Good with tux?

[stonejordan]

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum. Mods, please move if necessary.

I currently own a SS DJ2 (first "nice watch" I have bought, love it dearly), and am thinking about buying a watch for formal (black-tie) events. I know some people are okay with wearing a non-Cellini Rolex to black-tie, or even (gasp) white-tie functions. However, for me, a classic dress watch has always had the following characteristics: simple, thin, leather strap, and preferably precious metal.

My dream dress watch would be a PP Caltrava, Jules Audemars, Breuget, Piaget, etc. However, those are slightly out of my price range. Therefore, I am considering the following:

http://www.nomos-glashuette.com/the-...rion/orion-38/

or

http://www.nomos-glashuette.com/the-...8-datum-weiss/

I am leaning towards the non-blue hand model, because I feel like the blue hand does not quite go as well with a tux. Would really like the forum's opinion, as well as their opinion on Nomos as a brand in general, and whether you guys consider the models above to be a "classic" dress watch. Thanks in advance.

[padi56]

Not quite sure what a black tie or white tie function is, but is anyone going to look at whatever watch you are wearing simple answer for me don't wear any watch problem solved.

[toph]

I prefer the non blue hand model.
Both are Nice and elegant pieces.

[Rock]

Even though I have a 'Dress Watch', I kind of feel that noone really cares about this kind of thing any more.
There are so many lovely 'dressy' watches around - any DJ for e.g. - that unless you are really mixing with 'snobby' people, noone is going to give a toss.
It's about how good you feel with an elegant watch on your wrist.

[Castor]

Originally Posted by Rock

Even though I have a 'Dress Watch', I kind of feel that noone really cares about this kind of thing any more.
There are so many lovely 'dressy' watches around - any DJ for e.g. - that unless you are really mixing with 'snobby' people, noone is going to give a toss.
It's about how good you feel with an elegant watch on your wrist.

I tend to agree with this. However my dad was always very specific about men's dress watches in that they had to be thin, inconspicuous, & dark. That a formal event is very much a 'uniform' type of event (such as a wedding) where you are trying to look classy yet without drawing undo attention to yourself. There are apparently rules to follow which a quick google search will help. For a watch a dark Celini or Calatrava would probably be perfect.

However the 'rules' of dressing formally are a lot more relaxed now than in my father's day.

[Rusty888]

If you had to get one, go the one without the blue. Alternatively how about by a leather strap for your DJII and go with that.

[pacific17]

I thought the DJ was a dress watch? Get a leather strap for it?

[SearChart]

You can't go wrong with Nomos.

[tfly212]

I always liked the idea that a gentleman does not wear a watch to a formal event because at such an event he should not care about time

[stephentross]

Originally Posted by tfly212

I always liked the idea that a gentleman does not wear a watch to a formal event because at such an event he should not care about time

[scranger]

Here's an interesting article on the subject from watchfreaks: http://watchfreaks.wordpress.com/200...tches-tuxedos/

Personally, I prefer my vintage Hamilton "Lester" tank style on a black strap.

[77T]

Well...if you want to know the etiquette of Black Tie and White Tie attire, there are many websites that specialize on that.

All agree: Optional pocket watch with gold or platinum key chain is most traditional but evening wristwatch is also acceptable.

If in doubt, like for a royal wedding or audience at a formal dinner - wear none since checking the time is considered a major gaffe.

Evening wristwatches for formal wear have been gold or platinum on a simple black strap.

[Dittox]

Originally Posted by 77T

If in doubt, like for a royal wedding or audience at a formal dinner - wear none since checking the time is considered a major gaffe.

Very interesting, never thought of it that way!

Also, I don't think that nomos watches are formal enough for black tie events as they are essentially minimalistic Bauhaus pieces. A JLC Master Ultra Thin 1348420 could be a great option as it is great formal watch without the hefty price tag of the Calatrava.

[jyan212]

Originally Posted by Dittox

Very interesting, never thought of it that way!

Also, I don't think that nomos watches are formal enough for black tie events as they are essentially minimalistic Bauhaus pieces. A JLC Master Ultra Thin 1348420 could be a great option as it is great formal watch without the hefty price tag of the Calatrava.

Seconded! Although the consensus here seems to say no watch, I think a JLC Master Ultra Thin or even a Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 would be great.

[Im Lauf der Zeit]

No watch.

[sebastien1975]

No watch

[Ken B]

No offence but both your watch choices are poor choices for formal affairs. Traditionally a pocket watch is most appropriate. However modern ettiqutie isn't as stringent and a wrist time piece can be worn. A white face is to bold. The watch dial should be dark, black is traditional however grey and gold dials work well too. The watch case should be thin and understated. Square cases are considered more formal over round. If you choose a round caseno larger than a 36mm. The strap should be also black. YG, WG, Plat and steel work fine for the case.

[Mick P]

Chaps

Formal events are becoming less formal.

I belong to a club that holds a couple of formal evening events every year.

Thirty years ago all the men wore black dinner jackets, most wore gold watches and they never took their jackets off.

Today they turn up in coloured bow ties, they even wear ready knotted ones which was once a no no and any old watch will do now a days. Also the jackets tend to come off during the dancing which is a cause of controversy.

Things are much more relaxed and whether that is good or bad is debatable.

So I whilst I still only wear a watch and chain, I am in a minority.

Regards

|Mick

[Widows Son]

I liked the comment about leaving the chunky chrono for the fishing boat!!!!! Nomos is a very underrated brand that will catch on soon, even the Watch Snob likes them.

[ragingcao]

Originally Posted by stonejordan

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum. Mods, please move if necessary.

I currently own a SS DJ2 (first "nice watch" I have bought, love it dearly), and am thinking about buying a watch for formal (black-tie) events. I know some people are okay with wearing a non-Cellini Rolex to black-tie, or even (gasp) white-tie functions. However, for me, a classic dress watch has always had the following characteristics: simple, thin, leather strap, and preferably precious metal.

My dream dress watch would be a PP Caltrava, Jules Audemars, Breuget, Piaget, etc. However, those are slightly out of my price range. Therefore, I am considering the following:

http://www.nomos-glashuette.com/the-...rion/orion-38/

or

http://www.nomos-glashuette.com/the-...8-datum-weiss/

I am leaning towards the non-blue hand model, because I feel like the blue hand does not quite go as well with a tux. Would really like the forum's opinion, as well as their opinion on Nomos as a brand in general, and whether you guys consider the models above to be a "classic" dress watch. Thanks in advance.

Here's my Orion 35 with a normal grey suite. Blue hand and black leather band. I actually like the blue hands as they really accentuate the off-white dial. Hope this helps you make a decision.

[kilyung]

I don't wear a watch with tux anymore.

[datejusting]

Wear no watch; keep your Rolex in your jacket pocket in case there is no clock.

[mike]

Here's what I think.

[brandrea]

No watch with a tux

[vman]

No watches with tuxedos, please.

Supposedly, you wear a tux to an event where time should not matter. And as much as I love Nomos straps--Cordovan hell yeah!--they are not dressy enough to go with black tie attire.

[elcompa]

No watch.

When you are at a formal event (black or white tie, whatever the sartorial situation should dictate)....YOU are in the right place and time. This is to say that you are already where you need to be. A watch is a superfluous distraction. It's plebeian. BTW, it also rude to check the time at a formal affair. It is as if to broadcast that you are considering other things, events, people and places. Uncouth to do at an event to which you are an invited guest, likely something purposely staged for your enjoyment. It is last century's equivalent to answering your cell phone during an important.

The event should be the only thing on your schedule. At that point, those who manage the schedule should be working out timed events. You will know when it is time to leave when it's over. At that point you are back on your own and a watch may be then required.

One would also never want to give the impression that there was a preoccupation or somewhere else to be at a certain time.

This said, people generally don't pay much attention to sartorial rules of elegance these days.

JMHO

Chers!

[BomB#Frog]

Like others have stated there is a certain etiquette that tends to be followed by some regarding not wearing a watch at all. In my non-fashion savvy expertise, as long as you don’t wear a plastic digital with formal attire I tend not to cringe. Others, due to observation think it is quite acceptable.

[dstacy]

Tux = No watch

[Headshrinker]

I believe you are just too familiar with your DJ, and might conclude it's just not special enough; it's a perfectly proper watch to wear in a Tux. I don't believe traditions apply to anything these days.

[dstacy]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

I don't believe traditions apply to anything these days.

...but they should. That is why they are traditions. Just because those around don't doesn't mean you shouldn't. Class never goes out of style.