Black Tie Watch Selection: A Collector's Dilemma

Arie - Mr Orange · 2016-12-16T08:06:56Z

Arie - Mr Orange seeks advice on choosing a watch for a black-tie event. Explore the debate on formal watch etiquette, strap choices, and daring independent options.

Arie - Mr Orange

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Arie - Mr Orange faces a classic horological dilemma: choosing the perfect watch for a black-tie event. He presents several luxury options from his collection, inviting the community to weigh in on which timepiece best suits the formal occasion, sparking a lively debate on traditional etiquette versus personal style.

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Good evening all,

I have a Black Tie event starting within two hours and ran into a problem.

Well...two problems actually (can't find my shiny evening shoes anywhere...). But let's start with the main problem. Which watch to wear?!? Now I know that when in Black Tie one should not wear a watch at all. But being a WIS, and I'm sure you will all agree, that is not an option.

So I think these are my only realistic options:

Now considering my tux is black I feel the watch should be black too, although the Planetarium could be a valid option. Personally I think a watch with a steel bracelet isn't the way it should be done so let's keep the AP at home.

So what shall I do? Go for the most logical and classic watch (the ALS)? Or be a little more daring and wear the Snoopy?

Key Points from the Discussion

Several contributors emphasize that for a black-tie event, a watch should ideally have a black patent leather strap, or no watch at all, deeming most of the presented options unsuitable without a strap change.
The A. Lange & Söhne is considered the most classic and logical choice if its strap were changed to a more appropriate leather, while chronographs like the Omega Speedmaster are generally deemed unsuitable for black tie.
The Christiaan van der Klaauw Planetarium is praised for being a daring and original choice that would make the wearer stand out, appealing to those who enjoy breaking traditional rules.
One member offers a Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Ultimate Universe as an example of a perfectly suited tuxedo watch, highlighting its elegant and artistic design.
The author considers a dark grey elephant strap as an alternative if a black strap change isn't feasible, indicating a willingness to adapt within the formal context.

The Discussion

Alkiro1

Dec 16, 2016

I vote for your CvdK. Dressed... and more ;-)

Have a great evening. Best wishes Alkiro

Ornatus-Mundi

Dec 16, 2016

Black tie events rule out any useful complications ...

Thus your Speedy stays at home, I am afraid. The Lange, after a strap change, would be a suitable choice, as would be you fellow countryman s watch. Don\'t listen too much to Melvyn, his British understatement does not apply to the Dutch Best, Magnus

Alkiro1

Dec 16, 2016

The Lange was my first choice but, due to the strap, it was not possible (only two hours before the party)

At the opposite of you in this context, I love to break the rules (ok with that slogan an AP would be a must LOL) so the CvdK is perfect. Dressed and so original at the same time. If someone see it, you would become the new star of the party ;-) Best wishes Alkiro

KMII

Dec 16, 2016

I'd go for the ALS :)

Maybe a strap change would be in order but if you wear it like this, it will be more outlandish and at the same time more correct than the Snoopy

vitalsigns

Dec 16, 2016

Of those, the Lange, but with the original black strap, of course. [nt]

MTF

Dec 16, 2016

You are in TROUBLE

Unless your A. Lange & Sohne has a patent leather black strap, none of the above are suitable. You may have to resort to the No Watch at a Black Tie Event rule. Regards, MTF L.U.C XP Urushi Ultimate Universe

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Black Tie Watch Selection: A Collector's Dilemma

Key Points from the Discussion

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