Is this watch professional?

[djs488]

Looking to acquire my first watch and spend $500-800. I'm smitten with the Hamilton Khaki Officer model, and have found too versions. I'm leaning toward this first one with the light leather strap. Would this be appropriate to wear with a suit to an interview? Or is it too casual.

Am I much better off getting this one?

Thanks!

 

[Jumbie]

They are both casual but the second is less so IMO.

 

[Biggskip]

The watches are fine. The bands are not (from a professional standpoint). If you really like it, however, don't let the band stand in your way. You can always buy a more "professional" looking band and switch it out on weekends.

Phat Guido even goes so far as to switch bands on his Panerai Luminor to match his outfit for the day.

 

[Metlin]

Originally Posted by Biggskip

Phat Guido even goes so far as to switch bands on his Panerai Luminor to match his outfit for the day.

That's a lot of effort for something that's meant to be utilitarian.

 

[kryn13]

I second the idea of switching the band if that's the watch you like.

 

[zippyh]

Originally Posted by Metlin

That's a lot of effort for something that's meant to be utilitarian.

Obsessive strap collecting and swapping is part of the Paneristi kool-aid.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by kryn13

I second the idea of switching the band if that's the watch you like.
I think the watches are fine for business dress, but not the bands. Switching them would make a big difference.

 

[djs488]

Thanks for the responses guys! In general, would a metal band be more proffesional? I was under the impression that the second band was, in fact, proffesional so I could use some tips. Thanks!

 

[Dewey]

I don't understand why a metal band would be more professional.

In ye olde days, polite society liked their watches sleek, like their shoes, and not clunky. I would think that a simple, thin watch in precious metal, with a black or dark brown leather band, would be the most professional-looking of watches.

The SUV-sized watches with complications are sport watches. Once upon a time, they were more appropriate for weekend activities like private jet flying, scuba diving, and motorcar racing. They slipped into the professional wardrobe with the rest of the weekend-warrior business casual stuff.

But times have changed, a lot, so I would guess you can wear what you like. And I still think a thin, sleek watch would better match a suit and dress shoes.

 

[STYLE_ADDICT]

Originally Posted by djs488

Thanks for the responses guys! In general, would a metal band be more proffesional? I was under the impression that the second band was, in fact, proffesional so I could use some tips. Thanks!

I believe it is said that the genuine alligator strap is the most elegant of all watch bands. I have the Hamilton Khaki Field Chronograph, 42 mm, and it too came on a black genuine leather strap. I swapped it out to a chocolate brown crocodile and I believe it really transformed the watch to a more "professional" looking timepiece away from it's otherwise "sport watch" roots.

Of the two you posted the second watch has a more "professional" look as is, but either watch could have the strap changed out as several other people have already said. Dewey is in fact correct though in his statements. A true elegant/professional watch is meant to be slim, sleek, refined, and be modeled on a genuine leather/exotic strap.

Today you can get away with most anything though, and that is what makes it fun. Follow your own path and have fun doing it!!

 

[acidboy]

They're definitely not dress watches, but yes, if there was a rule regarding watches and wardrobe they're pretty much ignored nowadays. If you like those Hamiltons, and as long as they're not too big around your wrist then go for it- but don't wear that vintage-like leather strap.

 

[Jumbie]

Originally Posted by acidicboy

but don't wear that vintage-like leather strap.

Of the few Hamiltons I've seen in person, I thought their leather straps rather sucked anyway.

I'm thinking of buying one in the future as a beater and will most likely change the strap if I decide to get leather.

 

[lee_44106]

The addition of the chronograph function (timewatch function) on the second watch actually makes it LESS formal/MORE casual.

The dressy the watch is, the simpler it is (akin to shoes)

The suede band is too casual for suits. I'd swap it out for plain leather.

 

[Grayland]

The first watch, with another band (perhaps plain black without different color stitching) would make a fine choice for almost any occasion short of super formal. It's a nice looking watch.

 

[CTGuy]

Originally Posted by Dewey

I don't understand why a metal band would be more professional.

In ye olde days, polite society liked their watches sleek, like their shoes, and not clunky. I would think that a simple, thin watch in precious metal, with a black or dark brown leather band, would be the most professional-looking of watches.

The SUV-sized watches with complications are sport watches. Once upon a time, they were more appropriate for weekend activities like private jet flying, scuba diving, and motorcar racing. They slipped into the professional wardrobe with the rest of the weekend-warrior business casual stuff.

But times have changed, a lot, so I would guess you can wear what you like. And I still think a thin, sleek watch would better match a suit and dress shoes.

Personally I dislike a lot of the thin watches. So what if times are changing-- personally I like the bigger watches. I think both look good, but maybe a sleeker band could make it look more "professional".