What the watch you wear to the the office holiday party says about you

Adam Reeder

The holidays are a time of mirth, merriment, and all out war over whether Gremlins is or is not a holiday film, which it most surely is. This time of year is also about the company holiday party. The one time of year when everyone lets their guard down enough to say exactly what they think of the boss (did you guys see John’s new haircut? Yikes). Bowl cuts aside, the office holiday party is also a great place for showing off your watch. As we all know, the watch you wear can say a lot about you. It can offer insights into where you see yourself in the company hierarchy, and where you might end up. Here’s a list of some of the most common watches you may choose to wear to the office holiday party, and what they say about you.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph

You’re a strategic corporate climber. Everything you say and do has a dual purpose. You’re always conscious of doing and saying the right thing in front of the right people. While waxing poetic with the VP of marketing over champagne you show off that classic Reverso two-hander dial. But when it’s time to get the insider office gossip from the lowly interns by the punchbowl, you flip your Reverso to that sporty chronograph as if to say “I’m one of you guys”. Just be careful. The last thing you want is for everyone in the office to think of you as two-faced.

Rolex Submariner

You’re the social butterfly of the office. You’re comfortable in any situation, no matter how formal or casual. You’re eager to fit in, friends with everyone, but always conscious of not being too bold to not offend others. The Submariner says “I can be anything you want me to be. I’m a blank canvas.” Just remember, nobody likes a brown noser. At some point, you may have to make a bold decision, or risk being seen as just another faceless sheep in the herd. But if you’re able to strike that perfect balance and please just about everyone, you might become the most legendary icon in company history.

G-SHOCK GA-B001

You’ll run this place one day, even if the dullards you work with don’t know it yet. You don’t care what anyone thinks of you. You like it when people dog your watch because it gives you the chance to expound on the myriad of digital complications it has, making it far superior to everyone else’s watch. Your G-SHOCK also reminds everyone that you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get a bit dirty when the time comes. You’re all about getting the job done and doing it in your way. Who cares about fitting in? You’re moving up!

Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro

You’re a weekend warrior who only works at this boring office job to fund his worldwide surf trips. You’re not as interested in taking the company’s free professional development courses as you are with the latest HR policies on vacation time rollover and what constitutes a “sick day”. The Panerai Submersible says that you’ve got a zest for life that takes you beyond they grey walls of your tiny cubicle. You work just hard enough to be valuable to the company, but not so valuable that you end up in a role with too much responsibility. You’re a valuable cog in the corporate machine because you’re competent and dependable, and you finally stopped storing your longboard in the office supply closet.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5224R

You’re the boss and you want everyone to know it. At 42mm, the rose gold case is anything but subdued. This one is a boss watch if ever there was one. The non-traditional layout of the 24-hour Arabic numeral dial will keep adversaries off-balance and pretenders to the throne at bay. It’s likely to garner attention from the lower level employees who see themselves as future leaders. Be kind and let them look, but never touch. Just because you make enough money to buy another one, don’t take it for granted. Treat it like a treasure, because that’s what every Patek Philippe watch is.