And Why You Probably Shouldn’t
Look at photos from any conflict over the past 50 years and you are bound to see uniformed US military personnel wearing a wristwatch on the inside of their wrist. While it’s difficult to pinpoint when exactly this tradition began, Vietnam-era Green Beret and MACV-SOG operator John Stryker Meyer AKA “Tilt” told us it was a habit he picked up in Special Forces training in the 1960s.
The practice of wearing a watch on the inside of the wrist has several functional benefits in a tactical environment, including protecting the glass/crystal from damage, preventing glare or reflections, and ensuring the watch is legible while operating a weapons system or lying prone.
That said, I would argue today “inside-wristing” is just as much about culture as anything else. A watch is one of the few items customizable by uniformed personnel and for some it is a sign that you are a “gunfighter”, “operator” or play Call of Duty on the weekends.
NSW operators train Hellenic special operations forces in 2024.
First, let's explore some of the legitimate reasons why military personnel wear watches on the inside of the wrist.
To Negate Reflection: Managing one's profile—how easily you are seen or discovered—is a key part of any military operation. Camouflage is the most obvious example, but something as small as a glare or reflection of a wristwatch in a sniper hide or while moving to target could compromise an operation. There are few reflective things in nature and a trained observer is always looking for something abnormal. Wearing the watch on the inside of the wrist reduces this risk.
Delta Force member with Suunto compass/watch combo, the watch on the inside of the wrist.
Light Signature Management: In a tactical environment, a watch's nighttime legibility is essential. Most analog military watches incorporate luminous phosphorescent “lume” on the dial and hands and Digital Tool Watches (D.T.W.s) have a push button illumination function. “Light discipline” is a part of signature management in low light/no light scenarios, and the lume can pose a potential vulnerability, especially with dive watches that are designed for underwater legibility.
Tritium, a radioactive isotope commonly used in military watches, is particularly visible through Night Vision Goggles and scopes. Again, wearing the watch on the inside of the wrist diverts the light towards the individual vs towards the enemy, potentially reducing your signature.
Modern dive watches like the Tudor FXD offer significant illumination, which is ideal for diving but not for combat. (Photo Credit: W.O.E./James Rupley)
Of note, over time military members have used several other methods to mitigate the reflection and light emissions, including a simple watch cover, with Vietnam Era Navy SEALs fashioning snap-in rivets to attach a thin leather watch cover.
In the African bush wars, this was also common and served the additional purpose of protecting the watch against harsh environments and thorns.
Legendary SEAL Barry Enoch wears a Tudor Submariner with a custom leather cover intended to limit reflections.
Running The Gun: One of the most common reasons people point to for wearing the watch inside the wrist is that it is easier to check the time when weapons handling during combat and/or Close Quarters Battle (CQB). The idea is that with the watch on your support hand extended on the rifle, the time is visible without canting or adjusting your wrist. While I wonder how often someone really checks the time during a gunfight, this theory likely has validity for those with extended periods lying prone and/or in a sniper hide where movement could give up your position.
10th Special Forces Group conducting CQB training.
Additionally, some former SOF members I spoke with explained that wearing the watch inside the wrist makes it easier to check the time with bulky gloves and prevents grinding the watch into the wrist during push-ups and obstacle course runs.
Cool Guy Fashion: Despite the many legitimate reasons for practitioners to wear watches on the inside of the wrist, I would argue that for many it boils down to culture and personal expression. “Tacticool” fashion, whether Merrell shoes, 5.11 pants, Oakleys or beards, and American Flag baseball hats, generally starts with SOF units, born out of utility. It is then picked up by the “regular” military and ultimately filters down to pop culture, civilians, and weekend warriors.
SEAL Team TV Show.
Why You Shouldn't “Inside Wrist”
As a former CIA Case Officer, I generally avoid anything that is tacticool. While it may be a practical application for law enforcement, SpecOps, and uniformed military personnel, a black Digital Tool Watch on the inside of your wrist is a clear “tell,” a signal to others that one is a “quiet professional-gray man.” For Case Officers, who mostly operate in capital cities while undercover (i.e. posing as something they aren’t) this watch can make one stick out as much as a gold Rolex Daytona.
That said, at the end of the day you should enjoy this hobby in any way you see fit. If you want to LARP as a Navy SEAL, LARP on.
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29 comments
As the comments I also used a watch (or 2, 1 in each arm) for running a gun as well as working with ropes. Even using compasses or an old GPS (back to 90s) it worked very well to see the screen of the gadget in my palm and the watch inside my wrist at the same time. However, in order to giving first aid to a victim, the watch outside the wrist worked better for me. So I understand why some military and rescuers wear 2 watches, in and outside of the wrist. There are so many tasks and situations where one position is better than the other and viceversa.
I like to say that this Tradition probably goes back a Lot further to the Marines and Airborne Soldiers of WW2. I picked that up from Actor Richard Widmark in the 1951 Movie Halls of Monte Zuma. Take a Look at the Wristwatch scenes ;-)
I have always worn inside the wrist, now because I do alot of kettlebell workouts and it protects the face from getting smashed.
When I go hiking and navigate with my Ambit 3 Peak, I wear this wrist down.
Easier to read, especially when poles are in use.
And the Suunto, a really chunky beast, doesn’t get caught in the backpack straps when you put it on or take it off.
In the evening at camp, however, wrist up again.
I recall that during the busy early period of the Cuban Revolution, first in Veracruz and later in the Sierra Maestra, Fidel Castro often wore two watches, one inside, one outside.