Watches are more than just timekeeping devices—they carry cultural significance and, in some cases, superstitions.
Many people unknowingly follow (or break) watch taboos that are deeply rooted in tradition.
Here are a few superstitions you may not have known about until now.
The Unlucky Gift
In Chinese culture, gifting a watch is associated with death and bad fortune. Some people believe that receiving a watch as a gift signifies “counting down” the recipient’s time.
In fact, the phrase for “giving a clock” sounds very similar to “attending a funeral” in Mandarin.
Fortunately, for the superstitious watch fans, there is a workaround. If someone gifts you a watch, give them a small coin in return. By ‘buying’ the timepiece, you’re said to break this curse.
A Broken or Stopped Watch as an Omen
Some believe that a stopped watch symbolises an impending misfortune or even death, and if a watch stops at the time of someone’s passing, it’s seen as a sign of their final moment.
An interesting fact that you might not know is that Abraham Lincoln’s pocket watch stopped at his time of death.
Wearing a Watch on the ‘Wrong’ Wrist
Many cultures have traditional beliefs about which wrist a watch should be worn on.
Some believe wearing it on your dominant hand invites bad luck, while others think the opposite.
In feng shui, wearing a watch on your left wrist is said to attract good energy and wealth.
The Curse of Inherited Watches
Certain people completely avoid wearing a deceased person’s watch because they believe it carries their energy. This could be a good or bad thing depending on whose watch you’re wearing.
Others, particularly in European traditions, see an inherited watch as a sign of wisdom and legacy. In aristocratic families, pocket watches were frequently gifted to sons as a rite of passage as a sign of maturity and responsibility.
Overall, superstitions about inherited watches vary depending on whether the previous owner had a long and successful life versus a tragic one.
Midnight Ticking
Ever heard a watch ticking at night? Certain cultures believe this invites restless spirits into your home.
In old folklore, a loud ticking watch was also thought to predict someone’s passing. The louder or faster the ticking became, the closer someone was said to be to death.
Watch Colours
There are even a couple of stories surrounding the colour of a watch, so you may want to choose your timepiece more wisely if you’re a little superstitious.
- Red watches are believed to ward off evil spirits in some Asian cultures.
- Black watches are sometimes linked to mourning and misfortune.
- Gold watches are often seen as lucky, symbolising wealth and success.
The Watch That Never Leaves Your Wrist
Some superstitions suggest that never removing your watch can “trap time,” leading to stagnation in your everyday life. Others believe taking off a watch before bed ensures rest and renewal for the next day.
Timepieces that Tell a Story
Whether you believe in these superstitions or not, watches hold a fascinating place in cultural traditions.
What’s clear is that watches are symbols of time, fate and even destiny.
Superstitions aside, timepieces are here to stay and are not only one of the best accessories, but an incredible legacy item that can be passed down to those you love.
Spooky or a fun story – you decide.