Which hand is the right one to wear a watch on? This is a historical question that goes back to the wristwatch invention. Many experts provide the fashion or psychological reasons people should wear their watch on a particular hand. Of course, none of those reasons are important, as it is a personal choice.
However, the question became popular again with the invention of smartwatches. Users are worried that wearing the watch on their dominant hand will give different measurements than wearing it on their non-dominant hand. So, should you wear your Apple Watch on your dominant hand? You’ll find the answer in our article below.
Should You Wear Your Apple Watch on Your Dominant Hand?
The short answer is – you can wear your Apple Watch on whichever hand you want. Unlike popular opinion, Apple has designed its watches with solid sensors that can track the heartbeat, saturation, activity, sleep, and many more, regardless of whether they’re placed on the dominant or the non-dominant hand.
That said, you should choose the wrist for wearing your Apple Watch according to your preferences. The watch will monitor your activity and health if you give the right permission. However, the tracking won’t be stopped or interrupted if you decide to wear the watch on your non-dominant hand.
In fact, most people prefer the non-dominant hand. In the following sections, we’ll discuss this preference, and we’ll talk about the Apple Watch sensors and their measurements.
Also read: How to Wear Apple Watch on Right Wrist
Wear Apple Watch on Non-Dominant Hands
Wearing the watch on the non-dominant hand is a preference that came before smartwatches. The explanation is actually very simple. The non-dominant hand is more appropriate for watches as the dominant hand is usually occupied.
If you’re right-handed, you do more things with your right hand during the day, and thus, you risk scratching or damaging your watch. Your left hand is the more passive one, thus, more suitable for a wristwatch.
Furthermore, wearing the watch on your non-dominant hand can also be more comfortable for the same reason. Your dominant hand is frequently occupied, and extra weight coming from the watch can tire it down. On the other hand, your non-dominant hand is more rested and can wear the weight of a watch.
So, the preference for wearing the Apple Watch on your non-dominant hand has little to do with the company or the model itself.
Also read: Where to Wear Apple Watch on Wrist for Heart Rate?
Does the Dominant Hand Give More Accurate Readings on Apple Watch?
We’re happy to inform you that you can freely wear your Apple Watch on your non-dominant hand without worrying about the readings. The accuracy of the readings depends on the skin contact and the software updates.
According to Apple, users should regularly update their devices so that the apps, trackers, and sensors work properly. More importantly, the company notes that the accuracy of the readings is directly related to skin contact.
The company even has a helpful guide on its website explaining how to wear your Apple Watch. Since it’s a wearable device, you should ensure it lies properly on your skin. Moreover, you should wear it with the right fit to feel comfortable but not too loose.
But what about our bodies? Is the pulse or the oxygen saturation stronger on the dominant side? Should you wear your Apple Watch on your dominant hand for better respiratory rate results? Let’s find out!
Does Apple Watch recognize the dominant hand?
Apple developed watches that can monitor activity, blood flow, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, irregular heart rate, etc., thanks to their sensors. Many sensors utilize LED light to penetrate the skin and measure the difference between the light that enters and reflects. Therefore, the watch works regardless of which wrist you wear.
Our body is divided into two sides, one of which is the dominant one. That’s why we may sense a stronger pulse in one arm than the other. Also, oxygen saturation may be higher if measured on the fingers of the dominant hand.
However, these differences are normal and don’t influence smartwatches because these trackers collect data to provide results. This means that the Apple Watch will monitor your sleep, for instance, over a particular period to deliver the results.
Of course, the Apple Watch is also able to provide immediate readings. However, the differences between your dominant and non-dominant sides are not very big, meaning you’ll probably get accurate results.
Additionally, it’s important to mention that Apple Watches and their sensors aren’t a replacement for actual medical examinations by licensed physicians.
Read more: How Accurate Is Apple Watch Heart Rate
Should You Wear the Apple Watch as Advertised?
You don’t have to wear your Apple Watch on your left hand with the Digital Crown on the upper right side, as advertised on the website. The company developed a smart feature that allows you to change the Digital Crown orientation and wear the watch on your right hand. Changing the Digital Crown orientation is a very simple process.
- Press the Digital Crown to open the home screen and click on “Settings”.
- Go to “General” and click on “Orientation”.
- Click on “Right” or “Left” according to your preference.
Another way to change the Digital Crown orientation on your Apple Watch is to make the changes through your iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app > My Watch > General > Watch Orientation.
Conclusion
So, should you wear your Apple Watch on your dominant hand? Now you know that there isn’t a right way, only your way. You can choose a favorite wrist or change hands from time to time. The important thing to do is to keep your Apple Watch up to date and wear it properly.
You should also keep in mind that the Apple Watch should be worn on top of the wrist. If you wear it on the inside of your wrist, it will most likely not work.