How’s Your Watch Etiquette?

James Bond edition Omega

Wearing a watch needn’t really be that difficult, but style and decorum often plants the seed of doubt – which wrist should I wear it on? Is it vulgar to wear an expensive watch when I’m only 25? Fear not, we’re here to banish those mysteries and help you to wearing a watch with ease.

Which Wrist?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no right wrist to wear your watch on. In fact, this is nothing to do with etiquette, and instead is down to comfort. While you might have heard that right-handed people should wear a watch on their left wrist, and vice versa, this is entirely because it’s more comfortable to write with your watch on the other wrist.

So, in this age where actually writing something down might actually be quite rare, if you feel more comfortable as a left-hander with your watch on your left wrist, then please do.

This also goes for fit, too. If you like your watch to move around on your wrist, don’t feel inferior to those who have it strapped tightly to their arm like they’re trying to cut off the circulation.

Everyday vs. Dress vs. Sport 

This is where etiquette and practicality cross over. Whilst you might get away with wearing an everyday watch to a posh evening do, wearing it while you go diving will not work at all.

An everyday watch is more durable, practical and simple in design. If you do wear one every day, then it’s likely to be a little scuffed and battered, so wearing to a black tie ball simply won’t do if anyone were to notice, but it’s not likely that they will.

A dress watch will be more expensive, and will be beautifully designed – an investment piece. Ideally, it’ll match your cufflinks. This is not really a watch to wear at any other time than an evening event. If you’ve been given a dress code, then you should respect it, and make sure that your watch conforms too.

It might be tempting to go for a flashy, vulgar thing that screams show off when you’re buying a dress watch, but do restrain yourself. A classic Omega is understated and beautiful without being over the top.

A sport watch is designed to withstand shocks and jolts and will usually be waterproof too. It might come with extra functions, and it’ll probably look slightly sporty too. However, dare to wear it in any other place other than the sports hall and you’ll be met with frowns and muttering