A Gentleman’s Guide to Watch Etiquette
A fine watch does more than tell time it speaks volumes about its wearer. From boardrooms to dinner dates, your timepiece can enhance your presence or undermine it depending on how you wear it. Here’s a modern gentleman’s guide to watch etiquette: how to wear it, when to wear it, and how not to come across like you’re trying too hard.
1.
Match the Watch to the Occasion
Like shoes or cologne, the right watch depends on where you’re going.
Formal Events: Go with a sleek dress watch thin case, leather strap, minimal dial. Think understated elegance.
Business Settings: Chronographs and steel watches are fair game, but keep it classy.
Casual Outings: Dive watches, field watches, or anything with a NATO strap are perfect.
Sports & Outdoors: Stick to digital or rubber-strap watches your Rolex doesn’t need a jog.
🚫 Avoid: Wearing a chunky diver to a black-tie wedding. Unless James Bond invited you personally.
2.
Wear It on the Correct Wrist
Traditionally, watches are worn on the non-dominant wrist left for right-handers, and vice versa.
Why? It keeps the crown accessible and avoids damage from overuse or impact.
But hey, rules are guidelines. If it feels better on the other wrist, go for it but be intentional, not random.
3.
Size Matters (Seriously)
Wearing a dinner-plate-sized watch on a slim wrist is like turning up to brunch in ski boots.
Ideal diameter is 38mm to 42mm for most wrists.
The lugs should not overhang your wrist.
The strap should hug not strangle your wrist.
✅ Pro Tip: When in doubt, lean toward smaller. Timeless > oversized.
4.
Don’t Flash It Subtle Flex Only
A true gentleman never brags about his watch. If someone notices and compliments it, great. But avoid:
Casually dropping the brand into conversation.
Holding your glass just a little too high so everyone sees it.
Taking watch selfies at the dinner table.
Let the watch speak, quietly.
5.
Keep It in Shape
A scratched, fogged, or poorly kept watch tells people you don’t respect what you wear.
Regularly clean your watch.
Service it on schedule.
Don’t wear it to bed, in the shower, or when chopping wood (unless it’s G-Shock time).
6.
Respect the Strap Game
Changing your strap can transform a watch but don’t go overboard.
Leather = formal.
Steel = versatile.
Rubber/NATO = casual/sporty.
Switching straps is fine, but treat it like tailoring do it with purpose and style.
7.
Don’t Double Up on Timepieces
Wearing a smart watch and a mechanical watch? That’s like wearing two pairs of shoes. Choose one.
If you need fitness tracking, go digital. If you’re going for elegance, go analog. Mixing both is confusing… for everyone.
Final Word: Timeless Style Is Effortless
Wearing a watch isn’t just about keeping time it’s about keeping style. A well-chosen timepiece signals taste, awareness, and self-respect. So wear yours like you mean it with confidence, class, and just enough mystery.
Need help choosing the right piece for your next occasion? Visit us at JF Jewellers or message us because style should always be on time.