Dr. Ito's thorough analysis of mechanical watches!! Vol.27 ~ What kind of watch is suitable for business situations? ~

Good evening, everyone!

This column, which discusses mechanical watches from an engineer's perspective, is now in its 27th installment.

"What is an appropriate watch for a business setting?"

This is the topic we will be discussing today.

April marks the start of a new phase of life. Many people, whether they are new graduates entering the workforce, those transferred within their companies, or those starting a new chapter through a job change, are looking to refresh their image with a new watch.

However, in recent years, with the rise of business casual attire, an increasing number of people are choosing smartwatches or not wearing watches at all. While these are certainly valid options, many still wish to project an image of a "capable professional" by perfectly matching a watch with their suit or jacket.

That's why I recommend a luxury watch that allows you to subtly express your individuality without giving a negative impression to others. From the perspective of "accurately keeping time," which is most important in business, I will introduce some recommended watches.

Recommended Watches for New Business Professionals

For those just starting in the business world, first impressions are paramount. Just like your suit and shoes, your watch serves as a calling card that speaks volumes about your "reliability" and "refinement."

Here are some recommended watches for young professionals who are expected to go far.

① TUDOR

It's been over 20 years since Tudor began forging its own path, moving beyond its role as Rolex's sibling brand. By skillfully incorporating vintage aesthetics into many of its new models, Tudor has solidified its reputation among watch enthusiasts.

"Royal" "Ref.28600"

The "Royal" has been highly popular since its announcement in 2020, thanks to its excellent cost performance.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels it has a similar vibe to the 2025 Rolex new model, the "Land-Dweller." If a fresh new business professional wears such a refreshing watch, they will surely catch the eye of their superiors and clients.

"Pelagos FXD Chrono" "Ref.25807KN"

For professions with a slightly casual dress code, a chronograph like this is also recommended.

This model, born from the partnership between "Alinghi Red Bull Racing" and "Tudor," features a carbon case and a fabric strap, giving it a sporty specification. However, if you pair it with a modern casual suit, wouldn't it look quite "cool"?

Recommended Watches for Mid-Career Business Professionals

In their 30s and 40s, business professionals are actively working and earning more. This is also a time when various options, such as transfers, job changes, or even starting their own businesses, become available as they aim for further career advancement.

Here are some recommended watches for such mid-career business professionals.

① Grand Seiko

Grand Seiko, a popular brand that Japan proudly boasts to the world.

Its dial designs and color schemes, which strongly emphasize Japanese aesthetics, are particularly highly regarded overseas. With beautiful Japanese nature motifs such as cherry blossoms and white birches, these captivating watches are perfect for representing the refinement of a seasoned mid-career business professional.

"Heritage Collection U.S. Limited Edition" "Ref.SBGA387"

This model features a modern interpretation of the "44GS" design that established "Seiko Style," and a modern interpretation of the "62GS" design, which achieved practical evolution among Grand Seiko models in the 1960s. It is a US-exclusive limited edition model, making it a rare find with hardly any circulation in Japan. The dial, named "Kirazuri" (cloud mica), has a beautifully finished appearance.

If you were to subtly wear such a rare model, wouldn't it liven up a business negotiation with a watch-loving client?

② Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is known as one of the oldest watch brands in the world.

Its history spans over 260 years, consistently achieving groundbreaking results in both artistry and technology. It's no wonder it's always mentioned as a brand admired by watch enthusiasts.

"Historiques Triple Calendar 1942" "Ref.3110V/000A-B426"

The "Historiques" series reconstructs Vacheron Constantin's past historical models with modern technology. This is a re-edition of the triple calendar watch "Reference 4240," released in 1942.

The box-shaped sapphire crystal, reminiscent of a plastic crystal, and the lugs, which reproduce the shape of 1942, evoke a vintage feel.

While real vintage watches might make some uneasy about daily wear, a re-edition like this offers peace of mind. You can enjoy the classical atmosphere and use it in a business setting without being overly concerned about vibrations. If such a beautiful leather strap watch peeks out from beneath a sharply tailored suit, it's sure to make you look like a capable professional!

③ Breguet

Breguet is an indispensable brand in the history of haute horlogerie, having developed watches not merely as ornaments but as "the culmination of science and technology."

Specializing in classic designs, it offers a wide range of models suitable for business settings.

"Regulator" "Ref.1747BA"

This is a limited edition regulator watch of 300 pieces worldwide, released to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the genius watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet.

Breguet, founded in Paris in 1775, is a venerable watch manufacturer with over 200 years of history and a strong reputation for its technical prowess. This Classic series features a simple and understated yet refined design.

With the hour and minute hands positioned separately, there's no chance of misreading, making it suitable for those with busy daily lives. Its unique design, rarely seen today, gives it a classical feel that is perfect for business settings. It looks great with a suit, of course, but also stylishly paired with a smart casual jacket and trousers.

Summary

How was it?

When it comes to watches suitable for business settings, simple models with leather straps remain the core choice, both now and in the past. However, with the recent shift towards business casual and the rise of smartwatches, there's an impression that dress codes for watches are also becoming more casual. Therefore, I hope everyone chooses a business watch that suits their individual TPO (Time, Place, Occasion)!

I hope this article has provided useful information for you and sparked even a little interest in luxury watches! Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask directly, and we will be sure to answer them thoroughly. We look forward to your visit and inquiries!

Look forward to the next time! See you then!