6 "Watch Rules" You Should Just IGNORE 

All I know is the only rules that I care about anything, especially watches, is get what you like, and don't go into debt for your hobby.

I have one rule when buying watches: The lugs should not be longer than the width of my wrist. It makes any size watch look too big.

I just appreciate someone who takes the time to wear any kind of watch, its keeping the industry alive and relevant.

Finally! No.6 is on point! I have an average Asian wrist size (6.5inch) and I am wearing my 34mm vintage omega deville just fine. It is all down to personal preference really, as the saying goes "wear what makes you happy" :)

Im left handed….Im NOT wearing my watch on my writing hand! Pound Sand ROLEX! 😂

If you don’t wear a watch to black tie, how are Omega going to tease forthcoming Speedmasters?! 😉

It's impossible to ignore that Britt is very inspired this week!

Your “watch size” rule is awesome. Thank you!

you are a true refreshment in a watch youtube scene. others are slowly running out of topics, you are always fresh and on point

Yes Britt! Let’s get the snobbery out of the watch world 👍🏻

As for Garmin watches at military functions, it MIGHT be a unit-issued watch (worn to humble brag about a unit they are or were assigned to). I worked at a miliary organization that issued Garmin watches to all its members. We called them the "hockey pucks"--they were like 55 mm across! I wish I still owned it. It was before I paid attention to watches, so I don't remember the exact model.

The size debate annoys the heck out of me! I have a wrist size that can vary from 7.5” to 7.75” depending on the weather and how much extra goodies I’ve been indulging in. I wear watches from 36mm all the way up to 45mm and none looks silly on my wrist. In fact, I’d say the 45mm ones tend to almost look too big!

#1 rule.....never miss a Watch Gringa video

I've a 31mm vintage Bulova. It wears great.

You’re spot on! 1: I injured my left wrist deadlifting and for almost a year I used it on my right hand. Going back felt weird! There’s a reason left hand watches exist. 2: wearing bracelets loose _is_ relevant only so much as in it can stretch hollow link bracelets (such as vintage Rolexes). Just what’s comfy! I’ve found that women prefer it looser? I prefer it _on_ my wrist bone. It’s the reason I prefer vintage watches in the summer as it can be worn slightly looser and more comfy than modern solid link bracelets. 3: as for black tie, that has for always been incorrect. For _white_ tie (ie morning dress) then yes, it was deemed inappropriate to not wear a watch, with black tie (ie tuxedos or dinner jackets) it _was_ convention to wear a simple, two hand only watch (no seconds hand), in precious metal and not in a round case. Times have changed and as formal wear has all but gone out of the window, who cares if you do or not or if it’s a sports watch. If Bond can do it, you can! I wore a vintage GMT to the Rolex summer ball attended by the executives of Rolex UK and tbh most people were wearing Daytonas or Day-Dates. Here’s a rule I like to tell people that I think is good: when you start collecting, go from the outside in. Ie: the watch that will work with the most situations (or the most iconic from a brand) and get more and more specific from there. Sure you could have a travel time for flying, but maybe something like a Speedmaster may be more applicable to your life and what you do first.

Great video! Love the the content. Keep em coming!! Cheers!

Totally agree with you on all of them But 6 is exactly on point I own 36-42mm watches Love all the different sizes They all have their place

My posistion with diamonds/gems is it just looks too flashy / gaudy. Then with watch bands that are loose it just looks like a bad fit and personally I find it uncomfortable feeling the watch bounce around on my wrist. These are 2 things that just make a watch look cheaper to me.

The only rule we should abide is not hating on other people’s watches.

I’m a firm believer that you should wear what you like period. Great content

Good list!

On watches at Black Tie: As is often the case with events with dress codes, it helps to have an idea of who is hosting to have a feel for what their expectations are. A great many people will write that (or "formal") on event invites without knowing what it really means, at least in the US. I personally figure that if it's the kind of event that will accept velvet, colored dinner jackets in addition to tuxes, they'd be fine with whatever watch. THAT said, if someone is defaulting to wearing their most expensive watch even if it's a tool watch even if they have a dressier option, I would have questions about their character. On watches with gems: My understanding is that these are popular in Asia and immediately looking down on them is a very Euro and US-Centric perspective, kind of akin to people who immediately look down on Seiko and Grand Seiko because they're not Swiss.

Great points!! on the sizing aspect - I've got a buddy who loves watches but he is about 5ft tall and 150lbs soaking wet, so he can't wear a 40+mm...he gets discouraged by shopping because of this snobbery aspect. As if a smaller rolex isn't a rolex at all (or insert any brand). i say wear what you want why look like everyone else....oddly enough i wear womens sunglasses sometimes cuz Celine has some sick shades and i've worn bright pink/purple nike running shoes to have some character......be you bro, don't let others that are obviously personally challenged on their own esteem dictate your purchases.

In the Royal Navy it is frowned upon to wear a watch at a White Tie event. Black tie ( mess dress / mess undress ) with a watch is never questioned;)

Oh snap I wear mine on the left and I'm a lefty😮

Even people in the boutiques get hung up on the men’s/ladies size thing. I was in the hublot boutique in London and the guy serving kept telling me the 33mm classic fusion is for women, to the point it was a real efffort to get him to get it out for me!

I’m with you Britt! Wear whatever you like whenever you like! Watches are meant to be fun! It’s like cars, some just like cars/watches to get from A to B or some like to express themselves, maybe some even show off! Who cares! You do you!

Totally agree 100%! Well said on all points, Britt! 😊

Totally agree with your points especially the watch size point. I have a Rolex OP in 34mm and it suits my 6.75cm wrist perfectly.

I can't argue with anything you say. I probably wouldn't wear a watch encrusted with diamonds as I think it's too ostentatious for my taste, however, I won't criticize anyone else for wearing one. I was in the USAF in the 1970's and 80's and wore my Seiko 6138 Panda chronograph (a large watch for it's time) to black tie events. I have a 7-1/4 in wrist and my favorite watch is an Omega 36mm Seamaster 300. I have worn it with a suit to weddings, hiking to the top of Nevada's tallest mountains, and everywhere in-between.

Britt, I completely agree that diamonds and precious gems can be cool when done tastefully on a watch dial (maybe on the case too) - watch snobs need to chill out on that topic. Not everything is about future resale!!!

Was that your hand using the middle finger to control the pen at 0:43?

Thanks as usual

I love your videos ❤️, I would happily wear a g shock to black tie event.

Nice video. People should not care about rules! I am left handed so I am wearing my watch on my right wrist. For some reason for watches with a leather or rubber strap I like when it's tight, but for metal bracelet, I like to wear my steel watch a little bit loose, otherwise it's not comfortable, especially in summer time when it's hot. About watch sizes it's a matter of personal taste.

im left handed and always wear it on the left, also great cat you have there

I am right handed and wear my watches on the right. Always have, always will. It just feels right for me.

Great video Britt and keep up the good work. At the last black tie event that I went to people were wearing all sorts of watches... divers, chronos, smart watches. Seems like no one really cares about such rules anymore. I agree with your sentiment that people should wear what makes them feel good. I just enjoy seeing a nice watch on someone's wrist... any type of watch.

I love the energy/message you were putting out for this video! Don't let others take away from the enjoyment of your hobbies. Also that SeaQ still is one of the most gorgeous watches you've shown on the channel. I must get one one day.

Excellent advice!!!

In my opinion, the more sophisticated you get the more you like smaller watches…

There is a valid point about loose bracelets - all that rattling can wear out the links prematurely. On a regular Seiko it's no big deal but having a President re-pinned - ouch! But like you say it's the owner's watch

The only sport watch allowed to a black tie event is an Omega Seamaster diver 300. -James Bond-

Agree with basically everything said! Only rule I have don’t buy a watch that is the same size or bigger than your wrist. Then it looks like a toy instead of a luxury item

I'm a weirdo with watches... I have big, small, gold, steel, plastic, leather, rubber, titanium, jewels, quartz, solar, high horology, automatic, manual, digital, all sorts. My love, is picking one that suits my day 😊

Whoa, I never even knew about the rule about not wearing a watch at a black tie event. Shows how young I am and I’m a Gen X’er.

This is the best singing channel in the watch industry!!! Gotta love low tone Britt!! 🙌🎵🎧🎤

When I decided to wear watches appropriate to my wrist size, I had a lot of backlash and even things like "if Stallone can wear big watches why shouldn't you" kind of lame excuses. Lost some watch enthusiast friends along the way but in turn got myself better fitting watches.

The whole sports watch in black tie debacle is strange because sports watches have almost become more common during black tie events than dress watches. I have a friend who thought dress watches were "any watches with a metal bracelet" because he had seen so many Submariners and Seamasters on thr wrists of celebrities at formal events. At the very least braceletes are far more eye catching from afar and that makes them easier to see than dress watches on straps

My "sweatpants and hoodie on the couch" watch is a 35mm manually wound no date vintage piece with an ETA movement that cost me the equivalent of 15 USD at a flea market. It runs +/- 2s/day worn/on the night stand.

I had a black tie event and I was wearing my Blackbay 54, it fitted the theme very well, maybe because it looks a little more dressy and slim then most divers, for now I'm still working on build my watch collection since I only recently started, yet I do have a Baltic MR01 as a dress watch and I love it as well.

Great video, as always. Not a rule but a personal guide. My skin is waaaay too pale to carry off a gold watch. I’d love a Tank Louis but just can’t wear one because it looks odd. To me anyway.

For me, there is only one watch rule: - wear whatever makes you happy. The cheapest watch in my collection by along way is an old Timex Weekender and I’ve just rediscovered my love for it. People love to tell me its flaws - it’s a Timex - it looks cheap - it’s a bit small - it’s quartz - it’s loud. Yes it is all of these things but I love wearing it and it has the added bonus of sticking two fingers up to the watch-snobs.

0:43 I literally can't get over your pen grip. I have never seen anything like it before, and I have seen some bizarre grips during my teacher as a teacher. I must ask, how did you develop your grip?

Great points Britt. I usually wear a 34 or 36 mm watch. Lifes to short.

Great video 😁 the one that hit home with me is smaller watches. I have a 7.5" wrist and love 36mm watches. I refuse to wear anything over 42mm and prefer a 38mm.

9:30 same goes for parfume by the way. wear what you like, you wanna wear Alien by Mugler do it it's a great flowery parfum. And if people are mad because it's not a manly pfarum/watch etc.. they have a whole different level of personal problems.

1. I am right-handed, I wear on the right due to family trait from my parents and my grandparents (yes I inherit) 2. I wear almost on my hand because when I was young, every single watch wrist is too big for me, so I can only wear my watch close to my hand 3. I love tool watches LOL

Left handed so I always wear on my right wrist , gets banged up less that way

No rules here. Do what floats your boat!

To borrow a phrase from the whiskey community "The best watch is the watch you like to wear, the way you like to wear it"

I have some beautiful vintage Hamiltons they are small- but they are nice

Auntie Britt!! I agree so much. Watch gatekeepers with their rules need to get over themselves. It seems so many people who push these rules are not happy unless they are critical of others. Snobbery is to be mocked and ignored. Long Live the Cult(s)!! and 4:30 date windows.

I generally agree that people should wear whatever they like - but I take issue when those very same people try to convince me that their massive dive watch actually looks good with a suit... you can do whatever you want, but it doesn't mean it actually looks good!

Hi, what is the ref# for the Pasha Cartier at 2:03

2:33 Tell that to my 36mm aquis diamond dial 😂 Love it as a summer watch

I have close to a 7 1/2 inch wrist and I’m actually more comfortable wearing a BB58 than the SMP 300 it’s more comfortable and low key.

How many people actually attend black tie events any more? The last time I wore something that formal, I was in a wedding party. As for watch sizes I totally agree. I have a 7-7/8" (200 cm) wrist and I have watches ranging from 33 mm vintage dress watch to 46 mm big boy. My sweet spot is 38-40mm.

One of the things that drives me crazy is when someone comments on a wrist shot that my watch is too tight. It feels like mansplaining. Dude, I'm the world's foremost authority on how comfortable this watch is on my wrist, and I don't like it moving around. Also, I remember hearing that there was an etiquette rule that a dress watch must always be on leather. I think that's largely fallen by the wayside, and there are some lovely bracelets out there.

bonus being left handed (wearing the watch on the right wrist) - most watch crowns are aimed away from the wrist, so it's always more comfortable

Am definitely with you Britt, re above or below the wrist bone, they just don't look or feel right below when the crown is pressing into the skin. OK it's more "showy" with a sleeve, but I prefer the more subtle, classy look.

So glad you showed the VC 1921 American in your case size section. I bought the smaller 36.5mm “ladies” version because the “cushion” case design is very deceiving. It wears closer to a 39mm

Thanks brit

Heck , I’d wear a cheap timex to a black tie affair. 😂

One rule I expected to hear was "don't wear your watch on the inside of your wrist". Long ago in junior high I scraped my beloved Sheffield Allsport dive watch on the concrete block wall of the stairwell and scratched the crystal badly. I was crushed, and I have worn my watches on the inside of the wrist ever since. I also think that is a "military" thing which appeals to me as well.

For me personally, on my 7" male wrist, I think that any dial smaller than 38mm is too small. I prefer 40-45mm.

I like the left-handed crown even as a righty, because then you can have a big grippy crown without leaving a mark on the top of my hand when I wear it

Hey, not necessarily related to today's vid content, but I was wondering, for the slender-wristed among us, if you would include clasp size for watch review. Lug-to-lug is the important one , but I swear some of the adjustable clasps are getting wider than the lug/lug!

omg the first point! I used to wear wrist watch on my right hand bcos my dominant is right handed. but my mom said who wear watch on the right?? should wear on your left. this was when I was little. since then I always wear on my left. even though I tryna change on my right, it doesn't feel good. strict parents makes me do this 😂 tbh I don't regret

Lots of good points! Big fan of buy what you like the look of, or enjoy the story behind etc. I had to get my 2007 Omega PO replaced, ended up with the 2023 version and everyday I consider selling it and going back to that model! I’m not a collector by any means but like to have one for each occasion I need (black tie, everyday & one special) not that I own 3 but that’s my aim!

I just bought a women's G-Shock for my tiny wrist, and this was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much.

Love these. I started collecting a year ago and fell hard for vintage. I have 4 that are 34 mm or less. I love them and wear them because they make ME happy. If someone thinks they are too small, that is a them problem.

Almost no one likes the Planet Ocean with Diamond bezel. But I think it’s cool. Also, I’ve seen vintage men’s watches in 34mm. So it doesn’t matter

Heck yes! Britt with the morning coffee and a Corgi pup! Couldn't agree more with your rules! I absolutely agree with the rules on wearing certain watches with certain levels of dress! I love a good dress watch but I wear my Tissot PRX chrono with suit and tie all the time! Also, you're right. There is no such thing as male and female watch sizes, if Shaq wants to wear a 32mm or Britt wants to wear a 47mm, they can both pull it off! That's my way of saying get an Omega Proplof Britt haha!

Amen sister!

Good episode and rule 6 was on point. I’m such a fan of the “ladies” aquanaut luce annual calendar - 5261R 🔥 if only I had the 💸

1:28 im with the sentiment “your watch you wear it how you want” except when people wear watches upside down

I honestly find gem-set/diamonds very tacky usually, so when it's done well, it's great.

sausage fingers needs a 41mm + for proportions 😂

I will back you up on rule #5. In fact, I have a number of reasons why I specifically disagree with that rule, so you're about to see a rant on why I think you are totally right. 1, When I learned about that "rule", I most frequently saw people citing as an " authority" a magazine article from the 1890's. Since men's wrist watches weren't invented until 1904 that article's "no watch with your tux" = don't cross dress at a black tie event in the 1890's or don't wear a fob and chain with a dinner jacket. Not "don't wear a dress watch on your wrist with a tux". Because that wasn't even a possibility at the time. - The "act like time doesn't exist" thing... also BS. First, black tie is not actually formal. It's semi formal. White tie is fully formal. Black tie is just the closest to formal most people will ever be. And it is specifically evening wear. At an event where alcohol will usually be served. With a wedding being the #1 occasion where most ppl will see the dress code. While constantly staring at your watch might be rude, pretending time doesn't exist... no. For white tie where the ceremony is so rigid that everyone is told where to be by people running the event... great. For a wedding or even a gala being (discretely) aware of the time would actually be ideal ettiquite. So if anything, wearing an appropriate watch would be the most polite way to dress for such an event. -I've also seen the same sources claim "If you must wear a watch to black tie, it should be a pocket watch". Really? Tuxes with vests are far from the norm. Should all men be keeping that watch inside their shirt? Or are they supposed to let the chain dangle out of their pocket like a zoot suit? I've even seen would be "fashion" journos claim it's a pocket watch or nothing but you also can't ever be seen to check the time. But what's the most discrete? Hauling your watch out of your pocket by a chain and opening a cover, excusing yourself from the room, or stealing a glance at your wrist? There is literally no good reason NOT to wear a watch to a black tie event if you've got a nice watch, and I'm convinced the "rule" comes from a bunch of freelancers writing articles wit whatever comes up on page 1 of a Google search as their only reference. As for "No sport watches with black tie", well if it's like "what watch should I get to wear with black tie", then yeah thin is obviously better than thick and dressy is better than sporty, so like a Rolex sub would not exactly be my 1st choice. But if that's a person's one nice watch, then yeah don't worry about it and go for it. It's not like I've ever been to a gathering where the dress code was to wear even a normal suit where everyone's outfit was perfect. Black tie is probably less consistent still because the events are rarer. If anyone would actually nitpick someone else because their watch is literally a millimeter or so too thick or has a date cyclops that is slightly too visible... yeah , ignore that person. I also agree on the other rules as well, even if some of them (like no gem set watches) are great for me personally because ultimately the only rule for each of us is to wear what makes you happy and not make yourself too broke. But rule #5 in particular being stupid and made up is a longtime pet peeve of mine, so you get a much longer commentary on why I think you are right.

I have 2 watch rules. 1 - It must be affordable, for me. 2 - I must like it. That's it. Everything else is subjective.

I’ve got way too much to worry about before I start worrying about who wears what watch to what kind of event or how loose their bracelets are, so I can really only comment on how I personally feel for myself. It has less to do with rules and more to do with who I am as a person. Diamonds and gems? Not for me. And, honestly, the only reason I’d ever consider even a precious metal watch is that a steel version of it doesn’t exist. For example, I’m completely obsessed with the Rolex 1908 in white gold…but if Rolex came out with a steel version, that would be the object of my lust. For some reason, this sort of arbitrary preciousness of materials just doesn’t appeal to me in any way. As for watches and black tie affairs, absolutely, wear one. I don’t see a reason not to; these are old etiquette rules that came from a time when the people going to black tie galas had a person in their employ to put their clothes on for them. Times change, it’s okay to change with them. Now, a sports or dive watch might be a step too far (though, it depends; sport watches can also include something like a Reverso, but I would be just fine wearing one with a dinner jacket), but if you want to wear you Submariner or Seamaster or Speedmaster or Black Bay with a suit? Absolutely, go for it. I’ve done it dozens of times myself and, frankly, a suit isn’t that dressy. If you, for example, wear a suit to work everyday, it’s more a uniform than semi-formal attire. With a tuxedo, I personally wouldn’t do it. But if I see someone really pull it off, my opinion might change. And if I see you doing it, I’m not going to be bothered by it one bit, because, hey, you do you. That’s the only way to be.

The singing made a good video even better,thanks Britt

Black tie event? If it's good enough for James Bond, it's good enough for any man.

I use garmin all the time (to record my run, heartrate, sleep, etc.) 😂 but I'm fascinated by all your videos and passion for watches recently. Would be delighted to see you have a take on garmin one day!

Haha, this was an epic video Britt 😂 And yes, these so called watch rules are made up by snobs 🤪 Wear a watch however you like, right wrist or left wrist…. put it on your big toe for all I care 😄 The world is complicated as it is to even consider these “rules”…. Let’s enjoy watches the way we like it. Cheers Britt 🥳

Dang. Britt using facts and logic to destroy watch snobs here. I will now wear a Casio with my suit on Easter!

i have a 33mm quartz hamilton khaki from the 90s and it's the best watch i ever owned, i find mechanical watches unusable to wear daily and anything above 38mm is way too big, i also wear an apple watch on my other wrist

Britt I really like this video but I’m not sure how you’re using the service when it doesn’t seem to be available in the UK yet! It’s annoying as it sounds really cool. But thanks for the video now I’m really considering getting a tank with 7.75in wrist 😂

Totally agree with all of them. If James Bond can rock an omega in a tux so can I