Wearing a Rolex to Undergrad Job Interview: Yay or Nay

Why would you ever think this is okay - just wear a normal, $100-200 watch like the rest of us. You don't want to dress flashier than the person interviewing you - basic suit, white shirt, blue or red tie, shoes match belt, basic watch. Once you get the job you can start stunting.

If you are applying for an entry level position or very junior I would guess it has a better chance of hurting you than helping you. I would say No. If it is a higher level position I doubt it would matter.

To answer you other question, I would think nice watch. I wouldn't resent the person at all. But I know people that conduct interviews that would assume the interviewee is douche bag and they would form a poor impression immediately.

I got a very strong no when I was looking to wear mine. If you want, you can list watches as an interest and talk about it if asked.

Honestly, I doubt people would notice. Would probably just hold off to be safe though.

Strong no from me.

Definitely wear it -- also make sure to remind the interviewer you attend Harvard. Before he can reply, explain to him the university's history, and how your father donated not one, but two pieces from his art collection to land you that spot. Will go over v well.

I don't see an issue with the watch, maybe this is an American thing but in Europe I find most people (analysts) have higher-end watches (usually gradation presents and such) but it's not at all unusual to see interns with Cartier Tanks, ofc this is also related to socioeconomic factors like a lack of social mobility and the fact that most target schools are private.

No one cares if it's a Submariner.

But seriously, for undergrad interviews you're trying to stand out at least as possible initially. That means conservative suit, tie, shoes, and yes even the watch. I would care less in interviews, but the problem is you don't know who's on the other side of the table, might be someone who loves watches or might be someone who resents anyone who seemingly grew up with a silver spoon. Point is, just play it safe, you're supposed to stand out based on what you bring to the table, not what's on your wrist.

I wouldn't care because I'm not an immature cuck. For all I know you bought the watch used and flip them for shits and giggles.

I wouldn’t care if an analyst/intern I was evaluating had on a non-gold watch of any kind (as long as it wasn’t some 46mm+ monstrosity). If you know how to dress yourself, your watch isn’t going to be showcased and super noticeable anyway.... unless you talk with your hands excessively during the interview to bring attention to it.

I don't see a problem wearing it but you have to take into consideration that you need it to match you, your outfit, etc. Don't wear a flashy watch with a poorly fitting suit... Don't wear a 46mm when you have the wrists of a cross country runner... etc.

I personally would never wear a gold watch either.

If you like it and makes you feel good then wear it. If you want to wear it just to have a conversation starter but don't want to risk bad perception then as someone mentioned above just list watches / flipping watches / whatever as a hobby on your resume. If your interviewer is a watch guy I guarantee it will flow into a conversation about it.

I wouldn't put watches as an interest on your resume unless it's a very serious thing you do - sure, some interviewers might just love it, but it can definitely come off the wrong way as well. Also, if I notice watches on your hobbies, you bet I'm spending the first two minutes checking out your watch, instead of listening to you.

I wore a very high end watch (silver, small) in interviews, it was inherited from a family member. I was never asked about it and not sure anyone gave it a second glance. If it's a colored Submariner, huge, or something else with flashy attributes, I might leave it at home. Otherwise, wear it and be humble/confident in every other way.

definite no for entry level. list watches as your interest on you rez if you know enough about them to speak confidently.

This is such a bad idea, and if you do it I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they dinged you for it. Rolexes are great talking points but the thing is, if you're some undergrad in recruiting, you clearly didn't earn it by merit. It was certainty a gift and if you somehow did buy it, it would raise red flags with me as to how a college student is so irresponsible to buy one with their own money at that stage of their lives. It's not bad to own one or anything and I personally wouldn't care if I interviewed someone rockin a rolex, but honestly I wouldn't wear it because a lot of people put watches on a pedestal in this industry and you don't want to inadvertently piss someone off. It will hurt more than it will help in my opinion.

Edit** Also relax with the constant Harvard flexing (posts, not username). Like good for you if you actually go there. but tbh I don't think people really care.

You omitted the most important part of this entire decision - how expensive is the watch?

My perspective: Wearing it probably won't help, in fact it might hurt. If you don't wear it, there are no negatives.

Yeah sure, if you’re interviewing at Stratton Oakmont

I hate obnoxious rich kids who get shit handed them. I would assume that was you. Don’t wear it but the fact that you had to ask...

if i was interviewing u id see it as a plus. i love fellow watch collectors.

You def haven’t interviewed at any real estate shop for sure...

I would be strongly biased to hating you. Maybe your interviewer will be different than me.

Studies at Harvard. Ends up at Tobin & Co.

Asymmetric risk to the downside in wearing Rolex to the interview. Easy decision.

I don't think it would be wise to wear your Rolex. Because you are applying to brand name shops that have the formal process. They most likely believe in the traditional process of starting at the bottom and working for what you want. If anything, you'll be looked down upon if you try to look too flashy coming into an interview. They want to know what value you can bring to the company. Not the value of what's on your wrist.

If a 'young Ivy Leaguer' showed up to my office with a Rolex on I'd probably think "Nice watch".

Troll.

Lots of dudes getting worked up for nothing here. Give it a rest.

How about an old vintage watch, white metal, and black strap?