Asked not to wear a Rolex to work…

If folk have nice cars have they not to bring them to the car park?

No M&S sandwiches for lunch, just some cold gruel!

It's utterly ridiculous.

So, what else is a senior manager supposed to do with all the other stuff they've previously bought with the money they've rightfully earned from their job in teh past?

They supposed to start sleeping rough in an underpass near the office instead of going home to their 6 bed detatched house in a leafy private estate? Only bring in Asda Smart Price noodles for their lunch instead of higher priced highly quality food items? Turn up wearing a burlap bag?

How far do you want senior management or anyone for that matter to have to self-flagellate in the office as some sort of performance piece to attempt to appease people who work below them, when it has no bearing on them, or is none of their business?

I'd find it far more insulting, if someone on a senior level was trying to masquerade as something they're not, especially when everyone already knows who they are.

I once worked at a charity that was known for it's super low spending and when my new manager turned up in a Merc they asked her to park it down the road and not outside the office

This is bat shit crazy - it could be an inherited watch for all she knows. Since you’re in a senior legal role I would expect you can respond with grounds to contest this stupid and offensive request. The world is going mad.

I'd buy another one to wear on the other wrist at the same time.

just wear a seiko or something save your rolex for business meetings and going out - actually scrap the latter you'll get robbed lol.

My brother works in the City and this is a huge problem. He and his colleagues all generally wear their Apple Watches and Garmins to work because there is so much targeted theft of expensive watches off people's wrists. A good friend of his was badly beaten up by thieves who were after his AP Royal Oak. It was a fake.

I never understand the point of wearing very expensive watches anyway. It's like carrying a big flashing sign inviting thieves to mug you.

Sounds like she is jealous i would wear it. If she challenges you again just speak to HR. Maybe you could check your rights by looking at your contract of employment. What car does she drive perhaps that's inappropriate.

What's the point in owning something that you love and not using it, whatever it's value? I wear my late mother's engagement ring and never take it off - I would be devastated if I lost it, but I love it and it's a constant reminder of her. It's not much good sitting in a drawer out of sight.

I would refuse to stop wearing it as where does it stop
I have 3 very expensive watches and lots of bling, but I drive the oldest car of any of my work force, I go on numerous holidays but prioritise that over takeaways, going to the pub, and am not bothered about home improvements

surely its not sensible to take it to work as it could get lost or damaged

She's a lawyer working in an office, not working down the bloody mines FFS 🙄

I wow, I remember i desperately wanted one of these when I was about 12!

Yup. One of my members of staff earns £45k yet drives a 74 plate Tesla and lives in a house worth over £1m. I drive a 7 year old BMW and my house is worth a lot less.

I don't tell him not to drive his car to work because it'll make the others feel bad!

Just because business might be tough now, it doesn't mean it always has been. The watch could have also been a gift or a fake.

I'd start wearing it again and if it's mentioned again have a pre-prepared phrase:

"Yes, I am wearing it again. You caught me by surprise when you mentioned it and I know I agreed not to wear it, but I've thought about it a bit more and have decided to wear it as it's very special to me. You wouldn't ask someone to stop wearing their wedding ring, just because it's a bit blingy would you?? HR would have a field day with that, ha ha!"

Yes you are coming across as entitled and totally out of touch . I admire her perception.

I realise it has sentimental value for you.However in the present climate it could be seen as insensitive .Also surely its not sensible to take it to work as it could get lost or damaged .Maybe keep for home use

TBF I think she's in panic made and has realised the task ahead is beyond her. She is a rearrange the deckchairs sort of person. Busy work, micromanaging and does absolutely sweet FA!

I thought lawyers were expected to look reassuringly expensive for the clients!

Same.

My point exactly.

My point would be, 'I've had this for years, everyone here has seen me wear this dor years."

Would it not be more inappropriate to go out and buy a new watch? Surely 'that' would ne noticed.

No wonder the business is in trouble if that's what they worry about. Morons.

Whoever responded to the "is this a wind up"....
Top work. Spat my coffee out!

Meet again to revisit the issue.
Simply say you were blindsided and, now that you have thought about it, say you are reneging on the agreement.

You've owned it and worn it for many years.
Most work mates have seen you wearing it.
There is no clause to stop you.
You don't think it is an issue with staff.

Other showy items such as.. new shoes, glasses, handbags, cars, jewellery etc are replaced much more often than a watch which is worn for decades... is there any policy on wearing those.

The weird thing about this is that some people (myself) would not have noticed.
I am totally indfferent to expensive watches.