For decades, a wristwatch has been considered an essential item for business professionals. Many people even buy their first watch at the same time they purchase a suit for their first job.

But a watch is more than just a fashion accessory. In business, it plays multiple roles — from showing professionalism and good manners to providing a quick way to check the time during meetings.

That said, times are changing. With the rise of smartphones and other digital devices, more people now feel that a wristwatch isn’t strictly necessary.

In this article, we’ll explore whether business professionals should still wear a watch, and what impression it leaves if you choose not to.

Are Wristwatches Still Necessary for Business Professionals? More Than Half Still Wear Them

Traditionally, the belief was: “Once you become a professional, you should own at least one wristwatch.” Watches were widely accepted as part of business etiquette.

However, with a more diverse society and the spread of smartphones, the number of people going watch-free has grown. It’s no surprise that many now say, “Even as a business professional, you don’t really need a watch.”

So the question is: are wristwatches still essential in today’s professional world?

Survey Results: More Than Half of Business Professionals Still Wear a Watch

In 2021, a nationwide survey of 500 people revealed that 1 in 4 respondents said they do not wear a wristwatch.

When broken down by gender, about 21.6% of men and 31.5% of women reported going watch-free.

The most common reason was simple: “I can check the time on my smartphone.” This reflects how digital devices have reshaped daily habits.

Yet, the survey also found that more than half of respondents still wear a wristwatch. Despite the rise of smartphones, many continue to see a watch as an essential accessory for business professionals.

In short:

• The spread of digital devices has led some to say a watch is no longer necessary.
  
  

• At the same time, many still believe a watch is indispensable for professionals.
  
  

This trend suggests that the role of wristwatches is evolving alongside changes in lifestyle, business culture, and personal values.

 How Colleagues Perceive Professionals Without a Watch

In recent years, more office professionals have chosen not to wear a wristwatch. But how does this choice come across to the people around them?

With the widespread use of smartphones and other digital devices, checking the time has become effortless. In many everyday situations, wearing a watch is no longer essential.

However, the story changes in a business setting. Senior colleagues and managers who built their careers in a time when wearing a watch was considered both common sense and business etiquette often view things differently.

Many of them feel that:

• Checking the time on a smartphone looks impolite
  
  

• Not wearing a watch gives the impression of being poorly put together
  
  

Because of this, if you attend meetings or work closely with senior professionals without a watch, there’s a risk of being misunderstood as lacking manners or professionalism.

To maintain smooth workplace relationships and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, it’s generally wise to wear a wristwatch in business situations—unless you have a specific reason not to.

Why Checking the Time on Your Smartphone Can Be Seen as Rude

Some people still consider checking the time on a smartphone to be impolite, especially in professional settings. The main reason lies in the multifunctionality of smartphones.

For example, during a business meeting, simply pulling out your phone to check the time can easily be misinterpreted. Even if you only looked at the clock, others might assume you were reading emails or browsing the news. This can give the impression that you are distracted and not fully engaged, which reflects poorly on your business etiquette.

Of course, not everyone views it this way. However, because smartphones serve so many purposes, it’s important to be aware of the risk of misunderstanding. Wearing a wristwatch eliminates this issue and allows you to check the time discreetly, without sending the wrong signal.

Four Key Benefits of Wearing a Watch

Wearing a wristwatch isn’t just about following business etiquette—it comes with practical and stylish advantages. Here are four key benefits worth highlighting:

① Add Style and Personality to Business Attire
For many office professionals, the daily uniform is a business suit. Since suits leave little room for variety in style or color, it can be difficult to express personal taste. Accessories such as ties, bags, or tie pins are often used to add individuality—and a watch belongs in this same category.
By matching your watch with the color of your suit or simply your mood for the day, you can create a subtle yet distinctive style that enhances your overall appearance.

② Convenient, Instant Time-Checking
At its core, a watch is designed to tell time. A quick glance at your wrist gives you the answer instantly—a simple convenience that shouldn’t be underestimated.
While checking a smartphone is also possible, it requires pulling the device from a pocket or bag, pressing a button, and waiting for the screen to light up. A wristwatch eliminates these steps, allowing you to check the time efficiently, even in the middle of work.

During meetings or client discussions, you can discreetly glance at the dial without disrupting the flow of conversation. Even if someone notices, they’ll understand you were simply checking the time—unlike when pulling out a phone, which may be misinterpreted as a distraction.

③ Boost Your Motivation
Wearing a watch on your wrist can provide a daily boost of motivation. Even without consciously looking at it, catching a glimpse of your trusted timepiece brings a subtle sense of satisfaction and pride.
For many professionals, a wristwatch represents more than just a tool—it’s a status symbol. Some choose luxury brands as a form of self-investment, using their timepiece as a source of daily drive.

That said, motivation doesn’t come only from high-end watches. If you love the design, craftsmanship, or functionality of your watch, it becomes your perfect companion. In the midst of a busy schedule, that personal connection can serve as a powerful source of encouragement.

④ Make a Positive Impression
While more people today believe that “not wearing a watch is no longer poor etiquette,” there are still many—across generations—who consider a wristwatch an essential part of professional manners. Younger professionals often inherit this mindset, too.
In these cases, whether or not you wear a watch can greatly affect first impressions. Since a single accessory can tip the scales in your favor, it makes sense to wear one when meeting clients, colleagues, or senior managers.

Wearing a watch can signal qualities such as:

• Strong self-management and scheduling skills
  

• Reliability and punctuality
  

• Professional success and financial stability
  
  

A watch communicates responsibility and respect for time. If it’s a luxury model, it may even convey success and competence, leaving others with the impression that you’re accomplished and trustworthy.

Key Points When Choosing a Wristwatch: Prioritize Readability and Design

For office professionals in suits, the range of available wristwatches is vast.
When the time comes to make a purchase, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming.

While personal style and design preferences are important, what truly matters is whether the watch fits your daily routine and the situations in which you’ll wear it.
Here are some practical points to keep in mind when choosing a wristwatch.

Price Range: Avoid Going Too Expensive

A wristwatch is more than just a tool—it can also serve as a status symbol. Many young professionals feel the urge to buy a luxury timepiece as soon as they enter the workforce.
That desire is understandable, but is such a watch truly appropriate for your current stage in life?

• For new graduates or those early in their careers, a moderately priced watch is often the best choice.
  

• Even in accessible price ranges, you can still find watches with excellent quality and design.
  
  

Overly expensive watches can sometimes stand out for the wrong reasons and may even come across as mismatched with your position.
At the early stages of your career, it’s wiser to choose a watch within a range you can comfortably afford—or one that feels like a reward for your efforts.

Another bonus: if your business counterpart happens to know about watches, they may recognize your choice and turn it into an easy conversation starter.

For more details on the ideal price range for a professional’s wristwatch, see our dedicated guide.

Choose a Subtle Design

When wearing a watch with a business suit, it’s best to select a design that isn’t too flashy, since it will be visible in professional settings.

Avoid bright colors, bold patterns, or watches with striking gemstones.

For office professionals, a classic design such as a white or black dial with either a stainless steel or leather strap is most appropriate. A simple, understated watch will always make the right impression.

Keep It Simple and Practical with an Analog Watch

One of the most important qualities in a business watch is readability—being able to check the time at a glance.

A simple three-hand analog watch allows you to instantly read the time without distraction.

Digital watches are convenient but often lean toward a more casual look. For business situations, an analog watch remains the most suitable choice.

Are Smartwatches Unprofessional? Key Points to Consider

With the rise of digital devices, more people are choosing to wear smartwatches. This raises a common question: Is it inappropriate for office professionals to wear a smartwatch in business settings?

The short answer is no—wearing a smartwatch is not a breach of etiquette. With health and wellness becoming a priority, smartwatches have become a widely accepted tool, and it’s not unusual to see even senior professionals pairing them with suits.

That said, there are important points to keep in mind. Since smartwatches sync with smartphones, they can display private notifications such as social media or personal messages. In meetings or negotiations, these should be turned off to avoid distraction or misunderstandings.

However, for those who wear smartwatches daily, changing notification settings just for business use can feel like a hassle—and forgetting to do so could create an awkward moment.

For this reason, sticking with a classic analog watch is often the safer and more professional choice in formal business contexts.

 Is Not Wearing a Watch Considered Bad Business Etiquette? — Summary

Although the number of people who don’t wear watches has been increasing, many professionals still rely on them in business settings. Choosing not to wear a watch is not necessarily poor etiquette, but since a watch offers many advantages, it is generally preferable for professionals to wear one.

When selecting a watch suitable for business, keep these three key points in mind:

• A price range that fits your current stage in life
  
  

• A simple design appropriate for business settings
  
  

• An analog type that allows for quick and easy time-checking
  
  

A watch that is simple, analog, and comfortably within your budget is the ideal choice.

At AV86, we offer a wide selection of watches perfectly suited for business occasions. With quality that rivals luxury timepieces and refined designs, our watches are highly appreciated by customers across different generations.

Since our pieces are available at prices suitable for working professionals, they are an excellent option if you are considering adding a business-ready watch to your wardrobe.
We also provide free shipping within Japan, making it even easier to find the perfect watch for your professional lifestyle.