Have you ever wondered why most people wear their watches on the left hand?
There are certain rules when it comes to sporting a watch. And you might be wondering if these etiquettes are different for males and females. So, we decided to curate an informative guide on the topic.
Want to know more about “which wrist to wear a watch for a female?” Then do keep reading to find out the answer!
On Which Hand Do Women Wear Wrist Watches?
It might seem like wearing a watch doesn’t take any thought, and it just needs to be strapped on, but that’s not the case. Like dressing up and curating an outfit, wristwatches are also worn with a certain etiquette.
There might be a difference in these social rules for men and women, but we’ll discuss that in another section. For now, let’s focus on which wrist women wear their watches.
Left Hand Or Right?
According to social etiquette, one should wear a watch on their left hand. It might sound bizarre that there is a norm for something as trivial as this, but there’s a reason behind it. Any traditional timepiece that existed before automatic monolog, digital, or quartz watches needed to be wound.
And people could easily do this using their dominant hand. Considering that a majority of people preferred using their right hand, wearing a watch on the left wrist was only logical. However, now that we have automatic watches, you can wear them on whichever wrist you want.
Watches For Left Wrist
Most watches still have their dials or buttons on the right side, which again makes them convenient to be operated by the right hand. That’s why people instinctively don their timepieces on the left hand. But it’s not a hard and fast rule and ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
Watches For Right Wrist
If you are left-handed and want to wear your wrist watch on the right wrist, using the dial can be difficult in the case of normal watches. Panerai, Sinn, Ploprof, and Tudor are among the limited brands that make Destro (Italian for right) watches. But it’s a given fact that they will cost a fortune as they are rare and custom-designed.
Are Rules Different For Women?
Generally, it is believed that women wear their watches on the left hand, and most men wear theirs on the right. But there is no hard evidence to support this, apart from a few people on the internet who vouch for such a rule.
In fact, if we go back to the time of the first world war, wristwatches were thought to be strictly feminine accessories. But once the soldiers started donning field watches, this misconception was quickly cleared. Today, it seems archaic to have different rules for males and females wearing watches.
How To Pick An Elegant Watch For Females
Watches have been a symbol of elegance for decades now, and every woman who means business is seen sporting one. Here are a few types of wristwatches that can make you look and feel classy:
Rose Gold Watch
Be it jewelry or watches, rose gold is one of the hottest trends these days. It mixes the soft blush tone with the icy metal feels to create a style that fits every occasion. Whether you have a business meeting or a co*cktail party, a rose gold watch will suit the cause.
A classic gold watch is beautiful but adding a rose tint to it, especially in a bracelet design, brings out its feminine side.
Skeleton Watch
A skeleton watch, as the name suggests, showcases all its inner mechanics and gear. You’ll be able to see its moving parts either from the front or the backside. It eliminates any non-essential part on the wheel train, bridge, or plate, making it minimalistic.
Furthermore, it is traditionally considered a men’s watch, but people could care less these days. It looks beautiful because of its thin engravings and the visible functioning of the adjusting dial.
Boyfriend Watch
Another common type is the boyfriend watch, featuring a tomboyish feel but is crafted for women. They are typically available in pastel shades with embedded diamonds, but their chunky bracelets and large cases give them a masculine touch.
Not only are these watches aesthetically pleasing, but they are also practical. Some have chronographs, which makes them even handier. And the best part is, reputed brands like Chanel and Fossil create them in left-handed designs as well.
Wrap Watch
Wrap watches were a common sight in the teenage movies of the early 2000s. We won’t call them elegant, but they are undoubtedly chic and can create a fashion statement.
The watch crown is small with a long strap (usually leather), which can be wrapped around the wrist like a bracelet. And those who like wearing heavy accessories can opt for these watches. You may also find them in a rustic jute or chic boho finish, and they look iconic with long maxi dresses and straw hats.
Bracelet Watch
If you want to wear both a bracelet and a watch while keeping your wrists light, wearing a bracelet watch is an excellent way to go. It is one of the oldest designs but is in fashion to date, especially among businesswomen.
In most cases, bracelet watches have chain-linked straps with an embellished crown. Additionally, they are available in silver, gold, and rose gold finishes that go with every outfit. A lady who is more into wearing formal clothes would definitely prefer this type over others.
Psychology Behind Wearing Watch
People claim that there is a psychological reason that associates the preferred wrist to wear a watch with gender. The right side of the brain controls the typically feminine behavior, like heightened creativity and being in touch with one’s emotions. And since the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, women wear watches on their left hands.
Similarly, the left part of the brain is connected with masculine characteristics like logic and spatial ability. It controls the right side of the body, so men supposedly prefer wearing a watch on the right wrist. However, you should note that these are mere speculations, and there isn’t any hardcore proof for this theory.
Final Words
In conclusion, we can say there are certain norms for wearing a wristwatch. Some people even relate it with human psychology and brain functions. Accordingly, males are expected to wear their watches on the left hand and females on the right.
Moreover, wristwatches were traditionally worn on the left hand because people needed to wind it, and they preferred doing that with their dominant hand. That’s why the crown or dial is on the right hand side of the watch face to date.
But there aren’t any rules as such and there’s no right and wrong – it’s just a matter of preference. You can wear a watch on either your dominant or non-dominant hand irrespective of your gender. Left-handed people can get custom-designed watches to wear on their right hand.
Sure thing! The information presented in the article touches on several aspects related to wristwatches, their historical context, etiquette, and psychological associations, alongside suggestions for elegant watch types for females. Let's break down the key concepts:
1. Etiquette and Tradition of Wearing Watches
The article mentions the historical reasoning behind wearing watches on the left hand. Traditional watches required winding, and as most people were right-handed, it was practical to wear them on the left wrist for ease of winding. Even though modern watches no longer require winding, many people still wear them on their left hand due to habit or convenience.
2. Left Hand or Right Hand: Dominant vs. Non-Dominant
There's a suggestion that most watches still have buttons or dials on the right side, making them easier to operate for right-handed individuals when worn on the left wrist. However, for left-handed individuals who prefer wearing their watch on the right wrist, there are limited brands that design watches specifically for the right wrist, termed "Destro" watches.
3. Gender-Specific Watch Wearing Norms
The article touches upon the historical perception of watches as feminine accessories and how this changed during World War I when soldiers started wearing field watches, dispelling the notion that watches were strictly for women. Currently, gender-specific rules for wearing watches are considered archaic.
4. Elegant Watch Types for Women
The article also discusses various types of wristwatches considered elegant for women, including:
- Rose Gold Watches: Trendy and versatile, suitable for different occasions.
- Skeleton Watches: Showcasing inner mechanics, traditionally seen as men's watches but increasingly popular among women.
- Boyfriend Watches: Masculine in design but crafted for women, often featuring larger cases and chunky bracelets.
- Wrap Watches: Offering a chic and fashionable look, characterized by a long strap that can be wrapped around the wrist.
- Bracelet Watches: Combining the functionality of a watch with the aesthetics of a bracelet, often preferred by businesswomen for formal wear.
5. Psychological Associations with Wearing Watches
The article mentions speculative theories associating preferred wrist placement for watches with gender-related brain functions. It suggests that women wearing watches on the left hand might be linked to the right brain controlling creative and emotional traits, while men wearing watches on the right hand might relate to the left brain, linked with logic and spatial abilities.
6. Conclusion: Lack of Strict Rules
Ultimately, the article concludes that while there might have been historical reasons and perceived psychological associations, there aren't strict rules dictating which wrist to wear a watch on. It emphasizes personal preference over gender norms and encourages individuals to wear watches on either wrist based on their comfort, even advocating for custom-designed watches for left-handed individuals.
This comprehensive breakdown covers the key concepts discussed in the article about wearing wristwatches, from historical traditions and gender perceptions to psychological associations and elegant watch types for women.
