long71
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Blending in or standing out?
I've confronted this issue a few times (not ERII, but various dignatories from assorted countries) and the answer tends to be that being noticeable is not an asset. Everyone present is trying to ensure that event is successful (usually understood as meaning that the host or guest of honour finishes the event sober, satisfied and on time) which normally means that those who stand out are almost invariably perceived as detracting from the occasion rather than enhancing it. This is why everyone is dressed conservatively, except when wearing either national costume or a uniform.
After all, the guest of honour will barely remember the occasion and in this case isn't likely to back for a while, but you're reasonably likely to be meeting other guests at the event in the future. You might not want them to remember you as someone who stood out for his egregious appearance.
I would tend to choose a simple dress watch (in my case generally a 38mm RG Omega time-only handwind from the early 1950s), because it neither overwhelms nor detracts from a good suit, ties and shining shoes. Obviously, if I had a Simplicity or something of that calibre I'd always choose it, but regrettably my choices are slightly more restricted. I could envisage myself wearing a classic AP/VC YG skeleton, but that would be very daring for such an occasion.
Conor
Hypothetical 5: Royal watch
We all think carefully about watches to wear to significant events. So what would your wear to meet your head of state? And in particular, what watch would be appropriate for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth? A
Formal, yes, but ...
... you have to know your place. You can't upstage any of the Royal Family and there is a definite pecking order. Would a white metal be more understated or is coloured gold acceptable? Andrew
Well, if you're really and truly . . .
. . . meeting the Queen, my instinctual response is that vintage is most appropriate. Choice of metal would be secondary. Just don't wear flip-flops ;-) . . .
That's California's dress code, Andrew . . .
. . . along with a t-shirt and shorts. Don't tell me it's the same in Australia!
...Depends on context
If my meeting was to be at, say a dinner where conversation could ensue, I might opt for something that could evoke discussion -- such as a Gruebel Forsay (had I one....) or a Haldimann (but not a H9! ...or H10, H11, see Andreas' current posting on AHCI) ...
Perfect. The Royal wave ...
And a companion for Chairman Mao. Are there any other versions of these watches? Thanks for the great suggestion. A
Well, I was looking for a...
...waving Robespierre watch but no luck. Hope the tour goes well, does this mean you get a shiny new desk?
The problem with the Maximilien...
...Robespierre Edition is that it stops dead when placed face up....
None other than the King for me of course!
How appropriate to meet a head of State with my own. Tschuss all the way! Stephen...
It actually may not matter that much
as they probably would not know I'd wear something not loud though.
But it does matter to us, Arthur ...
Most people don't care about or know anything about the watches we wear. But it means something to us and they are usually carefully chosen for the day or occasion. It doesn't really matter if no one knows. I wont tell you how I choose my underwear, but I...
For the Queen...
...if you can borrow one somewhere or unbeknownst to me have one stashed away, by all means a Roger Smith Series 2 -- solid dial version, yellow gold. Or a Daniels Millenium watch. Failing that, I'm thinking dressy but not flashy or too complex. So, Jules...
Great suggestions!
Thanks for entering into the mind game, Gary. Unfortunately I had already ruled out the FPJ Dead Seconds as well. L I agree that a Daniels pocket watch or a Roger Smith wristwatch would be appropriate as well as a classic, preferably two-hand, dress watch...
Of those two, the Omega
Shows wonderful taste and restraint, and doesn't call undue attention to oneself -- a lovely watch and completely appropriate to the occasion. Thanks for the wish on POTUS -- I did surprise myself when I ran the thought experiment you proposed on myself! ...
A "Big Crown" - what else???... :-)
Actually, there is another option with which she might be familiar. If a Harrison, Tompion, Arnold (the original English Arnold..) or Daniels are out of reach, then perhaps this little number will suffice - Will we get photographs of our HoMe mod gracious...
Oh yes Andrew
A joint wirst shot would be nice.That would be a coup . I forgot her HRH The Queen is opening the new extension to the Royal Children's Hospital and the reason for your post on which watch to wear. IMHO, a white metal or yellow gold dress watch would suit...
Historically, a 101 from JLC for her, and for me....
Something from the crowned brand... 5517 SAS. Best, Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-10-24 20:50:40...
Yes Nico, HRH wore the 101 at her coronation
One of the smallest movement made.Not much bigger than a matchstick head. Cheers,dreamer
This one!!!!!!
Maybe it might not be too appropriate for the occasion but.......it will be appropriate for me,,,,my wrist will be in the presence of Royalty! Mo...
For that meeting ...
I would wear a Lange 1 and for the Queen I would recommend any watch from Daniels or a "ladies" piece unique from Roger Smith. Oliver
Hmm..a gold tone Ellicott Majesty.
It may offer a chance of starting a small conversation.
A true Royal watch doesn't have any brand name on the dial.
A watchmaker couldn't put his name on a watch dedicated to a king. So: Fx...
Well I am happy you think that FX...
I always thought that the lack of name is a big sign of confidence and elegance........ Mo
something understated and formal. she doesnt worry about that sort of thing
she wont take any notice of it if its understated, but might if its huge and blingy so go for the understated. i've never met her personally, but she has walked past me a number of times when i was in the Army. quite a sweet old thing really, a bit like m...
Blending in or standing out?
I've confronted this issue a few times (not ERII, but various dignatories from assorted countries) and the answer tends to be that being noticeable is not an asset. Everyone present is trying to ensure that event is successful (usually understood as meani...
Thanks for the practical advice, Conor ...
... I agree with all your suggestions. A petite VC skeleton under a perfect discreet French cuff would ge very nicely. And it would be largely your private pleasure. Andrew
I'd carry this as a pocket watch
It's a VC deck watch that was made for the British Admiralty in 1944. Subtle, not visible in my pocket (maybe the chain would be noticeable), but it still has an interesting English connection. It's not small, at 60mm in diameter, but I also have a VC poc...
Great choice, Dan. It's more a personal ...
... statement and connection because only you are likely to know what resides in your waistcoat. Andrew
true, but the chances of a discreet, dress, watch on the wrist
not being noticed by anybody else but the wearer is also high as well, Best Regards, Dan
enjoy :-)
Before thinking about the watch to wear, one must of course do some research about how a meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth would go. Enjoy vodpod.com www.youtube.com Our Dutch Queen Beatrix is often seen with two types of watches: - PP ...
Nice problem to have ...
In Germany, with politicians, including the chancellor and president, Nomos is the best choice, it is patriotic, stylish, obtrusive, and lots of people in the government wear one too. In your case, I guess I would pick the Reverso. It is classy and carrie...
It does help... A lot! :)
A sublime watch, Steve. Can't get rid of admiring yours. Best, Nicolas.
Very appropriate, and thank you...
for the inspiration on a V&C Deck Watch. It's your pictures and description that started me on the hunt and eventual acquisition! BR, Dan
Perfect
Both the name and the elegant understated VC. Along with pplater's "Big Crown", the "Chonometre Royal" is the perfect choice. Thanks for thinking of it! Andrew
JLC Reverso for me on the left wrist...MBF HM3 on right wrist
becoz she wore the 101 for her coronation or wedding, cant remember. MBF because, she will probably remember the watch...might even whisper to Prince Phillip to watch out for me... Best, Horo
ChronometreRoyal
Yes, The vintage VC Chronometre Royal would be just perfect, and my choice too. Rishad