Backpack and watch recs?

Big fan of Tissot watches, can usually snag one for under $300. They look classy but won't stand out more than they should. 

Fossil has great affordable watches.

Might be a little out of your range, but I’m a big fan of shinola Detroit

I got an Apple Watch as a gift and find that it’s super versatile - sleek black band goes w/ any work outfit and occasion tbh.

For that price range I would look at Citizen, Seiko and Orient watches

Honestly I used to bring a bag everyday but now I just leave everything at the desk. If you have to bring something no one will care because it will be under your desk anyway. (So just hold off until you know you actually need to spend money on a bag)

+1 for apple watch but be warned because it is very tempting to check notifications on your watch during meetings or any time through the day and its not a good look if youre known for that. Seiko has a tank replica (SUP880) i think is the name, very sleek design if youre looking for a smaller piece.

Just get an Apple watch ... 

Just get an Orient Bambino. It's approaching cult classic in the watch world and is appreciated across the board by pretentious horology nerds, the uneducated masses, and that MD who's into watches for the flex / lifestyle signaling (which is the crowd I'm guessing you're concerned about since you're consciously asking). My personal favorite is the version 5 with Arabic numerals. Very dressy. Very sexy.

I'm a huge tech geek and Apple fanboy but, frankly, the Apple Watch isn't that useful - it's just a glorified notification vibrator. If you're health conscious, get a proper fitness tracker like Garmon.

As for the backpack… is it necessary? I just did SA and bankers don't carry much to work beyond the standard wallet/phone EDC. Company issue duffel should be enough for your spare change of gym clothes.

Northface rucksack and Patagani watch

Just get another Jansport. I've had one for the last 15 years, quality has been top-notch for me.

Really depends what you want your look to be.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the backpack for work. Yes, it's practical. But I appreciate the leather briefcase, book bag, etc. for the office. Some kind of leather or hybrid leather mix. I understand that is my opinion. Tumi makes some nice ones there and honestly just seeking out some high quality non-name brand Italian leather briefcases might yield something really nice looking.

I'm a watch nerd so $300 can be tough to dabble in for something high quality. However, when it comes to budget watches, I always recommend Seiko. Citizen, invicta, MVMT, all of those garbage POS watches are worthless. Seiko is actually a high quality watchmaker at all levels from their intro watches to Grand Seiko. You could always cruise through eBay/Poshmark and try to find a nice vintage watch in decent condition such as an Omega.

I understand the practicality of an Apple Watch, but personally not a fan. Just an extension of your phone.

Finance/banking has become more and more "sporty" or "techy" so you'll see more and more folks wearing smartwatchs, allbirds, On's, backpacks, etc. Really up to your preference!