Sports watch & formal clothing

September 13, 2005 5:37 AM

Is it ok to wear a black sports watch (ie G-Shocks) with a formal shirt and tie? I hardly have to dress up formally, so am not too keen on buying a "formal" type watch to match my clothing.
posted by arrowhead to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (37 answers total)

Formal, or shirt and tie?

If it's just a shirt and tie, I think the watch is fine. Up to and including a sportcoat. If you're wearing a suit, lose it, or stick it in your coat pocket if you don't have anything else with you that tells you the time (no cellphone?).
posted by sohcahtoa at 5:41 AM on September 13, 2005

Black band, digital sports watches are for sports or people working in physically active jobs. If you are not playing sports or working in a physically active job you should be wearing a regular watch. You don't have to go for a Rolex, there are plenty of cheap watches out there that will fill this function.
posted by Pollomacho at 5:53 AM on September 13, 2005

It is OK not to wear a watch.

If you have an occassion coming up during which you need to know the time, carry the watch in your pocket or use your cellphone.
posted by GuyZero at 6:12 AM on September 13, 2005

I agree with GuyZero, no need for a watch. I haven't worn or owned a watch for about 10 years now and I dress a bit above business casual (w/o the tie).
posted by mic stand at 6:18 AM on September 13, 2005

Etiquette does not permit ladies to wear watches while dressed formally. I'm not sure if the same holds true for men. It may be that you shouldn't wear a watch at all.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:20 AM on September 13, 2005

agreed with guyzero.

you don't have to wear a watch, and that being said, i would not wear a sport watch with a shirt and tie moreorless for the reasons given by sohcahtoa.
posted by whatitis at 6:22 AM on September 13, 2005

I'm going to take guyzero and mic stand one step further. If this is a formal event (in other words you are wearing a tuxedo or, at least, the women will all be wearing evening gowns), then you should not wear a watch. Formal events are supposed to be big deals that commemorate something pretty important. Wearing a watch implies that you can't wait to get the hell out of there. Wrong message.

If you insist on wearing a watch. Do not where one with a rubber or metal band. For the most part metal band watches are considered sports watches and thus not appropriate. Go for something with a leather band and very simple watch face.

(If this is a wedding (or something similar) or if you have a date, I implore you not to wear one at all. Just go and enjoy the evening. Get into the event, let yourself go. If someone asks you "what time is it" you'll be able to respond "I don't know and I'm having such a good time that I don't care.")
posted by oddman at 6:30 AM on September 13, 2005

If you want to wear your watch, wear it. If you don't think it looks right, pocket the watch. Don't let people "should all over you" (say it fast). Freedom is important. Don't let fashion police run your life!
posted by Goofyy at 6:55 AM on September 13, 2005

He asked a fashion question. He got the fashion answer. So what exactly is your problem, goofyy?
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:08 AM on September 13, 2005 [1 favorite]

Pretty sure he didn't mean "tux" when he said formal (since he specified "shirt and tie").

I agree with the above: if it's a suit, either a different watch or no watch. If it's a blazer/khakis then it's okay.
posted by Joseph Gurl at 7:21 AM on September 13, 2005

I see people in the business world dressed this way all the time - dark suit, white shirt, sports watch. I think it is sort of a subtle communication to the rest of the world about their athletic interest. I especially see it on people who are serious runners.
posted by caddis at 7:31 AM on September 13, 2005

I see it as folks who prefer digital watches, and don't find anything else to their liking. My partner and I both prefer digital watches, and we had to shop far and wide to find one that looked sharp and wasn't a sports watch for him.

So arrowhead asked a fashion question, I answered about fashion, but it was my take on fashion, which he can accept or reject all by himself, choosing whether to be a slave to fashion, or not. I believe in choosing fashion that serves me, I do not serve fashion. :-P
posted by Goofyy at 7:50 AM on September 13, 2005

Wearing a G-Shock with suit/tie would not seem strange or out of place to me. And as for not wearing a watch with a metal band with a tuxedo, I can't say I agree. I have an Omega Seamaster which I would (and do) happily wear with formal wear. If it's good enough for James Bond....
posted by jontyjago at 8:28 AM on September 13, 2005

Wearing a watch implies that you can't wait to get the hell out of there.

Really?
posted by the cuban at 8:32 AM on September 13, 2005

I would recommend buying an inexpensive watch with a gold or silver colored metal band. I'm sure you could find something at Walmart or Target for $20 that fits the bill.
posted by kdern at 8:44 AM on September 13, 2005

it's a paradox, but I'd wear it with a tuxedo or with a very, very, very formal/sleek look.
or, in a dress-down, casual day. never in between.

I sometimes wear a G-Shock (of the less-ginormous type) with a black John Richmond suit, black shoes, solid white shirt and a very muted solid-color slim tie, and it looks pretty good. but it's not an easy look. it looks bad, I think, with less-formal jacket and ties.

if you don't fell comfortable, just don't. buy yourself a solid black, slim Swatch and you'll be OK
posted by matteo at 8:47 AM on September 13, 2005

If you're using the phrase "fashion police," your opinion on this question is disqualified due to youth or inexperience. Your appearance makes a statement whether you like it or not, and we shouldn't have to reiterate this fact every time a fashion question is posted. Grow up.

You can't wear a sports watch with a tie. It's called a sports watch. I'm sympathetic to fashion ignorance, but this is a stupid question. No, it's not OK. Find a department store and buy a decent watch, if you can't be bothered to spend more and buy a good one.

If you need further explanation, wearing a digital watch among mixed company is like being overheard discussing World of Warcraft. It's something you should have grown out of, and it makes you look like a child. If you have any doubt, consider that the dissenters are braying about being a "slave to fashion." If ever a phrase belonged in junior high...

Someone asked about etiquette. A man should always carry a lighter, and a man should always wear a watch. If it sounds antiquated, then you've never been in a formal setting where someone asked for the time or a light.

There's a line I've heard attributed to the autobiography of Malcolm X, about never trusting a man who can't be bothered to know the time. The notion that wearing a watch implies impatience is probably the dumbest reply here. Various watches make different statements, from Rolex to Breitling to Cartier to Tag Heuer, but impatience isn't among them.

Having said all that: If you think a shirt and tie constitutes formal dress, then you probably don't attend formal functions. Maybe you're asking about a software engineers' formal cookout. So maybe you're OK with wearing a digital watch, a pair of loafers, and a clip-on tie.
posted by cribcage at 8:56 AM on September 13, 2005 [1 favorite]

Your appearance makes a statement whether you like it or not, and we shouldn't have to reiterate this fact every time a fashion question is posted. Grow up.

Exactly! Thank you for succinctly saying what I couldn't.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:03 AM on September 13, 2005 [1 favorite]

Well, cribcage has made his point a little abruptly for my taste -- however (most of*) his points are right on target. He says what probably most of us over-35s would be thinking if we saw a sports watch on someone wearing a formal suit and tie. If most of the other event attendees, or at least the ones you care about impressing, are over 35 then don't wear a sports watch or buck the fashion rules. If most are in their 20s, then you will be in plenty of company. But see those same people in another decade and the group pictures will be different!

*I don't think men have to carry lighters any more, unless they are smokers or are regularly in the company of smokers.
posted by dness2 at 9:15 AM on September 13, 2005

Meh. As arrowhead hasn't followed up to clarify exactly what attire or occasion is implicated here, I'm hesitant to give the kind of advice cribcage has. On one hand, I agree that in more formal settings, i.e., anytime you would wear a nice black suit or tuxedo, you should probably take the G-Shock off. On the other hand, I work in a profession where men wear suits often, if not all the time. I see many--even older men--wearing sports watches, and as caddis suggested, it's often a subtle hint about athleticism. To summarize: Wearing a coat to the office? Fine. Going to a wedding or other formal event? Take it off.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 9:19 AM on September 13, 2005

From my background gentlemen may not carry lighters, but they are always sure to have a pocketknife.

When I travel by air I feel naked without one.
posted by cptnrandy at 9:20 AM on September 13, 2005

This was a very interesting thread, I had no idea that metal-banded watches were inappropriate in formal settings.
posted by eurasian at 9:29 AM on September 13, 2005

I just bought one of these myself. Not being flashy or ostentatious, it doesn't attract attention (though when it receives attention it holds up well) and its simplicity means it won't go out of style quickly like watches with a lot of ornamentation. A lot of Skagen's line is like that.
posted by kindall at 9:49 AM on September 13, 2005

Some people are sure as fuck in different worlds. I think the last time I wore a tie was March, and a watch is useless since your cell phone already has the time on it. Carrying a keychain bottle opener has proved much more useful to me than a lighter.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 9:55 AM on September 13, 2005

If you need further explanation, wearing a digital watch among mixed company is like being overheard discussing World of Warcraft. It's something you should have grown out of

By the same token, anyone who would form or significantly modify their opinion of you as a person on the basis of your choice of timepiece is a shallow troglodyte whose opinions aren't really worth considering.

Except that in this situation and others, there will be some of those shallow troglodytes there, and some of them will have power to help or hurt you in various ways, so you're forced to consider their opinions and make some minimal effort to please them.

If you have to ask whether something is formal enough, it probably isn't. Get a plain rotating-hands watch with a black leather-oid band for such an occasion. It need not cost you more than about $20.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 10:00 AM on September 13, 2005

oddman >>> "If you insist on wearing a watch. Do not where one with a rubber or metal band. For the most part metal band watches are considered sports watches and thus not appropriate. Go for something with a leather band and very simple watch face."

eurasian >>> "This was a very interesting thread, I had no idea that metal-banded watches were inappropriate in formal settings."

Neither did I, to be honest. In fact, I was definitely under the impression that metal-banded watches would be de rigeur in formal settings. Every single high-end watch I have ever seen has been metal (or some disgustingly gorgeous high-tech ceramic thing). In fact, the idea of a metal-banded watch being considered a sports watch sounds, sorry oddman, rather spurious. Think about it: when engaged in physical activity, which are you more likely to wear? A hard metal band wrapped around your wrist, likely to cause injury and/or snag hard on something, or rubber that conforms to your wrist?

Further, I can't think of any formal circumstances under which wearing leather (except shoes and belt, and in the American south where bolo ties (UGH!) are worn) is acceptable at all.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 10:04 AM on September 13, 2005

I have to disagree with using your cell phone as a timepiece. Pulling out a cell phone during a formal occasion is even more disrespectful than sneaking a glance at your wrist.

I wouldn't judge a person's character for wearing a digital watch with a suit, but I do consider it telling of their overall sophistication. For instance, I might think twice if I had to send them to meet with clients, who may be a tad more judgmental. Perhaps I'm just a shallow troglodyte? :)
posted by malocchio at 11:03 AM on September 13, 2005

IMO it depends on the environment and occasion. Since you reiterate that it's a formal shirt/tie in a formal occasion, I'd forego the G-shock watch if it's all you have.

May I suggest this Kenneth Cole watch? It's a great balance of classy/casual and modern/retro on a black leather band that fits well in almost any setting. I've received many compliments on it. $85 on KC website but you can get it for less during a Macy's sale.
posted by junesix at 11:18 AM on September 13, 2005

While we're sharing our watches, here's mine. It's titanium, so it's super light, as well as being super slim, not shiny or flashy, durable enough for 'sports' but i think classy enough to wear to a formal occasion. Yes, I wouldn't wear it to an event like a wedding, but in general I think it is rarely disrespectful to wear a watch, just make sure you don't get caught glancing at it at the wrong time. I got mine as a gift, It's kinda expensive at $220, I'll keep wearing it until I come across something better.
posted by garethspor at 11:38 AM on September 13, 2005

I wear this watch ($50) and wouldn't be embarrassed at all to wear it with a suit and tie. It's durable enough for sports activities as well.
posted by Prospero at 11:57 AM on September 13, 2005

If you don't think it's utterly vulgar to wear a chunky black sports watch, then your only concern is surely the thoughts of others - and surely it's none of their f***ing business?
posted by forallmankind at 1:26 PM on September 13, 2005

cribcage - Very well said!
In regard to when you say what a man should do, I would say the correct word is "gentleman".
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 1:41 PM on September 13, 2005

I do consider it telling of their overall sophistication.

For simplicity picking out the right watch for an outfit, look at the only like item attire you will be wearing with it, the trousers’ waist belt. Match up the watchband’s material to it: leather belt, leather watchband. Because when wearing finer clothes these two pieces become more for accenting the clothing which dress is also done for accenting you than their primary function in use.

The wristwatch you described in the question fits attires not having a waist belt. Though in wearing fine dress, your shirt’s long sleeve hides the watch.
posted by thomcatspike at 4:14 PM on September 13, 2005

forallmankind >>> "If you don't think it's utterly vulgar to wear a chunky black sports watch, then your only concern is surely the thoughts of others - and surely it's none of their f***ing business?"

That's a bit overly simplistic, no? Like it or not, our choice in attire in any given situation speaks volumes about ourselves. Think about the guy who shows up to a barbecue in his suit, or that skankily-dressed woman who tends to pop up at weddings. While choice of wristwatch is several orders of magnitude more subtle than those examples, the choices people make (specifically men, in this case) will have consequences and incur certain reactions in the people who observe them.

It might help to think of clothing for various occasions (any occasion, really) as a uniform. You don't wear your battle fatigues on the parade ground; you don't do HALO jumps in your dress uniform. Likewise, if you're in your dress uniform for a specific reason, you're not going to wear your standard-issue olive drab baseball cap, are you?
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:36 PM on September 13, 2005

I have a $300 watch with a silver strap and it is most definately not a sports watch nor is it unsuitable for a suit.

Secondly, I do not accept that wearing a watch implies that I "can't wait to get the hell out of there".
posted by ralawrence at 1:16 AM on September 14, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks all for the answers. Seems like it's still very much arguable, whether it's okay to wear a sports watch or not. I guess it depends on the occasions we're at, the people we're meeting, and our own image that we want to project.

Anyway, to clear up any confusions, by "formal" I mean a simple shirt and tie when visiting client offices. I'm in IT, and at times I would need to be at the clients' offices for troubleshooting work.
posted by arrowhead at 1:47 AM on September 14, 2005

Unless your company is exceedingly boutique, any watch will be fine in that context. The worst that might happen is a client might think you're dorky, but they're going to think that anyway because you're working on their computers. A fat g-shock, leatherman (or IT version), a few pagers, etc, are all part of the uniform of Tech Dude.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:22 AM on September 14, 2005