Don't most men's pants, including jeans, have a watch pocket? Just get a chain that you are comfortable wearing (on the conservative-flashy scale), clip it on, and go forth with pride.

 

Trousers used to have watch pockets at the waistband.

You could likely have one installed (or do it yourself) pretty cheaply.




I don't really know anything on the etiquette. It might be a little odd if you're in a place where suits aren't worn (not sure it would be significantly less odd if you were - it seems most people wear wristwatches even then).


Nice fobs go for an average of $70-100 (+++) on eBay. Though I suppose it depends on your style. Just mentioning.

 

Don't most men's pants, including jeans, have a watch pocket?

Make sure when you're buying the pants that the watch pocket is really functional. Some watch pockets are more for show than use, in that because of how they're sized and/or placed it's hard to get the watch in and out of them when you're actually wearing the pants.

 

And where would the fob go?

 

And where would the fob go?

Well, here's one option

 

Save this for the 3-piece suit.

 

Save this for the 3-piece suit.

What--the fob? Or the watch?

 

Call me crazy, but I think that a pocket watch looks rather affected even with a three piece suit, especially if the wearer is relatively young. Wearing one with casual clothing in a very casual setting might exacerbate the problem.

I really do appreciate the beauty and technical excellence of an antique mechanical watch, but unfortunately I think it's so out of place with modern style that it most often looks like the wearer is using it to get attention rather than as a functional, subtle part of his outfit.

 

A couple of guys at work are wearing pocket watches with their jeans. I wouldn't have known except they've noticed me wearing one on my waistcoat occasionally, and so they've shown me theirs. They either just leave it loose in the fob pocket or have it clipped to the belt on a chain. It seems pocket watches are coming back into fashion a little, based on this small sample.

 

I only wear pocket squares (Duchamp) with odd-jackets and never with a suit, excluding formal-wear.

That is awesome, but this is a discussion of pocket WATCHES, not pocket squares.

To the OP, I say wear your pocket watch with pride in your suit, odd trousers and sport coats, jeans, or whatever else you happen to be wearing at the time (not swimwear, of course). Some may consider it an accessory, and I guess it is to the extent that you are just wearing it to look good. But, more importantly, it is a functional watch. It serves a purpose. You should be wearing it so that you will always know what time it is without having to ask a stranger or glance at your mobile phone.

 

Save this for the 3-piece suit.

Unless its some current fashion thing, of course....

 

I wore a pocket watch all through college.

Five pocket Levis were designed for pocket watches and it worked fine for that purpose.

Nowadays I slip my cell phone in the 5th pocket, but it was originally designed for the watches.

 

Call me crazy, but I think that a pocket watch looks rather affected even with a three piece suit, especially if the wearer is relatively young. Wearing one with casual clothing in a very casual setting might exacerbate the problem.

I really do appreciate the beauty and technical excellence of an antique mechanical watch, but unfortunately I think it's so out of place with modern style that it most often looks like the wearer is using it to get attention rather than as a functional, subtle part of his outfit.

Although I'm generally inclined to agree with the logic behind this, I also think that one's overall style really determines the appropriateness (or affectation?) of wearing a PW casually. Much of what makes a well dressed man is more style than substance...think 'pocket squares'.
If you're reasonably stylish, if you're well groomed and well toned (i.e. take good care of yourself), then a PW will look just fine..the final determinant being not so much practicality but consistency with your overall 'look'.

P.S. The PW would go in the PW pocket (which, shockingly, many mistake for a 'coin pocket!), and the chain can be looped thru the nearest belt loop. Just make sure you finish off the look with a fine set of braces!.

 

I think that with Levi's, silver watches and chains look better than gold. Maybe this splits the difference between the `suits only' group and the `whatever' group.

 

I still wear a pocket watch in hot weather. I can't bear the sweaty watch bands. The PW resolves that nicely.

I rarely have to check the time (there is usually a clock available), so it is rarely seen as an affectation.

 

Call me crazy, but I think that a pocket watch looks rather affected even with a three piece suit, especially if the wearer is relatively young. Wearing one with casual clothing in a very casual setting might exacerbate the problem.

I really do appreciate the beauty and technical excellence of an antique mechanical watch, but unfortunately I think it's so out of place with modern style that it most often looks like the wearer is using it to get attention rather than as a functional, subtle part of his outfit.

'Modern style'? Count me out!

Wear what you want old bean, and enjoy you p/w. I only wear mine with 3 piece suits, or in the top pocket on a tweed suit, but each to his own.