Calling all hiring managers: Rolex or no?

[NothingToSeeHere]

Originally Posted by Thatguy

Your 'facts' are interesting. I am in outside sales and wear a Rolex. It sure doesn't seem to hurt my sales numbers.
Based on your last paragraph it seems you are projecting your feelings onto your customers. Also, why should people prioritize buying a large depreciating asset before a Rolex? You would question my priorities based on what I drive and what is on my wrist then because I drive a $35k car and wear a sub. The car I drive is a company car but you would be judging me without knowing that.


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It depends on what industry you're in. I mentioned that. It's just a general good practice to be smart about that. It reminds me of a story about Steve Jobs where bankers were coming to meet them so him and Woxniak hid their new Porsches around the corner.

Regarding the car issue, I wasn't talking about from a hiring perspective. That's just a general issue of mine, when I in fact know the person's living situation. Living in an apartment, driving a $35k car, and sporting a $12k watch is in general ass backwards priorities. Sadly, this is all too common.

It's like people who make $200k a year, live in a $150k house and drive a Lamborghini. I realize the "YOLO" mentality has infected our society like the plague, but extremely poor financial decisions irk me. Sure, live and let live, but this is a forum where I get to gripe a little but. :)

[KDS777]

Well.........I drive a $22K KIA and own the watches shown in my profile. Not going to disclose anything else financial, but still.

[TakeYourTime]

It really depends on the job you're applying for. If I hire a field service engineer fresh from university with a TT or gold Rolex... well that would have a very negative impact, seriously.

When I hire a Regional Sales Director wearing the same TT Rolex, well that would be a plus as this shows me that he's successful and I would think that this watch may gives him more self esteem when he has to present the company. If he would wear a golden time piece.... well, it depends on the age but I would say keep it at home.

Also, if you drive a (sorry for the honesty) crappy car and wear a gold watch I would think "what is wrong with him"? There is nothing wrong about it as some people have a passion for cars and other people have a passion for watches... but everyone is under the microscope when it comes to interviews.

I hire a lot of people and know what I am talking about...

[Andad]

I have employed many in my engineering business over the past 34 years and I have never seen a Rolex on an applicants wrist so I can't confirm my reaction but:

Wear a Rolex - Possible issue.

Don't wear a Rolex - No issue.

[SDRider]

I like nice things so I don't think I'd like working for someone who judges me negatively for owning nice things. Wear your watch with pride. You earned it.

[dubins930]

Equating a great tool watch with financial success is kind of a joke... It sort of ruins the reputation of some truly amazing watches...

Wear it ;)

[ryanpatrick]

Originally Posted by NothingToSeeHere

I can definitely weigh in here. Don't wear it. Wear the Breitling. To most people, the Breitling looks no different than a Seiko. Even non-watch people know Rolex. There's a stigma surrounding it. You're over analyzing by them thinking you inherited it. That won't even cross their mind. What will cross their mind however is one of two things. Either you obviously have been making too much money and they worry they can't afford you or you will hop jobs if you don't feel appreciated, or they will be jealous/intimidated. You are completely safe with a Breitling, and if by some magical chance they recognize it, y'all will probably bond over it.

It's no different than your choice in cars. Most salesmen are smart and don't drive up in foreign cars or flashy cars. Perception is reality. I chuckle when people are in awe and jealous of a $50k CLA43 girlyman Mercedes, but don't bat an eyelash at an $80k King Ranch truck.

I am wear many hats at my company and also moonlight as outside sales. I never wear my Rolex on calls. However I do wear my Breitling on every one. When I travel abroad to visit vendors I wear Rolex or Breitling. I was driving a tricked out Jeep SRT (2014 - custom forged wheels - loud Meisterschaft exhaust, etc. etc.) and people loved it. It never hurt me and if anything it helped me. I had about $85k into it. I drove my wife's Mercedes ML350 to work (which we paid about $48k for) and people were up in arms. "Must be nice" "He has a Mercedes" "etc".

It amuses me what people do and don't get upset with, but that's just the way it is. There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general I'd never wear a Rolex to a job interview.

It also depends on the industry you're in. But in general, what I am saying is factual. Not opinion.

Edit. Also, if I see someone wearing a Rolex and driving a $35k car, I wonder about their priorities. Nothing kills me more than seeing someone like that with kids, living in an apartment.

This is so true. I wear a Rolex GMT Master II most of the time. I'd chatted with a guy my age from another company in the building a few times while grabbing coffee. I ran into him in the parking garage earlier this week. I was getting out of my truck. He says "I figured a guy wearing a Rolex would have a nicer car. You should get a bimmer like me". He's driving a 2013ish 3 series, I'm in a $60k 2016 Dodge Ram Laramie. Perception is reality, I suppose.


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[Wesley Crusher]

I said it earlier and I'll say it again. If a hiring manager views ones timepiece, Rolex or otherwise, as a negative, that is not somebody that I'd want to work for. I have always and will continue to wear whatever I want wherever I want.

When I interviewed for my current job, I had to speak with the big boss. He wears a Rolex. Mine is nicer. I got the job.

[Golden Ellipse]

I'm a global enterprise leader in a Company you'd recognize. If you are honest, humble, and authentic, nobody gives a flip what's on your wrist. If you're an entitled prick, then the high-zoot watch provides all the evidence your interviewer needs to write you off.....