DB suits and pocket watches

[BurlyNate]

where are you supposed to put a pocket watch while wearing a double breasted suit?

 

[Dinerman]

Run the chain from your lapel buttonhole to your breast pocket or in the vest, depending on the double breasted suit, or in the watch pocket in the pants.

 

[WolfeMan]

How about in a single breasted suit?

 

[boushi_mania]

How about in a single breasted suit?

Watch in one vest pocket, chain running through one of the buttonholes, and into the pocket on the other side. (Pocket watches were already largely displaced by wristwatches by the time men stopped regularly wearing vests with their suits.)

 

[WolfeMan]

I haven't got a vest

 

[Yeps]

I haven't got a vest

That should be remedied. Odd waistcoats (non-matching vests) add a bit of flair to an ensemble, as well as providing space for a watch, and covering shirtfront, which always looks sloppy no matter how much you iron it and giving one a place to tuck one's tie, which would otherwise wander and flop. Unless you wear a bowtie, in which case, the waistcoat frames it nicely.

 

[WolfeMan]

Currently, Ive got a sport coat, and mostly bow ties,(with an old clip on and a looney tunes neck tie ) but i hope to remedy that. Any idea where i could get a 3 piece suit that isn't too pricey? Or a 2 piece and i could locate a vest.

 

[Charlie Huang]

You could get a waistcoat easily from eBay and the like.

Currently, Ive got a sport coat, and mostly bow ties,(with an old clip on and a looney tunes neck tie ) but i hope to remedy that.

Remedy it, immediately...

*opens trash can*

 

[Shangas]

Dunno if this helps any, but:

Jeeves (Stephen Fry) and Wooster (Hugh Laurie), sitting (in the black, three-piecer) and standing (in the grey, three-piece DB) in a publicity shot. Note the locations of their watch-chains.

 

[AntonAAK]

That is a single-breasted suit that Mr Laurie is sporting there. I was watching the DVD only last night.

I love this suit and am very close to ordering a replica from Magnoli Clothiers. I think their Fairbanks Suit in a light grey herringbone would be a close match.

 

[Shangas]

Sorry, I was referring to the waistcoat...Unless I've made a serious error in terminology...for which I apologise.

 

[AntonAAK]

Sorry, I was referring to the waistcoat...Unless I've made a serious error in terminology...for which I apologise.

Ah, I'm with you. Yes that makes perfect sense.

If I am not mistaken however the OP was asking where one would wear the pocket watch on a DB suit because such a suit would either not have a waistcoat or the waistcoat would always be covered because the jacket would always be buttoned.

If that was the question then Dinerman answered it perfectly.

But I could be completely wrong...

I'm going to have another look at that picture of Hugh Laurie's suit. Thanks for posting it...

 

[Charlie Huang]

I think adding a fob to the watch chain makes it more interesting:

 

[Shangas]

Hi Anton,

Yeah sorry about the confusion there. I was referring to the double-breasted waistcoat that Laurie was wearing, not the actual suit-coat.

If that was the case (DB suitcoat), then I think putting the watch into the breas-pocket and putting the chain through the lapel buttonhole would be the best thing to do. It would keep the watch nice and accessible and it would add a nice bit of colour to the suit. I've done something like this before (but with a single-breasted overcoat) and to pull off this effect nicely, the OP will need an Albert chain.

 

[AntonAAK]

If that was the case (DB suitcoat), then I think putting the watch into the breas-pocket and putting the chain through the lapel buttonhole would be the best thing to do. It would keep the watch nice and accessible and it would add a nice bit of colour to the suit. I've done something like this before (but with a single-breasted overcoat) and to pull off this effect nicely, the OP will need an Albert chain.

Hi Shangas

Agreed. Or a short leather strap works too

(...keeping with the J&W theme.)

Regards
Anton

 

[Shangas]

Hi Anton,

Here's a better photo of Bertie Wooster with his pocket watch in his breast-pocket with the watch fob-strap going through the lapel-hole:

 

[Charlie Huang]

There is a site that sells these pocket watch straps but I forgot where!

IMO, these straps are for casual/country wear in lieu of City wear.

 

[AntonAAK]

There is a site that sells these pocket watch straps but I forgot where!

If you do remember or stumble across that site again please do post back, Charlie as I'd love to get one.

IMO, these straps are for casual/country wear in lieu of City wear.

We don't do the 'brown in town' thing anymore do we?

Nice pic Shangas, thanks.

A

 

[avedwards]

Jeeves (Stephen Fry) and Wooster (Hugh Laurie), sitting (in the black, three-piecer) and standing (in the grey, three-piece DB) in a publicity shot. Note the locations of their watch-chains.

Sorry to be picky, but the black suit is not a three piece. It's a stroller, since the trousers are black and grey striped if you look closely. Very common for bankers and businessmen in the Golden Era.

 

[John in Covina]

Although not as dressy you can put the pocket watch in you pants pocket.

Here is a sporty type lanyard.
http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=459