Dear Rabbi Simon
Can you remind me about the halakhah on wearing watches on Shabbat? I know one can wear them within an eruv as many observant Jews do. What about outside an eruv? What rules apply to watches on a weekday Yom Tov?
Regards,
Shai
Dear Shai
Thank you for question.
There are valid grounds to be stringent about wearing a wristwatch on Shabbos in the absence of an eruv, particularly in a space that may have the status of a Public Domain (such as Central London). Nevertheless, since the halakhic designation of what constitutes a Public Domain is disputed, many authorities allow wearing a wristwatch without distinction. This is also the widespread (albeit not universal) practice. So the simple answer is yes, many allow wearing a wristwatch even in the absence of an eruv.
On Yom Tov wearing a watch should certainly be allowed, as knowing the time is צורך יום טוב (pertinent to Yom Tov needs).
Have a “good time” in the best sense of the phrase.
Rabbi Rashi Simon