Many people believe that wooden watches first appeared as a “fashionable” watch, rather than a practical choice.
After all, wooden watches give you more outfit-matching options. This means you can dress them down or accentuate them for a more formal look. The rich wooden sheen says “high-class” without catching the eye enough to draw attention away from another accessory.
So, does the well-known metal watch supersede the stylish flexibility wooden watches offer? Are wooden watches durable enough to withstand everyday wear?
This article is your guide to wooden watches. We hope it helps you decide whether the wooden watch is the right timepiece for you.
The common wooden watch uses the same internal mechanisms that metal watches use. This means the gaskets, dials, gears and springs inside will use the same materials and give you the same trusted performance that metal watches do. The only difference is that the outer case and wristband are made from wood, which provides many of the benefits listed above.
You will occasionally see a wooden wristwatch that also has wooden components on the inside. These watches, while exquisite in their design, will typically have a shorter lifespan and be much more difficult to repair than a traditional watch with a wooden case and wristband.
Overall, the durability of an individual wooden watch will depend on the type of wood it is made from:
- Maple
Maple is the most popular wood, prized for its durability in watchmaking. Typically, hard maple and sugar maple are considered the most durable species of wood for watchmakers to use. Combined with a unique, creamy color and smooth grain, it is a popular choice for fashion flexibility.
- Teak
Teak is prized for its durability, rarity and rich coloration. Because of the high oil content naturally present within teak bark, it is more water-resistant than other wooden watches, and it is resistant to natural decay if it touches metal. Teak is highly sought-after for this low decay rate, making it a much more expensive – yet durable – choice.
- Cherry
Cherry wood is known for its straight grain and smooth texture. These features make it a popular choice for watchmakers, but it can be difficult to craft with, making true cherrywood watches more expensive.
- Walnut
Walnut wood features a rich coloration, exotic texture and tight grain, making it highly sought after for an expensive-looking wooden wristwatch that doesn’t break the bank. Unlike most other types of wood, walnut will lighten as it ages.
- Acacia
Acacia is a unique choice for the natural purple coloration and unique striations. While this hardwood is incredibly durable and water-resistant, it is much more difficult to work with, making it an expensive choice.
- Bamboo
Bamboo is a popular choice in wooden watches for its fast and sustainable growth, lightweight material, and ease to work with. While it is not the most durable type of wood, it is easy to replace and is soft to the touch.
In short, the answer is yes. Wooden watches are durable.
