To me, it seems like there's a false dichotomy.  Happiness vs. appropriateness.  Has the gentleman in the photo somehow convinced himself that the only watch that could make him happy is one completely opposite the style of his tuxedo?

Is someone else only able to feel happy with a dress watch, even when wearing shorts and sandals?

I own watches that make me happy.  I'll wear a dressier one with a dressier outfit, and a more casual one with a more casual outfit.  I'm happy when each gets some time on my wrist.

There's a reason to avoid a … style mismatch, like the one portrayed above.  Judging someone by their watch (or other article of clothing, or their entire outfit) is superficial.  But this world is full of superficial people … so the superficial details end up mattering to them.  If they can be so easily swayed in my favor, why not make the trivial level of effort to shape their opinion of me?

Clothing (and accessories) are a form of communication.  Like all communication, it can work for you, or it can work against you.  There is a possibility that that choice of watch is conveying the precise message that gentleman (in the original photo) wanted to send.  Or it's possible that he does not know what message he's sending out there.

But I can say with 100% certainty, the message that he's sending is not one that I would want to make.

@Filip.K,

According to Meranom.com and Komandirskie.com, the case diameter is 38mm.  Neither site listed the lug-to-lug.

@R16013,

Russian/Soviet watches have several characteristics that I like.  First, they tend to be a little smaller than other brands, so it's easier to find a watch that works on my very thin wrist. These companies also make very affordable mechanical and automatic watches, so they're great value for the money.

Russian/Soviet watches tend to be rugged and reliable.  Many of their most common movements are shockproof, even on watches where you wouldn't expect it.  The Soviet companies were founded during the 1930s through 1960s (depending on which brand I'm getting), so they have more history behind them than many people expect.

The Russian and Soviet watchmakers didn't try to follow the same design trends as the rest of the world, so my watches tend to look a little different than the average watch that people around me wear.  Obviously, my watches also are of a different brand from those I see around.  There's a huge selection of different styles to choose from, so I don't feel like my choices are limited.

Ultimately, I find that I can get good, attractive Russian and Soviet watches for very reasonable prices.  Therefore, I don't have a lot of incentive to spend more money just to get a watch made somewhere else.

I tend to buy Russian/Soviet watches … so I'm never on a waiting list.  The watches are in stock, or they're not.  If they're not in stock, I may be waiting to see whether they'll come back in stock (or get dropped off the company's list of offerings entirely).

While I'm waiting, I will keep an eye out for similar watches.  Maybe something will show up that I like better.

Currently my only colored dial is a Vostok Komandirskie, but I've been looking at a couple colorful Amphibias as well.

I'll often use the bezel or strap to add a splash of color to a watch that has a more subdued dial.

I'm not particularly interested in the "scuba dude" dial, but I like Vostoks.  They're a great value.

Amphibia:

Komandirskie:

There's no shortage of other dials for me to choose from.

On Amazon: Vostok Amphibia starts at $91.30 (£67.50), with some models having 39mm case diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug.  They have mechanical/automatic movements.

Amphibia with mods (bezel and strap):

You will get better pricing and better selection if you purchase directly from Vostok, Meranom, or Komandirskie websites … but you can buy them from Amazon if you're willing to pay more.

Make certain that the water resistance is listed.  Vostok also makes field watches (the Komandirskie) which usually have 30m water resistance.  They look like dive watches, but they (usually) cost a lot less than the Amphibia.

Komandirskie with mods (bezel and strap):