Best Watches for Stockbrokers and Investors

Who are stockbrokers and investors? Well, if you haven’t seen Wolf of Wall Street or just Wall Street, firstly… What’s wrong with you? Go watch both immediately.

The films say that for stockbrokers and investors, status is everything. How you look and how you’re perceived is all that matters. The role of a watch in this situation can have a huge impact.

You’d be likely to see them wearing the latest Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy wearable, with high-rollers sporting expensive models from Omega, Tag Huer or Rolex – and even collectables by Jaeger-LeCoultre or Vacheron Constantine.

Here’s a look at some popular stockbroker and investor favourites.

For the junior

The Apple Watch (circa $500) is a go-to for a lot of intern and junior-level professionals. You may see the odd Casio G-Shock (which can be found for $40 to $200, depending on the model). They’re a little cartoon-like and clunky, though, and don’t command respect.

Some junior-level stockbrokers sport the Daniel Wellington range, which costs around $400. Others may push the boat out and spend up to $1,000 on a Hamilton Jazzmaster (you can read more about Hamiltons in our review here).

To stand out, you have to go big. The Omega Seamaster ($4,000) does the job. In fact, it’s such a showstopper that James Bond wears one. Check out more about James Bond’s watches over the years in our review here.

The more experienced stockbroker

The Autodromo Chronograph (a modest $2,000) and Breitling Avenger ($5,500) are common players at this level.

A Rolex Submariner ($7,500) will pop up at this level of income, too. It’s often seen on the wrist of those at second and third year level. It’s special enough to make an impact, but it’ll need to be upgraded after the next promotion.

The associate

Here we start seeing Tag Heuer. Particularly, the Grand Carrera ($4,500). This isn’t really a possibility for anything more junior than an associate and neither should it should be. A Tag Heuer should be earned.

Rolex pops its head above the parapet again at this level, reminding us that it is the ultimate watch brand. The Seadweller (nearly $14,000) and slightly cheaper (ha) Blancpain Aqua Lung (around $13,000) are more unusual choices here at this level.

Vice President

A VP at Wall Street will be seen in nothing less than a timepiece from the Panerai Radiomir 1940. The collection starts at $7,500 and goes up to a ceiling of nearly $23,000. Don’t think anyone’s going to be fooled by anything less than the latter.

Rolex, of course, sits on the wrists of Wall Street VPs too. The aforementioned Daytona (around $13,000) can be seen on James Gorman’s wrist. Who? The CEO of Morgan Stanley, that’s who.

Other choices include the Vacheron Constantin Overseas (just shy of $20,000) and Panerai Luminor, the best of which costs $28,000.

Directors and Executive Directors

We’re really getting into some serious money now as we look at what a Director-level stockbroker’s watch looks like. More than the average person earns in an entire year.

The Glashutte Senator Skeleton Dial (nearly $50,000) can be seen on very few, but very important wrists.

There’s still more to be had, though. At Director level the only thing to do is push for another promotion to MD. MD’s don’t wear Rolexes, no. They sport the Breguet Classique ($52,000). If they’re saving the pennies for another house, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tourbillon ($40,000) is an excellent second choice.

Managing Director

Sat in the second-best seat in the house at Wall Street is probably a man with the ultimate luxury watch collection. In that collection, you’ll likely find a Lange and Söhne. Why? Because they range from $36,000 to $150,000. More than most people would ever be able to spend on a car.

If you like your ostentatiousness to be a little more subtle, try checking out a Nautilus Chronograph for $50,000.

Partner

If you’re at partner level, the rules are instantly reversed. You no longer have to impress a single person. You can wear a Fitbit if you like.

Some rock around the office in a Swatch, which start from as little as $50. Some like sports watches like those from Nike ($85).

JP Morgan’s CEO, Jamie Dimon wears the single most influential power-move-watch there is. No watch at all.

Summary

Ultimately, the best watch for either a stockbroker or investor isn’t about the features. They don’t need to be waterproof, they don’t need to be shock-resistant and they don’t have to have smart features or the ability to monitor the quality of sleep.

These watches simply need to cost a lot of money.