The wristwatch is more than just a time-telling tool. It is the result of a long-line of innovation and tradition. They can also help to enhance your personal style.
It may seem like somewhat of a trivial decision which wrist to wear your watch on, but it can alter your experience. Wearing it on one wrist as opposed to the other can impact your comfort levels and how much you enjoy your watch.
In this post, we will explore the historical context as well as practical considerations that come into play when choosing which wrist to wear your watch.
Which Wrist To Wear A Watch?
As a general rule, it is best to wear your watch on your weaker wrist. So if you are right-handed, then you would wear your wrist watch on your left wrist. Left-handed people will wear their watch on their right wrist.
The reason for this is because when watches used to need to be wound up, it would be easier to do so with your dominant hand. It is also more comfortable to wear on the opposite wrist to the hand you write with.
You will also generally find that wearing your watch on the non-dominant wrist will make for a more natural angle for checking the time.
The same rule of thumb applies for wearers of smartwatches and fitness watches. You will likely be using your dominant hand to use the watch, such as when changing the settings or checking notifications.
In conclusion, while there are reasons for wearing a wristwatch on a particular wrist, it is all down to personal preference. If for any reason you would prefer to wear your watch on your dominant wrist, do whatever is most comfortable for you and your lifestyle.
Who Decided On Which Wrist To Wear A Watch?
The practice of wearing wristwatches on the non-dominant hand dates back to the early 20th century. At this time, it was still predominantly pilots and soldiers who wore wristwatches. It made sense to wear the watch on the non-dominant hand while the dominant hand would be used for tasks.
Even for most professions today, it still makes sense to choose your weaker wrist to wear your watch on. Whether your job involves a lot of writing, or you have work in manual labor, you want to keep your most-used wrist free. This will also help to stop your watch from getting scratched or damaged.
History Of The Wristwatch
When Was The Wristwatch Invented?
The wristwatch dates back to the 16th century, when one was created for Queen Elizabeth I in 1571. However, during this time wristwatches were mainly decorative rather than practical timepieces. It was until much later that watches became more of a functional item. In the earlier days, wristwatches were not particularly reliable.
When Did The Wristwatch Become Popular?
Wristwatches began to gain popularity during the 19th century, but mainly for women. It was a fashion accessory above anything else. Men still favored pocket watches during this time.
It wasn't until World War I that wristwatches took over, when officers began to value the accessibility that came with wearing a watch over keeping it in a pocket.
When Did The Wristwatch Become Popular For Men?
It was really at the turn of the 20th century that wristwatches came into favor for men. Wristwatches began to be developed into reliable and practical timepieces for soldiers and pilots. A lot of the early innovation within the watch industry is down to World War I and the army.
The early wristwatches were essentially pocket watches fitted onto a strap. However, manufacturers began producing more advanced wristwatches in the early 20th century. In 1904, a Brazilian aviator asked Louis Cartier to design a watch that he could use during his flights. This was an early example of modern wristwatches for men.
In the 1920s, Rolex introduced the Oyster watch. This was the first water-resistant watch and helped pave the way for innovation in the wristwatch space.
It wasn't until the 1930s that wristwatches became the more popular watch choice and surpassed pocket watches. This is when they began to be manufactured in larger quantities and the first choice for the general public.
Should I Get A Luxury Watch Or A Smartwatch?
Luxury watches and smartwatches are worlds apart but they are not mutually exclusive. You may have a preference for one or the other, but some people see them as entirely different items.
Smartwatches can be great for all of their functionalities, such as tracking fitness and checking your messages. However, some people prefer the heritage and the craftsmanship of luxury watches.
It also isn’t everyone’s preference to have the same functions of a smartphone on their watch. Perhaps you would rather your watch to have one job only: to tell the time. Or, you may have embraced the modernity of smartwatches and like the multifunctional uses of these devices.
If you like to be reachable and connected at all times, then you might choose to have a smartwatch day-to-day and a luxury watch to complement your outfit on special occasions.
Where To Buy Luxury Watches?
Whether you're a seasoned watch enthusiast or just starting to build your collection, myGemma offers a wide selection of luxury watches. You might be in the market for a diver's watch or a Cartier Tank, or perhaps looking to buy your first Omega.
myGemma has a team of luxury experts, who have an eagle eye for details who can guarantee authenticity for each item. No product goes online onto the website or the app until is has been properly assessed and deemed genuine.
As well as this, unless otherwise states, all of our watches have been recently serviced either by the manufacturer or an authorised watchmaker with original parts. All of the watches myGemma sells comes with a one-year warranty.
Want to visit myGemma IRL? For expert advice in-person, make an appointment to visit our NYC showroom. Our helpful team can advise on which watch best suits your needs and offer suggestions and alternatives.
How To Sell A Luxury Watch Online?
If you have decided to sell one of your luxury watches, you might be in the researching phase of which route to take.
myGemma has created the ultimate luxury resale experience, where you can shop, sell, and trade-in. The selling experience is made simple, all you have to do to get started is fill out the online form. Then, a member of the team will be in touch with a price quote.
From price quote to payment, it can take as little as 24 hours. Get paid for your designer accessories quickly and safely with myGemma.
When you choose to buy or sell with myGemma, you are helping to contribute positively towards a circular economy. It is not only better for your wallet, but for the planet, too.
