A power suit is always a safe bet, but if you really want to dress to impress, nothing sends a signal of confidence, poise and can-do better than the right watch. Four New York go-getters — from a tech CEO to an NFL quarterback — open up their beautiful collections and talk about why, even in the age of the iPhone, they’ll never abandon their timepieces.
► NICK WOOSTER, fashion plate
Of course, the silver-haired patron saint of men’s street style has exquisite taste in timepieces. But the West Village resident, 55, says, “If you can’t afford the best, you just need to have a very simple one.”
My most unusual watch
“A Universal Genève that my dad gave me 15 or 20 years ago that his uncle brought back from Germany in World War II. He thinks it came from a Nazi.”
Advice for watch-collecting newbies
“It’s like art: buy because you love it, not because of what you think its investment potential is.”
To seal a big deal
“Know your audience. Don’t try to outdo anyone [with your watch]. Discretion is an undervalued asset.”
► VERENA VON PFETTEN, digital consultant
Red Hook, Brooklyn-based von Pfetten, 32, is known in the fashion industry for the stack of vintage gold watches she wears every day. But there’s one piece she’s still pining for: “My mom’s vintage Rolex from the ’70s.”
My first watch
“I had a collection of colorful plastic Swatches in the ’80s, all from my grandmother.”
Why watches still matter
“A watch is a classic piece that we’ll always wear, the same way that men still wear ties. It’s an elegant, nice thing.”
To seal a big deal
“My Brooklyn Flea find (above, fourth from top) definitely gets the most compliments. The face and all of the links look like gold bars and say ‘pure gold’ on them.”
► BOOMER ESIASON, sports commentator
Had Esiason, 54, not been such a good quarterback, he may have never gotten his first Rolex. The Bengals and Jets vet, who lives in Manhasset, LI, has Corums, IWCs and about 35 Breitlings. “Wearing a watch says you’re successful — and put-together.”
My first watch
“A Rolex Stainless and Gold Datejust I got when I was voted MVP in the NFL, in 1989.”
Most unexpected find
“Was from Chattanooga, Tenn., of all places. My first Breitling: a pilot’s watch with a leather brown band and a two-tone face.”
To seal a big deal
“I wear my gold Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime watch. Every time I wear a Breitling I feel empowered.”
► RAMEET CHAWLA, founder and CEO, Fueled
Chawla, 33, began collecting watches in high school, though it took a while for the flamboyant tech entrepreneur to figure out what he was doing. “I’d buy Chinatown copies,” says the Tribeca resident. “But then I got turned on to Panerai.”
My first watch
“A Daniel Mink given to me on my 13th birthday. I ended up losing it on a tennis court. I was sad, but more frightened to tell my father!”
Dream watch
“I’m coveting the next-generation Apple Watch. If it has the ability to charge wirelessly I’ll be in heaven!”
To seal a big deal
“Pulling out a pocket watch during a meeting always makes things more interesting.”
► FRANÇOIS PAYARD, chef, François Payard Bakery
My first watch
“A Zenith I got for my First Communion — gold, crocodile band. I still have it.”
Advice for watch-collecting newbies
“You don’t need to buy first-hand. Why spend full price? A watch is not like underwear. You clean it and it’s good as new.”
To seal a big deal
“I wear my Franck Muller Conquistador, a Panerai piece or a chocolate Rado. They are larger, elegant, and make a more professional statement.”
Photos by Taylor Jewell. Zev Starr-Tambor. FilmMagic. Courtesy OF Breitling. Verena von Pfetten.