Dress watches are a staple item in any watch collection. There are many things to consider when buying a dress watch, so we have created a guide on 10 things to consider when searching for the perfect one. These watches are favoured by many collectors due to their simplicity and versatility. Dress watches tend to be worn for more formal events and are traditionally paired with suits. There are a number of traits that they need to have to make them suitable for such occasions. Choosing a watch relies heavily on personal style and preference. Fortunately, brands create dress watches in a wide range of designs to ensure there is a perfect dress watch for every collector. If you are interested in buying a dress watch, here are 10 things to consider during your search.
10 Things to Consider When Buying a Dress Watch
1. It is best to select a dress watch from a reputable brand.
A dress watch will quickly become an integral element of any watch collection. For this reason, they need to be dependable, reliable and of a high quality. These traits are often guaranteed by purchasing a watch from a well known and reputable brand. A good quality dress watch can last a lifetime if it is properly cared for, so it would make a wise investment for any avid watch collector. Many of the big name brands in the watch industry produce stylish dress watches, so there is a wealth of options for collectors to choose from when buying a dress watch.
Tissot | Men’s Tradition | Black Leather Strap | Blue Dial | T063.610.16.047.00
Tissot is a very reputable and well known brand within the watch industry. The brand has been creating watches since 1853 and have centuries of experience in building dependable timepieces. This dress watch exhibits an eye-catching blue dial with silver hands and indices. The only complication is a small date aperture that is positioned at 3 o’clock. The watch is made long lasting using sapphire crystal for the lens and high quality stainless steel for the case. This watch is powered by a quartz movement. The watch is secured on the wrist using a classic black leather strap. The strap of this model features alligator-like embossing and fastens using a butterfly clasp.
2. Dress watches traditionally have a simple design.
Classic dress watches have a clean and elegant design. However, as fashions have changed, new dress watch styles have developed. Traditionally, dress watches have a plain dial with only hour and minute hands. This style of watch does not tend to include unnecessary complications. Dress watches tend to have leather straps for a timeless and classic finish. This simple design is what gives dress watches the sense of understated elegance that makes them perfect for formal occasions.
Bering Classic Unisex Black Leather Strap Watch 15739-404
This dress watch from Bering features a very simple and clean design with many key elements of a traditional dress watch. This model features a white dial with small black baton indices. The dial has hour and minute hands, making it easy to read at a glance. This is aided by the comfortably sized 39mm stainless steel case. The watch is splash resistant and powered by a reliable quartz movement. A black calfskin strap provides an elegant finishing touch to the watch.
3. A dress watch ought to coordinate with other accessories.
A good quality dress watch is going to see a lot of wear over the course of the years. Due to this, it is important to consider the accessories that it will be paired with. As many dress watches have leather straps, one ought to consider the colour of the leather shoes and belt it will be paired with. Matching accessories will create a whole and cohesive look. However, some collectors choose to intentionally clash accessories for a contemporary and eye-catching appearance. Either way, when selecting a dress watch, it is important to consider how it will fit into an entire wardrobe.
Junghans Meister Fein Automatic Leather Strap 27/4154.00
This model features a stylish brown leather strap which would look incredibly elegant when paired with brown shoes and a brown belt. The watch also exhibits a black dial, meaning that it would not look out of place is paired with black leather accessories. The dial features slim silver baton indices with a small date aperture. The date aperture is discreet enough that is does not distract from the simple design of the watch. This model is powered by an automatic movement that can be viewed through the exhibition case back.
4. It is important to consider the case depth of a dress watch.
Dress watches are designed to be worn with suits. Due to this, they tend to be relatively thin. This is so that they can comfortably sit underneath the cuff of a shirt without sticking out too much. Thinner dress watches are favoured by many collectors as they offer more comfort as they will not dig in to the wrist when tucked underneath a shirt cuff. A thinner watch will give a neater and more sleek finish to a formal outfit.
Michel Herbelin Men’s Art Deco Black Leather Strap 17468/T08
This dress watch exhibits an unusual shape for a dress watch. Traditionally, this style of watch has a round shape, giving a classic look. However, this rectangular dial is eye-catching and will sit comfortably underneath the cuff of a shirt. The dial exhibits Roman numeral indices which give the watch a classic look. This is furthered by the art deco style of the case which is made from stainless steel with yellow gold detailing. This watch is powered by a battery powered quartz movement. A water resistance rating of up to 50 metres ensures that this watch it suitable for daily wear. The watch is secured on the wrist using a high quality black leather strap.
5. As dress watches tend to be worn for special occasions, some models use precious metals.
When buying a dress watch, it is important to consider the quality and longevity of the timepiece. This style of watch is frequently worn for special occasions, making them a great way of adding a touch of flair to a special outfit. An eye-catching dress watch is a great way to make a statement with formalwear. Watch collectors will recognise a quality timepiece, and precious metals are an excellent way to make a dress watch stand out. High quality precious metals will also ensure for the longevity of a timepiece.
Junghans Max Bill MEGA Solar Sapphire Glass | Titanium Strap 59/2022.46
This Junghans watch exhibits a titanium strap. Titanium is an excellent choice of material in watchmaking as it is both durable and lightweight. These qualities mean that the watch will be comfortable to wear, but the wearer need not worry about every single knock and bump. This watch exhibits a silver dial to match the colour of the titanium strap. The dial exhibits slim black baton indices with a discreet date aperture at 3 o’clock. A 38mm titanium case houses the connected radio-controlled solar movement that powers the watch. This movement allows for a perpetual calendar and easy time zone adjustment, making a reliable companion throughout daily life.
6. A collector ought to consider what kind of movement best suits them and their lifestyle.
Different movements will suit different people. Hand wound movements require the wearer to remember to wind them daily. Quartz movements will need occasional battery changes. Automatic watches need to be worn regularly to keep them running. A collector will need to asses their own unique needs before selecting which kind of watch will suit them best. Mechanical movements are favoured by many watchmakers as they are the building blocks on which the industry was built on. However, quartz movements are often smaller and slimmer, allowing for a slimmer watch case. This will mean that the watch will sit comfortably underneath a watch cuff.
MeisterSinger Unomat Black Sunray Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet UN902
MeisterSinger watches are an eye-catching accessory due to their single hand dials. The dials of each of the brand’s watches exhibit indices in 5 minute time increments, allowing the wearer to experience the natural flow of time rather than tracking every second as it passes. This model has received the Red Dot Design Award, making it a reputable and dependable timepiece. A stainless steel case houses the Sellita SW 400 automatic movement that powers the watch. This movement uses 26 jewels and 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour to provide the watch with a power reserve of up to 38 hours. This watch is finished with a stainless steel bracelet for a contemporary finish.
7. It is important to consider the case size of a dress watch.
As with any kind of watch, selecting the correct case size in a dress watch is vital. A collector will need to assess the case size that is most comfortable for their own wrist and that best matches their unique style. Larger watches make a statement on the wrist as they are bold and eye-catching. However, they can be bulky. Smaller watches are subtle and have an understated sense of elegance. On the other hand, they can be more difficult to read at a glance. Case size is entirely dependant on personal preference, so it is often recommended that a collector try on a range of watches in different sizes before selecting a new dress watch.
Frederique Constant Classic Index Automatic Rose Gold-Plated Case FC-303NV5B4
This eye-catching watch exhibits a silver dial that is contrasted by a rose gold plated stainless steel case. Rose gold hands and baton indices match the case, creating a cohesive look. A blue second hand provides a pleasant contrast to the mixed metal look of the watch. The case of this model measures 40mm in diameter. This is a comfortable mid range size for a men’s watch and will be easy to read. The watch is powered by an automatic movement and has a water resistance rating of up to 50 metres. This model is secured on the wrist using an elegant brown leather strap that is detailed with white top stitching.
8. Complications are not often found in traditional dress watches.
Dress watches traditionally have very clean and simple dials with a distinct lack of complications. However, due to the demands of modern living and the changes that come with contemporary fashions, the dress watch is changing and adapting. Modern dress watches tend to use the concept of a traditional model and alter it to appeal to a fashion conscious watch collector. Many collectors enjoy the appearance of complications and additional detail in their watches and so prefer slightly alternative dress watch designs. Watches are a very personal accessory, so taste and preference are more important than tradition when buying a dress watch.
Briston Clubmaster Skeleton Khaki PVD Watch 211042.SPK.SK.5.BR
Briston timepieces are heavily inspired by the brand’s founder’s time spent in Oxford as a student. Each of the brand’s watches has a sporty and chic style. This model exhibits a black skeleton dial with cut-out Arabic and baton indices. This dial allows the wearer to enjoy the automatic Miyota 8N40 movement that powers the watch. A skeleton dial creates a less clean watch design, but this detail is appealing to many collectors. The watch has a square case that is made from brushed khaki bronze PVD plated 316L stainless steel. This model is finished with a vintage style brown leather strap.
9. The strap of a watch can change its entire look.
Watch straps can change the entire look of a watch. This finishing touch of a timepiece is very dependant on personal taste and can be the deciding factor for many collectors. Traditional dress watches have leather straps in shades of black or brown. Whilst these straps give the watches a very classic and elegant appearance, they do not always appeal to all collectors. Some people prefer a metal bracelet on their watch for a modern look and longevity. Contemporary trends have encouraged versatility and flexibility in dress watch design, meaning that many more designs are now available for collectors to choose from.
Raymond Weil Maestro Men’s Dual Tone Black Dial Watch 2227-SP5-20021
With its mixed metal bracelet, this watch is sure to make a statement. The bracelet is made from stainless steel with rose gold plated stainless steel detailing. The case of the watch matches the mixed metals of the bracelet. It too is made from stainless steel with rose gold plated detailing. The dial of the watch is black with a cut out positioned at 12 o’clock. This cut out exposes a portion of the automatic movement that powers the watch. This movement provides the timepiece with a power reserve of up to 38 hours. This model is water resistant up to 50 metres, or 5 bar.
10. White dials are traditional in dress watches.
Clean and simple dials are what one tends to expect in dress watches. However, as fashions have changed over the course of the years, there has been some flexibility in this. Many dress watches on the market exhibit black, grey or blue dials, allowing collectors to express their personal style. In recent years, bold coloured dials have become very on trend. They are a great way to easily make a statement with accessories whilst still maintaining some of the key elements of the dress watch design. A small step away from tradition is a great way to add a touch of personal flair to any outfit and a risk worth taking when buying a dress watch.
Seiko Green Dial Brown Leather Strap SUR449P1
Green dials are very on trend at the moment, making this Seiko model a key fashion item. However, the watch is not so bold that it will not be considered classic in years to come. Seiko are renowned for the longevity and quality of its watches, and the bold, green dial of this model will only add to the elegance of this timepiece. The dial exhibits gold hands with a weekday and date aperture in the 3 o’clock position. A stainless steel case frames the dial and houses a powerful quartz movement. This watch is water resistant up to 100 metres, or 10 bar. This makes the watch more than suitable for daily wear. This timepiece is finished with a classic brown leather strap that is carefully detailed with white top stitching.
What are your thoughts on our list of 10 things to consider when buying a dress watch? Do you have any other key considerations? Let us know in the comments below!
