Watches For Morning Dress

In the 19^th century, it was often considered to be impolite to have any kind of time piece when you were in the presence of others, since it would suggest

Vintage Hunter Pocket Watch

that you could not spend as much time with your hosts as they had intended.

Later, pocket watches became popular, and today most men wear wristwatches. Of course, it is perfectly appropriate to wear watches, but you if you prefer not to, you can rest assured that is traditionally correct.

Pocket Watch

The most classic watch option for morning coats is the pocket or FOB watch. Once again, it is up to you whether you chose gold or silver, just ensure to match all your metals.

Double Albert Chain with FOB

Due to their relative unpopularity in comparison to wristwatches, you will find fine vintage pocket watches in precious metals for a fraction of what a comparable wristwatch would cost. So if you like individuality, go with a pocket watch.

Pocket Watch Chain

Instead of just carrying your pocket watch in  your vest pocket, you should acquire a watch chain.

Regular Chain

The standard watch chain has a keeper (Fob) on one end, and the watch on the other end. It is designed so you can put the keeper through a buttonhole before you button the waistcoat. This only works well with single breasted waistcoats. However, well designed double breasted waistcoats have a little hole in the center where the FOB will hold the watch decoratively in place.

Pocket Watch Chains

Albert Chain

To make your watch really stand out, an Albert Chain will do the trick, especially if you wear a double breasted waistcoat. It is a double-ended chain with a decorative middle element.  Queen Victoria’s husband had these chains put through a vertical buttonhole on his waistcoat and it hung beautifully. From that point in time, it became known as the Albert Chain. Interestingly, there are two types of Albert Chains, the single Albert Chain and the Double Albert Chain. In addition, sometimes an additional third chain with a decorative element dangling in the center of the vest is added. Please see the pictures for all the different variations.

Wrist Watch

Cartier Tank Wrist Watch for Men

If you prefer a wristwatch, a dress watch is the best choice for morning dress. Chronographs, diving watches, and other large or modernly shaped watches will be too bulky and informal.

Dress watches have simple dials with plain indices or Roman numerals, and are overall slim and discrete in size. The dial should be white and the watch strap made out of black leather, nothing else.

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