Young law student looking for advice

[wmlaw32]

Young law student here. I am looking to purchase my first decent watch. I made some money this summer that has allowed me $XXX to spend a nice watch for 2L interviews.

What kind of watch should I be trying to obtain in the $XXX price range? I was checking out some Tags but I have no idea what I am doing and would like to get a watch this is going to hold some value and look professional.

[joe100]

Well since you're in the Rolex forums I will suggest a vintage AirKing, Oyster Perpetual, or Date. Most of these can be had for less than $2000 from time to time.

[HL65]

Well just not sure how much money $XXX is...But being you posted in Rolex forum it probably should be $XXXX if $XXX means what I think it does...

[johnbeth]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well just not sure how much money $XXX is...But being you posted in Rolex forum it probably should be $XXXX if $XXX means what I think it does...

I had the same thought....

[joe100]

I agree. If you're looking for a Rolex under $1000 it's gonna be rough. Not gonna be in the best shape either.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by wmlaw32

What kind of watch should I be trying to obtain in the $XXX price range?

Since I have no idea how much money that actually is I cannot make any recommendations.

What watches do you already own? Are you looking for a dress watch, sport watch or something that can be worn as both?

[77T]

Originally Posted by wmlaw32

I made some money this summer that has allowed me $XXX to spend a nice watch for 2L interviews.

What kind of watch should I be trying to obtain in the $XXX price range?

If they look at your watch, you've already blown the interview IMHO.

But nothing in Rolex is $XXX. Plan on $XXXX.

Vintage Datejust is maybe a good option.

[SaddleSC]

I wouldn't spend just $xxx. Get a really, really nice watch in the $XXXX or even the $XXXXX price range:)

[Ed Rooney]

Pick up a vintage Omega Seamaster for <$XXX, and spend $XXX having it serviced. All in with a classic watch for under $XXX.

[liuk3]

For $XXX, I would have to highly recommend a brand XXX watch.

[Npwilson]

I would wait and purchase a time piece after a job is secured and you are taking home a few paychecks. I didn't get mine for three years after I completed my residency.

[jmsrolls]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

Pick up a vintage Omega Seamaster for <$XXX, and spend $XXX having it serviced. All in with a classic watch for under $XXX.

Yes, a nice vintage "pie pan" Constellation would do nicely. As a matter of fact, that was my "below the radar" watch both in court and behind the altar.



If I were interviewing a perspective associate or clerk, a "pie pan" would make a solid and positive statement regarding the young man and his values.

Watch and service would easily come in the $xxx range.

Fr. John†

[yessir69]

I'm an attorney and I can tell you that when I hire my interns, their watch is the last thing on my mind. The only thing that would raise a red flag is if you walk in wearing a gold day date.

Just get a cheap quartz until you can spend some money on a good watch.

[Cuts33]

Originally Posted by yessir69

I'm an attorney and I can tell you that when I hire my interns, their watch is the last thing on my mind. The only thing that would raise a red flag is if you walk in wearing a gold day date.

Just get a cheap quartz until you can spend some money on a good watch.

Agreed.

Take a look at ESQ by Movado or something along those lines. You can find them for a couple hundred bucks. They will retain no value whatsoever but will look professional and is nicer than a Fossil.

Given the state of the legal market, save as much money as you can until you land that first job. Don't forget, unless you are going to a big firm, the bar exam doesn't pay for itself. Review courses/books and the exam itself will run you a few grand.

On top of that, a lot of firms now won't even have you start until after the exam in August or even until you are admitted in October/November. That means 3-5 months post graduation with likely little to no income.

[sdg1871]

As a large law firm partner who hires new lawyers, I would hold off on the Rolex until you secure your job. While I love a good Rolex (or three in my case :)), many of my colleagues think they are too brash. You want the interview to be about you and not your watch.

[Kbrantle]

Originally Posted by sdg1871

As a large law firm partner who hires new lawyers, I would hold off on the Rolex until you secure your job. While I love a good Rolex (or three in my case :)), many of my colleagues think they are too brash. You want the interview to be about you and not your watch.

I agree completely. OP, if you haven't noticed, the market for lawyers is still really poor. Hold on to your money or start paying down your loans etc, but, don't start shackling yourself with the golden handcuffs already. That's just my two cents as a fifth year associate.

[munshpe]

If you want a Rolex, don't waste your money on anything else. Save up.

[floater156]

I have a few good friends that are newly minted lawyers, and they're all struggling to find meaningful work. If I were you, I'd save my money until I secure a decent job.

[scarab007]

Being you're a young law student and this sounds like your first job, they will not hire you for the watch. I would say, take the money and have a great suit ready to go and good ties and shoes. The watch will come later and with the jacket and shirt on, you will not even see the watch. It will just look stupid if you keep trying to stretch your arm out to show your watch.

[dimitros]

Originally Posted by floater156

I have a few good friends that are newly minted lawyers, and they're all struggling to find meaningful work. If I were you, I'd save my money until I secure a decent job.

Right after residency, I needed a decent watch badly to wear with a suit.
For my first watch after residency I got a hamilton khaki field, last of the manual wind ETA 2402-2(?), still swiss (not chinese) made, with saphire crystal. Black dial on black/brown calf strap that dresses up or down. Fit and finish is excellent for the price

I got it NOS for $320 bucks.

Fast forward 3 years later... My legs are firmly under me and financially much better off, this year I got my first rolex, then a pam, and now looking to move up. I'm still keeping the Hamilton, its a great watch and reminds me where I've come from.

If you spend $1k on a new so-so watch when its time to sell to fund toward a nicer watch, you'll take a bath. You could go vintage for less than 1K, and spend a couple of hundred to overhaul, but there aren't too many decent rolexes in that range, and if you wanted to sell, you probably wouldn't recoup the money you spent to overhaul the watch.

If I were you, if you are dead set on a rolex, wait and save till you can afford it and if you really need a watch get a cheap but decent watch like a Hamilton.

[dimitros]

Originally Posted by scarab007

Being you're a young law student and this sounds like your first job, they will not hire you for the watch. I would say, take the money and have a great suit ready to go and good ties and shoes. The watch will come later and with the jacket and shirt on, you will not even see the watch. It will just look stupid if you keep trying to stretch your arm out to show your watch.

+1. Your Law school, your law school performance and connections you've made will do more to sell you than any watch.

[Trouble15]

Originally Posted by sdg1871

As a large law firm partner who hires new lawyers, I would hold off on the Rolex until you secure your job. While I love a good Rolex (or three in my case :)), many of my colleagues think they are too brash. You want the interview to be about you and not your watch.

As other's have said, land a good position & secure it for awhile before you purchase an expensive luxury item. When things are going well & you can truly afford it then treat yourself to your Rolex of choice.

[oliphanttapp56]

Hi,

In a very similar position myself. I would not advise in going into interviews with the watch showing, you dont know these people. I know plenty of lawyers and they dont all see nice watches as great things. However, i have a ceramic LV sub, and have worn it to many important meetings and events, and have always kept it out of sight completely under my sleeve. The great thing is that i know that i have a wonderful watch, dont need anyone else to see it.
So go get that nice watch, life is too short, just keep it from view, especially law interviews. I dont like showing family!

[warrior]

As has been implied by some, I really don't see the point at all of having a Rolex for law positions/interviews. Especially when you're just starting out.

If you really want a high quality Swiss watch that doesn't give off the "status" vibe so much, get an Omega. It's less obvious...to me, that's a good thing.

[AmbSteve]

With you still being in student status I'd recommend you save your money until you can afford something in the higher range. If you can only spend a few hundred at the moment then you will definitely make a statement in interviews if you try to show it off...most likely not in a good way. Could be worth thinking about saving up and getting a great piece when you graduate.

[sdg1871]

Originally Posted by Kbrantle

I agree completely. OP, if you haven't noticed, the market for lawyers is still really poor. Hold on to your money or start paying down your loans etc, but, don't start shackling yourself with the golden handcuffs already. That's just my two cents as a fifth year associate.

How right you are Kevin about the legal market not being what it used to be. I am a 17 year lawyer and I'm very glad that I'm not a junior lawyer at this point in time. The reality is that the competition for every open attorney position my firm has is dog eat dog. Got to keep the interviews about yourself and your brilliance and not your watch. Although if I saw an interviewee with a Rolex, that interviewee would probably have a leg up. But I am by no means usual. Far from it.

[sierra11b]

Finish the Bar, get with a firm and go hog wild like my grade school best friend and fellow WIS.

[Dickson Lim]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well just not sure how much money $XXX is...But being you posted in Rolex forum it probably should be $XXXX if $XXX means what I think it does...

Exact same thought.

[Dickson Lim]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well just not sure how much money $XXX is...But being you posted in Rolex forum it probably should be $XXXX if $XXX means what I think it does...

Had the same thought.

[Young Connoisseur]

I had a Rolex I bought right out of high school I saved for.

Then I bought a Tag.


I sold the Rolex for school and life expenses.


Now I wish I had the money from my Tag to give to my broker at Edward Jones.



These things mean a lot to us but our future is worth a lot more.



My advice is just wait.



I have enough right now to buy the Breguet I've been drooling over but realize now that securing a good future is worth a lot more than having a good watch right NOW.

I'll have it soon enough.