A common question we receive is, “Which hand should I wear my watch on?”
The general rule of thumb is to wear your watch on your non-dominant hand. So, if you’re right-handed, wear your watch on your left. And, if you’re left handed, wear your watch on your right. Wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand means it is less likely to be bumped, jostled, and nicked throughout the day, thus will be safer from damage.
I’m Right-Handed, Can I Still Wear My Watch on My Right Wrist?
Yes, while the above is a general guideline, it’s by no means a hard-and-fast rule. Some people simply find wearing a watch on one wrist over the other to be more comfortable, regardless of their handedness.
One thing to consider is that most watches are designed with the crown on the right-hand size of the watch case. With 90% of the population being right-handed (thus wearing their watch on their non-dominant left hand), this is meant to make the watch more comfortable for people who wear their watch on their left hand, so the crown is not digging into you when you flex and stretch your hands and wrists.
However, there is a category of watches known as “Destro” (Italian for right) that feature the crown on the left side of the watch case for people who wear their watch on their right wrist.
An example of a “Destro” watch by Tudor, the Pelagos LHD
How Tightly Should I Wear My Watch?
Regardless of which hand you choose to wear your watch on, you’ll want to ensure the fit is correct, particularly how tightly your watch should fit. Your watch should not slide up or down more than an inch on your wrist. If your watch slides more than that, it simply looks too big and sloppy. If your watch is pinching your wrist, it can be uncomfortable for you to wear and can put unnecessary strain on the bracelet or clasp.