A Guide To 10 Of The Best Dress Watches

Is your new suit lacking something? It may need a dress watch. Investing in a luxury dress watch may seem like a pricey way to add status to a shirt and tie ensemble, but it can completely transform your entire wardrobe, not just your best suit. In a vast and highly saturated market, choosing the perfect design may be challenging, so here at Watches World, we’ve compiled a guide to ten of the best dress watches to own right now. If it’s your first time browsing the net for a dress watch, here’s what you need to know before choosing the perfect design.

What is a dress watch?

Men and women have been dressing up their wrists since the early 18th Century. Initially, the use of a pocketwatch symbolised wealth and success and became an accessory for men before it did for women. Formal wristwear, however, really took off after the First World War when it became as much a fashion statement as a functional accessory. It was no rarity to see men wearing watches measuring a 35mm diameter, unlike modern trends today, which see many dress watches measuring anywhere between 40 and 45mm. In today’s world – anything goes. A dress watch could be a classic pilot’s watch, a chronograph or even a timepiece with dive watch aesthetics. Dress watches are so versatile and can be enjoyed anyhow and anywhere. In most cases, a dress watch is defined by a clear and easy-to-read dial, not to mention a slim case. We also have an array of different materials to choose from today, including platinum, gold and stainless steel.

Generally, dress watches tend to be minimalist in functionality and aesthetics. It’s for this reason they’re such a crowd-pleaser. Stylish enough to get noticed but streamlined and refined enough to sit underneath a suit, dress watches can be enjoyed on several strap options including calfskin leather, alligator leather, and even a metal bracelet in a matching material to the case. Dress watches can also come in various case sizes and can include a simple two or three-handed design. They can often feature a date function or a moon phase display and can be powered by quartz or automatic movement.

Why is the dress watch so universal?

The improved accuracy of dress watches over time is thanks to timekeeping technology steadily improving, enabling us to truly enjoy the experience of owning a luxury watch. You could say that dress watches changed the way we keep track of time, from the functional watches we used during the war to those with a more relaxed style. Their classic designs, refined and aesthetically pleasing, are intended to get noticed as much as they are to serve a purpose. From a sophisticated cocktail lounge to enjoying a relaxed weekend away, dress watches will fit any occasion.

What you should consider before buying a dress watch

Before buying a dress watch, there are some things you may want to consider. Fortunately, watch brands create dress watches in a myriad of designs, so choosing the perfect shouldn’t be so hard, provided you know what you like. If you don’t, here are some guidelines.

1.     Pick a reputable brand

As with choosing any luxury watch, a reputable brand is key. Here at Watches World, we’ve selected some of the best dress watches out there right now. Choosing a watch from a reliable brand guarantees that you’re opting for quality, value and excellence over price. For this very reason, you can expect your dress watch to last. It may even before a great investment piece in the future.

2.     Choose traditional and simple

Fashions have changed since the first dress watches emerged, but they have still kept many of their refined and opulent characteristics. A plain dial with just hour and minute hands is a popular choice for an elegant dress watch. Some brands manufacture their dials with hands made from gold, whilst other manufacturers choose to remove the hour markers for a contemporary and more minimalist dial. 

3.     Consider case depth

A big and bulky watch would be no good for sliding underneath the cuff of a smart shirt, so a slim case depth tends to be the preferred choice when it comes to dress watches. Thinner cases can also offer more comfort and not detract from the overall elegant appearance of a professional suit or a nice evening ensemble.

4.     Deciding on materials and straps

A strap can change everything about a dress watch. Traditional timepieces tend to be complemented by classic brown and black leather bands. Likewise, a Milanese or mesh-style brand can evoke a beautiful vintage-inspired style. You should also consider what case material you prefer. A dress watch crafted from 18ct yellow gold will achieve a traditional look, whilst the more conventional stainless steel option is preferred for its robustness.

5.     Think about a complication

Dress watches tend to be simpler in design to pair well with all attire, so think about whether you really need a complication on your watch. While the added use of a date feature can provide you with a very practical tool, some prefer the minimalist look afforded by a dial that goes without one. Similarly, a small second sub-dial adds a nice touch of detail, while a moon phase indicator demonstrates a more technical design and can prove to be a great talking point.

Now that we’ve outlined what a dress watch really is, here are some great options chosen by us experts here at Watches World…

Our Picks

Patek Philippe Calatrava watch reference 5227R-001

The 5227R reference from the Calatrava collection by Patek Philippe will ensure you’re always looking your best. Its elegant 18ct rose gold case opens up a palatable ivory lacquered dial adorned with slender rose gold hands and gold applied hour markers. Its beautiful stepped bezel creates a classic look, complemented by the contrasting tones of the dark chestnut-coloured strap that attaches the watch comfortably to the wrist. If you’re a Patek Philippe fan, this Calatrava dress watch is a beautiful option and benefits from the accuracy of an in-house movement.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch reference 126334-0002

The Datejust 41 by Rolex is a perfect dress watch option for those wanting to upgrade from a standard steel model. The watch features a Rolesor case and fluted bezel – a feature that originally served the functional purpose of upholding the watch’s water-resistant case. Now, the bezel is enjoyed as an aesthetical element on a Rolex watch and in this design frames a striking blue dial. Its sunray finish is enhanced by a set of Chromalight-coated hour markers and hands, which glow in a long-lasting blue hue during the night. Dressing up the Rolex Datejust watch is an Oystersteel Jubilee bracelet with an Oysterclasp fastening.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding watch reference 77350SR.OO.1261SR.01

Ladies may not consider the sporty-chic Royal Oak watch to be a dress watch but the 34mm model, dressed in rose gold and steel is a must-have if you’re an Audemars Piguet fan. The watch has a “Grande Tapisserie” dial in silver with accents finished in rose gold and applied Super-LumiNova. The dial is legible and is equipped with a date window at 3H. It’s also powered by an in-house movement to reflect its superior status amongst elite watch collectors.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch reference 67651OR.ZZ.1261OR.02

If you want glamour and opulence, look to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch ref 67651OR.ZZ.1261OR.02. The lady’s watch, showered in scintillating diamonds, boasts an entrancing deep blue dial that interacts beautifully with a deep blue “Grande Tapisserie” dial. The watch is powered by a quartz movement, enabling a slim case depth of 7mm to be achieved. With a 50-meter water-resistant case finished in 18ct rose gold, you can venture from the beach to the board room with this watch secured to the wrist and still look stylish. The watch and its iconic look, achieved by an integrated bracelet, is crafted from 18ct rose gold to complete its indulgent look.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding watch reference 4500V/000R-B127

Another rose gold dress watch, this time for the male wrist. This Vacheron Constantin Overseas watch continues the collection’s spirit of adventure with this travel-friendly model that doubles up perfectly as a dress watch. The aperture at 3 o’clock, dressed against a sumptuous silver-toned dial reveals the date and is framed by an 18ct rose gold bezel with indents inspired by the Maltese Cross. Its classic look is completed with a dark brown leather strap that can be alternated with a rubber band as an alternative, thanks to its interchangeable strap system.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon watch reference Q1368430

We’ve chosen the Master Ultra Thin Moon watch to feature in our guide to the best dress watches to demonstrate how an added complication can still enhance the beauty of a wristwatch without distracting from its simplicity. The dress watch has been crafted from steel and measures 39mm in diameter. Its rhodium-plated hour markers against a silver dial are a nice match for the moon phase indicator residing at 6 o’clock, The feature shows the exact positioning of the moon as seen in the night sky each evening. Furthermore, its decoration matches the blued central second hand. You can see the movement working behind a sapphire glass exhibition feature on the back.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M watch reference 220.10.41.21.03.001

Today a dress watch can stretch to a functional dive watch and this 41mm Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M proves just that. Thanks to the brand’s approach to classic watchmaking, the most impressive feature of this Seamaster watch is its simplicity. The model has a deep blue dial, reflecting the tones of the ocean, whilst a set of luminous hands are propelled around the dial thanks to the Calibre 8900 – a chronometer-certified movement that sits inside a tough 150-meter water-resistant case crafted from stainless steel.

Cartier Santos watch reference WSSA0029

First developed as a pilot’s watch and guaranteeing unwavering precision and reliability, the Santos de Cartier watch collection is still going strong. It owes its success to solid foundations geared for use in the cockpit. Its square-shaped case is a classic and is instantly recognisable for its sword-shaped blued steel hands, a square inner minute track, and a glistening blue faceted synthetic spinel on the crown. Thanks to a stainless steel Smartlink bracelet, the Cartier Santos watch can be swapped for a calfskin leather band to enable it to complement relaxed weekend attire whenever desired. 

IWC Portofino Automatic watch reference IW356517

The three-handed design of the Portofino watch by IWC is perfect for those who like a smart-casual wardrobe. The watch achieves this look perfectly, with its black alligator leather strap and silver-plated dial. Inspired by the relaxed way of life experienced in the Italian fishing village of Portofino, the model boasts elegant rose gold-coloured hands that gracefully travel around an hour track identified by Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock. One particularly nice feature of this men’s 40mm dress watch is the option to have a special message engraved upon its spacious, unadorned caseback, while beneath this is the beating heart of the watch – the Calibre 35111, complete with a 50-hour power reserve.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph watch reference IW371604

Of course, one way to enjoy a sportier take on the classic dress watch is with a chronograph. The IWC Portugieser watch proves this. Its silver dial, however, still exudes a sense of refinement and sophistication. The watch features rose gold-coloured hands, Arabic numeral hour markers, and a set of three chronograph counters in a bi-compax layout. The 30-minute counter is referenced at 12 o’clock, balanced by a small seconds function at 6 o’clock. This classic chronograph completes its elegant dress watch appeal on a black alligator leather strap, enveloping the wrist with a traditional pin buckle fastening.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide to ten of the best dress watches. If you’d like to explore more timepieces within our dress watch category, you can do so by clicking here.