How to Wear a Watch

Co-authored by Tavia Sharp

Last Updated: December 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Watches come in many different styles and sizes, and can be worn as a functional accessory or a stylish piece of jewelry by both men and women. While it is acceptable to wear a watch in just about any occasion and setting, there are some basic guidelines for how to choose the right watch. These guidelines focus on what kinds of watches are most appropriate for a variety of situations and settings, how to match a watch to an outfit, and how to wear a watch properly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing a Wrist Watch Properly

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Watch faces are measured in millimeters. Men’s watches average between 34mm-50mm, although they can be larger. You should never wear a watch bigger than 50mm, at most, but 34mm-40mm is standard and ideal for both men and women. ^{[1]
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There is no “correct” side. Choose the wrist that is most comfortable and where your watch won't get in the way of your movements. This is typically the non-dominant hand, as it might be uncomfortable to write with a watch under your wrist.

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Make sure that the face sits right next to the bone on the outside of the wrist (the ulna). When standing, little or none of your watch should be visible beneath your shirt cuff. When wearing a long-sleeved shirt, your watch should only be fully visible when your arm is bent. Never wear your watch on top of your shirt cuff.^{[2]
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Consider wrist and watch proportions. "When my new watch's lugs overhung my wrist, I worried it looked too large. This tipped me that proportions between wrist size and watch diameter matter for an optimal fit. I'll keep this rule of thumb in mind for future purchases." - Liam O.

Position adjacent to wrist bone. "Unsure if my watch should sit on or next to my wrist bone, this instructed me to place it just beside my ulna. Now I can wear it in the most ergonomic spot to prevent discomfort." - Aidan Patino (wikiHow Community Member)

Explain non-dominant hand norm. "Out of habit I've worn my watch on my dominant hand, but learning that the non-dominant side helps avoid restrictive discomfort during writing or tasks addressed my confusion. Now I understand the functional reason for this guideline." - Michele S.

Expand basics into enriched knowledge. "Needing only a quick watch wearing primer, I appreciated that this still included extra details on styles for different occasions. Now, I have both key pointers and deeper insights into horology etiquette." - Natalie B.

Avoid nerve pain from incorrect placement. "Wearing my watch below my wrist bone caused severe nerve irritation, so realizing I should actually position it above my ulna provided relief. Now I prioritize comfort over perceived aesthetics." - James H.

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Wear a band that fits properly. A watch should appear comfortable, natural, and certainly not sloppy. It may be necessary to adjust it as needed, to accommodate natural fluctuations in wrist size.
- Some watches, such as dress watches and sports watches, have a prong and notch system that allows you to easily move the prong up or down a notch to tighten or loosen.
- Casual or formal watches can have a more complicated fastening system that requires you to adjust the size by adding or removing links. Consult the instruction manual, or ask your jeweler for help or advice on adjusting the length of your watch.
- A man should never wear his wristwatch loose around his wrist. It should move about an inch up and down your wrist as you move. The face of the watch should not slip to the side of your wrist. As a general rule, you should be able to fit a finger snugly between your wrist and the watch band.
- A wristwatch should not be worn too tightly. If the watch leaves an imprint on your wrist, it is too tight and should be loosened.
- Women's watches may be worn snugly, or loose around the wrist like a bracelet.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing the Right Wrist Watch for the Occasion

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As a general rule, if you are wearing dress shoes, a dress watch would be appropriate. If you are wearing sneakers, then a sports watch would be appropriate. If you are somewhere in between, such as boots, boat shoes, or flip-flops, an everyday casual watch is your best bet. ^{[3]
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Your everyday watch should be neutral and durable, as it's meant to be worn throughout your daily activities, including work, casual social functions, and errands. Stainless steel is a popular choice as this makes for both neutral and sturdy watches, but options include basic watches made of all sorts of different materials, including plastic and rubber.
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Wear a formal watch to events that require formal wear. This includes weddings, christenings, funerals, formal dinners, opera and theater performances, and other formal events. Formal watches add a finishing touch to a well-polished outfit.
- Formal watches are usually made of a precious metal (silver, gold, or platinum), and can be incredibly expensive, depending on brand and materials.
- Many people prefer a formal watch that is made of the same metal tone as the rest of their jewelry or accessories. For example, a woman who's wearing a platinum necklace might prefer to wear a platinum, silver, or white gold watch, while a man who's wearing gold cufflinks will usually prefer to wear a gold watch.^{[4]
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- Formal watches can be incredibly expensive, and are seen as a status symbol among men. If an expensive formal watch is not in your budget, consider foregoing the formal watch altogether; a cheap watch can carry a negative perception, while there are no consequences for not wearing a watch during these occasions.
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Wear a sports watch. You can wear it as an everyday watch, or as a functional tool for running or working out. Sports watches can be made with rubber, plastic, or even fabric bands that are meant to be durable, sweat-resistant, and often water-resistant. Pay close attention to the instructions that come with the watch—they will tell you how far under water your watch can safely go.
- Wear your sports watch when you will need to keep time, measure depth or speed, consult a compass, or when you will use other special features included.
- Outside of athletic endeavors, you can wear your sports watch with a long sleeve shirt or even a tie to casual events.
- Never wear a sports watch with a suit—this is the fashion equivalent of wearing sneakers with a tuxedo! It is considered to be in poor taste.
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Wear a dress watch for business dress or business casual. This would be appropriate with something slightly more dressed up than khakis and a polo, such as a shirt and jacket. Dress watches are usually more plain and simple than formal watches, and generally won’t have the same level of adornment that formal watches can have.^{[5]
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- Choose one with a thin black or brown leather band to wear at events that require semi-formal wear, business professional wear, or even business casual wear, including blazers with slacks or jeans, dresses, and trousers with a nice blouse or jacket.
- Match your shoes and belt to your watch band. If your shoes are black, then don’t wear a watch with a brown band.
- Buy multiple bands for your watch, so you can easily and inexpensively make your watch match your shoes and belt. Or, look for a band that is a mix of brown and black.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing a Pocket Watch Properly

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Choose a pocket watch if it fits your personal style. Pocket watches were once the norm, but have become more of a novelty. They appear distinctive and can add a lot of character to your look, if worn properly. Pocket watches are often passed down through families and inherited, so they can also carry sentimental value.^{[6]
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You should put the watch in the pocket that's most convenient to you, then loop the watch chain through the waistcoat's buttonhole and put the fob in the pocket on the other side. This will give you a subtle look of sophistication, while remaining functional.
Wear a pocket watch with khakis or jeans. Simply put your watch in the pocket that is most convenient, loop the watch chain through a belt loop and clip the watch to the belt loop, leaving the fob exposed. This will protect the watch and make it quick and easy to check.
Although they aren't commonly worn by women, pocket watches can give women a great vintage look. Wear it around your neck on a long chain or fastened on a broach or pin to be attached on your shirt. Keep other accessories minimal if your women's pocket watch is elaborate and highly decorative.

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When do I know the watch fits well?

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When the watch is not continuously moving and neither is it squeezing your wrist, you are wearing the correct fit.

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Can I wear a dress watch with casual shirts and everyday clothes?

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With a collared shirt and khakis or nice jeans, yes, but it will probably stand out with anything more casual than this.

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Can a woman wear a watch on her right wrist?

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Yes, there is not a man/woman rule about which wrist to wear your watch on, it is simply personal preference.

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When handling or storing your watch, you should handle it carefully to protect the glass from scratches.

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A watch is something that will last a long time. A high-quality watch is an investment that you can keep for a very long time. When buying, think about quality over quantity.

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Matching the watch to the occasion is always important, but it's even more important to match it to your personal style.

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