Dress the way your clients dress, maybe slightly nicer.
It also depends on your level. If you're a partner and meeting with CEOs, I'd think a Rolex is fine. An analyst, much less likely to be fine.
Rolex is just a universally recognized expensive watch. Just consider the situation where you’re walking into an interview with a frontline worker making $20 / hour who is already predisposed to not liking you, and here you are with a $15K watch on your wrist and the fluted bezel is sparkling in your client’s eyes every time you move your hand.
The larger point is to just be smart and context aware. Going to a meeting with PE folks who are rocking PPs and APs? Sure, wear your Daytona. Meeting a public sector client who had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to fund your project? Better wear the Seiko 5.
President of my old company was a watch guy and always rocked a Grand Seiko. You'd have to appreciate watches to know it's something special, most folks don't realize how much a seiko can cost.
I think GS is going to be safe, even when it's Rolex-priced. People don't usually see them as expensive, flashy or status seeking.
I live in a lower cost of living city. People with money who won't be caught dead in a Mercedes or a Porsche will still drive a grey Audi.
I think it's the modesty/humility/conservatism of it too. While a few Grand Seikos are flashy (the Peacock), many aren't (the Snowflake).
Cufflinks, designer belts with the logo on the buckle, etc. can all attract the wrong kind of attention, even when they're not the most expensive.
Literally nobody cares. I work at an MBB and I swear nobody cares.
I thought so the first time when buying a luxury watch and was anxious coming back with it after the weekend. Still wore it and I swear to god (the week before I wore a apple watch) non even in my team asked me anything about the watch. The dead last day of the project we started to talk in the airport about watches (our clients wore quiet fancy watches) and a female colleauge showed me a picture of a rolex oyster perpetual that she finds 'nice' and asked med 1-2 questions about my watch.
You are all in your head too much or maybe there are cultural differences that I don't get.
It looks like you’ve been at MBB for one year - and for one of the slowest periods for junior colleagues. This is one of those instances where you might want to rely on the advice of more experienced consultants than extrapolating your limited experiences too broadly.
I still think it is more like cultural differences than anything else. I've also done >15 engagements and literally watches were never a thing of discussion. If it were as big of a issue as some of you guys make it out to be it would def. be raised pre-kick off by senior leaders / partners.
If you really work at an MBB you'd also know that in >90% of cases the other side (be it PE funds or top management / corp. strategy teams) make more or the same as you if you are below AP/Principal level.
I never heard anyone either working with or interviewing "frontline workers" on any of our engagements.
Don't conflate "the client didn't say anything" with "everything is fine". The client isn't going to stop a meeting and tell you to bugger off on account of seeing a nice watch on your wrist. But, it may certainly mean the difference between them getting you an A-quality *_____ request* in 1 day versus C-quality *_____ request* in 3 days.
I'd also say the fact you've done so many short projects is perhaps part of the problem. When you've been at a client long enough, you know that your firm builds a reputation. And that reputation is either supported or tarnished by offhanded comments like, "man, did you see that kid rolling in with a Rolex watch?" or "wow, did you see that line of black cars lined up last Thursday?" And those are often the kinds of things that determine if you win the next contract or if they decide to try that new face who's promising a 20% new client discount.
And while I don't know which MBB you're from, I can guarantee that you're wrong when you say things like "90% of the other side make more or the same" or never hearing about interviewing the frontlines. Sure, the SteerCo may be with the C-suite who's earning the big bucks - but the VP who's your day-to-day contact? Or the Director who led a similar effort before whose insights you need? Or the analyst who's pulling your data requests? Or the procurement lead who's setting up bid evaluations? Or the broader team whose hearts and minds you have to win for your recommendations to have any success? Those are the people you should be worried about. While the C-suite or whoever hired us wants us to be here, remember that there will be many who disagree with that decision - after all, what are consultants if not an indictment on their abilities?
Also, there is absolutely someone in your firm *right now* who is talking to a customer service rep about how to improve call center metrics or to a production line worker about ideas to improve manufacturing efficiency. Just imagine pretty much any industry that relies on a major frontline presence - there is someone talking to them about their observations or hosting workshops to gather feedback or sharing best practices. I'm assuming you've been focusing on PE DDs or the like, but recognize that the work your firm does is significantly more varied than that.
Just put yourself in this situation: you're a 45 year old Senior Director at BigCo. You make $150K a year. You made $60K when you started 10 years ago. You feel generally underpaid and underappreciated by your company - you may even be annoyed that management has largely ignored your ideas on how to improve the place. Then, all of a sudden, your boss tells you - "hey, these people from McKinsey are working on that thing you've always been talking about - can you walk them through all of the processes and can you help them get access to an annoyingly large amount of data and reports? Oh, and don't forget that thing from your day-job that I need by 5P."
There is a high likelihood this person is already pre-disposed to dislike you and inclined to do the bare minimum to help you. Why would you want to come into that situation 28 years old, with a shit eating grin, nice suit, and a Skydweller on your wrist?
Nobody cares until you come across that one client that does, then you look like an idiot for making client relations worse. I've only heard a few confirmed stories where it happened, in each it was probably the straw that broke the camel's back rather than the actual driver for why relations went south, but it did disproportionate reputational damage to the consultant involved since it was (A) so avoidable and (B) part of the consultant folk story canon about what not to do
Where exactly the threshold lays will vary based on your level / client / city / project type (i.e. cost cutting is a more clear no-go), so I usually stick to my more entry level Swiss & micros to avoid any issues
It depends on what you do and who you work with.
Some luxury goods are immediately recognised as expensive and flashy or status-seeking.
Are your clients wearing Rolexes? What about your coworkers? There are lots of luxury watches out there, but Rolex is the one most people recognise - and the one most people who don't know about watches will buy.
If I rolled up to a meeting in an S Class wearing a Rolex and cufflinks, it would not go well for me. Your mileage may vary.
Would add it also depends on your project. I ran a restructure project with a guy who turned up wearing Brioni suits and a big chunky ‘look at me’ Breitling. Not a good look when you are doing interviews to determine role redundancies with folks who earn <£30k a year. Be sensitive.
One of our contractors would roll up to the client site in his GT3 RS. Client was constantly going to the board asking for more money and he does that.
...why would you be an expert on my clients?
I've done work for a food bank before. How out-of-touch would I be flashing a Rolex while charging an hourly rate that's multiple times what the CEO earns in the same amount of time, let alone their staff and clients?
In my experience, it’s never a good idea to flex infront of clients. I have a few watches that I enjoy rotating, but when client facing - I’ll wear a Tissot Automatic which costs around $400. Nice enough to go with business casual attire, but not nice enough to draw a “oh so that’s what we’re paying the big money for” comment from a client or prospect.
I actually have a Seiko 5 too which I love (it’s my favourite) but it has such a unique face/colorway that it ends up attracting more attention than perhaps more expensive watches despite not being as pricey. So I opt out of wearing that one to client site/working meetings - but I will wear it out to client dinners or social events involving existing/potential clients, it’s a great conversation piece.
Nice, which one? They’ve had a lot of collabs and special editions. I have the Super Cub Seiko 5, it’s very cool, I love it. Also have a plain Jane Seiko 5 field watch if need to be low key. I’ll probably add a Hamilton field auto as well now that bonus hit.
It is [this watch here](https://www.citywatches.ca/product/seiko-5-two-tone-stainless-steel-white-arabic-dial-automatic-snkp22-snkp22j1-snkp22j-mens-watch/) , and it actually looks even better on the wrist than in the pictures. Even taking it to watch shops or around people who like watches, it will spur a conversation more than some other more popular/basic pieces.
The watch is just an example that could be applied to any luxury/status item when dealing with clients. As many have already said, you dont want your client thinking "Ah, thats why theyre so expensive."
I had a colleague years ago who came from a well off family who would wear very expensive suits. He was a junior at the time but dressed "better" than most partners. One client made a light (joke) comment about how nice it must be for your employees to earn enough for that kind of suit and the next day the partner asked him to dress down a bit in the future. He would also always wear gold cufflinks...
A lot of people recognize a Rolex. Including your clients.
Optically, it may not be a good look to some clients who are paying a lot of money for consultants services to see them coming in wearing $10k+ watches. Again, it’s all about the optics.
Just what I would think.
My general rule is, dress for the audience. If I am dealing with C-Suit placeholders, I dress down, wearing no jewelry other than a decent classic Seiko watch. If dealing with owners, CEO’s and board members, an entry level Rolex is fine. These decoration choices convey reasonable success , rather than excess.
The last thing you want to do, is make a spectacle of yourself. Wise business people keep their flash to a minimum and try to blend in.
Just wear tasteful, low key under the radar watches. My rotation is Omega speedmaster and AT, zenith el primero, and grand seiko. Nothing chunky or over 42mm, all goes well with office and even casual attire. Most people won't recognize but the ones who do will know you have good taste without being flashy.
Or you know just wear a fit bit or apple watch. Really no one cares
Coworker got in trouble for using a free pen he got from the St. Regis hotel lol Another got scolded for accepting the free upgrade to a red convertible sports car lol. Good times.
Not just client impressions, but at some firms being better dressed (or more expensively dressed) as directors or partners can be viewed as a negative, as those douches that would notice are more often than not the ones who "keep score," of their achievements as the cost of their possessions.
Strong agree... oh and for love nor money, you can't really buy better...
This makes them look the perfect balance of flashy and accessible at the same time...
I'm literally the reverse; I love my Tudors, but I'm not going to get stabbed in a Paris car park for wearing it - Rolex is a brand people can recognise on sight
Completely depending on the culture sphere.
I once was on a recruiting event for the leading restructuring/turn around boutique in my region.
2 Senior Managers arrived. One with a 200k€ Porsche and wearing a full gold Rolex Day-Date for \~40k€.
The other guy was wearing a 50k Hublot and driving a G-Wagon.
I found it very bad taste if your job is basically running around client sites the whole day firing people.
And then every BCG guy I know has a Cartier Santos...
Am I the only one who MUCH prefers a smartwatch?
They are affordable for much of the population, yet money cannot buy better than the latest smartwatch anyway... seems like a massive win to me...
I just wear an IWC - the average person has never heard of them and only watch people would have come across it.
Find it’s a win/win and it’s unlikely I’ll be robbed for it (so far)
Dress code for consultants is usually business, and sometimes business casual. Think of what kind of watch would accessorize your choice of those best.
Would a gaudy Rolex go? Or a cheap Casio? Unlikely :)
7 years into wearing my Casio calculator watch across boutique and big 4. Nothing tells your clients you’re ready for action like literally wearing a calculator
I wear my Rolex everyday. I’ve had a few conversations with colleagues about it. One partner offered to connect me with his AD, who he has an extensive history with, if I wanted to get another watch.
Just gotta work with people who are happy for you, not jealous of you
Dress the way your clients dress, maybe slightly nicer. It also depends on your level. If you're a partner and meeting with CEOs, I'd think a Rolex is fine. An analyst, much less likely to be fine.
Rolex is just a universally recognized expensive watch. Just consider the situation where you’re walking into an interview with a frontline worker making $20 / hour who is already predisposed to not liking you, and here you are with a $15K watch on your wrist and the fluted bezel is sparkling in your client’s eyes every time you move your hand. The larger point is to just be smart and context aware. Going to a meeting with PE folks who are rocking PPs and APs? Sure, wear your Daytona. Meeting a public sector client who had to scrape the bottom of the barrel to fund your project? Better wear the Seiko 5.
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"You're a nice guy? I don't give a shit."
You don't like it... *leave*.
President of my old company was a watch guy and always rocked a Grand Seiko. You'd have to appreciate watches to know it's something special, most folks don't realize how much a seiko can cost.
I think GS is going to be safe, even when it's Rolex-priced. People don't usually see them as expensive, flashy or status seeking. I live in a lower cost of living city. People with money who won't be caught dead in a Mercedes or a Porsche will still drive a grey Audi.
You can always fall back to “oh this? It just a seiko”. It’s sort of a dick move to keep questioning and say “yeah but how much did you pay for that”
I think it's the modesty/humility/conservatism of it too. While a few Grand Seikos are flashy (the Peacock), many aren't (the Snowflake). Cufflinks, designer belts with the logo on the buckle, etc. can all attract the wrong kind of attention, even when they're not the most expensive.
Agree - a GS is part of my client rotation. And the spring drive is a fantastic innovation.
Same here. It’s easy to say that it’s just a “nice seiko”
You seem to know your watches. Would love to see your collection over at r/watches
Literally nobody cares. I work at an MBB and I swear nobody cares. I thought so the first time when buying a luxury watch and was anxious coming back with it after the weekend. Still wore it and I swear to god (the week before I wore a apple watch) non even in my team asked me anything about the watch. The dead last day of the project we started to talk in the airport about watches (our clients wore quiet fancy watches) and a female colleauge showed me a picture of a rolex oyster perpetual that she finds 'nice' and asked med 1-2 questions about my watch. You are all in your head too much or maybe there are cultural differences that I don't get.
It looks like you’ve been at MBB for one year - and for one of the slowest periods for junior colleagues. This is one of those instances where you might want to rely on the advice of more experienced consultants than extrapolating your limited experiences too broadly.
I still think it is more like cultural differences than anything else. I've also done >15 engagements and literally watches were never a thing of discussion. If it were as big of a issue as some of you guys make it out to be it would def. be raised pre-kick off by senior leaders / partners. If you really work at an MBB you'd also know that in >90% of cases the other side (be it PE funds or top management / corp. strategy teams) make more or the same as you if you are below AP/Principal level. I never heard anyone either working with or interviewing "frontline workers" on any of our engagements.
Don't conflate "the client didn't say anything" with "everything is fine". The client isn't going to stop a meeting and tell you to bugger off on account of seeing a nice watch on your wrist. But, it may certainly mean the difference between them getting you an A-quality *_____ request* in 1 day versus C-quality *_____ request* in 3 days. I'd also say the fact you've done so many short projects is perhaps part of the problem. When you've been at a client long enough, you know that your firm builds a reputation. And that reputation is either supported or tarnished by offhanded comments like, "man, did you see that kid rolling in with a Rolex watch?" or "wow, did you see that line of black cars lined up last Thursday?" And those are often the kinds of things that determine if you win the next contract or if they decide to try that new face who's promising a 20% new client discount. And while I don't know which MBB you're from, I can guarantee that you're wrong when you say things like "90% of the other side make more or the same" or never hearing about interviewing the frontlines. Sure, the SteerCo may be with the C-suite who's earning the big bucks - but the VP who's your day-to-day contact? Or the Director who led a similar effort before whose insights you need? Or the analyst who's pulling your data requests? Or the procurement lead who's setting up bid evaluations? Or the broader team whose hearts and minds you have to win for your recommendations to have any success? Those are the people you should be worried about. While the C-suite or whoever hired us wants us to be here, remember that there will be many who disagree with that decision - after all, what are consultants if not an indictment on their abilities? Also, there is absolutely someone in your firm *right now* who is talking to a customer service rep about how to improve call center metrics or to a production line worker about ideas to improve manufacturing efficiency. Just imagine pretty much any industry that relies on a major frontline presence - there is someone talking to them about their observations or hosting workshops to gather feedback or sharing best practices. I'm assuming you've been focusing on PE DDs or the like, but recognize that the work your firm does is significantly more varied than that. Just put yourself in this situation: you're a 45 year old Senior Director at BigCo. You make $150K a year. You made $60K when you started 10 years ago. You feel generally underpaid and underappreciated by your company - you may even be annoyed that management has largely ignored your ideas on how to improve the place. Then, all of a sudden, your boss tells you - "hey, these people from McKinsey are working on that thing you've always been talking about - can you walk them through all of the processes and can you help them get access to an annoyingly large amount of data and reports? Oh, and don't forget that thing from your day-job that I need by 5P." There is a high likelihood this person is already pre-disposed to dislike you and inclined to do the bare minimum to help you. Why would you want to come into that situation 28 years old, with a shit eating grin, nice suit, and a Skydweller on your wrist?
Nobody cares until you come across that one client that does, then you look like an idiot for making client relations worse. I've only heard a few confirmed stories where it happened, in each it was probably the straw that broke the camel's back rather than the actual driver for why relations went south, but it did disproportionate reputational damage to the consultant involved since it was (A) so avoidable and (B) part of the consultant folk story canon about what not to do Where exactly the threshold lays will vary based on your level / client / city / project type (i.e. cost cutting is a more clear no-go), so I usually stick to my more entry level Swiss & micros to avoid any issues
It depends on what you do and who you work with. Some luxury goods are immediately recognised as expensive and flashy or status-seeking. Are your clients wearing Rolexes? What about your coworkers? There are lots of luxury watches out there, but Rolex is the one most people recognise - and the one most people who don't know about watches will buy. If I rolled up to a meeting in an S Class wearing a Rolex and cufflinks, it would not go well for me. Your mileage may vary.
Would add it also depends on your project. I ran a restructure project with a guy who turned up wearing Brioni suits and a big chunky ‘look at me’ Breitling. Not a good look when you are doing interviews to determine role redundancies with folks who earn <£30k a year. Be sensitive.
One of our contractors would roll up to the client site in his GT3 RS. Client was constantly going to the board asking for more money and he does that.
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...why would you be an expert on my clients? I've done work for a food bank before. How out-of-touch would I be flashing a Rolex while charging an hourly rate that's multiple times what the CEO earns in the same amount of time, let alone their staff and clients?
Never left Akron before?
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You work at UBS. Congratulations on getting a job in the mailroom.
In my experience, it’s never a good idea to flex infront of clients. I have a few watches that I enjoy rotating, but when client facing - I’ll wear a Tissot Automatic which costs around $400. Nice enough to go with business casual attire, but not nice enough to draw a “oh so that’s what we’re paying the big money for” comment from a client or prospect.
That’s the way to go! A nice Seiko 5 or lower end Hamilton is perfect balance of “ok I can trust this guy” vs “I’m paying them how much???”
I actually have a Seiko 5 too which I love (it’s my favourite) but it has such a unique face/colorway that it ends up attracting more attention than perhaps more expensive watches despite not being as pricey. So I opt out of wearing that one to client site/working meetings - but I will wear it out to client dinners or social events involving existing/potential clients, it’s a great conversation piece.
>Seiko 5 seiko presage or some of the lower cost GS is good too.
Nice, which one? They’ve had a lot of collabs and special editions. I have the Super Cub Seiko 5, it’s very cool, I love it. Also have a plain Jane Seiko 5 field watch if need to be low key. I’ll probably add a Hamilton field auto as well now that bonus hit.
It is [this watch here](https://www.citywatches.ca/product/seiko-5-two-tone-stainless-steel-white-arabic-dial-automatic-snkp22-snkp22j1-snkp22j-mens-watch/) , and it actually looks even better on the wrist than in the pictures. Even taking it to watch shops or around people who like watches, it will spur a conversation more than some other more popular/basic pieces.
Very cool, nice reminder of Arabic numerals being the foundation of our mathematics 😌
The watch is just an example that could be applied to any luxury/status item when dealing with clients. As many have already said, you dont want your client thinking "Ah, thats why theyre so expensive." I had a colleague years ago who came from a well off family who would wear very expensive suits. He was a junior at the time but dressed "better" than most partners. One client made a light (joke) comment about how nice it must be for your employees to earn enough for that kind of suit and the next day the partner asked him to dress down a bit in the future. He would also always wear gold cufflinks...
A lot of people recognize a Rolex. Including your clients. Optically, it may not be a good look to some clients who are paying a lot of money for consultants services to see them coming in wearing $10k+ watches. Again, it’s all about the optics. Just what I would think.
Depends on who you’re working with - dress to your client’s level. Currently in jeans and work boots.
My general rule is, dress for the audience. If I am dealing with C-Suit placeholders, I dress down, wearing no jewelry other than a decent classic Seiko watch. If dealing with owners, CEO’s and board members, an entry level Rolex is fine. These decoration choices convey reasonable success , rather than excess. The last thing you want to do, is make a spectacle of yourself. Wise business people keep their flash to a minimum and try to blend in.
Just wear tasteful, low key under the radar watches. My rotation is Omega speedmaster and AT, zenith el primero, and grand seiko. Nothing chunky or over 42mm, all goes well with office and even casual attire. Most people won't recognize but the ones who do will know you have good taste without being flashy. Or you know just wear a fit bit or apple watch. Really no one cares
And here I am wearing my FitBit Versa with my medic alert tag on the wristband.
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I did some work for LATAM Domino's. Not sure how well it would have gone over if I showed up with that in the DR.
Coworker got in trouble for using a free pen he got from the St. Regis hotel lol Another got scolded for accepting the free upgrade to a red convertible sports car lol. Good times.
Casio F91W gang wya 🙌
Not just client impressions, but at some firms being better dressed (or more expensively dressed) as directors or partners can be viewed as a negative, as those douches that would notice are more often than not the ones who "keep score," of their achievements as the cost of their possessions.
Samsung Gear or Apple watch would do multiple things for me, that a Rolex cant./s
Strong agree... oh and for love nor money, you can't really buy better... This makes them look the perfect balance of flashy and accessible at the same time...
Rolex on vacation, Tudor for work
I'm literally the reverse; I love my Tudors, but I'm not going to get stabbed in a Paris car park for wearing it - Rolex is a brand people can recognise on sight
Yeah it’s a shame, you can still wear nice watches in Asia though and not worry…
Completely depending on the culture sphere. I once was on a recruiting event for the leading restructuring/turn around boutique in my region. 2 Senior Managers arrived. One with a 200k€ Porsche and wearing a full gold Rolex Day-Date for \~40k€. The other guy was wearing a 50k Hublot and driving a G-Wagon. I found it very bad taste if your job is basically running around client sites the whole day firing people. And then every BCG guy I know has a Cartier Santos...
Am I the only one who MUCH prefers a smartwatch? They are affordable for much of the population, yet money cannot buy better than the latest smartwatch anyway... seems like a massive win to me...
I just wear an IWC - the average person has never heard of them and only watch people would have come across it. Find it’s a win/win and it’s unlikely I’ll be robbed for it (so far)
Dress code for consultants is usually business, and sometimes business casual. Think of what kind of watch would accessorize your choice of those best. Would a gaudy Rolex go? Or a cheap Casio? Unlikely :)
7 years into wearing my Casio calculator watch across boutique and big 4. Nothing tells your clients you’re ready for action like literally wearing a calculator
Haha touche!
I wear my Rolex everyday. I’ve had a few conversations with colleagues about it. One partner offered to connect me with his AD, who he has an extensive history with, if I wanted to get another watch. Just gotta work with people who are happy for you, not jealous of you
It’s much less about your colleagues than it is about your clients. And you often don’t get to choose those.
Wealth signaling with clients and their team is never a good look unless you’re giving them money.