Watches as an intern/analyst

What’s the etiquette on wearing a watch as an intern? For example, could an intern or analyst wear something understated but expensive like a Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin ($5-10k)? What about a Longines Flagship Heritage ($1-2k)? Should junior employees just stick with more affordable dress watches like the Tissot Visodate ($500)?

 

Don't wear a more expensive watch than your manager/director when you're an intern/analyst/consultant is the general rule of thumb. That said, a $2k Longines shouldn't be an issue as an analyst. I may opt for a cheaper watch as an intern but I'm sure someone else may argue its fine.

I would absolutely not wear a JLC (though its a grail watch for me!) until you're at least at manager in consulting. May vary firm to firm.

 

I don't know the culture of your firm but it's probably not a great look for someone that doesn't even have a full time job locked up there to rock a $10k watch. I think you're completely fine with a $2k watch like the Longines; it's nice and not egregious.

However, I disagree with the whole "you can't wear a watch more expensive than some one above you" idea. I bought a Rolex GMT as an Associate in banking and the MD I work with wears a watch that costs like half as much. He could not care less what watch I wear and I would bet that most people are your firm won't either. My MD actually joked that he loves to see me spending because now i'm stuck with him for longer lol I had been at the firm for 4-5 years at that point though.

In summary, wait until you've been there for a few years to wear a watch that expensive.

 

I promise you that the people more senior than you have more important things to worry about than what watch you’re wearing. I worked in IB for two years and saw tons of Rollies (subs and up) and even APs on first years while some VPs wore Apple watches.

Go for the watch you want. Don’t drop $500 on a watch you don’t really like just because you’re afraid some jackass is going to judge you for having a nicer one.

 

It's not difficult. Don't flex with a flashy watch as an analyst. I wore a longines back then and it was super understated / the cheapest quality swiss watch I could get. Upgraded to an Omega when I went to PE but the hierarchical structure you saw in banking in terms of dress seemed to more or less fade away

 

Omnis eveniet suscipit aut et hic. Eaque itaque illo quae et. Consectetur aut sit sed eum reprehenderit.

Array

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”