Wearing a wooden watch may seem like a strange concept at first. We are used to seeing the classic metal timepiece adorning the wrists of our co-workers and friends. Wooden watches are an oddity that stands out from the crowd, provoking curiosity and providing a great conversation-starter for the social butterfly.
Fortunately, the wooden wristwatch has proven itself over the years to be a practical alternative to metal, providing several benefits:
- Wooden Watches are Not Sensitive to Heat
No matter the type of wood encasing your watch, it is much more heat-resistant than its metal counterpart. If you are outdoors a lot or want to help extend the lifespan of your watch, getting a wooden watch may be the way to go.
In metal watches, exposure to heat over time can cause damage to the gaskets and gears inside the watch. Once heat enters the band, it is difficult for it to disperse, meaning it will get hot quickly and it will stay hot longer than a wooden watch.
So, the true test; are wooden watches durable enough to stand up against moderately high temperatures?
It turns out that they are indeed more durable:
Pure wood is not as conductive, so wooden watches won’t get hot as quickly. Better yet, if they do get hot, the wood provides a natural grain to help disperse heat and cool down the internal mechanisms inside the watch. This natural heat dispersal also helps keep heat away from your wrist and prevent burns, unlike metal watches, making them much more durable than metal watches.
- Every Design is Unique
Beyond the breathtaking designs and wide array of wood and stain combinations, do you know how many people already have a wooden watch?
Metal watches have differences between brands and styles, but the mass-produced designs and standard colors mean they won’t stand out at a social event.
Wooden watches provide an extra flourish of style that can speak volumes about your personality. Using a wooden band and casing allows the watchmaker to add intricate details and include an extra level of customization because every piece is still handmade. You will be hard-pressed to find two people with the same wooden watch.
- Lightweight, Hypoallergenic Material
Are wooden watches durable if they are lightweight?
This is a common question buyers ask if they are new to concept of wooden watches. It’s safe to say the lightweight material doesn’t alter durability.
Wooden watches are lightweight because the base material is not as dense. The downside to this is that wood is a softer material, meaning it is not suitable for high-impact activities such as sports, and it may have a shorter natural lifespan than a metal watch.
A lightweight material such as wood is, however, perfect for the wearer who does not enjoy the heavy feel of a typical watch. It is also less likely to pinch your skin, making it a more comfortable accessory overall.
Another benefit of wearing a wooden watch is that the material is naturally hypoallergenic. Wearers who experience allergic reactions to metal or plastic may consider wooden watches for this reason alone, giving them the ability to wear a classic timepiece without the uncomfortable side effects.
- Wooden Watches are Eco-Friendly
As more attention is turned toward the effects toxic plastic and metal waste have on our environment, watch wearers are looking to wooden watches to support ethical eco-friendly options and make a statement about our planet.
Renewable resources are becoming more important in our search for materials, and hardwoods are plentiful and easy to regrow. With sustainable sourcing, it is cleaner for the Earth and helps forests continue their natural cycles.
As an example, bamboo is an increasingly popular wood to use in wristwatches, prized for its ability to grow so quickly, durability and lightweight feel. (1) Other types of wood also help protect the environment from harmful plastics, so long as they are sustainably sourced.
“Each week, an estimated one million acres of forest are lost to deforestation. But bamboo’s versatility as a renewable alternative for hardwoods offers a chance to considerably reduce that amount and protect the forests we have left.”
Ashley Jude Collie, Huffington Post
Most wooden watches are made from sustainably sourced or recycled wood that is not coated with toxic chemicals that damage your skin and the environment. Of course, it is always important to verify you are purchasing a genuine wooden watch.
Many of the inexpensive “knock-off” wooden watches on the market are either made of faux-wood, which is typically a plastic composite material, or simply a metal or plastic watch with a wooden shell around it. A true wooden watchmaker should be able to provide a certificate for sustainably sourced wood.