What does your watch "say" about you?
I hope you'll forgive the lengthy post,...
...but I found this article on watch spotting and passive/non-verbal communication, and found this section particularly interesting:
"The watch itself could be super interesting in its own right, but it’s the person wearing it which really becomes a topic of conversation: questions such as “why did such and such wear this particular timepiece?“; “what about this timepiece compliments the wearer’s personality, or vice versa?“; “is this for a promo, or did this person actually put a lot of thought into choosing which timepiece to wear?“; and most importantly, the one which continues the journey – “if this person is wearing this, I wonder what else they have in their collection?“
So...I got to thinking about what I think my watch says about me, versus what others think it says about me.
I haven't taken my Omega AT 36mm quartz off my wrist since I got it, and my fiancé purchased it for me based on my strong recommendation. I'm an eco-conscious dude. I work hard to minimize decision fatigue (to minimize anxiety), and I struggle with punctuality (because of anxiety). I love the watch and what it allows me to do with it--do literally anything and go anywhere, and never check my phone even for setting it. I've grown so used to its size and ubiquity that I've woken up with it and gone through my whole morning without checking my phone (I even left for work without my phone yesterday). To me, my watch says I'm efficient, but also have a flare for the timeless and measured excess--it's quartz, but it's still an Omega that exudes clean and classic whether paired with a suit or jeans and a tshirt. It says exactly what I want it to say about me; that I'm up for anything, and will bring an element of style and simplicity to it. (And that I'll try to be there on-time).
What does my watch say, to those looking at me or passing me on the street, about who I am?
What does your watch "say" about you? What do you WANT it to say about you?
Just a humble enthusiast. It all started with a Tissot.
Great post, this topic is something I have become more aware of over the years, but beyond just watches. Everything we wear sends a message about how we want to be viewed by others. I'm a jeans/cargo pants, flannel shirt, and hiking boots guy in the winter. In the summer it switches to t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops, so my watches tend to be very casual tool watches.
I wear tool watches, because I like the looks, and I like the practicality of a watch that I can wear for anything I'll do any day. I don't always go camping, do physical work, or go paddling, but all of my watches are suited to any of the tasks.
I suspect my watches say about what I want them to, "I'm casual, and enjoy outdoor activities". That said, I work mostly in an office, and don't get outdoors as much as I'd like, so my watches and clothes are aspirational much of the time 🤣
I'll just leave this here.
https://www.reddit.com/r/WatchesCirclejerk/comments/bksnxc/what_your_watch_brand_says_about_you/
I don't expect my watch to say much other than the correct time. I just wear what I like or find interesting. But I do try not to draw much attention to myself in general, and assume no one notices or cares what I may be wearing or doing. If anything, I guess I would want my watch to say I'm not a flashy person. But my Ninja Turtle t-shirt is probably doing that already.
I'll just leave this here.
https://www.reddit.com/r/WatchesCirclejerk/comments/bksnxc/what_your_watch_brand_says_about_you/
I think we come to WatchCrunch to avoid the...discourse? of reddit...but as Tissot was my first watch, I'll happily take their predictions that "you appreciate either classic or ridiculously bold design. After a long career, you will one day own a Rolex!"
I don't expect my watch to say much other than the correct time. I just wear what I like or find interesting. But I do try not to draw much attention to myself in general, and assume no one notices or cares what I may be wearing or doing. If anything, I guess I would want my watch to say I'm not a flashy person. But my Ninja Turtle t-shirt is probably doing that already.
Fair enough! But I think the Omegas you mentioned considering might bring some interest and flash!
Great post, this topic is something I have become more aware of over the years, but beyond just watches. Everything we wear sends a message about how we want to be viewed by others. I'm a jeans/cargo pants, flannel shirt, and hiking boots guy in the winter. In the summer it switches to t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops, so my watches tend to be very casual tool watches.
I wear tool watches, because I like the looks, and I like the practicality of a watch that I can wear for anything I'll do any day. I don't always go camping, do physical work, or go paddling, but all of my watches are suited to any of the tasks.
I suspect my watches say about what I want them to, "I'm casual, and enjoy outdoor activities". That said, I work mostly in an office, and don't get outdoors as much as I'd like, so my watches and clothes are aspirational much of the time 🤣
Gotcha. Yeah...I think (at least in my line of work), desk divers are something many senior staff members wear. You sound like an (aspirational) weekend warrior...probably an SPB143 owner?
Fair enough! But I think the Omegas you mentioned considering might bring some interest and flash!
Yeah, my next big watch purchase will likely be a Grand Seiko that I’ll never wear in public.
Another interesting one in my opinion: What does the color of your watch say about you?
“That guy really doesn’t enjoy someone liking group text messages buzzing his wrist.” 😂
Seriously, though, I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who goes Walter Mitty when wearing a watch? I don’t care what it says about me as much as how I feel wearing it.
Rolex Explorer: I feel like Ian Fleming’s literary James Bond. Functional, practical class.
Tokyo Omega SMP: Somewhere between Jimmy Buffett and modern James Bond, on vacation in Jamaica. Weird combo, but true.
Omega Moonwatch (one day): I’ll feel like Neil Armstrong. Except I’ll actually be wearing mine instead of leaving it on the counter to fill in for a malfunctioning Bulova.
Oris BCPD: I feel slightly preppier than Ralph Lauren.
G-Shock: I feel sweaty. No, really. I only wear it working out.
Gotcha. Yeah...I think (at least in my line of work), desk divers are something many senior staff members wear. You sound like an (aspirational) weekend warrior...probably an SPB143 owner?
I will have a SPB143 some day I expect, it's one of the few Seiko watches I like the look of. I'm a big fan of CW so have two C60s, a C65 and a C63, though often I also wear a Damasko DS30, or a Marathon Navigator.
The CWs and Damasko are on Erika's MN straps too... So not even slightly "blingy".
It says that I need to get out more.
I'll just leave this here.
https://www.reddit.com/r/WatchesCirclejerk/comments/bksnxc/what_your_watch_brand_says_about_you/
OMG, this is gold. Absolute comedy gold! Whoever wrote this deserves a Nobel Prize.
People usually see the fountain pen first. By the time they notice any watch they already know that I am a walking, talking anachronism.
I think we come to WatchCrunch to avoid the...discourse? of reddit...but as Tissot was my first watch, I'll happily take their predictions that "you appreciate either classic or ridiculously bold design. After a long career, you will one day own a Rolex!"
Here's to getting that Rolex 🍻
This is a difficult topic as the vast majority do not care about watches. My colleagues have no clue what I am wearing so my cheap Wolbrook and my more expensive Zenith Chronomaster is essentially one and the same. I am not labeled whatever because of my watch. Among watch enthusiasts, I feel my collection has enough variety that I won't be labeled this or that.
As the average person cannot tell watches apart, the watch really doesn't tell them anything about me. They may be able to recognize that I'm able to match the watch to the outfit, but that's about it. I further believe that you are unable to control how the other person interprets the watch, even if they are able to recognize it.
This maybe odd, but I personally hardly ever look at watches, mainly because even the absence of the watch doesn't tell me much anymore. There are plenty of people who don't wear a watch these days, but that may only mean that they grew up with a smartphone.
Mine merely says tick tock
…Gastro?!
Food is my other other passion. 😂
I usually assume people don't notice/care. That said I did have a potential negative perception event the other day. I started a new job and had an unanticipated lunch with the CEO (we just happened to be in the office at the same time and hadn't yet met). I noticed that he looked at my old Seadweller several times, but not in the "hey that's a cool watch" way.
I'm not going to lose sleep over it; our offices are on different floors. :-)
I usually assume people don't notice/care. That said I did have a potential negative perception event the other day. I started a new job and had an unanticipated lunch with the CEO (we just happened to be in the office at the same time and hadn't yet met). I noticed that he looked at my old Seadweller several times, but not in the "hey that's a cool watch" way.
I'm not going to lose sleep over it; our offices are on different floors. :-)
You mean, he was wondering if he should contact the HR department, as the employees obviously are getting paid too much? 😉
I like to say that my watches generally show that I am sensible, frugal, timelessly classic, but selective and slightly contrarian. Of course a few say that I am playful and frivolous instead. I don't wear the pocket watch much, but surely it screams archaic dandy or pretentious wanker.
You mean, he was wondering if he should contact the HR department, as the employees obviously are getting paid too much? 😉
I'm sure that crossed his mind. 😎
how about a person spotting a guy with a different kind of watch in their collection? how can we define their character? lol
I like to think this one says "I like to fight aliens"
I like to think this one say "I like to fight aliens" in a deeper voice
“That guy really doesn’t enjoy someone liking group text messages buzzing his wrist.” 😂
Seriously, though, I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who goes Walter Mitty when wearing a watch? I don’t care what it says about me as much as how I feel wearing it.
Rolex Explorer: I feel like Ian Fleming’s literary James Bond. Functional, practical class.
Tokyo Omega SMP: Somewhere between Jimmy Buffett and modern James Bond, on vacation in Jamaica. Weird combo, but true.
Omega Moonwatch (one day): I’ll feel like Neil Armstrong. Except I’ll actually be wearing mine instead of leaving it on the counter to fill in for a malfunctioning Bulova.
Oris BCPD: I feel slightly preppier than Ralph Lauren.
G-Shock: I feel sweaty. No, really. I only wear it working out.
In a way you do care what the watch says - but to yourself. And no, you absolutely arent alone.
The reality is everyone other than psychopaths care what people think of them, some not quite enough (and can get a bit smelly) some a little too much but everyone does. BTW - if you think I'm wrong and need to tell me so you are proving my point. In fact, telling people you don't care is probably a sign you care a lot.
When it comes to watches some care a huge amount, some care barely a jot - but everyone here cares. After all look at all the people above saying 'I don't care' but then telling us what they wear.
Personally - when it comes to watches my care level is wildly variable. Amongst normies I barely care what they think and its totally me, going to a redbar I think about it quite a bit.
Inwardly the 'message' of the watch changes constantly, outwardly the only message Im trying to send is 'I care about this stuff and think about it'.
My watch says Im a tool watch guy.
My watch says nothing about me. It did once before and we had a long talk about loyalty and a potential one way ticket to "the back of the drawer". It stays quiet now. 🤫
This is a difficult topic as the vast majority do not care about watches. My colleagues have no clue what I am wearing so my cheap Wolbrook and my more expensive Zenith Chronomaster is essentially one and the same. I am not labeled whatever because of my watch. Among watch enthusiasts, I feel my collection has enough variety that I won't be labeled this or that.
So true, I rarely get a comment on my watch. As Teddy Baltazar says, "nobody cares about your watch"
It says that I'm a cheap bastard
I prefer to look at as "seeking value." 😉