Thinking about getting a wooden watch for your collection? As tempting as it is to add one straight to your cart, we do recommend checking out the pros and cons of wooden watches first. While they do offer a distinguished style, sustainability, and comfort, they come with their own set of quirks. These include potential durability issues and the need for regular upkeep. Treehut lists down some of the top pros and cons of wooden watches below so you can decide if they are right for you.
Advantages of Wooden Watches
Unique & Versatile
Although metal watches come in many styles, the mass-produced designs are unlikely to make you stand out. In contrast, wooden watches are handcrafted, so you can be sure that there is no other timepiece like yours. Plus, each type of wood has distinct grains and textures, from maple wood’s light patterns to zebrawood’s contrasting stripes. Thus, every watch is truly unique.
Wood also develops a warm patina over time, reflecting the wearer’s journey and adding a touch of individuality. Overall, the organic beauty of wooden watches not just enhances their aesthetic appeal, but also celebrates nature and craftsmanship. Moreover, their unique designs make them suitable for pretty much any occasion. You can dress them up for formal events or dress them down for casual outings.
Lightweight & Comfortable
Wooden watches are lighter than their traditional counterparts because the base material is less dense. Thus, they are comfortable to wear all day long, whether you are heading off to work or an outdoor adventure. Unlike bulky metal watches, they will not weigh down your wrist or pinch your skin.
Eco-Friendly
One of the top advantages in the pros and cons of wooden watches is that they are an eco-friendlier alternative (provided they are sustainably sourced) to traditional metal watches. The latter often involve resource-intensive mining and manufacturing processes, which makes them harsher on the planet. In contrast, wooden watches contribute to a greener future as they are made of natural materials and free from toxic chemicals.
Read More: 8 Best Wooden Watches: Sustainable Luxury
Hypoallergenic
A lesser-known benefit in the pros and cons of wooden watches is that they are also hypoallergenic. If you are prone to allergies to metal or leather watches, wooden watches are for you. They are gentle on the skin and are less likely to cause irritation, making them suitable for all skin types.
Personalized & Engravable
The best advantage, however, in the list of pros and cons of wooden watches is that they can be engraved at the back. Whether you choose a significant date, a favorite quote or lyric, a sweet message, or simply a name or initials, this personalized touch can make a thoughtful present for someone special. You can consider this gift idea on any occasion, such as birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
Treehut also goes a step further when it comes to custom watches — you can actually create your own watch if you are looking for something that truly reflects your style or for a bespoke gift to someone. Simply choose your favorite model from some of our bestselling collections, along with your preferred colors, materials, and other details, and we will make your vision a reality.
More Affordable
Unlike traditional watches made of metal, which often require costly materials and production, wooden watches leverage sustainable raw materials and have streamlined manufacturing processes. This means they are relatively less expensive. Their affordability does not compromise on their quality either; they set the standard in terms of aesthetics as well as value.
Read More: Why Handmade Wood Watches Make the Perfect Personalized Gift
Disadvantages of Wooden Watches
Non-Waterproof
When understanding the pros and cons of wooden watches, it is important to consider their downsides so you can make an informed choice before purchasing one. For instance, most of them are not waterproof, so you should avoid wearing one in the shower, pool, or during heavy rain. Although water will not cause them to rust like metal watches, it can still warp or discolor them.
If you are looking for water-resistant wooden watches, check out Treehut’s Ocean Waste Collection. The straps are made from recycled ocean plastic bottles, which are less likely to degrade when exposed to moisture.
Too Many Imitations
When considering the pros and cons of wooden watches, keep in mind that there are many cheaper options made with faux wood or plastic composites. These knock-offs often compromise on quality and durability compared to real wooden watches. Therefore, always make sure you are buying an authentic wooden timepiece from a reputable brand.
Read More: Waterproof Watches vs. Water-Resistant Watches: Which Is Right for You?
Not Suitable for High-Impact Activities
Following up on the above disadvantage in the pros and cons of wooden watches, they might not be your best bet if you are into swimming, running, sports, or other rigorous activities. Keeping them on will be a struggle, and it will not last that long either. If you are generally active, silicone or plastic watches are an ideal option. They are lightweight and designed to withstand high impact. For example, our Cactus Leather Collection has perforated straps that are breathable and comfortable enough to keep up with your sports routine.
Less Durable
Another point to consider when weighing the pros and cons of wooden watches is that their durability is quite a debated topic in the watch community, and both sides raise some fair points. Wooden watches are not as tough as metal watches, so they may not hold up well for too long. They are also more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, which can cause warping.
However, with that being said, they do use the same reliable internal mechanisms as metal watches, ensuring consistent performance as well as all the benefits listed above in the pros and cons of wooden watches. They also look less worn out than leather watches over time. As long as you are up for a bit of extra maintenance, there can last you several years.
