Why are we wearing our watches on the left?

News

17.11.2022

As you have probably noticed, watches are everywhere. The watchmaking art has seduced the whole world for centuries through all its forms. However, despite all the different existing models, one common point remains: many people wear their watches on the left. Fashion phenomenon, traditions... We explain everything in this article.

The watchmaking tradition

Traditionally, a watch is more likely to be worn on the left wrist. To explain this phenomenon, we have to go back in time, to the creation of the first wearable watches. During the 20th century, the fashion of the wristwatch appeared and spread. At that time, their mechanism was not as autonomous as it is today, and they had to be manually wound. Since most of the population is right-handed (about 90%), the crowns were placed on the right side of the timepieces as a matter of convenience. Therefore, it was easier to do it with the right hand when the watch was worn on the left wrist. It should also be noted that at that time, most of the work was done by hand, and that the first models were much less resistant. In fact, wearing the watch on the arm that works the least reduces the risk of damaging it. Therefore, it was more prudent to wear the watch on the wrist that was less used, in order to avoid shocks and to keep it protected longer.

Nowadays, the watchmaking art has significantly evolved, and watch lovers no longer have to wind their watches manually, except for adjusting them from time to time, mainly at the purchase stage. The mechanisms as well as the materials used are also much more resilient. The Pierre Lannier models, for instance, are all certified water-resistant. Our automatic watches do not need to be wound manually. As a matter of fact, they are automatically wound by the movement of your wrist. However, even considering these technical advances, wearing a watch on the left wrist has become almost cultural. This phenomenon has become so globalized that some left-handed people have adopted it, even if the gesture remains less intuitive for them.

How to make a choice?

IThere is no right or wrong way to wear your watch. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable on whichever wrist you choose. If you are still hesitating, we recommend wearing your watch two days in a row, on one side and then on the other. During this time period, focus on tasks that you perform on a daily basis: walking, writing, working... This way, you should quickly find your favorite wrist according to your comfort and the level of shock exposure of your watch.

In the end, it doesn't matter if you wear your Pierre Lannier watch on the left or on the right. The most important thing is that it matches you and makes you even more special. If you want to learn more about watchmaking and its history, our article on the Short history of French watchmaking is made for you.

Discover

Which model to wear if you are fond of small watches?

Whether you like to wear your watch on the left or the right, a large watch on your wrist may be uncomfortable. Therefore, the House, concerned with offering watches adapted to everyone, proposes several collections of small watches.

For men, the models from the Echo Collection are made for you. Light, sleek and thin, you can wear them all day long without feeling the slightest discomfort. The Echo watch will blend into your wrist and add that little something to any of your outfit. The watches of the Cityline Collection, slightly thinner still, are part of this same style and stand out for their sobriety and subtlety.

For women, there are many choices: lovers of authentic and vintage timepieces will be charmed by the new models of the Ariane Collection. Their rectangular dial and refined design make them an absolute must-have. Pierre Lannier also proposes two other collections that shine through their lightness and delicacy: the Nova Collection and the Leia Collection, the latest release from the House. On your wrist, these models of finesse will become jewels.