Watches in Investment Banking
does it make sense to wear an expensive watch suck as Breitling or Cartier or Rolex as an analyst at a BB?
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There are countless threads about this. Also, no one cares what watch you’re wearing if you’re getting your shit done. Use your judgment.
It sometimes depends on your office culture. In Asia, people tend to be more conservative (i.e. never out wear your boss; don't be too flashy) whereas I've heard people really don't care in US/UK.
That being said, the above brands are considered entry level for banking (I think the Rolex Sub is still considered the benchmark analyst watch???) and should be ok so long as you don't roll up day 1 with a Daytona. Would skip the Breitling completely, too bulky and sporty.
If you don't have a Patek, do you even work in IB?
I think most people don't care what you wear, but if you are a new Analyst and walk in your first day wearing a Daytona, I am sure there will be some people wondering if you are so well off that you won't value the job or make poor financial decisions. I personally didn't buy my first Rolex until I was a VP. Wore my Tag from college throughout my junior banker years.
As a massive watch nerd, the watch brands mentioned above just makes you look like one amongst many (because they’re mediocre). You should buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre. When you eventually move up the ranks, you should start purchasing Patek Philippe’s and Vacheron Constantin’s. If you manage to further your career even further, you should buy an F.P. Journe. These watches are (for the most part) discrete and classy (eks. JLC Master Ultra Thin, PP Calatrava).
To be perfectly honest with you, I do not know how horology relates to banking culture (I am embarking on my BSc in Finance in August). Nonetheless, from the innumerable amount of hours I have spent researching watches, I stand strong by my recommendations.
I hope you find this to be helpful.
This seems trolly but I'll answer just in case. Horology is viewed as a status symbol in the finance crowd but no one actually cares unless you point it out. The watch game varies across the spectrum, But for one, you sure as hell shouldn't drop first year capital on a JLC (which I love), it makes zero sense. No one at a bulge, or any bank for that matter, will judge you for your watch. I'be worked with juniors who have a 12K submariner and a senior currently with a 120K vacheron. Literally no one asks about their watches unless someone brings it up. Nothing wrong with being a watch enthusiast but know your limits
That does make perfect sense. I am, afterall, heavily biased, and I don’t work in banking yet (as aforementioned). Nonetheless, do you not believe that a first-year with a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date would cause negative impressions?
Dude, assuming you're not banking on family money and want to save / spend the money on a better apartment than your first year digs in Murray Hill or LES, don't go buy a Breitling or Rolex. I really love watches but be smart about your allocation of money. If you must have a watch look at stuff under 1000 and get that as a placeholder for the one you want. However, even if you had a stainless steel datejust, no one would really care unless you made a point to show if off.
Crux of this, no one will notice if you get a navitimer or daydate but you need you be smart about what your actual money is being spent on. This is the least amount of money you will make likely so spend accordingly and don't jump the gun.
Giving this advice because I bought a cheaper watch my first year and now, as a second year associate, i bought the watch of my dreams which is similar to what you suggested above. A full four years after graduating
I don’t know anything about watch brands but suffice it to say if people know you’re wearing something very expensive, they’re going to find that interesting and probably in a negative way. Not a big deal, work will matter most. But I wonder what benefit the watch gives you that you’d want this negative impact, even if it’s small.
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