What Watch Should You Wear to a Job Interview?

In the world of job interviews, every element of your presentation matters. From your outfit to your shoes to your accessories, interviewers often form their first impression based on how you put yourself together. Fashion choices reflect your decision-making, stylistic preferences, and personal taste, and watches are no exception.

Do you choose a statement piece or a subtle watch? Do you coordinate with your outfit or stick to something simple? Whatever your style, you’ll want to get your watch choice right. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

What to Wear

When making a first impression in an interview, it is usually best to lean toward subtle. Chris Salih, Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase and founder of @watchchris, explained, "there's a right time to wear your flashier watches and that time is not during an interview. It's never good to flex and it definitely won't help your salary negotiations. Wearing a classic dress watch is a better choice."

In Salih’s view, classics help you look the part without projecting a loud presence. This kind of messaging can be detrimental in a traditional interview environment.

Serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder of JuiceBox Global Duane Gilbert put it more colorfully: "Let your watch peek out from under your cuff, don’t blind the receptionist with your diamond dial when you walk in." Gilbert admires people who "take the time to dress well and present themselves with more class than flash." In his view, the goal of any interview is to show interest and dedication, and a flashy presence rarely communicates that in professional settings.

Salih also recommends microbrands for interviews, an under-the-radar choice that signals genuine interest in watches without leaning on brand status. He also mentioned JLC, IWC, and Seiko as tasteful options. For interviewers who collect watches themselves, these names often score points for excellent taste without the reputational baggage some larger brands carry.

Brand Impressions

Gilbert shared his impressions of how different brands come across in an interview. With Patek, he sees confidence, quiet leadership, and maturity. A Patek wearer, in his view, "likely learned more about life and business at home than at school." He also praised Lange collectors as people who are "likely to arrive early and stay late."

With Rolex, however, he was more cautious: "It may be a gift from a family member who wants you to look mature. I hope you don’t leave after 2 years, but you probably will. That said, it could also be the first nice watch in a great collection!" Gilbert stressed that flashy or "hype" watches can raise red flags: "A hype watch would make me think you might not show up the first day if we hired you. Our conversation would be brief and I wouldn’t make a job offer."

What Interviewers Wear

Salih and Gilbert are equally deliberate about their own watch choices as interviewers. Salih explained that he typically wears a classic dress watch himself, to project the same work-first mentality he looks for in candidates: "As an interviewer I would wear a timepiece that expresses leadership without dominating the room. Something that says welcome to my office rather than step into my realm."

While seasoned collectors can experiment with bolder pieces, interviews and workplaces often are not the best place to flaunt the most adventurous watches in a collection.

Salih also highlighted how watch collecting has strengthened his professional life, creating opportunities for networking, partnerships, and friendships. "I've made a lot of connections and friendships that started out as a conversation about watches," he said.

Final Thoughts

That may be the biggest takeaway of all. Watches can unify people, spark conversations, and even open doors to professional relationships. But in an interview, they are also part of the first impression you give. Choose wisely, and you may not only land the job but also make a connection that lasts a lifetime.

Good luck from EWC!