Common Wrist Watch Mistakes To Avoid

Whether you are a seasoned watch enthusiast with several watch boxes or are just getting your hands on your first timepiece, you should be aware of some common wrist watch mistakes people may make.

These mistakes are not going to get you cast out of any watch community, but they can easily identify you as someone who does not appreciate what they have on their wrist. Here are some of the most common wrist watch mistakes we have seen and how to avoid them:

Wearing Oversized Watches

Oversized watches rose to popularity in the 2000s. They were bold statement pieces that were meant to convey masculinity and power. Over time, large watches have fallen out of favour with many watch enthusiasts.

Watches with large dials and thick, chunky lugs will make your wrist look small. They are also more likely to bump and scrape against walls, doors, tables, and other hard objects that can damage a watch.

Wearing an oversized watch can also give the signal that you are seeking attention. This also applies to "iced out" watches that are fitted with diamonds and other jewels.

Many people who wear watches on a regular basis agree that the sweet spot for watch sizes is 36-42mm. Some people joke that wearing an oversized watch is like driving a big truck—that the person is compensating for something, ahem… Else.

Not Understanding The Importance Of Watch Straps

The strap you wear your watch on is almost as important as the watch itself. A simple dress watch on a rubber strap is not an appropriate combination if you find yourself at a formal event.

For simplicity's sake, here is a simple rule of thumb to remember when choosing your watch straps:

• The most formal type of watch strap is leather. A simple black leather strap is considered most formal, followed by dark brown, then lighter browns, then exotic colours like purple, red, and blue.

• Casual strap styles include stainless steel and nato straps. These can be worn with almost any outfit other than a tuxedo or suit.

• Rubber straps should only be worn while diving or while performing sporty activities like rock climbing or swimming.

Many watch straps come with quick releases on the back, making changing your strap a simple process.

Wearing More Than One Watch At A Time

You should only wear one watch at a time. Unless you are travelling to different time zones, there is really no need to wear multiple watches. If you are travelling to different time zones, consider purchasing a watch with a GMT function.

Wearing Your Watch Incorrectly

Watches should be worn on your non-dominant hand with the face of the watch facing up. This will prevent damage and makes it easy to tell the time at a glance. This is not a rule, but a preference. Some people prefer wearing their watches on their dominant hand to make a statement or simply because they find it more comfortable. Find what works for you.

Your watch should sit above your wrist bone. If you are just starting to wear watches, try to keep a finger's width between your watch and your wrist bone. This will prevent the crown of the watch from digging in to your wrist when you check the time.

You watch should fit snugly: not so loose that it slides up and down your wrist, and not so tight that it digs in to your skin. You should be able to fit a pinkie under the clasp of the watch on the underside of your wrist.

Many stainless steel watch straps have micro-adjustments on the clasp, allowing you to make small adjustments to the strap so it fits comfortably on your wrist.

Wearing Jewelry On The Same Wrist As Your Watch 

Some people like to wear other items, like bracelets and bangles, on their wrists. We recommend wearing them on the opposite wrist from your watch to avoid having them scratch your watch. This also gives you a more symmetrical appearance, especially if you are wearing short sleeves where your wrists are visible.

If you want to wear something on the same wrist as your watch, consider a soft material like leather or rope. These materials will not damage your watch.

Wearing A Smart Watch With A Suit Or Tuxedo 

Smart watches serve a purpose and can be vital for people who need to be connected and available at all times. However, in formal settings, we recommend putting your smart watch in your pocket as it will clash with your formal appearance.

A simple dress watch is the best type of watch to wear with formal attire. Choose a watch with a simple dial that does not have any complications beyond three hands and perhaps a date window. If you do not own a dress watch, it is better to go without a watch than wear a smart watch with your suit.

Making Other People Feel Uncomfortable When Watchspotting 

Watch enthusiasts love complimenting others on their timepieces. This can happen at any time, especially in areas like airports or busy malls where there are large groups of people. If you see someone with a lovely watch and want to know more about it, be polite.

Approaching a stranger to talk about their watch may make them feel vulnerable or like they are being targeted by a thief. To avoid this, let them know that you are interested in watches. If you know the model or brand they are wearing, inform them. This will help them feel more comfortable talking about their watch.

Do not ask to hold it, handle it, or take a picture of it as this will look like you want to steal it. Simply admire it on their wrist and give them a compliment. If you want to know more about it, look it up on your phone and thank them for their time.

Handling Someone Else's Watch Haphazardly

If someone hands you their watch, treat it like you would your own watch. Hold it with both hands and be sure you have a good grip on it before they let go. Try to handle it over a sturdy, flat surface like a table so if it does fall, it won't land on the ground and break.

If you fear you may drop it, ask them to place it on a flat surface and keep it on the surface while you admire it. Never joke that you are going to take it or put it on your wrist without their permission. Always ask for consent before taking pictures of someone else's watch.

Pointing Out Someone's Fake Watch In Public

People who are not in to watches may purchase a fake watch as a status symbol or to try and appeal to watch enthusiasts. If you notice someone wearing a knock-off or fake, be polite and do not point it out in public.

Pointing out someone's fake watch in public, even if they are aware it is fake, will make them feel embarrassed. If you know it is a fake, it is likely that other watch enthusiasts will also be able to tell. Be polite and either ignore it or say something like "nice watch" to avoid unnecessary drama.

Buying Fake Watches 

Building off of the previous point, you yourself should never purchase a fake watch. Although many knock-off watches can look nearly identical to the real deal, they will never be able to fully match the quality of the name brand they are imitating.

Under the dial, many fake watches have inferior movements made with cheap materials that will break much faster than the real watch. Not only this, but if you take a fake watch to a certified watch repair shop, you will have to deal with the embarrassment of being told your watch is counterfeit and that it cannot be fixed.

Fake watches are illegal to manufacture and to purchase. If you purchase a fake watch while visiting another country, it can be seized by customs when you return. If you purchase a fake watch online, it can be subjected to a customs screening and will be destroyed. You may also face a hefty fine.

Fake watches are for fake people. Do the right thing and save up for that grail watch if you really, really want it.

Not Matching Your Metals And Leathers 

A simple, often overlooked style tip is to match your metals and leathers on your outfit. Doing this helps create harmony in your outfit and shows others that you are aware of the smaller details in your ensemble.

Your watch strap, if leather, should be of a similar colour to your belt and shoes. The metal case of your watch should match your belt buckle and other jewelry you are wearing (the only exception being wedding bands or heirloom pieces).

Style aficionados who understand this rule also know that there is some leeway. If your watch has a two-tone metal strap, you can wear gold and silver. If your watch strap is of a unique colour, say purple, you can integrate that colour into other accessories like your pocket square or neckwear to create a harmonious look.

If you want to take this a step further, consider using warm and cool colours throughout your outfit. Cooler hues like blues, purples, and greens work best with silver, whereas warmer hues like red, orange, and yellow work better with gold.

Wearing Your Expensive Watches When Travelling Abroad 

If you are travelling abroad, it is best to either go without a watch or wear something cheap that can be replaced. If a thief notices your expensive timepiece, they can target you and leave you without your valuables, including your watch.

A pickpocket can easily remove a watch from your wrist without you even realizing it. Some areas are so dangerous that robberies happen in broad daylight. It is best to keep all valuables hidden in your pockets or left at home. Never flaunt your valuables, especially to strangers who may inquire about them.

If you are travelling to a new place, always travel in a group and get an idea of where safe areas are. Avoid going off the beaten paths and avoid narrow, dark streets. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep both your eyes and ears open.

Wearing Your Watch Over Your Shirt Sleeve 

Watches should almost always be worn under your shirt sleeve. Doing so allows your watch to remain hidden unless you need to check the time. This prevents people from thinking you are trying to show off your watch, especially in formal settings like a black tie affair.

You watch can be worn over your shirt sleeve if you are using it as a tool when diving or flying. These activities require constant monitoring of time, so having it over your sleeve makes it much easier to see especially when every second counts.

There is a trend called 'Angelli Style' where people wear large, chunky watches over their shirt sleeves. This is done as a way to rebel against contemporary style rules and as way to display their personal style in casual settings.

Summary

A watch is a fun accessory that can help express your personal taste and convey to others that you value time. You should always take pride in the piece you put on your wrist. Remember these rules next time you are getting ready and you will always look like a professional watch connoisseur.

If you are looking for a unique timepiece that showcases your love of both watches and music, check out our very own limited edition vinyl record watch collaboration with our watchmaker friends AndoAndoAndo: The Esteemed Gentleman x AndoAndoAndo Limited Edition Vinyl Record Watch (be sure to use discount code 'EG10' for 10% off your purchase!

Want to learn more about watches? Read some of our other popular watch articles including:

• 11 Things You Should Never Do With Your Watch

• Behind The Dial: Why Jewels Matter In Watches

• Should You Pull The Crown Out Of Your Quartz Watch To Save Battery Life?

• What You Need To Know Before Buying Your First Vintage Watch

• Why You Should NEVER Change The Date On Your Watch Between 9 and 3

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