Are Wooden Watches Any Good? An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons
Wooden watch questions
Short version: yes, a well-made wooden watch is a proper everyday watch. But it isn't right for everyone, and we'd rather you knew that before you buy.
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Quick answer: A good wooden watch uses real wood, a reliable Japanese movement and mineral glass, and it's lighter and warmer on the wrist than steel. The trade-offs: wood isn't waterproof, it can pick up marks over time, and a wooden bracelet needs sizing when it arrives. If he wants a watch for swimming or the gym, buy something else. If he wants something different that he'll wear every day, wood is a great choice.
I'm James. Sam and I sell wooden watches from our workshop in Stourbridge, so you'd expect us to say they're brilliant. They mostly are, but here's the honest version.
The good bits
They look different
Real wood grain means no two are quite the same. People notice them and ask about them.
They're light
Wood is much lighter than a steel bracelet, which suits people who find metal watches heavy.
They feel warm
Wood doesn't go cold against your wrist on a winter morning the way steel does.
They make a personal gift
Engrave a date or a message on the back and it becomes something he keeps.
The not-so-good bits
- Water. Our watches are splashproof, not waterproof. Rain and hand washing are fine; swimming and showers aren't. More in can wooden watches get wet?
- Wear and tear. Wood can pick up small marks over the years. Darker woods like ebony and walnut hide them best.
- Sizing. Wooden bracelets arrive slightly long and need a few links taking out. We include the tool, and it takes a few minutes.
- Not for sport. If he wants a dive watch or something for the gym, a wooden watch isn't it.
What separates a good one from a cheap one
You can buy wooden watches from about £20, but at that price you're often getting a basic movement and a wood-effect finish. Look for:
- Real wood named by type: walnut, ebony, sandalwood, olive, oak.
- A known movement. Ours use Japanese movements from Seiko and Miyota.
- Mineral glass over the dial rather than plastic. All ours have hardened mineral glass.
- Honest water resistance. Be wary of wooden watches sold as fully waterproof.
- A returns policy you can live with, especially if it's engraved. We accept returns within 30 days, engraved or not.
Who they suit
In our experience: people who like something a bit different, anyone who finds steel watches heavy, people who work with wood, and anyone buying a gift for the 5th wedding anniversary, which is the wood one. Have a look at our 5th anniversary gift guide if that's you.
Frequently asked questions
Are wooden watches good quality?
A well-made one is. Look for real wood, a Japanese movement and mineral glass. Ours use Seiko or Miyota movements, hardened mineral glass and real walnut, ebony, sandalwood, olive or oak.
Are wooden watches waterproof?
No. Ours are splashproof, so rain and hand washing are fine, but take it off before swimming or showering.
Do wooden watches look cheap?
A good one doesn't. Real wood grain, a proper movement and mineral glass look and feel like a quality watch.
Who should not buy a wooden watch?
Anyone who wants a watch for swimming, diving or the gym. A steel sports watch is a better choice for that.
Got a question we haven't answered? Get in touch. We're a small family team in Stourbridge and we do reply.
James
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