Which Wrist to Wear a Watch?

You might assume that the answer to this question is simply “the left.” You will be surprised because the answer is much more nuanced.

It is well known that many people wear watches on their left wrists. Also, more women wear their watch on their left wrist. This was a surprise to me when I first looked into this. I always thought women wear their watch on their right wrist.

You probably know what time it is, but you’re wondering which wrist to wear your watch on. There are a few different ways to wear your watch. Wearing your watch on either wrist can make a difference in how you look and how others perceive you, so they say. Which wrist should you wear your watch on? Let’s find out!

In the world of watches, some people wear a watch on their right arm, while others wear it on their left. It seems as though the left side has been the standard for as long as there have been watches. But there’s a good reason for that which I will discuss below.

Which Wrist to Wear a Watch?

The majority of people wear their watch on their non-dominant hand. More than 90% of the population are right-handed. Most of these people will wear their watch on their left hand.

Click here to see my guide on How Tight Should a Watch be

Wearing a Watch on The Left Wrist

If you are right-handed, then you fall into 90% of the population. Most watches are for the right-handed. When wearing it on your left hand, the watch sits at a more natural angle than if you were to wear it on your left wrist. If you wear it on the right wrist, you have to turn your wrist and face the time at least a little bit. This makes it harder to read. 

Wearing a Watch on The Right Wrist

However, if you are a left-handed person and want to wear your watch on your right hand. The only option you have is to buy a watch that is designed for the right hand. This does not mean you can't wear your watch on your left hand.

According to most of the watch community, your best bet is to put your watch on your non-dominant wrist. A watch worn on the dominant wrist sends a signal that you’re more likely to pay attention to it. So if you’re a sports fan and right-handed, for instance. Wearing your watch on your right wrist means you’ll pay closer attention to the game. While putting it on the left wrist means you’ll pay more attention to the time.

Placement of The Watch Crown

Most watches are designed to be worn on the left. If you are wearing a watch right now, there is a high chance that this is a left-handed watch.

This comes down to where the crown is located on the watch. The crown is usually found beside the number '3' or beside '9'. The crown is small and looks like a round knob. It is used to adjust the time on the watch face. When you first get a watch it should come with instructions on how to adjust the crown.

Due to 90% of people being right-handed the crown is placed beside the number '3' on the watch face. This makes it is easier to adjust the time for right-handed people.

For left-handed watches, the crown will be placed beside the number '9' on the watch face. This makes it easier for left-handed people to adjust the time.

Advantages Using Your Non-Dominant Hand

Easier to view the time

Wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand will make it easier to check the time and will not distract you from the important task at hand. Wrist Watches are better worn on the non-dominant wrist. Most people use their dominant hand to do certain tasks, Which is why most people wear their watch on their non-dominant hand. But if you wear your watch on your dominant hand, it is more likely to distract you from the important task at hand. 

Easier to set the time

This is considering that you have bought the correct watch that is designed for you. Like I mentioned above, if you are right-handed or left-handed then the watch crown will be placed according to the watch you have. Having the correct watch will make it a lot easier to access the watch crown to set the time. If you have a left-handed watch and wear it on the right hand, it is close to impossible to set the time without having to take the watch off.

Protects the movement of the watch

Wearing a watch on your non-dominant hand helps keep your watch safe. This is because you do not use this hand to do tasks. Rigorous shocks can really damage the mechanism of your watch and reduce its lifespan. It will not be a good idea to use a hammer with your watch on the arm you are hammering with. 

Is There a Rule For Women?

There are mixed opinions about this and there is no set rule. Recent fashion trends have women wear it on their right hand. This is to look stylish and attract attention. The claim that women only wear their watches on their right hand has no evidence to support this.

This all comes down to preference and your own convenience. Wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand is the best way to go. You do not have to follow this either if you don't want to. You are not breaking any rules.

Is there any psychology behind wearing it left or right?

There are claims that there are psychological reasons for wearing your watch on either wrist.

Some people say for woman, wearing a watch on the right-hand shows confidence and looks feminine. There are others of the opinion that whichever wrist you wear it on is genetic. There is no evidence to back these claims. 

Fashion experts at GQ just put it simply 'wear it on your left wrist if you’re right-handed and to wear it on your right if you’re left-handed’.

Other than that it all comes down to your own preference. Nobody can tell you what hand you should be wearing it on. As long as you are comfortable wearing it, that's all that matters.

Which Wrist Should I Choose?

You'll probably want to experiment with your own wrist position before you decide on a particular one. You might find it easier to wear the watch on the right wrist for a while and then switch to the left wrist. Or, you might find that wearing the watch on your left wrist for a while, and then switching back to the right wrist, works better for you. 

In most cases, people wear it on their non-dominant hand. This is not always the case. You decide what works for you.