Wearing watches upside down was a trend back in the 1940s, but some people still wear their timepieces in this manner. Some wearers do it out of habit, while others wear their watch backward to protect it. But why do the military wear watches inside their wrists? Here’s why.
Tactical Purpose
Military folks usually wear their watch upside down for tactical reasons. Wearing military wrist watches in this manner makes it easier to check and tell the time without taking their hands off their weapon. Moreover, it minimizes reflection. Sunlight or moonlight can reflect off the watch crystal. Turning the watch around is much easier than using a watch cover to hide it. By wearing the watch upside down, they can stay hidden during discreet missions.
Improve Weapon Handling
Wearing a watch backward also improves weapon handling. Right-handed people usually wear watches on their left wrist. The strap can rub against their weapon and distract them, affecting their aim. Wearing watches inside the wrist makes handling and controlling weapons so much easier.
Minimize Damage
The crown, bezel, face, and band’s external surface are prone to damage when the watch isn’t worn backward, especially when it hits against a hard object. Wearing the watch upside down reduces the risk of damage to the timepiece.
Military Fashion
Soldiers can hurt their wrist while wearing a military issue wrist watch and gloves simultaneously. Military commanders often enforce wearing wristwatches upside down in wild and rugged territories to prevent injuries and avoid revealing their location. Moreover, it improves their focus since they don’t need to turn their wrist to tell the time.
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Best Military Wrist Watches
Now that you know why military folks wear watches upside down, it’s time to find a military time wrist watch for yourself. Praesidus, a watch brand with a military background, took inspiration from the legendary A-11 to create a military style wrist watch with modern functionalities. So if you’re looking for the best military wrist watches, here are your best options.
1. Black Dial Military Watch with Leather Strap
The Praesidus A-11 is a versatile and stylish timekeeping mechanism with 5ATM water resistance, so you can swim or shower without taking it off. It comes with a black dial and a thick leather strap for extra durability. Since it uses an NH35 movement and depends on the wearer’s wrist movements, you don’t have to worry about battery replacements from time to time. Wear the watch daily, and it will deliver accurate time.
The luminous hands and Arabic numerals are large and legible even at night. Thanks to its hardened glass and sandblast finish, this watch is ideal for daily use. With its 5ATM water resistance, rugged case, uncluttered dial, and vintage look, this watch is the perfect timekeeping tool for those who prefer accessories with a classic vibe.
2. White Dial Military Watch with Canvas Strap
This timepiece takes inspiration from the legendary A-11 watches but features improved quality and technology. It has a clean white dial with large black Arabic numerals for enhanced legibility. The numerals, hour hands, and green dots have been treated with lume to improve visibility and readability at night.
This version comes with a green canvas strap and automatic Seiko NH35 movement, so it’s ideal for daily use. A solid crown and scratch-resistant, double-domed crystal with an AR coating offer protection against dust and other elements.
3. Black Dial Military Watch with Leather Strap
This timepiece screams quality and unparalleled functionality with its uncluttered night-black dial, large luminous Arabic numerals, brown leather strap, NH35 automatic movement, and cream-filled hour hands and dots. This version comes in a stainless steel case with a sandblast finish and double dome glass with an anti-glare coating.
Since the movement of your arm powers the watch, it’s a good idea to wear it for more than eight hours daily. You can charge it with an auto-watch winder if you’re not wearing the watch. And since this watch is 5ATM water-resistant, it is suitable for swimming. So if you need a vintage military wrist watch that you can wear daily and pair with any outfit, the Praesidus A-11 is one of your best options.
Conclusion
There’s no right or wrong way to wear a timepiece. So it doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing a military waterproof quartz wrist watch or automatic timepiece. How you wear your watch is a matter of choice. But if you want to make a fashion statement with your watch, then you’re free to wear it upside down.