Why do people wear their watches on their left hand more than on their right?

Have you ever noticed that the vast majority of people wear their watches on their left wrist? It's no coincidence that around 90% of watch wearers prefer this wrist. This practice, so widespread as to be almost invisible, hides a fascinating history and very specific reasons. Whether you're a fan of traditional watchmaking or passionate about modern smartwatches, understanding why we wear our watches on the left will allow you to better appreciate this timeless accessory.

The historical origin of this habit

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The custom of wearing one's watch on the left wrist dates back to the beginnings of the wristwatch itself. Although the first wristwatches date back to the 19th century, it was during the First World War that their use became widespread.

Soldiers, who needed to check the time quickly without rummaging in their pockets, began adapting their pocket watches by attaching them to their wrists. Since the majority of soldiers were right-handed, they naturally wore their watches on their left wrist to keep their dominant hand free to handle their weapons and equipment.

Watchmakers quickly adapted their designs to accommodate this new way of telling time. The setting crown, originally located at 12 o'clock as on pocket watches, was moved to 3 o'clock to make it easier to reach when the watch was worn on the left wrist.

This military practice then spread to civilian society, establishing a standard that continues to this day in the watchmaking industry, including even the most sophisticated models like the automatic skeleton watch that reveals its internal mechanisms through a transparent dial.

Practical reasons

Hand dominance is arguably the most obvious reason for wearing a watch on the left wrist. Approximately 85-90% of the world's population is right-handed, which means that wearing a watch on the left wrist has several practical advantages:

1. Shock protection : Since the dominant hand is more active, wearing your watch on your non-dominant wrist reduces the risk of shock and damage.
2. Ease of Use : For a right-handed person, it is easier to operate the crown and buttons of the watch with the right hand when the watch is worn on the left wrist.
3. Freedom of movement : Keeping your dominant wrist free of any accessories allows you to perform precise tasks without discomfort.
4. Easier Writing : For people who write or work at a desk, wearing the watch on the left side prevents the band or case from rubbing against the work surface.

Ergonomic and physiological aspects

The very design of wristwatches favors their wearing on the left wrist. Most watches have their adjustment crown placed at 3 o'clock on the dial, an ideal position to be manipulated by the thumb and index finger of the right hand when the watch is worn on the left.

From an ergonomic point of view, this arrangement has several advantages:

• Wrist movements are less restricted during daily activities
• Reading the time is done with a simple movement of the arm, without requiring uncomfortable twisting
• The slightly different anatomy of the left and right wrists (particularly at the carpal bone) means that some people find it more comfortable to wear their watch on the left

Watchmakers have integrated this habit so well that some high-end models are specifically designed to fit the anatomy of the left wrist, thus providing optimal comfort throughout the day.

Current exceptions and trends

As with any rule, there are notable exceptions to wearing your watch on the left:

• Left-handers : Naturally, many left-handers prefer to wear their watch on their right wrist, for the same practical reasons that right-handers wear it on their left.
• Professionals : Certain specific professions, such as chefs or nurses, can adapt the way they wear their watch according to the requirements of their profession.
• Personal Expression : In the age of individuality, some people deliberately choose to wear their watch on the right side as a form of personal expression.

There's been a shift in the smartwatch space. While most users still follow the tradition of wearing their smartwatch on their left wrist, these devices are designed to be ambidextrous (with 180° rotating interfaces), making the choice more flexible.

Another interesting trend: some watch enthusiasts wear two watches simultaneously, often a traditional watch on the left and a smartwatch on the right, thus combining tradition and technology.

Conclusion

The fact that most people wear their watches on their left wrist is the result of a combination of historical, practical, and ergonomic factors. This habit, born on the battlefield and reinforced by the design of the watches themselves, has become deeply rooted in our culture.

Yet, like many traditions, it evolves over time. New watchmaking technologies and an emphasis on individual expression open the door to more personalized ways to wear your watch.

Whether you stick to tradition and wear your watch on your left or prefer to wear it on your right, the key is to choose what offers you the most comfort and functionality on a daily basis. After all, time passes the same way, no matter which wrist your timepiece is on.