The wristwatch can be dated to the year 1916 when publications like the New York Times were reporting on how Europeans were migrating from the pocket watch to having time on their wrist. During World War I the trend cemented itself as soldiers were required to follow suit to make sure checking the hour was more practical.
There is a deep-rooted history of watch wearing –– as well as watchmaking and watch wearing has some strict etiquette rules ranging from how to wear a watch to how frequently you should check it.
Wear on Your Non-dominant Wrist
Most people wear watches on their left wrist because the majority of people are right-handed. This traditional rule means you’ll be freer and more able to complete tasks with your dominant hand without your wristwatch getting in the way. Doing this helps you and your watch as you’ll be less likely to scuff a soft leather strap or scratch metal hardware.
Although modern-day men (and women) don’t feel the need to follow this rule strictly, if you want to wear a watch correctly, you should pick your least dominant side.
Accessorise Accordingly
Watches have a helpful function, but we should still treat them as an accessory. This means colour coding your watch with your outfit and wearing specific types of watches for certain occasions.
For example, watches with dark dials such as the Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon and the Backes & Strauss Berkeley 40 Black Night are more suited to evening occasions as they perfectly coordinate with dress suits and tuxedos. Brown leather-strapped wristwatches such as the Arnold & Son HMS1 Guilloché Rose Gold and the U-Boat Classico U-47 AS 2 are more suitable for smart daytime activities with a linen suit or smart casual wear.
As such, you should have various timepieces in your collection that allow you to distinguish between day and night just as you would suits, shoes and any other wardrobe staple. The only occasion you don’t need to prepare for is a black-tie event where watches are somewhat forbidden. At a black-tie event, you shouldn’t be checking the time — more on that in the next paragraph.
Check Your Watch Sparingly
Just as important as how you wear your watch is how you use it. It’s good social etiquette to limit the number of times you check your watch —if any — at social occasions. This is especially important if you’re listening to a speech, watching a play or having a one-to-one conversation with another person.
Checking the time can be interpreted as being rude and a sign that a person is experiencing boredom or thinking of other commitments. It might also infer you think the person, social group or activity is of little importance or less important than your next appointment.
These days many of us fidget on our phones, which has much the same effect. To be a polite guest, you should limit yourself to glancing at your watch and making no exaggerated gestures to keep track of time.
Pick a Proportionate Watch
Wearing a watch that is too big for the wrist or a timepiece with an oversized appearance has become a recent trend that most gentlemen didn’t adopt. The classic way to wear a watch is to pick a clockface that compliments the proportions of the wrist, fitting the arm and the inners of a suit jacket.
Overly large watches can be confused with boasting as can a slack watch strap.
Classic watches always incorporate function as well as fashion with the strap relatively tight on the wrist (leaving a gap big enough for one index finger) and the clockface sitting flush to the top of the wrist. This way, to tell the time you need only hitch the sleeve of your shirt, blazer or jacket.
Variety Is Key
Most watch lovers are proud of their timepieces and want to catch any opportunity to discuss the craftsmanship of their Franck Muller or the custom design of their Blaken. However, sometimes modesty is required.
Business meetings call for a less understated timepiece. If you’re meeting with an important stakeholder, client or senior, you shouldn’t wear a watch that’s more expensive than theirs out of respect. And, if you’re really old-fashioned the same could be said for a family gathering where your in-law might be present.
The practical steps to wear a watch correctly might require you to take into account the physical placement of the watch and its size. Yet, some of the most important etiquette rules revolve around what your watch has to say about your social status, attitude and class.
So, put your watch on your non-dominant wrist, remember to scale down its size and most importantly, branch out, so you’re prepared for every eventuality.
Browse our watch collection for luxury watches suitable for day and night. We sell timepieces from distinguished brands, creative designers and Swiss legacies working with companies such as Blaken, U-Boat, Franck Muller and more.
As a seasoned horologist and watch enthusiast, I've delved deeply into the fascinating history, craftsmanship, and social nuances surrounding wristwatches. My expertise extends beyond the mere appreciation of timekeeping devices, encompassing the historical context, evolution of styles, and the intricate etiquette associated with watch wearing.
The wristwatch, as mentioned in the article, indeed has its roots traced back to 1916, a pivotal year when the New York Times reported the shift from pocket watches to wristwatches among Europeans. This transition gained further momentum during World War I, where soldiers found the practicality of having time readily accessible on their wrists.
The article touches upon essential aspects of watch etiquette, and I'd like to expound on these concepts:
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Wearing on Your Non-dominant Wrist: The traditional practice of wearing a watch on the left wrist, especially for right-handed individuals, aligns with practicality. This allows for greater freedom of movement with the dominant hand, minimizing the risk of damaging the watch. While modern preferences may vary, adhering to this rule ensures both comfort and longevity of the timepiece.
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Accessorizing Accordingly: The article rightly emphasizes that watches serve not only as functional timekeepers but also as fashion accessories. Proper coordination with the outfit, considering factors such as dial color and strap material, reflects a keen sense of style. Specific watches are recommended for different occasions, showcasing an understanding of the nuanced role watches play in personal expression.
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Checking Your Watch Sparingly: Beyond the functional aspects, a watch's etiquette extends to how and when it's checked. Limiting the frequency of checking the time, especially during social events or engagements, is crucial for maintaining politeness. Constantly glancing at your watch may convey disinterest or disrespect, and the article rightly cautions against such behavior.
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Picking a Proportionate Watch: The size of a watch is a critical consideration. Wearing a watch that complements the proportions of the wrist, fitting well within the confines of a suit, reflects a classic and tasteful choice. Oversized watches, while trendy in recent times, should be chosen with caution to avoid conveying a sense of ostentation.
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Variety Is Key: The notion of variety in one's watch collection is emphasized for practical and social reasons. Tailoring the choice of a watch to the context, whether a business meeting or a family gathering, demonstrates an understanding of social norms and respect for others. The article highlights the importance of choosing a watch that aligns with the occasion and the company.
In essence, wearing a wristwatch transcends mere timekeeping; it is a statement of personal style, social awareness, and respect for both tradition and contemporary sensibilities. As you navigate the world of horology, remember to not only cherish the craftsmanship of your timepieces but also to express yourself thoughtfully through your choice of watch and its appropriate adornment.
