Today, you are better off not wearing a wristwatch than wearing the wrong one or wearing one wrongly. Gone are the days when not wearing a watch would make society judge us as not being time-conscious. However, if we wear our watch wrongly or wear the wrong watch, we will be judged for this instead.

Do You Really Need a Wristwatch?

If we look at a wristwatch from its 20th-century purpose — when its primary function was to tell the time — the answer would be NO.

Today, we can easily tell the time from our phones, fitness trackers, or any of the several gadgets we carry around.

Why Then Do We Still Buy Watches?

Watches belong to a category of products called Fast Moving Luxury Goods (FMLG). Many of us are familiar with Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), but few are aware of FMLG.

The main difference is that while everybody needs FMCG, nobody really needs FMLG — but everybody wants them.

They are referred to as luxury goods not because they are expensive but because we can live without them. However, the moment we become financially capable, we desire to own them. Examples of other products in this category include jewelry, perfume, makeup, sunglasses, etc.

Everybody wants them because, over the years, the purpose of the wristwatch has evolved from merely telling the time to becoming an accessory that complements our dressing — and in some cases, enhances our status.

Interestingly, the original purpose of a wristwatch was not primarily to tell the time. It was actually a piece of jewelry that could tell the time. Before the 20th century, wristwatches were worn almost exclusively by women, while men used pocket watches.

It was only in the 20th century that its purpose evolved into a gadget that both men and women wore to tell the time. In a sense, the wristwatch has returned to its original purpose — a piece of jewelry/accessory that also tells the time.

Consequently, when society looks at the watch we wear, they no longer see just a time-telling gadget. They see a fashion accessory or a piece of jewelry.

We should therefore realize that gone are the days when not wearing a watch made you appear time unconscious. Today, wearing the wrong watch or wearing one wrongly is far worse.

Conclusion: Today, you are better off not wearing a wristwatch than wearing the wrong one or wearing one wrongly.

Before deciding to go watch-less, though, remember that pulling out your phone to check the time during a conversation could be misinterpreted and deemed rude. However, flicking your wrist to check the time — especially when wearing a classy watch — could put you in good stead.

How to Wear the Right Watch Without Breaking the Bank

Wearing the right watch doesn't have to break the bank. However, you should keep these things in mind:

• Wear Originals: You are better off wearing a $200 original watch than wearing a $200 counterfeit of a $10,000 watch.
• Wear Your Level: There is nothing wrong with being modest, but don’t overdo it to the point where you come across as cheap.
• Wear Appropriately: Flashy watches are great for parties but not for business meetings.
• Keep Your Watch in Good Shape: A watch in bad condition says a lot about you. If your watch has a leather strap, keep it well-maintained. If your watch isn’t Sapphire Crystal (scratch-resistant), minor scratches are acceptable — but a cracked or broken crystal is an absolute NO.