What Hand Do Watches Go On – Left or Right?

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There’s a lot of debate surrounding which hand watches should be worn on – left or right. Some people are adamant that watches should be worn on the left hand, while others believe that watches look better on the right hand.

So, what is the correct way of wearing watches? 

In this blog post, we will explore both sides of the argument and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about what hand do watches go on!

Also, if you’re eager to find out other unwritten rules, visit our comprehensive guide on how you should wear watches.

What hand do watches go on


What Wrist Does a Man Wear a Watch?

Traditionally, watches have been worn on the left wrist by men. This is because the left hand has been considered to be the “non-dominant” hand – it is typically not used for tasks as much as the right hand.

Also, by wearing the watch on your non-dominant hand, it is less likely to get bumped, hit, and nicked throughout the day. 

Another theory behind wearing a watch on the non-dominant hand is that it will make it easier to access and view the watch when you need to check the time. 

For instance, imagine doing something with your dominant hand (right), such as writing, and you wish to check the time. You would have to interrupt whatever you’re doing with your right hand to check the time. 

Therefore, wearing the watch on your non-dominant hand makes more sense and is more convenient.  


What Wrist Does a Woman Wear a Watch?

When it comes to women, the general rule of wearing a watch on the left hand applies to them as well. The reasons for that are similar to those of men – it gives a dominant hand more freedom.

On the other hand, it is quite common for women to wear watches on their right wrists, as this is often seen as being more aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, wearing watches on the right wrist draws more attention to your style rather than staying practical on a non-dominant hand.

Therefore, if a watch is on the dominant hand, it eventually gets more attention as you use and display the hand more often than your non-dominant hand. 


Wearing a Watch on the Right Hand

Since more than three-quarters of the population is right-handed, the dominant hand is right. But is it okay to break the traditions and wear a watch on the right hand, even if you’re right-handed?

Ultimately, the answer to this question is yes – it is perfectly okay to wear a watch on the right hand. While there are overwhelming benefits to wearing watches on the left hand, there are also some aesthetic advantages to wearing them on the right wrist. So, try both positions and see which one you prefer! 

wearing watches on the right hand


However, you should bear in mind that most timepieces come with a traditional design where the watch crown (and pushers) lays on the right side of the case. 

It means that if you’re wearing the watch on the right hand, you would have to reach over the watch to turn the crown or push the buttons. As you may have already guessed, it’s not very comfortable. And it’s a real problem especially for left-handed people.

But no need to worry – there is a genius solution to the problem.   


Watches for Left-Handed People

There are quite an extensive number of left-handed watches available on the market. They are called “destro” watches.

These watches are designed specifically for left-handed people to wear on the right wrist (and also for those who simply prefer to wear a watch on the right hand). 

Citizen altimeter timepiece with analog face and solar power

Left-handed watches have all the standard features of a regular watch, but with the addition of a reversed crown – it’s on the left side of the watch instead of the widespread right. This allows left-handed people to easily access and use all the functions of the watch.

Citizen and Seiko are the brands that offer the best price-quality ratio destro watches.


Benefits of Wearing on the Left and Right Hand

For a concise overview, let’s go over the benefits of wearing a watch on the left and right hand.

The Left Hand

– The left hand is seen as the non-dominant hand, so it makes sense to wear watches on this wrist for ease of use.

– When you wear your watch on the left hand, it is less likely to get in the way during everyday tasks such as writing or using the computer.

– It can be difficult to see and handle a watch that is worn on the right wrist, especially if you are right-handed. Wearing a watch on the left wrist eliminates this problem and allows you to easily check the time and operate the buttons.

The Right Hand

– When you wear your watch on the right wrist, it is more visible and draws attention to your face and décolletage. This can be particularly advantageous if you are looking for a new watch as it will help you make a better choice based on appearance alone.

– If you are left-handed, it can be difficult to use all the features of a watch that is worn on the left wrist. Wearing a left-handed watch on the right wrist eliminates this problem and allows you to easily use all its functions.


Psychology as a Factor

There is some debate about whether or not psychology plays a part in the decision of which hand people wear watches.

 It has been suggested that because the left hand is seen as being weaker than the right, some men may prefer to wear their watches on the right wrist in order to appear more powerful.

For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin wears his watches on his right hand, despite being right-handed. Although he claims the reason for that is the inconvenience caused by the crown during the wrist-bend, I wouldn’t be so sure about that.    

Also, some claim that right-handed wearers are more creative and emotional than left-handed wearers because the right side of the brain is considered more feminine. 

When it comes to left-handed wearers, psychology suggests them to be dominant, but also sociable and impulsive.

how to wear a watch properly


However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and it is likely that personal preference and the convenience of wearing play a bigger role in this decision-making process.


So, What Hand Do Watches Go On – Left or Right?

As we have seen, there are pros and cons to wearing watches on both the left and right wrists. 

However, the left hand is considered the best to wear watches due to its overwhelming advantages in practical terms.

Ultimately, the decision about which hand your watch should go on comes down to personal preference. Some people find it more comfortable and easier to use a watch when it is on the left wrist, while others prefer the look of watches worn on the right wrist. 

Hence, try wearing watches on both wrists and see which one feels more natural or comfortable for you.


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Carl Pender

1 thought on “What Hand Do Watches Go On – Left or Right?”

  1. Hi there! I’m right-handed. On very sunny days here in Southern California where I live I usually wear my watches on the right hand so 1. the watch is not in the sun too long when I drive, and 2. since I have to drive quite a bit in my job, as not to get any ‘watch marks’ on my left wrist either! When I go out in the evenings or under cloudy skies…I then wear them on the left one! I’m used to doing it this way, for years, and I don’t have that I know any issues with it. : -))

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