Which wrist do you wear your watch on? What does it mean?

Let’s face it.

It’s a question as old as time and you’re bound to get a different answer depending on who you ask:

Which wrist do you wear your watch on?

Some say the watch belongs on your left wrist, some say on your right, and still others say it doesn’t matter. So, who is right?

The anatomy of a watch

In order to answer this question, we’ll first need to understand the anatomy of a watch. Take a look below:

A watch is a lot like a car. It’s composed of many parts and all parts have to be running in unison and working together in order to work properly. We’ve gone ahead and broken down the functions of each part:

• Dial: The dial is the face of the watch and contains the markings that tell you what time it is.
• Subdial: A smaller dial within the original dial, subdials are used to show further information, such as the time or date.
• Case: The case protects the engine of the watch from harm.
• Straps: An attachment that goes around the wrist to secure the watch to the wearer.
• Lugs: The attachment at which the straps are attached to the case.
• Hour marker: The markings that display what hour it is.
• Crown: Also known as the winder, the crown is used to adjust the time.
• Pusher: The pusher often controls functions on the subdial.
• Exhibition Case Back: This shows the finishing of a movement.
• Movement: The movement is the engine of the watch.
• Rotor: The rotor dictates the winding of an automatic watch.

While it may seem complicated, it’s really not. Once you understand a watch and how it works, you can then begin to understand how it should be worn.

So, which wrist does it belong on?

Let’s refer back to our understanding of the anatomy of a watch.

Remember the crown, also known as the winder? Originally, when watches needed to be wound manually, it was easier for people who are right-handed to wear their watch on their left wrist. This is because it made it easier for right-handed users to adjust the crown with their right hand.

Even though there isn’t a need to wind your watch anymore, it’s still easier to adjust your watch if you’re wearing it on your left wrist. Due to the placement of the crown and other dials on the watch, it still makes more sense to wear your watch on your left wrist, even if you are left-handed.

With that being said, however, not all watches have crowns anymore. Some digital watches instead have push buttons that are easily pressed regardless of which wrist they are worn on.

Smartwatches have also become a popular choice for users who want to combine the experience of wearing a watch with the high-tech capabilities they’re used to having on their cellphone. If you are wearing a smartwatch, it doesn’t matter which wrist you wear it on. Either way, you’ll be able to access all the capabilities of the watch easily.

Wearing a watch can be divided into two schools of thought: traditional and modern.

Ask a traditionalist and they are likely to tell you that watches should be work on the left wrist. It’s more accessible, more professional, and it’s the way people have done it for hundreds of years.

However, a modernist is likely to tell you that it’s a matter of preference. Either way, you will be able to tell the time and if your watch is a digital or smartwatch, it won’t be an inconvenience whether you wear it on your right or your left wrist.

So, which is the right way?

Honest answer?

We think context matters.

For instance, if you are going to a job interview at a traditional workplace or operate within a social circle that values heritage, it may be easier for you to wear your watch on your left wrist. Otherwise, you may get funny looks or people informing you you’re wearing your watch wrong.

However, if you often find yourself in casual settings, wearing your watch on either wrist is fine. It’s unlikely that anyone will say anything or even notice.

When all is said and done, do whatever feels comfortable to you. The watch police aren’t on the lookout for people wearing their watches wrong. All that matters is that you look good and you feel good.

The real challenge?

Finding a great watch to put on your wrist! Check out my guides to finding a great watch and finding a skeleton watch with exposed gears.

Now that you know about the anatomy and functions of the watch, and have a good idea of what wrist to wear it on, let’s take a look at the history of watches!

A brief history of watches

In the interest of being fully educational in this post, I figured we should discuss the history of watches, as well.

Watches were invented sometime in the 16th century in Europe.

Originally, spring-driven clocks were carried around to tell the time, but the need for a more portable way to tell the time spurred watchmakers into developing a mechanical watch that turned gears and told the time with a rotating balance wheel.

Eventually, however, watches evolved to use electricity and a vibrating quartz crystal to keep time, resulting in the watches that we are familiar with today.

Although there are some variations, the majority of watches on the market in the present are quartz watches.

Which wrist do you wear your watch on? What are your thoughts on this hot topic? Leave a comment and let us know!