Watches have become the best bastion of the male gender, a scene in which manufacturing classics and avant-garde models such as the famous Apple Watch are present. All accessories that come to fill current men’s outfits with style.

But despite the innovation and technology present in this latest invention, there is a custom that we have been repeating for more than a century, without even asking ourselves how it was born. Such behavior hints at why the man wears the watch on the left wrist.

If we go back in time, we will find that the first beginnings of these accessories used on the wrist date back to Swiss watchmaking, where the Breguet manufacture, in 1810, or Patek Philippe, in the 50s of the 19th century, appear as the precursors of these. pieces that were originally intended for female use.

Many years had to pass, and it was precisely after the First World War that man dared to use this collector’s item, because during the nineteenth century males preferred to carry this accessory in their pocket.

Reason why tailors of the time incorporated a pocket on the left front of men’s vests, since it was easier to hold such an accessory with the left hand while manipulating it with the right.

Unconsciously this is how the foundations of a tradition that only took shape in the 20th century began to be laid, when Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, proposed to hang the watch on a chain called ‘Albert chain’ (called leontina in Spanish) to secure it to clothing.

Later, in 1904, the Brazilian pilot Alberto Santos Dumont commissioned his friend Louis Cartier to create a watch in which he could check the time while piloting his plane. It was there that the male gender took a step forward in fashion, by daring to wear watches on the wrist and thus show off this precious and ostentatious item.

Such episodes reveal that we have been preferring wristwatches for a relatively short time, but how do we manage to accept a piece designed primarily for women?

In addition to the influence of the Brazilian pilot, World War I was decisive for this fashion to emerge. In previous confrontations, the military had already begun to wear watches on their wrist, which allowed them to coordinate military actions without the enemy knowing.

But this war episode was crucial to promote this fashion, since the highly prized “tic tac” were essential in the equipment of the pilots, who thanks to this change were able to check the time without taking their hands off the war commands.

In fact, in 1917 the British publication Horological Journal said: “the wristwatch was rarely used by men before these confrontations, but now they are seen on the wrists of practically all men in uniform and in a great number of civil ”.

If we add to this boom that most of society is right-handed, the determination to carry this accessory in the left hand provides that our right hand is free to perform other types of tasks. Therefore, practicality was the biggest boost when daring for this accessory that today has become essential.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the reasons why you should be wearing a watch!

Variability:

As science evolves, watches were also not far behind, today we can find thousands of models and brands on the market, some more expensive than others and different characteristics, but the watch should not lose its essence of simplicity and comfort. among other features according to user needs.

Status:

Knowing how to use the right watch is synonymous with distinction and elegance, the perfect complement for the right moment. Well, it talks about the identity and personality of each person.

Elegance:

Every business person knows that he cannot wear the same watch every day with any outfit. You know that like food and wine, there is a type of watch for every outfit and event.

Style:

It is important to bear in mind that not all watch models apply to all occasions. We must be selective when choosing the watch according to the dress; Well, who knows how to use a watch at the right time with the right outfit, knows how to make good decisions. And it is that the clock has a purpose beyond its primary function which is to measure time. That is, the image of a watch determines that of its wearer.

Collection:

A collection depends on the tastes of each one, some focus on a particular aspect, while others seek a greater breadth. But what truly distinguishes one collection from another is passion; the same that has led to watches being important protagonists in the collections of distinguished personalities.

Still reluctant to wear a watch? I guarantee that you will improve your appearance, you will be perceived as a man with style and dominance; In addition, it will help you to be more punctual in your appointments (your girlfriend or wife will thank you and your clients will see it as a sign of credibility and trust).

Watches have unfortunately taken a turn for the worst in our opinion, with the newcoming of digital fancy smart watches. 

An original timepiece says a lot about a man, it tells a tale of his choice, his timekeeping, the tradition of the moving components to keep him on track with his schedule. 

The wristwatch has been such an important part of history:

Buzz Aldrin wore one in the Apollo 11, MLK wore one when he spoke with President Johnson, and countless US presidents have worn them during their inaugurations.

…And here’s the thing:

Today’s great men, like Bill Gates, Bono, Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, and Pope Francis, all still wear watches.

Now… they all have smartphones, so why do they wear a wristwatch?

Wearing a watch is one of the most important things that a man can do for himself… and below, I’m going to show you 10 powerful reasons why.

10. Watches Dramatically Improve Your Style And Instantly Make You Look Put Together

9. It’s The Easiest, And Best Accessory For Men To Wear

8. A Watch Is An Investment… That’s Incredibly Versatile

7. Wearing (And Using) A Watch Gives You The James Bond Effect

6. Using It To Check The Time Stops You From Getting “Stuck” On Your Phone

5. Wearing A Good Watch Means You’ve Reached Adulthood

4. It’s 1000x Better Than A Smartwatch

3. No Matter How Far Technology Comes… Watch Mechanics Will Always Be Incredibly Cool

2. Wearing A Watch Connects You To History’s Great Men

1. It Reminds You To Keep Your Priorities In Order

The invention of the smartphone doesn’t mean that men should stop wearing wristwatches. Wearing a watch is a man’s connection to the past, his connection to time, and a hallmark of his style and who he is.

Remember:

Great men have worn watches for hundreds of years… and will continue to wear watches for hundreds more.

Sourced Image: Painted