Quote :

"I think business watch just implies something that isn't a G-shock or Diesel/fossil cheapo."

i understand perfectly what he is trying to say

but using that particular phrasing implies a lack of a need to know the answer. im not taking issue with the question, which is reasonable. the phrasing just stood out to me as so unrefined, it actually bothered me that someone would approach the question in that manner.

10/7/2011 12:50:22 PM

RAWR RAWR RAWR I'M ANGRY ANONYMOUS INTERNET GUY CUTTING ERRBODY ELSE DOWN

10/7/2011 1:07:10 PM

Haven't worn a watch since my freshmen year at State and I haven't been late for anything in over 10 years. If you're not punctual, you're just not punctual. It has nothing to do with having a watch.

My issue with these watches are the people that think they actually matter in the grand scheme of things. You're not going to lose a business deal or a client because you're not wearing a Rolex.

Having your dress shirt dry cleaned for $5 before a big presentation will have a larger effect on people's perception than that $1,500 watch that is weighing your arm down and making it look like a Tim Burton character.

More power to the people that buy and wear these watches. I do think some of them look nice and personally don't mind them. But I'm not a fan of them for myself. And a big to the people that think they matter in the corporate world.

10/7/2011 1:15:13 PM

I should probably qualify my comments with the fact that I appreciate high end timepieces, but I personally do not wear a watch because i dont like jewelry and accessories in general.

10/7/2011 1:30:03 PM

Quote :

"But I'm not a fan of them for myself. And a big to the people that think they matter in the corporate world."

This is really rather paradoxical. To the extent that a meaningful number of people think they matter in the business world, they matter in the business world. Yes, it's self-reinforcing. That's the point.

10/7/2011 1:32:08 PM

I think having a watch is more about style than actually knowing what time it is, though if you wear a watch often, you'll start using it often.

I'd get a nice watch with a metal band, and another one with a leather strap. As long as you don't get something too flashy, one of the two should work for about any outfit you put together.

10/7/2011 1:34:58 PM

i love the monetary values that people are just making up on the spot and throwing out.

10/7/2011 1:47:21 PM

Quote :

"I should probably qualify my comments with the fact that I appreciate high end timepieces, but I personally do not wear a watch because i dont like jewelry and accessories in general."

Same.

And...

Quote :

"This is really rather paradoxical. To the extent that a meaningful number of people think they matter in the business world, they matter in the business world."

Who thinks they matter?? eleusis and mrfrog from t-dub thinks an expensive watch matters in the corporate world?? Well fuck me, looks like I'm going watch shopping this weekend!!

[Edited on October 7, 2011 at 2:00 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on October 7, 2011 at 2:23 PM. Reason : .]

10/7/2011 2:00:08 PM

I think this fits in this thread.

I just dropped $50 on a freaking tie clip.

The guy talked me into it...but I needed one.

woe is me.

10/7/2011 2:04:59 PM

Quote :

"eleusis and mrfrog from t-dub thinks an expensive watch matters in the corporate world?"

HOLY STRAW MAN BATMAN!

They said the presence of a watch matters, not the cost of said watch.

10/7/2011 2:36:53 PM

Trust me, they aren't talking about timex indiglos.

10/7/2011 2:46:30 PM

I like wearing one. Over the last year since getting a full time job I've found it VERY VERY relaxing to NOT have my phone on me during particular times of the day or while on vacation because I feel inclined to respond to emails if I have it. I don't like having to rely solely on my cell phone for the time. That's one big factor for me.

10/7/2011 3:04:57 PM

I personally don't care if you are wearing a timex indiglo, as long as you're wearing a watch. It's a tool first and a status symbol second. Working as a consultant, I don't want to show up at a meeting with a Rolex or Brietling wrapped around my wrist; it could make the client view me as overpriced. I'd rather have a reliable Citizen or Seiko or Bulova watch personally.

10/7/2011 3:06:52 PM

As I said, other people made the point for me ITT. If some minority of people count a watch for professionalism points, then I want to have a watch b/c I don't want to miss out on those points.

Other people in this thread expressed the sentiment that seeing a job candidate wearing a watch is a better job candidate.

QED.

Quote :

"They said the presence of a watch matters, not the cost of said watch."

That's the OP. Here is a comprehensive list of things I care about regarding a business watch:

- How it looks

10/7/2011 3:17:54 PM

Quote :

"Working as a consultant, I don't want to show up at a meeting with a Rolex or Brietling wrapped around my wrist; it could make the client view me as overpriced. I'd rather have a reliable Citizen or Seiko or Bulova watch personally."

This is valuable. If they have the status for a Rolex or Tag then go for it. I wear a cheaper Victorinox and it looks nice but isn't too fancy. Plus it has stopped my compulsive cell phone checking behavior. haha.

[Edited on October 7, 2011 at 3:21 PM. Reason : which i think is tacky ]

10/7/2011 3:19:53 PM

I agree with jbrick83. I interview people all the time. I could care less what type of watch they have on. I usually barely notice what they are wearing unless it is highly inappropriate.

Also spending $texas on a watch has always seemed like a huge waste of money to me. Just like spending $200 on a pair of sunglasses. Maybe it's just me.

10/7/2011 4:55:17 PM

Quote :

"If you want a watch that can wear for your lifetime and pass down to your kids or grand kids then spend a little money. "

i got a watch handed down from my grandfather and guess how may times i wore it? none, because it is a FUCKING POCKET WATCH. I am not sure my grandkids, and especially kids, will be interested in wearing any type of 2010 watch, no matter how many jewels are in it, unless there was some absolutley amazing story behind that thing.

Quote :

"timex indiglos"

I did have a timex indigo back in highschool with a sweet analog alarm i dont know if they make those anymore

Haven't worn a watch after my first year at the office. People check their smartphones all the time so whipping out your smarphone to check the time is not really looked down upon, and in the dedicated meeting rooms there are ALWAYS clocks, sometimes multiple sets to reflect other timezones, so unless your presentation is in a goddamn fast food restaurant or in a concert hall i sont see how that would be a problem.

10/7/2011 5:27:23 PM

I still thinks it's funny how many people think a watch is mandatory or that it matters in the "corporate world." Wear one if you like watches, don't if you don't. Make arguments from a fashion stand-point if you want, but don't try and say it is important or fall back on anecdotal evidence like 9 out of 10 people you see who are late are not wearing watches. If you read all the clothes etiquette threads you'd be under the impression that everyone on TWW wears $10,000 worth of clothes to work on a daily basis and if you do anything less you'll never make it in this world.

If you can find an example of anyone who has gotten passed over for a promotion or gets laughed at or gets looked down upon in any fashion at their job for not wearing a watch please let me know.

Also, let me know what company they work for so I can make sure never to waste my time with said company or petty managers.

10/7/2011 6:00:37 PM

please trust me on this statement of fact - no one of any importance will give a shit if you're wearing a watch or not. please, trust me.

yes, the shift supervisor you may work for at an entry level part-time job may notice. the self-important middle manager who thinks that showing up for work right at 8:00 AM matters more than the actual work you do may care. the junior guy they sent to conduct an interview because the big boys were out making things happen may think it's a novel thing to notice and smirk. but any truly successful person won't take a second's glance at your wrist, they'll be listening to what you say, how you say it, and how people react to you.

10/7/2011 6:35:30 PM

Quote :

"If you can find an example of anyone who has gotten passed over for a promotion or gets laughed at or gets looked down upon in any fashion at their job for not wearing a watch please let me know. Also, let me know what company they work for so I can make sure never to waste my time with said company or petty managers."

I hear stories of people who don't get at job because they salted their eggs before trying them at a business breakfast (makes decisions without all the information).

There is a "type" of person, and a specific culture that looks for this kind of thing. No, it's not saying that a watch causes punctuality - it's using the watch as a proxy. This type of thinking is still out there, and you may or may not know at the point when you are encountering it.

Stupid? Yeah. This is why so many people hate that culture. With a passion. I'm not advocating it. But the young professionals on TWW could benefit from recognizing the existence of that thinking. And ultimately, if you're on the fence about which way to go regarding a fashion item, you might as well go with what matches the old boys club.

10/7/2011 6:56:09 PM

I have a Tag Formula One and I wear it everyday. I spent some money on it but I love it. I wear it everywhere from church to digging holes.

Quote :

"i got a watch handed down from my grandfather and guess how may times i wore it? none, because it is a FUCKING POCKET WATCH. I am not sure my grandkids, and especially kids, will be interested in wearing any type of 2010 watch, no matter how many jewels are in it, unless there was some absolutley amazing story behind that thing."

If its a nice watch then my child will appreciate it. if I say "here son is my watch I paid $35 for in 2010 that doesnt work" then he will just put it in a drawer...

One day I will drop some major cash on one... and I will have it for my kids.

10/7/2011 7:48:25 PM

Why the hell would my kids want an old-ass watch? Poor excuse to fuel your retail therapy

10/7/2011 8:07:42 PM

I'd take an old swiss made watch...

Quote :

"Having your dress shirt dry cleaned for $5 before a big presentation will have a larger effect on people's perception than that $1,500 watch that is weighing your arm down and making it look like a Tim Burton character. "

I don't have my shirts dry clean, but I do have them laundered and pressed...

10/7/2011 8:16:53 PM

Quote :

"yes, the shift supervisor you may work for at an entry level part-time job may notice. the self-important middle manager who thinks that showing up for work right at 8:00 AM matters more than the actual work you do may care. the junior guy they sent to conduct an interview because the big boys were out making things happen may think it's a novel thing to notice and smirk. but any truly successful person won't take a second's glance at your wrist, they'll be listening to what you say, how you say it, and how people react to you. "

spoken like a person who truly doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about.

10/7/2011 8:46:43 PM

^ I have to disagree with you and agree with a lot of what he said.

As usual, everyone should evaluate the industry they are in and the type of company they are working for or want to work for to decide what kind of stuff is important. However, in my experience there is a lot of truth to what he has to say relating to where I have worked. I haven't noticed any correlation to expensive clothes or watches and upward mobility but have noticed the obvious correlation to promotions and acknowledgment based on quality and quantity of work and innovative ideas. Sure there are people that dress well that have been promoted and given more responsibility, but they are also solid, creative workers who I think deserved the promotion. On the other hand, we have a manager over a project worth hundreds of millions of dollars who wears khakis and a polo shirt every day. He's in charge because he is a great engineering manager.

A company who promotes someone to positions of more importance because they dress well versus someone else who dresses OK but has superior skills is laughable.

Of course, we aren't talking about people who dress like slobs here. There is a line, but believe it or not, there are people who dress fine/professional without worrying about a watch

[Edited on October 7, 2011 at 9:01 PM. Reason : ]

10/7/2011 8:56:10 PM

Remember, eleusis knows everything about everything.




(except when his wife is fucking around behind his back)

10/7/2011 9:17:24 PM

Quote :

"Haven't worn a watch since my freshmen year at State and I haven't been late for anything in over 10 years. If you're not punctual, you're just not punctual. It has nothing to do with having a watch."

I have to agree with that. I feel funny if I leave the house without a watch, yet I'm late for everything. The timepiece, or lack thereof, does not make the man. I suppose there are people who make that (fallacious) correlation though.

My view to the OP: easier to buy one and not worry about what might happen if you don't. If you're *just* getting it to wear with the suit and don't intend to get much use out of it after that, buy a cheap one that looks good. Go to Kohl's. Buy something on sale. Done. No disrespect intended but I highly doubt you're in the position where anyone will take notice of what brand of watch you're wearing, if indeed it does register with them that you do have one on. Worry about a nice one later.

10/7/2011 11:08:26 PM

To those asking why would you want a watch to hand down to your kids? My Mom's father died when she was 3 years old, so there was no way I would know who he was. My grandmother saved one of his watches and I have it in a box that is displayed, I plan on getting it fixed soon as I only got it recently. Having something that can connect you to family is sometimes a huge thing.

Also, I love wearing watches and appreciate the amazing craftsmanship some have. I have over 10 watches now for all types of occasions and wouldn't have it any other way. No nice suit in my opinion is complete without a watch.

[user]ctzn71[/user], I too, have a Tag Formula One and I wear it in every situation too. I like your taste.

10/8/2011 12:05:08 AM

^ You so much like to show off your wealth that you put your car model in your username. I get it

10/8/2011 12:11:43 AM

Quote :

"spoken like a person who truly doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about."

hahaha, sure thing. look eleusis, you're not the only one on here who has been "a consultant", pretty sure my experience is as valid as yours. but as someone said, apparently you know everything about everything.

10/8/2011 2:00:35 AM

10/8/2011 8:39:05 AM

A bunch of engineers talking about what is business appropriate. Haha.

10/8/2011 12:02:52 PM

Hahahaha. Checking a cell phone in a meeting makes you a douche bag. Then everyone I work with are douche bags.

I have news for some of you people. If you're in a meeting checking what time it is, you're a douche bag, period. It shows that you don't care for the meeting and that you care more about the meeting being over than what is actually being discussed.

Not to mention, if you can't check your cell phone nonchalantly, then odds are you can't check your watch nonchalantly and that you are thought of as a douche at work, which I'm sure most people eleusis works with refers to him as a douche behind his back.

10/8/2011 1:14:06 PM

I can easily look at my watch without anyone knowing. I have to push a button to check the time on my phone.

10/8/2011 1:59:09 PM

I can easily slide my phone out of my pocket and check it at an angle without anyone seeing what I'm doing, but I would have to slide the sleeve up to read the entire watch.

10/8/2011 2:20:25 PM

Quote :

"I have news for some of you people. If you're in a meeting checking what time it is, you're a douche bag, period. It shows that you don't care for the meeting and that you care more about the meeting being over than what is actually being discussed."

This makes no sense whatsoever. In what world are you living in?

I have at least 3-4 meetings daily that are incredibly time sensitive and need to be wrapped up within the allotted time span of the meeting. If I have particular action items that need to be addressed then time is incredibly important.

If I see my clients or co-workers checking their watch it typically means they're trying to make sure we can get everything said that needs to be said.

On the other hand when I see someone checking their phone it's a toss up to whether they aren't paying attention and checking their email or actually checking the time.

You assume just because people are checking the time means they want the meeting to be over. Typically when I'm checking my watch it's because I DON'T want the meeting to be over and need more time to present a deliverable.

Time management is incredibly important whether the meeting is internal or not and losing track of time is one of the worse things you can do.

I've found that in the corporate world whether you're the client or not it really matters how you go about your time management in meetings and I've found using a watch is much easier and gives a better impression.

[Edited on October 8, 2011 at 3:45 PM. Reason : s]

10/8/2011 3:41:39 PM

In my experience there has been a clock in a meeting room about 99.9% of the time (usually multiple clocks in the meeting rooms in my office building depending on which country the client on the job is located in). I also often see managers who are running meetings or attendees pull out their phones to check the time and have never thought anything of it and never realized anyone else thought it was weird until this thread. It's pretty obvious when you are running a meeting or presentation which participants are just checking the time versus which are texting/browsing.

Once again, just a personal preference in my opinion. If you feel like you will be negatively impacted at your job by not wearing a watch, then by all means buy a half decent watch and wear it to work. I'm not saying you shouldn't wear one at all costs. I just feel like they are extremely overrated from a "required attire" standpoint with both casual-professional and formal attire, especially if the only argument people have for them being "required" is that it is unprofessional to pull out a phone during the meeting to check the time.

Everyone has time-sensitive meetings, everyone has to manage their time at work, and everyone has to be places on time and none of those is better managed by someone having a phone versus a watch. Use which ever works for you.

[Edited on October 8, 2011 at 4:55 PM. Reason : ]

10/8/2011 4:50:43 PM

this thread brings a shitload of lols

I'll simply add that when I do wear a suit I often don't wear a watch, because it makes the couple inches of my dress shirt peeking out my coat sleeves uneven

also this is 2011...people look at their smartphones a lot...and I've been in meetings where questions come up and someone is like "email so and so and find out" and with the magic of smartphones, you can find out before the meeting is over

10/8/2011 5:31:18 PM

Quote :

" In what world are you living in? "

The world of trolling, and it appears he got his desired response

10/12/2011 9:35:13 AM

if you wear a watch (which i do not), it's something that you wear every day, and it's part of your persona. i'm not saying it has to be expensive, but for the love of god don't go buy a timex at walmart and wear it every day, at least wear something that has a sliver of being unique. so i guess in the same vein, don't go buy a 24k gold rolex either. that's my opinion.

and if your watch has hands on it, they had better not be powered by a battery. you know, just in my opinion.

[Edited on October 12, 2011 at 11:36 AM. Reason : .]

10/12/2011 11:35:12 AM

paging QTPie

10/12/2011 11:42:44 AM

I think insisting that a watch be either mechanical or kinetic is a bit unnecessary. Yes, they will last longer and I suppose it's more "classy" but there are plenty of watches that are great for everyday or business wear that are still battery powered.

I do agree that getting something that has a bit of originality can be helpful though. I get comments all the time on my watch, because it's a bit out of the ordinary, and I can wear it everyday or with something dressy/business. And it cost less than $200. (And it runs on a battery, LOL)

10/12/2011 11:44:17 AM

wtf does it matter if people can't tell that it's battery powered? Does it lack the little crank?

10/12/2011 12:35:36 PM

Yeah that's a bit much. Automatic watches are much more expensive and all the higher end brands offer both automatic and quartz variants.

10/12/2011 12:45:41 PM

my watch is quartz movement but I will own an automatic one day.

10/12/2011 8:54:38 PM

Quote :

"buncha goddamn show horses."

Pretty much. I like driving around uptown Charlotte at lunchtime and seeing all the "important" people prance around.

10/12/2011 11:52:26 PM

What are some good watches for men? Looking for quality and style ... something classic in titanium or steel. Willing to spend up to 2k, but definitely want value/quality over flash.

What are good brands? Also, what should I look for when buying a watch? I rely on my phone for the time of day ... I have no idea what to look for when shopping for a men's watch.

11/16/2011 12:25:46 PM

I still don't understand why a good looking watch should cost more than $50. The tiny hands are expensive?

11/17/2011 11:14:54 AM

I'm so glad I could give two shits about jewelry/accessories. So many better things to spend money on. I respect and understand women's taste in such things, but not for men.

To each his/her own though.

11/17/2011 11:16:39 AM

I don't think it's any different than any other luxury item. A nicer watch may not have much more utility than a cheaper watch but it's not any different than buying nicer clothes or a nicer car. You get what you pay for. A nicer watch is going to last longer and look better. If you want to drive a 12k Kia then go for it. If you want something nicer go for it. It's America. People spend money on nice things. Get over it.

[Edited on November 17, 2011 at 11:34 AM. Reason : s]

11/17/2011 11:33:26 AM