Disagree with Miss Manners re: watches at weddings/formal events

carliealissa · April 2014

lc07 said:

Can I have pics, please? I don't think it's rude for the bride to wear a watch, I just don't find it fits the formality of a wedding to have a watch on. I have never wore a watch in evening attire like cocktail dresses, evening gowns etc. Maybe I don't own fancy enough watches. I just don't see it fitting the look.

Mine looks very similar to this. Like I said I don't even like watches, and I absolutely won't be looking at it even once to check the time. It's basically just going to be worn as a bracelet.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

Jennycolada said:

I have a rose gold Michael Kors watch that I love! I actually really like the color and style with my wedding dress, and am considering wearing at as an accessory. Heh.

I just saw a bunch of his watches when I went in to look at wedding bands, and I loved them!

Rose Gold.

There are many very formal and dressy watches out there for women, that would look absolutely fine with a cocktail dress or an evening gown. . . it's the reason why they are so fancy.

NYCBruin · April 2014

IMathlete said:

When I was in a sorority, we were not allowed to wear a watch for our Rush events, for exactly that reason.

I would never wear a watch with an evening gown or cocktail dress, but that's just my preference.

I bought FI an engagement watch. If he doesn't wear it with his tux at our wedding, I might kill him. :-)

Ah yes! This is probably where I picked this up. Although putting rush aside, I get the logic behind the idea of wearing a watch to a social event being "rude" since it gives the impression that one has somewhere else to be or is waiting for the event to end.

I've also always thought of watches as business/power accessories, which is something I picked up from my father who insisted that I have a nice (but not too nice) watch when I graduated college. Watches are props frequently used in business to convey that your time is valuable and that the other person/meeting/whatever is less important than your other obligations.

That said, in reality it's seems like a victimless crime. I can't imagine someone at a social event tapping their watch, taking it off and placing it on the table in front of them or staring at it frequently, which are the actual rude behaviors. Wearing a watch merely allows one to do these things, but doesn't mean that one actually will do them.

And the diamond rule makes no sense to me. Nor does the no tuxes before 6 rule.

sofakingmad · April 2014

I wear a solitare diamond necklace every day (in face I never take it off) and I wear a watch with diamonds.

I do not care what people think. Both are very simple and barely stand out. In fact, they are probably more on the casual side. Why do diamonds automatically mean formal?

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

IMathlete said:

When I was in a sorority, we were not allowed to wear a watch for our Rush events, for exactly that reason.

I would never wear a watch with an evening gown or cocktail dress, but that's just my preference.

I bought FI an engagement watch. If he doesn't wear it with his tux at our wedding, I might kill him. :-)

Ah yes! This is probably where I picked this up. Although putting rush aside, I get the logic behind the idea of wearing a watch to a social event being "rude" since it gives the impression that one has somewhere else to be or is waiting for the event to end.

I've also always thought of watches as business/power accessories, which is something I picked up from my father who insisted that I have a nice (but not too nice) watch when I graduated college. Watches are props frequently used in business to convey that your time is valuable and that the other person/meeting/whatever is less important than your other obligations.

That said, in reality it's seems like a victimless crime. I can't imagine someone at a social event tapping their watch, taking it off and placing it on the table in front of them or staring at it frequently, which are the actual rude behaviors. Wearing a watch merely allows one to do these things, but doesn't mean that one actually will do them.

And the diamond rule makes no sense to me. Nor does the no tuxes before 6 rule.

This isn't logic, this is people reading too much into things and projecting their own insecurities on others. "OMG she is wearing a watch! She must be bored at this event- OMG I am so boring!"

A watch is an instrument worn and used to keep track of time, period. That's logic. There are no emotional speculations or assumptions attached to that statement.

Maggie0829 · April 2014

I have never once thought that someone wearing a watch to any event meant that they had some place that they would rather be or that they were bored. I figured they wore a watch because they would at some point like to know what time it was or that they just liked wearing a watch.

Why do people have to read so much into things?

NYCBruin · April 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

NYCBruin said:

IMathlete said:

When I was in a sorority, we were not allowed to wear a watch for our Rush events, for exactly that reason.

I would never wear a watch with an evening gown or cocktail dress, but that's just my preference.

I bought FI an engagement watch. If he doesn't wear it with his tux at our wedding, I might kill him. :-)

Ah yes! This is probably where I picked this up. Although putting rush aside, I get the logic behind the idea of wearing a watch to a social event being "rude" since it gives the impression that one has somewhere else to be or is waiting for the event to end.

I've also always thought of watches as business/power accessories, which is something I picked up from my father who insisted that I have a nice (but not too nice) watch when I graduated college. Watches are props frequently used in business to convey that your time is valuable and that the other person/meeting/whatever is less important than your other obligations.

That said, in reality it's seems like a victimless crime. I can't imagine someone at a social event tapping their watch, taking it off and placing it on the table in front of them or staring at it frequently, which are the actual rude behaviors. Wearing a watch merely allows one to do these things, but doesn't mean that one actually will do them.

And the diamond rule makes no sense to me. Nor does the no tuxes before 6 rule.

This isn't logic, this is people reading too much into things and projecting their own insecurities on others. "OMG she is wearing a watch! She must be bored at this event- OMG I am so boring!"

A watch is an instrument worn and used to keep track of time, period. That's logic. There are no emotional speculations or assumptions attached to that statement.

Yes, so wearing one implies a need to keep track of time, which suggests that there are other demands on your time. This isn't some huge leap in logic. I'm not saying I would be offended if someone was wearing a watch to a social event, just that the logic behind the rule isn't as insane as some posters here are suggesting.

And there are rude behaviors that one can only do while wearing a watch, which is another reason why many people advise against wearing them at certain events. The same way that if you're someone who plays with their hair when they are nervous, people may suggest that you not wear your hair down to interviews or important meetings.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

NYCBruin said:

IMathlete said:

When I was in a sorority, we were not allowed to wear a watch for our Rush events, for exactly that reason.

I would never wear a watch with an evening gown or cocktail dress, but that's just my preference.

I bought FI an engagement watch. If he doesn't wear it with his tux at our wedding, I might kill him. :-)

Ah yes! This is probably where I picked this up. Although putting rush aside, I get the logic behind the idea of wearing a watch to a social event being "rude" since it gives the impression that one has somewhere else to be or is waiting for the event to end.

I've also always thought of watches as business/power accessories, which is something I picked up from my father who insisted that I have a nice (but not too nice) watch when I graduated college. Watches are props frequently used in business to convey that your time is valuable and that the other person/meeting/whatever is less important than your other obligations.

That said, in reality it's seems like a victimless crime. I can't imagine someone at a social event tapping their watch, taking it off and placing it on the table in front of them or staring at it frequently, which are the actual rude behaviors. Wearing a watch merely allows one to do these things, but doesn't mean that one actually will do them.

And the diamond rule makes no sense to me. Nor does the no tuxes before 6 rule.

This isn't logic, this is people reading too much into things and projecting their own insecurities on others. "OMG she is wearing a watch! She must be bored at this event- OMG I am so boring!"

A watch is an instrument worn and used to keep track of time, period. That's logic. There are no emotional speculations or assumptions attached to that statement.

Yes, so wearing one implies a need to keep track of time, which suggests that there are other demands on your time. This isn't some huge leap in logic. I'm not saying I would be offended if someone was wearing a watch to a social event, just that the logic behind the rule isn't as insane as some posters here are suggesting.

And there are rude behaviors that one can only do while wearing a watch, which is another reason why many people advise against wearing them at certain events. The same way that if you're someone who plays with their hair when they are nervous, people may suggest that you not wear your hair down to interviews or important meetings.

No, it doesn't. Again, you are making assumptions and reading into things. A watch is used to keep track of time, but not necessarily because someone has some other place to be.

And just because someone is wearing a watch doesn't mean that they are going to be constantly checking the time. Even looking at the time once isn't rude.

Constantly looking at your watch, sure could be rude.

Maggie0829 · April 2014

I also don't find it rude or insulting that someone wants to keep track of the time at a social event. Maybe they have a sitter at home that they need to get back to, maybe their car is parked at a meter that needs to be refilled every few hours, maybe they are on a medication that needs to be taken at a certain time.

In the end, who really gives a fuck if someone wears a watch? Really?

ETA: It is like people who think that if someone wears black to a wedding that they are not in support of the marriage. People wear what they wear because they like it and want to wear it. That is really all that goes on when picking out an outfit the majority of time. They ask themselves "Do I like this? Does this make my butt look fat? Does this wash me out?" If they get the answer they like then, bam, they wear it. Same with accessories. If they like to wear a watch because they either like to know the time or they just like the accessory then they wear it. They aren't wearing it to count down the minutes so that they can leave your wedding because they hate you and don't want to be there. And if that is their thinking, then so the fuck what?!

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

Maggie0829 said:

I have never once thought that someone wearing a watch to any event meant that they had some place that they would rather be or that they were bored. I figured they wore a watch because they would at some point like to know what time it was or that they just liked wearing a watch.

Why do people have to read so much into things?

So much this!!!

This is a behavior trait that is foreign to me and drives me nuts, to be quite honest.

NYCBruin · April 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

Yes, so wearing one implies a need to keep track of time, which suggests that there are other demands on your time. This isn't some huge leap in logic. I'm not saying I would be offended if someone was wearing a watch to a social event, just that the logic behind the rule isn't as insane as some posters here are suggesting.

And there are rude behaviors that one can only do while wearing a watch, which is another reason why many people advise against wearing them at certain events. The same way that if you're someone who plays with their hair when they are nervous, people may suggest that you not wear your hair down to interviews or important meetings.

No, it doesn't. Again, you are making assumptions and reading into things. A watch is used to keep track of time, but not necessarily because someone has some other place to be.

And just because someone is wearing a watch doesn't mean that they are going to be constantly checking the time. Even looking at the time once isn't rude.

Constantly looking at your watch, sure could be rude.

If you have no where else to be or no other demand on your time, what is the purpose of keeping track of the time/wearing a watch?

Maggie0829 · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

Yes, so wearing one implies a need to keep track of time, which suggests that there are other demands on your time. This isn't some huge leap in logic. I'm not saying I would be offended if someone was wearing a watch to a social event, just that the logic behind the rule isn't as insane as some posters here are suggesting.

And there are rude behaviors that one can only do while wearing a watch, which is another reason why many people advise against wearing them at certain events. The same way that if you're someone who plays with their hair when they are nervous, people may suggest that you not wear your hair down to interviews or important meetings.

No, it doesn't. Again, you are making assumptions and reading into things. A watch is used to keep track of time, but not necessarily because someone has some other place to be.

And just because someone is wearing a watch doesn't mean that they are going to be constantly checking the time. Even looking at the time once isn't rude.

Constantly looking at your watch, sure could be rude.

If you have no where else to be or no other demand on your time, what is the purpose of keeping track of the time/wearing a watch?

Because sometimes people just like to know the time. At my wedding I asked what time it was a few times. Not because I had some place to be, obviously, but I just wanted to know how much time I had left to party it up.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

Yes, so wearing one implies a need to keep track of time, which suggests that there are other demands on your time. This isn't some huge leap in logic. I'm not saying I would be offended if someone was wearing a watch to a social event, just that the logic behind the rule isn't as insane as some posters here are suggesting.

And there are rude behaviors that one can only do while wearing a watch, which is another reason why many people advise against wearing them at certain events. The same way that if you're someone who plays with their hair when they are nervous, people may suggest that you not wear your hair down to interviews or important meetings.

No, it doesn't. Again, you are making assumptions and reading into things. A watch is used to keep track of time, but not necessarily because someone has some other place to be.

And just because someone is wearing a watch doesn't mean that they are going to be constantly checking the time. Even looking at the time once isn't rude.

Constantly looking at your watch, sure could be rude.

If you have no where else to be or no other demand on your time, what is the purpose of keeping track of the time/wearing a watch?

So you aren't totally clueless as to what time it is!

We can't function in society w/o any sense of time. And let's be honest, everyone ALWAYS has some place else to go after an event- home!

By virtue of wearing a watch and keeping track of time in a general sense, people are not projecting that they are bored and would rather be someplace else and are just killing time until they can leave, especially if they aren't even looking at their watch.

Those are assumptions people make, because they aren't taking people at face value.

When I see someone wearing a watch I don't think ANYTHING, other than "Hey, nice watch" if I like it. If I were to see that person continuously checking their watch, then I might think they had some place else to be.

And to be honest, I wouldn't blame them for "clock watching" at a sorority rush event- I hated those stupid, fake things, lol!

VulgarGirl · April 2014

If I saw someone wearing a watch at a formal event I'd think "Oh good, I can ask them what time it is!" because while I like to know what time it is I do not like wearing watches. I'm also not crazy about bracelets. I've got tiny wrists and everything slides around and then bangs into stuff, it's just a mess really.

FI has a lovely watch her dad gave her, I think it'll look great with her suit at our wedding. Note to self: ask FI to wear pretty watch.

VulgarGirl · April 2014

Maggie0829 said:

ETA: It is like people who think that if someone wears black to a wedding that they are not in support of the marriage. People wear what they wear because they like it and want to wear it. That is really all that goes on when picking out an outfit the majority of time. They ask themselves "Do I like this? Does this make my butt look fat? Does this wash me out?" If they get the answer they like then, bam, they wear it. Same with accessories. If they like to wear a watch because they either like to know the time or they just like the accessory then they wear it. They aren't wearing it to count down the minutes so that they can leave your wedding because they hate you and don't want to be there. And if that is their thinking, then so the fuck what?!

Aw damn it! We're asking our girls standing up with us to wear black dresses. Are we some how subconsciously asking them to say they don't support our marriage? Was that why they were so quick to agree? Because they don't support our marriage?! No, wait, they're fairly sane. I think they just like wearing black dresses. Ok. Phew, we're good.

Sars06 · April 2014

MyNameIsNot said:

Sars06 said:

And, technically, one should never own a watch with diamonds because diamonds are only for evening.

Who even wears a watch these days anyway?

Really? I don't think I know any professionals that don't wear a watch during business hours.

I would feel weird wearing a suit without my watch. Checking your phone just isn't appropriate in a lot of places.

You're totally right. I have actually been meaning to get a watch for exactly that reason (looking more professional).

And, just to set the record clear, my earlier comment wasn't meant to criticize diamond watches. I was just pointing out the old school logic.

I also want to add that I don't think this is an issue Miss Manners cares much about, but it is her job to point out what is technically "correct" and "incorrect." She also has a whole section in her big book (the Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior) on what it means to fold different corners of a calling card. So I think she has a good sense of humor about the usefulness of some of these rules.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

shrekspeare said:

Maggie0829 said:

I also don't find it rude or insulting that someone wants to keep track of the time at a social event. Maybe they have a sitter at home that they need to get back to, maybe their car is parked at a meter that needs to be refilled every few hours, maybe they are on a medication that needs to be taken at a certain time.

In the end, who really gives a fuck if someone wears a watch? Really?

ETA: It is like people who think that if someone wears black to a wedding that they are not in support of the marriage. People wear what they wear because they like it and want to wear it. That is really all that goes on when picking out an outfit the majority of time. They ask themselves "Do I like this? Does this make my butt look fat? Does this wash me out?" If they get the answer they like then, bam, they wear it. Same with accessories. If they like to wear a watch because they either like to know the time or they just like the accessory then they wear it. They aren't wearing it to count down the minutes so that they can leave your wedding because they hate you and don't want to be there. And if that is their thinking, then so the fuck what?!

I wear black to weddings all the time. 98% of my closet is black. I could go out and buy a pretty colored dress, but I'd only wear it once. Case in point-my engagement dress. I've never worn it aside from that.

I guess that means you disapprove of all of those marriages, and life in general, huh?

;-)

Sars06 · April 2014

Ugh, the stupid box got all screwy. That was supposed to be reply to a quote within a quote. Sigh.

NYCBruin · April 2014

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

Maggie0829 · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

And what is so wrong with the bolded? Why is it so wrong to know the time so you know you can leave? Some people go to social events and can only stay for an hour or two. So they need to know what time it is so they don't stay longer then they can.

Obsessively looking at your watch or even your phone (which to me is way worse then just wearing a watch) is ridiculous and annoying. But to just wear a watch so that you can know what time it is periodically is not rude.

And if wearing a watch is rude because you may look at it for the time, then the same can be said in bringing your cell phone to a social event. Playing on your phone is just as rude, if not more, then periodically looking at your watch.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be. It's just this, unless you are a person who reads into things.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not. This isn't a "truth" though. Because the issue is not necessarily what people are wearing but what other people are reading into it. And I honestly don't have the time or energy to worry that much about other people's thoughts, issues, and the spin they choose to put on things. Doesn't mean I'm not careful to dress appropriately for wherever I am going, but I'm not going to get hung up or worried that someone might judge me for wearing jeans to church or a watch to a social event. Some people just like to be judgmental. They have no effect on my life, though.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed. Yes!!! Maybe this is why you assume ppl who are wearing a watch have someplace else to be? Rush events traumatized you, lol!

ETA: Rush events traumatized me too! Forced socialization is the worst, especially when you knew that a particular girl had already decided to rush a different sorority. Then I just always felt stupid and desperate looking, hahaha!

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

shrekspeare said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

shrekspeare said:

Maggie0829 said:

I also don't find it rude or insulting that someone wants to keep track of the time at a social event. Maybe they have a sitter at home that they need to get back to, maybe their car is parked at a meter that needs to be refilled every few hours, maybe they are on a medication that needs to be taken at a certain time.

In the end, who really gives a fuck if someone wears a watch? Really?

ETA: It is like people who think that if someone wears black to a wedding that they are not in support of the marriage. People wear what they wear because they like it and want to wear it. That is really all that goes on when picking out an outfit the majority of time. They ask themselves "Do I like this? Does this make my butt look fat? Does this wash me out?" If they get the answer they like then, bam, they wear it. Same with accessories. If they like to wear a watch because they either like to know the time or they just like the accessory then they wear it. They aren't wearing it to count down the minutes so that they can leave your wedding because they hate you and don't want to be there. And if that is their thinking, then so the fuck what?!

I wear black to weddings all the time. 98% of my closet is black. I could go out and buy a pretty colored dress, but I'd only wear it once. Case in point-my engagement dress. I've never worn it aside from that.

I guess that means you disapprove of all of those marriages, and life in general, huh?

;-)

Well played!

JennyColada · April 2014

Being offended by my watch is just as absurd as being offended by any other piece of my jewelry, because that is all that it is.

manateehugger · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

Who knew a watch was such a statement-making accessory?

If I wear a scarf inside, does that signal that I am about to walk outside? Not necessarily, because it depends on the type and style of scarf, doesn't it? Accessories don't always fit into one category of meaning.

NYCBruin · April 2014

PDKH said:

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

Who knew a watch was such a statement-making accessory?

If I wear a scarf inside, does that signal that I am about to walk outside? Not necessarily, because it depends on the type and style of scarf, doesn't it? Accessories don't always fit into one category of meaning.

True, but watches are unique in that they aren't just an accessory, they have a specific function. Watches are more like say briefcases than scarves in that they are used for a specific purpose and therefore theoretically send a specific message.

FWIW I would not be offended by someone wearing a watch, I'm just arguing that there is logic behind this "rule". Clearly most posters here disagree with the logic, which is fine, but the rule isn't completely arbitrary.

Now, if someone would please share the logic behind no diamonds in the daytime or no tuxes before six, I would love to hear it because I can't figure out what the driving force behind either of those rules are.

manateehugger · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

PDKH said:

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

Who knew a watch was such a statement-making accessory?

If I wear a scarf inside, does that signal that I am about to walk outside? Not necessarily, because it depends on the type and style of scarf, doesn't it? Accessories don't always fit into one category of meaning.

True, but watches are unique in that they aren't just an accessory, they have a specific function. Watches are more like say briefcases than scarves in that they are used for a specific purpose and therefore theoretically send a specific message.

FWIW I would not be offended by someone wearing a watch, I'm just arguing that there is logic behind this "rule". Clearly most posters here disagree with the logic, which is fine, but the rule isn't completely arbitrary.

Now, if someone would please share the logic behind no diamonds in the daytime or no tuxes before six, I would love to hear it because I can't figure out what the driving force behind either of those rules are.

Scarves were originally designed for a specific function too; but people made them into a fashionable accessory, just have they have done with watches.

I understand the logic behind the rule, but I believe that logic has become outdated with the evolution of accessories.

PrettyGirlLost · April 2014

NYCBruin said:

PDKH said:

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

Who knew a watch was such a statement-making accessory?

If I wear a scarf inside, does that signal that I am about to walk outside? Not necessarily, because it depends on the type and style of scarf, doesn't it? Accessories don't always fit into one category of meaning.

True, but watches are unique in that they aren't just an accessory, they have a specific function. Watches are more like say briefcases than scarves in that they are used for a specific purpose and therefore theoretically send a specific message.

FWIW I would not be offended by someone wearing a watch, I'm just arguing that there is logic behind this "rule". Clearly most posters here disagree with the logic, which is fine, but the rule isn't completely arbitrary.

Now, if someone would please share the logic behind no diamonds in the daytime or no tuxes before six, I would love to hear it because I can't figure out what the driving force behind either of those rules are.

I think once, long ago, in a post of have forgotten, the tuxes "thing" may have been explained. . . but yes, I'm dying to hear the origins of those rules.

Then we can discus Elizabethen sumptuary laws, or just sumptuary laws in general!

kitty8403 · April 2014

MyNameIsNot said:

Sars06 said:

And, technically, one should never own a watch with diamonds because diamonds are only for evening.

Who even wears a watch these days anyway?

Really? I don't think I know any professionals that don't wear a watch during business hours.

I would feel weird wearing a suit without my watch. Checking your phone just isn't
appropriate in a lot of places.

I use my phone exclusively and lean toward the belief that watches are almost out of date. But then, wristwatches give me hives, so I have more reason than most not to use them.

But I think this is kind of the point. If you wouldn't pull out your phone at a wedding, you shouldn't be constantly checking your watch either. I have family members who work in emergency services or attend various events "on call," though, so I tend to give most adults a pass on this one.

NYCBruin · April 2014

PDKH said:

NYCBruin said:

PDKH said:

NYCBruin said:

Just like if I'm wearing a wedding dress, people assume I'm getting married. Or if I am wearing a mechanic's uniform than people will assume I'm a mechanic on may way to or from work. Or if I'm carrying luggage that I'm going on or returning from a trip.

If you're wearing a watch, it sends the message that you need to keep track of time because you have somewhere else to be.

You can disagree and think it's silly all you want, but the truth is that what we wear sends messages to other people whether we like it or not.

The old school view is that a watch is a functional item used to keep track of time so people know when they are permitted to or need to leave. I think there's definitely logic to the argument that phones have changed this and watches are becoming more like jewelry and less like a tool.

And I totally agree with you on the rush thing, if I had ever worn a watch at one I would have constantly been looking at my watch trying to figure out how much longer I had to talk about stupid things or feign interest in this or that and being shocked at how little time had passed.

Who knew a watch was such a statement-making accessory?

If I wear a scarf inside, does that signal that I am about to walk outside? Not necessarily, because it depends on the type and style of scarf, doesn't it? Accessories don't always fit into one category of meaning.

True, but watches are unique in that they aren't just an accessory, they have a specific function. Watches are more like say briefcases than scarves in that they are used for a specific purpose and therefore theoretically send a specific message.

FWIW I would not be offended by someone wearing a watch, I'm just arguing that there is logic behind this "rule". Clearly most posters here disagree with the logic, which is fine, but the rule isn't completely arbitrary.

Now, if someone would please share the logic behind no diamonds in the daytime or no tuxes before six, I would love to hear it because I can't figure out what the driving force behind either of those rules are.

Scarves were originally designed for a specific function too; but people made them into a fashionable accessory, just have they have done with watches.

I understand the logic behind the rule, but I believe that logic has become outdated with the evolution of accessories.

Totally fair point.

mollybarker11 · April 2014

grumbledore said:
I wouldn't dream of having my cell phone on my person during my wedding. Even if I wanted to, where would I put it??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFJU6g-CVvQ

Disagree with Miss Manners re: watches at weddings/formal events

Re: Disagree with Miss Manners re: watches at weddings/formal events

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