Is It Bad Luck to Give a Watch as a Gift?

You’ve carefully chosen the perfect watch—sleek, elegant, and timeless. But as you hand it over, a thought crosses your mind: is this gesture of goodwill about to invite bad luck?
Cultural superstitions run deep, and across the globe, gifting a watch can carry unexpected implications. In China, for example, giving a watch as a gift is associated with death, because the phrase “送钟” (sòng zhōng, meaning “to give a clock”) sounds eerily similar to “送终” (sòng zhōng, meaning “to attend a funeral”). This homophone makes it seem like you’re wishing the recipient’s life to end soon.

The concept of time itself plays a pivotal role in these beliefs. A watch represents time ticking away, symbolizing mortality. For many, receiving a watch as a gift feels like counting down the moments until life ends. Yet, how did something as practical and thoughtful as a timepiece become so charged with superstition? It’s the intersection of culture, history, and meaning.

But don’t rush to throw away your plans to gift that beautiful Rolex just yet. Not all cultures view watches negatively, and for some, it symbolizes the exact opposite of bad luck. In fact, watches are often considered luxury items that represent success, commitment, and respect. So, is it bad luck or not? The answer might depend on where you are and the beliefs that surround you.

In Western societies, giving a watch is often seen as a sentimental and significant gesture. Watches often symbolize important milestones like anniversaries, birthdays, and even graduations. The act of gifting a watch in these contexts is viewed as a reminder of shared moments and experiences. The ticking hands of a watch may signal the passage of time, but for many, it represents the future and endless possibilities.

The Unseen Cultural Differences

If you are planning to gift a watch to someone, it’s crucial to consider their cultural background. In Eastern cultures, especially in regions like China and Taiwan, there is a much more conservative attitude toward gifting watches or clocks. The language connection, combined with deep-rooted beliefs about life, death, and fate, creates a strong aversion to this particular gift.

However, some superstitions can be neutralized. For instance, in some Chinese customs, the potential bad luck associated with giving a watch can be avoided if the recipient gives a small payment in return, thus turning it into a transactional purchase rather than a gift.

The Deeper Meaning of Time

At its core, the fear surrounding gifting a watch ties into humanity’s long-standing relationship with time itself. Time governs our lives, and we are deeply aware of its finite nature. A watch is a physical reminder that time is always moving forward. In giving a watch, we are gifting more than just a material object—we are giving a symbol of the moments we share, the time we have left, and our place within the greater cosmos.

Some believe that gifting a watch sets expectations—perhaps the pressure of time, deadlines, or certain goals that come with a timepiece constantly on one’s wrist. This leads to the question: is it ever really about the watch, or is it the invisible weight of time that we fear?

How to Navigate the Superstition

If you are unsure whether to give a watch as a gift, consider the recipient’s personal beliefs. Ask yourself: is this person likely to be influenced by cultural superstitions? Or do they view the world through a more pragmatic lens, seeing a watch as nothing more than a stylish accessory or functional tool?

One practical tip is to acknowledge the superstition directly with humor or respect. If you're gifting a watch to someone from a culture where the gesture may be seen as unlucky, you can openly discuss the belief. This can defuse any tension or awkwardness and turn the moment into something more light-hearted.

In essence, context is key. A watch is neither inherently lucky nor unlucky—it’s the meanings and beliefs we attach to it that create the aura of bad or good fortune.