5 Simple Rules on How to Properly Wear a Watch

Published October 28, 2020

Are you looking to buy a new watch, but aren’t quite sure how to wear it? A watch is more than just a functional accessory for telling time. If worn correctly, it can add some serious style to your outfit.

So, how do you make sure you wear your watch the right way?

Check out this guide to learn how to properly wear a watch.

Find the Right Fit

First things first, you want to make sure your watch fits you correctly.

If your watch is too tight, it’ll leave imprints on your skin. If it’s too loose, the watch may slide up your arm or off of your wrist. Ideally, you want to find a watch that slides around on your wrist just a little bit. Here are some tips for choosing the right-sized watch:

Measure the circumference of your wrist- If your wrist is 6 to 7 inches, then you’ll need a small or medium-sized watch (38-42 mm). If it’s more than 7 inches, then you’ll need a large watch (44-46mm)
The width of the band should be about half of the watch’s diameter, so if you wear a 44mm watch, the diameter should be about 22mm
Case thickness is typically correlated to the case size diameter. If you have a small or medium case size diameter, then the thickness will usually be around 7mm. If your watch has a large case size, then the thickness will be around 9mm

Of course, you should always try a watch on first to see if it’s the right fit. If you find a watch that you love but it’s too small or too big, you can bring it to a local watchmaker to have it adjusted.

Know Your Materials

Watches come in several different materials, and you want to make sure you consider the material of your watch when selecting an outfit. Here are some of the most common watch materials:

Stainless Steel: This is the most widely-used watch material, and it’s known for being durable, lightweight, and tough
Wood: This material comes in many different grain types and colors, and each watch made from wood is 100% unique
Titanium: This is a lightweight material that’s twice as strong as stainless steel
Ceramics: These watches are scratch-resistant and heatproof, and they’re a popular choice for luxury watches due to their shine
Gold: This material is conventional and corrosion-free
Silicone Rubber: This type of watch is soft, rubbery, and comfortable to wear
Carbon Fiber: This is one of the lightest and sturdiest watch options on the market
Leather:

A lot of times, watch material comes down to personal preference. Leather bands are going to give your watch a slimmer appearance, while metal bands will always appear larger and heavier.

Pair Your Watch with Your Outfit

When selecting which watch to wear, you always want to keep your outfit in mind. If you’re wearing lighter colors, you’ll want to stick with a watch in a lighter shade, such as cream or white.

If your outfit has a lot of dark tones, select a watch in a darker shade such as brown, black, or grey. Just as you wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to brunch, so too should you avoid wearing a watch with a dark dial early in the morning.

Also, make sure you’re matching your watch with the type of activity you’re involved in during the day. For example, if you plan to go sailing, you probably don’t want to wear a dress watch. If you’re not sure of what you’ll be doing during the day, pair your watch with your clothing style.

If you’re dressed in athletic wear, then you should wear a sports watch. If you’re going to be sporting business attire, then wear a dress watch. Historically, it has been considered impolite to wear a wristwatch to a black-tie or formal event. However, attitudes have changed in recent years.

If you do want to wear a watch to a formal event, opt for a simple dress watch with a black band and face. A pocket watch, an elegant and classic accessory, is another excellent alternative.

Don’t Wear the Same Watch Every Day

Ideally, you want to have a collection of watches that you can rotate through. If you have a watch that you love, wearing it every single day will cause it to deteriorate faster.

Plus, rarely is there a watch that’s suited for every type of outfit. Regardless of your budget, try building up a small collection of versatile watches that suit your various outfits throughout the week.

Wear Your Watch On the Right Wrist

The general rule of thumb is that you should wear your watch on your non-dominant hand. This means that if you’re right-handed, you should wear your Grand Seiko watches on your left hand.

Since the majority of people are right-handed, most watchmakers design watches to be worn on the left hand. Wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand makes it easier for you to use the chronograph pushers and wind the crown.

Also, make sure that when you’re standing with your arms at your side, your cuff or sleeve mostly covers your watch. When your arm is bent, your watch should slightly peek out of the shirt cuff. Just make sure you never wear your watch on top of your shirt cuff, as this looks tacky.