Residency Interview Suits and Watches

[DreamingTheLive]

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Will this one work?

lol. Wow, that is both beautiful and obnoxiously hideous at the same time. The crux of my earlier post is that, for whatever reason, already style-misinformed younger men have been further led to believe (by horrible sources) that the bigger and badder your tie knot is the better. In retrospect, this couldn't be further from the truth, especially in professional settings. A well done half-windsor is simply a timeless look that always exudes understated style, savvy and elegance.

 

[Old Style Nanny]

A well done half-windsor is simply a timeless look that always exudes understated style, savvy and elegance.

Oh no, no no, no... no! What you want is a four in hand. Half-windsor is not half as elegant as an FIH!

 

[DoctwoB]

lol. Wow, that is both beautiful and obnoxiously hideous at the same time. The crux of my earlier post is that, for whatever reason, already style-misinformed younger men have been further led to believe (by horrible sources) that the bigger and badder your tie knot is the better. In retrospect, this couldn't be further from the truth, especially in professional settings. A well done half-windsor is simply a timeless look that always exudes understated style, savvy and elegance.

A well done full windsor can demonstrate style and confidence, provided that (1) the tie material isn't too thick as to make the knot ridiculously wide and (2) you have a non button-down collar which requires a wider knot.

 

[valkener]

I personally prefer the full windsor knot too even with thicker ties. I actually recommend thicker ties as they generally look more classy and sturdy. You can get good ones at Express for example. I don't find the knots to be too bombastic, if you tie them tightly they look great and very symmetric.

 

[Old Style Nanny]

Bond mistrusted anyone who tied his tie with a windsor knot. It showed too much vanity. It was often the mark of a cad.

!

 

[armybound]

only tied a four in hand or Nicky at all of my interviews. Keep it simple.

and for God's sake, push it tight against your neck. I hate seeing collar where your tie should be.

 

[chemsmith]

I can't understand people wanting to wear expensive analog wristwatches in a scientific profession. My cheap digital keeps time better than a $8000 rolex. Wearing the later just exposes vanity imo

 

[airplanes]

Recently been looking into the vintage watch market. Omega sea master wrist watches from the 60s and 70s run 300-500 and are the clean, classic look I'm going for.

I can't understand people wanting to wear expensive analog wristwatches in a scientific profession. My cheap digital keeps time better than a $8000 rolex. Wearing the later just exposes vanity imo

Hah. Well i can tell you its definitely not about accurate keeping time. On the other hand, I don't judge etablished attendings for splurging 8k on a watch, it's their right. I do judge when it's ugly or a run of the mill Rolex.

 

[kindasorta]

A well done full windsor can demonstrate style and confidence, provided that (1) the tie material isn't too thick as to make the knot ridiculously wide and (2) you have a non button-down collar which requires a wider knot.

A full windsor is a fantastic choice if you're a 250 lb black man doing color commentary for the superbowl.

 

[DreamingTheLive]

I personally prefer the full windsor knot too even with thicker ties. I actually recommend thicker ties as they generally look more classy and sturdy. You can get good ones at Express for example. I don't find the knots to be too bombastic, if you tie them tightly they look great and very symmetric.

Exactly my point. Guys who think Express makes quality men's clothing suggest full windsor. Nothing at all wrong with a four in hand knot, also a very elegant and understated choice.

I blame this phenomenon on ESPN. Guys see Michael Irvin (formerly), Merril Hodge, Keyshawn Johnson, Stuart Scott, etc., etc. on the TV with these big, ghastly, utterly hideous knots. Worst yet, they're always complementing eachother on them. Its incestuous. Express is certainly no better, but to each his own.

Bottom line: If you're trying to make a statement with your tie knot, then you're probably making the wrong statement.

 

[WashMe]

Since this is also the watch thread... I recently got a JDM Seiko SARB023 and it has been running much more accurately than expected. Anyone who is into mechanical watches should really take note of the 6r15 movement. I set the watch 12 days ago and have been wearing it daily since then; it is currently at +2 seconds overall! (for a jaw dropping +0.16 sec per day). It initially ran about +2.5 per day, but it has settled in at about -0.33 per day. Of course, I would rather it run fast than slow, but I'm not going to complain about losing 1 second every 3 days given that this watch can be had for ~$500 and I've made no attempt to regulate it!

 

[SteinUmStein]

What does everyone think of the Tissot T52142113 as an interview watch? Sure it's not an automatic or anything fancy but for <$200...

 

[Old Style Nanny]

What does everyone think of the Tissot T52142113 as an interview watch? Sure it's not an automatic or anything fancy but for <$200...

I feel you can do a little better than that for $200. Check out some of the Hamiltons (the plain ones), or even a Tissot Le Locle. More value for your money, although the latter is slightly thicker for a dress watch.

That said I would still suggest following one of the recommendations above. Go for a used classic Omega or JLC on eBay. It would be $100 or so more, but you just can't beat the value. If you don't like it two years down the line, you can sell it for a higher price. Just make sure the watch had been recently serviced and oiled recently before buying.

 

[SteinUmStein]

I feel you can do a little better than that for $200. Check out some of the Hamiltons (the plain ones), or even a Tissot Le Locle. More value for your money, although the latter is slightly thicker for a dress watch.

That said I would still suggest following one of the recommendations above. Go for a used classic Omega or JLC on eBay. It would be $100 or so more, but you just can't beat the value. If you don't like it two years down the line, you can sell it for a higher price. Just make sure the watch had been recently serviced and oiled recently before buying.

How much does a typical mechanical watch cost to service over a 4-5 year period? I do understand that they retain value and can be resold much more easily than a quartz watch, but the servicing/oil/resealing costs of mechanical watches make me hesitate. Plus I tend to scratch/beat the crap out of watches just in regular use (careless with swinging arms, etc) so I may need something less valuable on my wrist.

 

[Old Style Nanny]

How much does a typical mechanical watch cost to service over a 4-5 year period? I do understand that they retain value and can be resold much more easily than a quartz watch, but the servicing/oil/resealing costs of mechanical watches make me hesitate. Plus I tend to scratch/beat the crap out of watches just in regular use (careless with swinging arms, etc) so I may need something less valuable on my wrist.

A mechanical watch typically needs one service only once in ten years, which should cost you about $50, unless it is a Rolex (and serviced by a Rolex authorized service center), or you need to replace some parts like gaskets (on a diver, for example), etc.

However, most professional used watch sellers on Ebay have their own watch repair person who would clean and restore watches for them. During this time the watches get a general overhaul so you would not have to, for at least ten years or so (unless of course the watch loses / gains more than a few minutes a day and you wish to get it re-calibrated).

Other places to buy good used watches directly from (knowledgeable) sellers is from watchuseek forum and timezone forum. Both have excellent marketplace subforums, more reliable, and the prices are for comparable items generally cheaper than what you would find on Ebay.

 

[Old Style Nanny]

Bottom line: If you're trying to make a statement with your tie knot, then you're probably making the wrong statement.

I think this would make an excellent statement in an interview:

Also, it combines all two aspects of this thread into one: the tie-watch.

.

 

[Staradmiral]

What does everyone think of the Tissot T52142113 as an interview watch? Sure it's not an automatic or anything fancy but for <$200...

The best watches are Michael Kors, they cost 200-250, yet are the best looking watches I have ever seen. 15% of my class wears Michael Kors.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st?b...9281011,p_4:Michael+Kors&sort=popularity-rank

When it comes to Tissot, your paying 50% of the price just for the name. That watch doesn't look much better then a lot of $100 watches,

 

[airplanes]

The best watches are Michael Kors, they cost 200-250, yet are the best looking watches I have ever seen. 15% of my class wears Michael Kors.,

I respectfully and whole heatedly disagree. Michael kors is a mass manufactured, fashion choice of a wrostwath fit for someone trying to look cool on a Friday night. No, just no. I would never spend 250 bucks on a Michael kors product with a crappy movements and subpar parts and build quality. The fact that some of your classmates seem to wear them does not make it a good choice

Seiko and citizen are much better picks in the <$300 range

 

[armybound]

The best watches are Michael Kors, they cost 200-250, yet are the best looking watches I have ever seen. 15% of my class wears Michael Kors.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st?b...9281011,p_4:Michael+Kors&sort=popularity-rank

When it comes to Tissot, your paying 50% of the price just for the name. That watch doesn't look much better then a lot of $100 watches,

Michael Kors watches are made by Fossil.

 

[Wordead]

The best watches are Michael Kors, they cost 200-250, yet are the best looking watches I have ever seen. 15% of my class wears Michael Kors.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st?b...9281011,p_4:Michael+Kors&sort=popularity-rank

When it comes to Tissot, your paying 50% of the price just for the name. That watch doesn't look much better then a lot of $100 watches,

Yeah Michael Kors products don't have a markup at all. Total value. 😕

 

[SteinUmStein]

Honestly I didn't go for the Tissot for the name, it was the only dress watch that I liked the look of that didn't have a massive 40mm dial (which would look ridiculous on my wrist) and was in my price range. People can go on and on about value but my SO is not going to be pleased if I drop $400 on a watch. Such is life as a med student with no money.

Someday I hope to have a nice automatic timepiece, but I'd rather wait until I can afford something worth keeping for 20-30+ years and for now just get a watch to look nice for interviews and special occasions. Most people aren't going to look closely enough to see what it is I'm wearing, and if they are offended by my lack of style I will have to apologize for being poor. 😉

 

[Druggernaut]

What does everyone think of the Tissot T52142113 as an interview watch? Sure it's not an automatic or anything fancy but for <$200...

I think that's a solid choice. Clean face (no chronographs or weird moon-phase stuff), nothing gaudy about the bezel, thin, not too big, and a leather band.

You might also look into Bulova watches. I picked one up for under $100, and it gets more compliments than my slightly pricier Citizen and Seiko watches. I'm on a budget too, and don't have anything high-end.

The fact that some of your classmates seem to wear them does not make it a good choice.

I'd argue that them being worn by many classmates makes it a worse choice. Too many young guys go for the gaudy "Tracy Jordan" watches. Plus, a lot of those Michael Kors watches on that Amazon link look like women's watches to me. I've seen guys wearing something similar to that "white silicone runway watch" and besides being a little bigger, I can't tell the difference between those and what a lot of nurses seem to favor. I'm a little embarrassed it's popping up on my recent history on Amazon now...

Not a fan of their ties, either.

 

[loveoforganic2]

Honestly I didn't go for the Tissot for the name, it was the only dress watch that I liked the look of that didn't have a massive 40mm dial (which would look ridiculous on my wrist) and was in my price range. People can go on and on about value but my SO is not going to be pleased if I drop $400 on a watch. Such is life as a med student with no money.

Someday I hope to have a nice automatic timepiece, but I'd rather wait until I can afford something worth keeping for 20-30+ years and for now just get a watch to look nice for interviews and special occasions. Most people aren't going to look closely enough to see what it is I'm wearing, and if they are offended by my lack of style I will have to apologize for being poor. 😉

I like the style a lot. I posted a pic a while ago, but ended up going with

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM824...=1361489877&sr=8-6&keywords=citizen+eco+drive

as a "cheap" dress watch. I too suffer from small wrist syndrome

 

[blesss]

only dress watch that I liked the look of that didn't have a massive 40mm dial (which would look ridiculous on my wrist)

Often times it's how far the watch sits off your wrist, not simply how big the dial is. I have a friend with sub 6" wrists and I've seen him wearing watches with 44mm dials. Whenever possible, it's best to try it out in a store (prior to ordering the same thing online even), the numbers can be misleading 🙂.

 

[SteinUmStein]

I like the style a lot. I posted a pic a while ago, but ended up going with

http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM824...=1361489877&sr=8-6&keywords=citizen+eco+drive

as a "cheap" dress watch. I too suffer from small wrist syndrome

That's funny, I was so very close to getting that Citizen, and I still really like it.

After lots and lots of looking I only found a handful of "dressy" watches that weren't absurdly oversized for my wrist that were in my budget. That one and the Tissot were two of them. I'm hoping to bide my time through this current fad of oversized 40+mm clunkers with the hope that by the time I can afford a nice automatic we'll be back to the more sane and classy 34-36mm average of yore.

Let me know what you think of how that Citizen wears and how comfortable it is, I may just pick one up for myself for a graduation present next year!

Edit: @blesss - I've tried several 40mm and 42mm's on in jewelry stores, and yes it does depend on the model and bezel but honestly past 40mm they simply eclipse my wrist. They also get pretty clunky at those sizes unless we're talking luxury super-thin automatic (expensive) watches or quartz which the bourgeois have already dismissed as "low value".

 

[loveoforganic2]

we'll be back to the more sane and classy 34-36mm average of yore.

One day... One day...

The citizen is nice, would definitely get it again. Leather band is a bit stiff, but it'll break in over time. Second hand is just barely off the markings, which hurts my OCD-ness a little bit, but definitely happy with it

 

[IlDestriero]

How much does a typical mechanical watch cost to service over a 4-5 year period? I do understand that they retain value and can be resold much more easily than a quartz watch, but the servicing/oil/resealing costs of mechanical watches make me hesitate. Plus I tend to scratch/beat the crap out of watches just in regular use (careless with swinging arms, etc) so I may need something less valuable on my wrist.

Quartz watches need batteries every 2-3 years (there are a few with "10 year" batteries btw), and mechanical watches need service. The companies will usually recommend every 5-7 years, but most collectors will tell you 7-10 is fine, particularly if you have several watches that you rotate. You could go 10 or even 20 years without a service, as long as it is keeping good time, but you risk excess wear and more expensive repair bills by ignoring routine service. I've had many watches serviced. A routine service from a local watch repair shop (not the mall store!) will set you back ~$150 for a common ETA automatic movement. It will include disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, lubrication, timing, and adjustment. It usually will include gasket replacement(s) as well. A routine Rolex service is about $400 from an independent and $550 from the service center. The Daytona chronograph, day date, and new sky dweller movements are more complex and will run a couple hundred more. That's pretty standard for the big boys and will include professional refinishing of the case and bracelet and a 2 year warranty. Other more exclusive manufacturers (Patek, Audemars Piguet, JLC, etc) generally charge much more, plan for at least $1000. If non routine service parts need replacement, the cost will be more. A new sapphire crystal is about $200 for example.
If you take your more expensive watches in the water, it's worth investing in a pressure test every year. It's about $50 and can be done same day at an independent repair shop. It's cheap insurance.

 

[IlDestriero]

If you want super stealth luxury, check out the Grand Seiko line. It has stunning finishing and attention to detail, rivaling Swiss manufacturers that cost significantly more. It's the best value in it's price point (~$5-10k). The spring drive is a marvel. In the US, the Grand Seiko and their even higher end line, Credor ($50k+), are unknown outside of the watch collector crowd.
My current fave, and contender for my next watch, the Grand Seiko "Snowflake".

 

[Old Style Nanny]

In the US, the Grand Seiko and their even higher end line, Credor ($50k+), are unknown outside of the watch collector crowd.

Actually, most watches are. In the real world, "Fossil" and "Michael Kors" are the good brands, apparently.

 

[blesss]

Edit: @blesss - I've tried several 40mm and 42mm's on in jewelry stores, and yes it does depend on the model and bezel but honestly past 40mm they simply eclipse my wrist. They also get pretty clunky at those sizes unless we're talking luxury super-thin automatic (expensive) watches or quartz which the bourgeois have already dismissed as "low value".

Yeah it takes a fair amount of luck to find those rare magical specimens 😉

Actually, most watches are. In the real world, "Fossil" and "Michael Kors" are the good brands, apparently.

🙄

I cringe whenever I see someone (and believe me there's a lot of them at my uni) flaunting their MK. 😳

 

[Old Style Nanny]

I cringe whenever I see someone (and believe me there's a lot of them at my uni) flaunting their MK. 😳

That's such a rude thing to say! Look at some of the posts above yours!

 

[Old Style Nanny]

Alright you guys, lets going back to suits now. To all you experts on dressing well, what are the rules for choosing suits for a short, medium-skinny person (think Tom Cruise)?

I know these are good starting points: vertical stripes, light fabric, two buttons, low rise pants.

But, what cut is the best for this person? American / English / Italian?

And, what about the fit? Slim or regular and why?

Do the lapels matter at all?

And finally, how do skinny vs wide ties affect the look?

Is wool always the best material?

 

[kindasorta]

It takes balls the size of comets to pay that much for a Seiko, I don't care if it's made from the ejaculate of Jesus.

 

[SteinUmStein]

It takes balls the size of comets to pay that much for a Seiko, I don't care if it's made from the ejaculate of Jesus.

It's a gorgeous watch, but if my budget was in that range I'd just pick up a couple of these instead I think. 😍

 

[RadicalRadon]

I'm a big fan of IWC. I'm planning to pick one up at the end of the year.

 

[airplanes]

I'm a big fan of IWC. I'm planning to pick one up at the end of the year.

👍

Tend to be mildly overpriced but definitely a very classy and respected choice.

 

[armybound]

I'm a big fan of IWC. I'm planning to pick one up at the end of the year.

the one on the bottom right is my dream watch.

also really like the Nomos just posted.

 

[redhotpokerb]

If you are on a budget and want to invest in a good watch, I would recommend ARISTO doctors watch. It looks very professional and classy. Quality is pretty good too

 

[FIREitUP]

i have to bump this thread

 

[Priapism4tooLong]

I rock a patek phillipe, its the only brand of watch i'd ever wear.

 

[fancymylotus]

That looks like something my dad would wear. Old-school obnoxious.

 

[Brain Bucket]

If you're gonna rock a PP, make it a Calatrava.

Ideally, I'd wear an IWC Portugese.

 

[deleted500612]

loling @ all this over-analyzing what is the best tie knot to use at your interview. They're not going to mark down on your sheet what knot you used on your tie and deduct points from your competitiveness as a candidate for using a four-in-hand over a windsor or vice versa. As long as its a standard tie knot that looks normal, nobody is going to notice or care.

 

[Wordead]

loling @ all this over-analyzing what is the best tie knot to use at your interview. They're not going to mark down on your sheet what knot you used on your tie and deduct points from your competitiveness as a candidate for using a four-in-hand over a windsor or vice versa. As long as its a standard tie knot that looks normal, nobody is going to notice or care.

When I'm a resident, I will. Minus points for full windsors for sure. Bonus for double four in hand. Keep the tradition of arbitrary standards for admissions alive.

 

[Brain Bucket]

pfft...I'll be rockin an eldritch.

 

[deleted500612]

No, no one is going to write your knot choice down on a piece of paper. But what's clear from reading this thread ( and the dozens of others like it) is that appearance, or more precisely presentation, makes an impact. It affects the way you are perceived by others (consciously and unconsciously) - in life, not just in admissions interviews.

Oh I agree that presentation and appearance makes an impact, I'm not saying you should not worry about your appearance at an interview. But something as arbitrary and unnoticeable as which knot you choose for your tie is not really going to affect anything as long as it is a standard, normal looking tie knot.

 

[username456789]

I will admit that when I see the super wide and loosely tied (ie no dimple) knot -- my immediate gut reaction is "douche". So I don't know that I agree. But I'm rather judgmental...

Same here, for what it's worth. I see this kind of thing regularly, and the message it sends is similar to the guy wearing a black sack suit 3 sizes too big - "this is my first time dressing like a big boy and I have no idea what I'm doing."

The difference is that by this point (medical school/residency), most guys have had to don a tie for many occasions, likely since adolescence. They've probably had over a decade to learn how to tie a reasonably nice knot, and still couldn't be bothered to figure it out yet.

 

[FIREitUP]

I rock a patek phillipe, its the only brand of watch i'd ever wear.

View attachment 180614

A Lange and Sohne all the way

 

[Brain Bucket]

A Lange and Sohne all the way

omfg L&S are my favorite! That one doesn't even come close to the prettiest, but I'd still go with a Portuguese for an interview

 

[FIREitUP]

omfg L&S are my favorite! That one doesn't even come close to the prettiest, but I'd still go with a Portuguese for an interview

i like the portuguese. The one thing about IWC though is that their watches are quite big for me since i have small wrists. I'm not sure what the sizes of the L&S are, but i've yet to encounter an IWC that's less than 40mm, and since i have small wrists i can't pull it off. also, if you've seen the portuguese 7 day (which is an amazing power reserve) it is thick as hell.