The choice to bring your watch to the left hand or to the right is often the subject of discussions. If most people opt for the left wrist, some people prefer the other side. But then, where does this habit come from and are there rules to follow? Swiss Made Watch magazine explains everything to you!
A choice influenced by history
Traditionally, the watches are on the left. This habit has its origin in the past, at a time when the manual trades were more widespread and the watches, often fragile, were not yet equipped with a shock system. The majority of people being right away, it was more prudent to wear your watch on the left wrist, less requested in daily activities. This precaution allowed to avoid shocks and improve the life of the mechanism.
As of the appearance of the first wrist watches, at the beginning of the 20th century, manufacturers designed their models taking into account this trend. The watches thus had their adjustment crown generally positioned on the right in order to allow right-handers to easily adjust their timepiece.
Why bring your watch to the left?
The wearing of the watch on the left remains the standard today for several reasons:
- Practicality : For right -handers, manipulating the adjustment crown with the right hand is simpler and intuitive.
- Protection : The dominant hand is more requested and exposed to shocks. Bringing your watch to the left therefore reduces the risk of damage to the glass and the case.
- Comfort : by writing, using a computer mouse or by practicing physical activities, a watch on the right wrist can annoy and cause a feeling of discomfort.
- Watches ergonomics : The majority of models are designed to be worn on the left, their pimples and crown are mostly located on the right edge of their case.
When to wear your watch to the right?
Although less common, wearing a watch to the right can be preferable in some cases:
- Left -wing : They mainly use their left hand and often find more natural to bring their watch to the right for the same reasons as right -handers carry it on the left.
- Personal habits : Some simply prefer the feeling of a watch in the right wrist, whether in comfort or by experience.
- Specific models : Some brands design watches that integrate a wreath on the left to be brought to the right, thus facilitating their use by left -handers and responding to a more diverse demand.
- Style and differentiation : Wearing a watch to the right can be an aesthetic choice, allowing you to distinguish yourself or create an original appearance. In certain fashion and luxury circles, this practice is considered a sign of personality and non-conformism.
- Specific professions : Some trades, such as pilots or soldiers, sometimes bear their watch to the right for functional reasons, especially when working instruments require greater freedom of movement on the dominant hand.
Remember that the choice of wrist to wear its watch depends above all on its personal comfort and its daily use. If tradition has it that the watch is on the left, nothing prevents it from bringing it to the right if it suits you better.
The main thing is to adopt a habit that combines ease and practicality. With the evolution of designs and trends, everyone is free to choose the side that best suits them!
