watches for SA?
going into an Investment Banking 2026 SA role this summer for a coverage group. Wanted to know or gain advice on types of watches that would be acceptable as a summer analyst?
I did some digging and saw the Tissot PRX and PRC Solar were classics.
However, I want a watch with a leather strap and some baume & mercier classima, but wanted something a bit nicer. Any recs?
Not sure what is your budget but at entry level you can look at frederique constant, Longines, Seiko as a starting point
looking for something within $2-3 grand
https://us.frederiqueconstant.com/product/FC-335MC4P6.html?cgid=mens
not sure if something like this is appropriate for SA?
Same question. I have a nice omega watch ($5-7k) range that I got from my grandfather but im worried if it is tacky to wear as a SA. Im thinking about just rocking my $200 garmin lmao.
yeah I'm thinking about just wearing a tissot prx 40mm... they go for like $500 anyways so its mad cheap
Timex t80 indiglo
lmao these watches r so funny but tuff
Not a big watch guy, my gf got me a fossil watch for our anniversary. Only $150 and I really like it and I love my gf a lot. Will I get clowned on for wearing it during my SA? Want to wear it but not stacked like the dudes wearing something $1k+
Yes you can wear it. Nobody's gonna respect anyone for wearing a +$1,000 watch if he never worked to pay it. And respect your gf gifts.
I’d keep it simple and understated clean dial, leather strap, nothing that screams look at me. If you’re in finance all day, you want something comfortable that slips under a cuff and won’t turn into a conversation starter in the wrong way.
so types of watches this might be?
Yeah sure!
Folks - having had these types of debates with myself 15 years ago, and then having managed scores of interns - no one cares that you have a watch that’s nice enough, or a watch in the first place (you don’t need it to tell time, and it’s not been a thing for at least 10 years). My guidance - either don’t wear a watch at all (communicates, “I live in the modern era and don’t care about trinkets”) or wear a watch that’s a bit unique / has some flair but under $1,000 for sure (communicates, “I’m an individual, and have taste while still living in the real world and within my means / might have gotten this as a gift”). What I definitely would not do is wear a $5k watch that you certainly didn’t earn, and then go to an internship / junior analyst role where you won’t know how to do anything practical for the first 6 months :).
Side story - our PE firm had a female senior analyst that joined from banking and showed up to an offsite with a very expensive bag, the GPs recognized it because some of their wives wanted one (and might not have gotten it!) and it became a topic of conversation. Not a good look. Contrast that with another associate who, when asked to share something about himself with the firm, said that he paid for college by cleaning fraternity houses (instant snaps of respect).
Another thing I’d add is - as you get older / more mature, your peers don’t buy a $5k watch because they made $5k and can spend it. They buy a $5k watch because they made $250k-1m and want to treat themselves while putting the rest into investments. Seeing a kid spend a large part of their disposable income on a frivolity signals immaturity, not status.
thanks for that advice. I like watches personally and see it as a hobby as mine (love fcs, longines, tissots, etc..)
I have a watch thats like $2k but not sure if its not fitting the banker vibe.
would it be okay if I wore something like this:
https://www.lbgreen.com/4gfrd0001/
I have one of these right now with both the leather and steel strap..
Christopher Ward has some good stuff. A vintage Omega Constellation with a pie-pan dial would be nice. You can find them on eBay.
honestly been looking at vintage omegas but have no clue about where in Boston I could find a vintage Omega Constellation with a pie-pan dial.. most of these ADs and stores don't have them
yeah fair enough. gotta find some vintage online shops
Del
Do not wear that bro, lol.
I would honestly get a vintage watch from eBay or a reputable seller for $500.
I’ve gotten more compliments for it than my friends who have Rolexes. Rolex = something you see often. Tasteful vintage watch will make watch guys go crazy cus they’ve likely never seen them before and much more likely to start a conversation that “yeah this is my datejust” or whatever
I was thinking of getting a vintage constellation pie pan dial omega.. they go for like $2k. not sure if thats good. i found one with a steel bracelet and automatic, thoughts?
I'm into watches, and I would recommend waiting to splurge on something nicer once you secure an FT offer.
There are multitudes of amazing watches under $1k. I'd buy something less expensive off the bat and use it to learn what you like / don't like about a watch. Once you secure a FT job then feel free to splurge once you have more money and a better sense of what you like in a watch.
A few suggestions are below:
Dress:
Sport:
I'd say just get what you like and will wear. When I was in your position I got an automatic Seiko, and wore that for a decade before finally upgrading to a new Rolex.
thanks so much!
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