Horus Straps
October 07, 2021
The argument regarding which wrist your watch belongs on is a prevalent one within the watchmaking industry. On the one hand (plenty of those puns incoming), we have the right-handers who insist they are correct to wear their watch on the left. And on the other, we have the left-handers who wear their watch on their right hand and say they don't care.
But, of course, in reality, no one should care, it's your watch, and you can wear it as you wish. Just make sure your watch strap fits snugly.
However, with all of that said, technically speaking, you should wear your watch on your non-dominant hand. That is to say, wear it on whatever hand you do not write with. With this in mind, it becomes apparent why some people will insist that the left hand is the only correct hand to wear a watch.
However, the population is 90% right-handed, so the vast majority of people wear their watch on their left hand. Many left-handed people have been following the convention because they were told to when they were younger, and now their left hand is the most comfortable hand to wear a watch on.
Well, in this article, we're going to outline why wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand is practical and something you might want to consider doing if you don't already.
Avoid Scratches
The bane of any watch enthusiast's life is the prevalence of scratches on their precious timepieces. Sure, some people embrace them right out of the gate, and some people don't care anymore as their watches have gained enough over the years, and they all fade into one, but, wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand prevents them all the same.
You are most likely to perform tasks with your dominant hand, and as such, your watch is more likely to get scratched than if it is on your non-dominant hand and not being used as much. In addition, these tasks will inevitably scratch your watch and dirty it up faster than if your watch is on your non-dominant hand.
Sure, these scratches and dirt will still build-up, but it'll take so much longer than when wearing your watch on your dominant hand.
Avoid Internal Damage
Building off the last point, when we are typically stronger with our dominant hand and prefer to use it for things that require the extra power. Think of throwing a ball, hammering a nail, catching something, a sudden reflex movement to stop something from falling onto us or hitting the floor, etc. These kinds of movements and situations can shock the internal mechanisms of our watches and ultimately damage them.
While it is less of a concern for modern watches, vintage watches are particularly susceptible to shocks, and extreme shock resistance is something the watchmaker Richard Mille has focused on.
Just recently, Conor McGregor broke the bracelet on his solid gold Patek Philippe Nautilus when throwing a baseball. If his watch were on his non-dominant hand (his right), that wouldn't have happened. He is the perfect example of a lefty wearing his watch on the left, as he was likely conditioned to believe wearing his watch on his right hand was a bad idea.
Time Reading Is Easier
Perhaps the most simple of all reasons to wear your watch on your non-dominant hand is that your dominant hand is usually busy a lot more often than your non-dominant hand.
As such, when your dominant hand is busy, and you want to check the time, having your watch on your non-dominant hand enables you to raise your hand to your face and check the time. You couldn't do that if your watch were on your dominant hand without interfering with whatever you were doing, which is certainly not convenient.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the hand you decide to wear your watch on is your decision, and your decision only. It is a topic that some gatekeep, and a topic that others provide no attention to. You should wear your watch wherever it is most comfortable and best for you at the end of the day.
Sure, you may have read these reasons why your non-dominant hand is the best place to wear your watch and decide against it, and that is OK. As long as your watch is comfortable and to your liking, you should wear it whichever way you want.
As a seasoned watch enthusiast with an extensive background in horology, I am well-versed in the nuances of watch-wearing practices and their impact on both aesthetics and functionality. My passion for timepieces extends beyond mere appreciation; it involves a deep understanding of the craftsmanship, mechanics, and lifestyle considerations that surround the world of watches.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about Horus Straps and the debate on which wrist to wear your watch:
1. Watch Placement and Dominant Hand:
The article addresses the age-old debate among watch aficionados about the preferred wrist for wearing a watch. It highlights the contrasting opinions of right-handers favoring the left wrist and left-handers opting for the right. Despite the humorous tone, the author emphasizes the personal choice aspect, with a nod to the watch strap's snug fit.
2. Technical Considerations:
The article suggests a technical standpoint on watch placement—advocating for wearing the watch on the non-dominant hand, the hand opposite to the one used for writing. This is presented as a general guideline, explaining that it's more practical for the majority of people.
3. Scratch Prevention:
One practical reason discussed is the avoidance of scratches on the watch. The article argues that wearing the watch on the non-dominant hand reduces the likelihood of scratches since the dominant hand is more frequently engaged in activities that might harm the watch's exterior.
4. Internal Damage Avoidance:
A related point involves the potential for internal damage due to shocks. The article asserts that using the dominant hand for tasks requiring strength may subject the watch to shocks, especially pertinent for vintage watches that are more susceptible. It references a real-world incident involving Conor McGregor and his watch.
5. Ease of Time Reading:
The article touches upon the practicality of checking the time more conveniently when the watch is on the non-dominant hand. The argument is that the dominant hand is often occupied, making it less convenient to check the time when the watch is on that wrist.
6. Individual Choice:
The article concludes by reaffirming that the decision on which hand to wear the watch is ultimately a personal one. It encourages readers to prioritize comfort and personal preference, acknowledging that the presented reasons might not sway everyone.
In summary, the article from Horus Straps combines humor with technical insights to explore the age-old question of which wrist is best for wearing a watch. It seamlessly weaves practical considerations, real-world examples, and a reminder that individual comfort and preference should guide this personal choice.
