In the 1940s, many military folks began wearing their watches inside their wrist. They do this for a variety of reasons.
First, it reduces the chance of a watch crystal catching or reflecting sunlight and moonlight. This can cause glare and make it difficult to read the time.
Military personnel often wear wristwatches with their faces turned inward.
Military personnel and police officers often wear their wristwatches with their faces turned inward to avoid revealing their position at night or in a discreet setting. The face of a watch can be highly reflective and can give away the wearer’s location, especially in bright sunlight or artificial light. This may be particularly problematic when a special operations unit is involved in a mission that requires stealth and secrecy.
Moreover, the glass or crystal of a watch can reflect moonlight and sunlight, which can reveal a wearer’s position and can be dangerous in combat situations. Consequently, it is common for Special Forces operators to wear their watches with their faces turned inward.
Other military personnel, such as medical workers, may also choose to wear their watches inside their wrists. The reason is simple: it’s easier to take a patient’s pulse or check their blood pressure while the watch is on the inside of their arm.
In addition, putting the watch face against the arm prevents the watch from scratching and snagging on old-style metal rails in ambulances. It also helps emergency workers keep their arms straight when taking vitals or checking pulse rates.
Another major reason that people in the military and police wear their watches inside their wrists is to protect them from damage and abrasion. Abrasion and scratches can occur on the outer parts of the watch if it’s exposed to things like dirt, dust, or other debris when walking, climbing stairs, or opening doors.
Many doctors and nurses also use inverted watches because they can easily lift the watch out of the way while taking a patient’s vitals or checking their pulse. This is particularly helpful for people with limited range of motion or arthritis, which can make it hard to move their wrists and hands in a natural way.
Those who work in trades such as plumbers or electricians may also choose to wear their watches inside their arms because it is easier to see the time when holding up tools or weapons. It is also possible to flip the watch’s face around while working and check the time without having to stop what you are doing.
They may do so to avoid revealing their position at night.
Special operations forces (SOF) operators often wear their wristwatches with their faces turned inward to avoid revealing their position at night. This is not a new practice, and it has long been common among military personnel and police officers.
The reason behind this practice is a combination of tactical considerations and simple protection. Firstly, the watch can be easily damaged when worn on the outside of the wrist. The crown, bezel, and face can all scratch or corrode when exposed to harsh conditions.
Secondly, the screen of the watch can reflect sunlight or moonlight, which can give away the wearer’s position and location. This can be a huge problem in situations where stealth and secrecy are paramount.
Finally, the watch can be very difficult to see if it is placed in front of a bright window. This is particularly problematic for police officers and soldiers on the battlefield, where stealth can be critical to success.
As a result, the military often chooses watches with anti-reflective coatings and other protective features to minimize the risk of reflecting light. They also choose watches with case covers to cover their crystals.
Other reasons for wearing the watch inside the wrist include the need to reduce the risk of damage and maintain noise discipline. This is especially important when operating a firearm. The strap of the watch can rub against the weapon, which can distract from aiming.
This is not just a concern for military members, but also medical professionals or anyone who works with their hands. They are usually concerned about abrasions and damage to the watch, which can be particularly severe if it is a quartz watch.
The same issue applies to people who work in a high-risk environment, such as a prison or a hospital. They need to protect the watch from potential hazards, which is why they often wear it upside down, as well.
The military often use watches made specifically for use in a harsh environment, such as the Search and Rescue line of timepieces. These watches are designed for use in a variety of extreme environments and have been praised for their rugged, tough-guy aesthetics. They aren’t designed for the casual consumer, but they are incredibly popular with people who need a tough-guy timepiece.
They may do so to protect the screen from scratches or damage.
Military personnel often wear watches with their faces turned inward on their wrists rather than the normal way people usually wear a watch. This is for a number of reasons. First, it can help protect the screen from scratches or damage which can significantly reduce the lifespan of a watch.
A second reason military people wear their watches inside their wrists is to minimize glare, particularly at night when the sun is shining or when it’s dark outside. This is especially important if they’re operating in stealthy or covert situations, as a watch that is able to give away their position could put them at risk of being discovered.
Moreover, it can make it easier for them to check the time without having to take their hands off their weapon or to reduce the chance of the watch being reflected by sunlight or moonlight. This may sound like a small thing, but in dangerous situations it can mean the difference between life or death.
In addition to these practical reasons, wearing a watch inside the wrist is also a matter of tradition in many military units. This is a practice that can be passed down from one generation to the next, and it is a great way to build a sense of cohesion within a group of people who are working together to achieve a common goal.
There are several top brands that manufacture quality watches specifically for the military. Seiko and G-Shock are among them, but you’ll find other reputable names as well.
For example, Luminox, which is headquartered in San Rafael, California, makes high-quality tactical watches with features and functionality that appeal to military personnel. These include luminous hour markers and dots, as well as water-resistant construction.
Another popular brand is SMAEL, which makes a sporty quartz watch that’s designed to keep up with your fitness regimen. It comes with a 1/100-second stop-watch and an alarm clock to help you beat your personal bests.
The Luminox Marina Militare is a great choice for those who want to combine modern technology and military-grade durability. It’s made from Carbotech composite, which is light and hypoallergenic, while also being highly resistant to water submersion. It also comes with a rotating bezel, making it easy to calculate the time you’ve spent in the water.
They may do so to maintain noise discipline.
In the military and police departments, wearing a watch with your face turned inward can be beneficial in several ways. One reason is to avoid revealing your position at night (and potentially attracting unwanted attention). This is especially important in combat situations where stealth and secrecy are paramount. The shiny crystal of a wristwatch can reflect moonlight and sunlight, and the resulting light show could give away your position in a split second.
Another reason is to protect the screen from scratches or damage. A broken or scratched screen can make a lot of noise and annoy other people. Wearing a watch on the inside of your wrist can also help you to maintain noise discipline by not generating as much sonic boom when you move your hands.
While this is a good idea for all military personnel, it is particularly crucial for special operations forces (SOF) operators who may be subjected to some pretty intense pressure. The most extreme scenarios involve surviving long periods of time on the front lines of battle and, for these operators, the most rugged and practical watches are likely to be tougher than your average wristwatch.
As a result, it is worth paying attention to the design elements that set a good military watch apart from its peers. For example, you’ll want to look for a case that is machined from a material like titanium or stainless steel that will resist corrosion and harsh environmental conditions, as well as a movement that is simple to service and replace should it fail. A good quality timepiece will also have a battery that is durable and withstands heat, cold, and high altitudes. The best watches for the job will also be easy to read, functional, and uncluttered. Finally, it’s a good idea to pick a watch that has an impressive feature such as an alarm that can alert you when you’re reaching a certain altitude.
