The Breitling Watch Source Forums

you could always look at the montbrillant legende. It's large but then... I happen to have on in the FS forum..

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Chrono Superocean (Black)
Rolex Datejust II rhodium/ Arabic dial

I've heard a lot of civil attorneys say the same thing, even applying it to cars. They always leave their Mercedes at home and drive the Toyota to the courthouse. If you're asking the jury to award damages to your client, you don't want them thinking a good deal of that is paying for the trappings of your own success.

I've heard less said about how this perception applies to criminal law, though. There, you're not dealing with money, but a person's freedom. What do you guys think: is avoiding the appearance of conspicuous consumption as important there? For some people, the obvious appearance of success actually seems (or seemed) to work - here I'm thinking of the likes of Johnny Cochran and his purple suit.

Per the OP, I vote Navi, although I like Justin's recommendation of the 01.

In my first few years of practice, I did some criminal law. I didn't have the money then, but the attorney I worked for had a gold Rolex President. I'll never know for sure what the juries thought of it, but again it was 36 mm and easily fit under his wrist. I again think its okay to wear a nice watch, but not jam it in their face, either. I think most juries think all attorneys are wealthy, so some show of success is okay. To be too showy, and I think size and gold mean more than brand to them, might create the impression that you are an overly slick lawyer who is going to "lay it on thick" and whose arguments are less credible.

As to criminal clients, I think there was a unique conflict with wearing a nice watch. On one hand, they are often scraping from everywhere to pay you, and here you are demanding the money in a time of real risk for them, and flashing your nice watch. You'd think it wouldn't go over well. On the other hand, I remember clients who admired the slick suit and Rolex sported by my boss. After all, this was their liberty at stake, and they wanted somebody going to bat for them who has had some success, and the watch was a symbol of that.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

The things we think about. If I have a trial in an outlying rural county I'll "mud up" my truck a bit, knowing I will see jurors in the small parking lots. The suit may be dark, the shirt white, tie restrained, and the shoes with a military polish, but by gosh the car will say "he's just a good old boy like us." Wouldn't want a case decided on silly stuff like FACTS.

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SHARKMAN

I think wearing an oversized, expensive watch can be a double-edged sword in criminal cases. On the one hand, the client whose liberty is on the line probably doesn't care at all about your watch and probably appreciates some outwardly sign of success. On the other hand, and as others have said, I agree that it could be misinterpreted by jurors as a lawyer who is slick and possibly trying to pull a fast one over on them. Nonetheless, I think in most cases that jurors are smarter than we think and are able to discern a well-dressed, honest lawyer from the stereotypical jewelry-laden fast talker. I will probably just wear my low-key tag and avoid the issue altogether when I'm in trial.

BTW- today I tried on a white dial super avenger with brown croc strap and instantly fell in love with it. I have made my decision and now I'm just looking for the best deal...thanks for all of your help in deciding!!! I'll be sure to post pictures.