget to put my watch on lol
Great Information because sometimes i forget to put the watch on my wrist. Before reading your article I do not know, Which Wrist Should you Wear your Watch on? Left or Right. But After you read this article I know very well. Thanks for proving me with useful information.
What if you wear a fitness tracker and watch at the same time? I would just get a Versa 3 and have done with it but my watch was a 40th birthday present from my fiancee, so I really don’t want to stop wearing it. However, wearing the tracker on your dominant hand will lead to inaccurate step measurements due to your dominant hand moving more throughout the day.
How about if your watch is a self winding ‘Automatic’? (Omega Seamaster) Wearing the watch on my ‘non-active’ Left hand I always have to wind the watch to keep it ticking over.
Great info!! Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks for the Article am left handed ,let me try out wearing my watch on the right wrist
Am right handed thanks for the article have really tried to wear a watch on my right but it feel awkward it is more comfortable on my left.
As.a guitarist (right strumming hand) I’d never dream of wearing a watch on my right hand. Besides as the wear to the watch’s movement, wearing a watch on your right hand is a great way to totally fuck up the finish on your guitar.
Always left hand (if you’re right handed)
While the crown is more exposed for adjustment when wearing the watch on the left hand, for watches without ears on the case to protect the crown, it’s also more exposed for damage (screw down crowns can also be damaged via impact). Wearing it with the crown facing up the arm vs. towards the hand means it’s not getting pushed against when the wrist bends.
I’m right handed, and wear on my right. The only time I’ve ever scratched a watch face was in a motorcycle accident… luckily it was my gshock and the crystal was fine, just the surrounding bumper got scratched up. I don’t hit my watches on things, and most of the time they’re covered by my sleeves. Then again, I don’t wear a watch while hammering or doing heavy work with my right hand either. Maybe that’s why my watches look unused for years.
Then again I also can’t abide by a loose watch. I hate having it slide around my wrist.. I expect it to move with me, which is why I probably never hit it on things. When I wore loose watches.. I hit them all the time on things, probably because they weren’t where I expected them to be.
A proper fitting watch, is like a proper fitting shoe. It’s great once you find the right fit.
Otherwise it’s just a pain.
I have played around with both sides, and decided to use my left hand for more daily tasks.
I want to see if I can become semi-ambidextrous.
Right-handed, Right wrist watch for me. It keeps me mindful, and more careful with my right hand.
I don’t wear a watch when doing a lot of tasks. I take it off, put it in my pocket.
I did put a tiny piece of foam on the clasp on the bottom, but that’s for comfort, regardless of wrist.
Both sides I like to have the face on the bottom of my wrist. For easy glancing at palm/watch face.
But I know I scratch the watch more. It’s just a cheap Casio. So I wear it face up.
Anyone wear their watch face down? I find I can read it faster/easier. That wasn’t in the article!
O prefer my watch to be on my right hand when am driving my manual car
Right or Left side steering wheel? Which hand are you shifting the stick with? Just curious!
What is more bothersome. A wristwatch on the steering wheel? Or the stick?
Have you considered installing, finger gear shifts, like in fancy souped/professional racecars? 😀
probably on his left 😉
Personally, I like to wear my watch on my left ankle. It still applies to the “non-dominant” rule, but makes me feel like i’m special and making a fashion statement. My family always told me I never had a sense of fashion, but i’ve proved them all wrong.
I would like to say if someone said this prior then that’s awesome, that being said. I know that wrist watches were first started to be used in men in WWI and as a combat veteran myself I will tell you that I put my watch on my forehand wrist when I was in the military and that has just continued to
Be the wrist I wear it on!
Hello Josh,
Thank you for sharing your perspective, and most importantly, thank you for your service. Your insight into wearing the watch on the forearm wrist during military service adds a unique and personal touch to the history of wristwatch usage. It’s interesting to hear how habits formed during such experiences can continue long after.
If you have any more thoughts to share or if there’s anything else we can assist you with, feel free to let us know. We appreciate your engagement with our content.
Best regards,
Chris & Team WATCHBANDIT