7 Most Popular Dress Watches You Can Buy Now

Dress watches are the hardest watch category to master, or maybe the category that didn’t receive the recognition it deserved? Whatever that may be, things are changing slowly but surely. Watch aficionados these days consider a good dress watch a go-to for any occasion and a necessary addition to one’s collection.

However, unlike sports watches, which have a rugged appearance, the definition of a dress watch has changed with time. Traditionalists once approved slender, leather-strapped pieces as dress watches, but now the formula has changed.

Characteristics of a dress watch:

• Smaller in size than other watch types
• Usually made of precious metal (yellow, white & rose gold & platinum)
• They have a slim profile
• They are typically time-only watches
• They are mostly fitted to a leather strap

We wonder why the dress watch category has remained so understated for so long, even after seeing some amazing releases every year.

Having said that, we have come up with the 7 most amazing dress watches, ideal for special occasions and daily wear to the office.

7 Most Iconic Dress Watches To Buy

1. Cartier Tank Louis, Ref. WGTA0011

Cartier is the undisputed king of dress watches, and the Cartier Tank, regardless of its iteration, embraces everything you’d desire in a luxury dress watch. Slim proportions, elegant dials, leather straps—the Tank Louis Cartier has it all.

The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Ref. WGTA0011 is a classic example of Cartier’s watchmaking brilliance that really allows the Tank’s design to take centre stage. Cartier equipped the watch with a large 33.7mm x 25.5mm rose gold case and a clean yet prominent silver beaded dial decorated with black Roman markers. As we know from Cartier, this version also features a sapphire cabochon and the semi-matte brown alligator strap, which guarantees extreme comfort on the wrist. The watch has plenty of wrist presence and is an easy-wearing piece for a wide range of wrists.

2. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, Ref. 81180/000G-9117

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony collection offers some of the most stunning dress watches, immediately appealing to collectors for their simplicity and elegance. The watches are steeped in history and rich in prestige. The Patrimony certainly fits the bill in terms of design and dimension.

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Ref: 81180/000G-9117 in 18ct white gold combines the brand’s purity of design with the essence of timekeeping. The silver dial with the thin hands, simple stick hour indicators and engraved dots appear incessantly simple and elegant. Under the hood runs the manually wound 1400, which, sadly, you can’t see with the solid case back (following the tradition of a simple, thin dress watch). Every detail of this piece is crafted to perfection. A classic Vacheron Constantin iteration like this can be yours for much less than any luxury sports piece.

3. Patek Philippe Calatrava, Ref. 6119R

No list of dress watches would ever be complete without the Patek Philippe Calatrava. Released in 1932, it is a true icon of minimalism. The watch’s design is inspired by the Bauhaus principle of combining form with function, making it a model of understated style.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 6119R enjoys a mass appeal for its iconic design. This 2021 introduction flaunts a moderately sized 39mm case crafted of 18ct rose gold. The creamy-coloured dial is simple but very elegant to look at with a silvery-grained surface. The hour markers are in matching rose gold, faceted with an arrowhead. A second sub-dial is placed at 6 o’clock and has a minimalist design of a circle that face-lifts the dial’s elegance. The main attraction lies in the Hobnail ‘Clous de Paris’ bezel that draws the eye towards the dial centre. The Calatrava 6119R is a work of art, making it a coveted piece for collectors and watch aficionados alike.

4. A.Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin, Ref: 201.027

A. Lange & Sohne is no stranger to dress watches, and the Saxonia Thin is the manufacturer's thinnest watch (so far). The watches focus on the essential functions of a mechanical timepiece while retaining the classic charm of a dress piece.

The A.Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin Ref. 201.027 stuns in an18ct white gold case measuring 37mm, and features brushed sides and polished short lugs that gracefully curve your wrist. The solid yet crisp argenté-coloured dial embraces a soft-grained finish. It is adorned with finely applied white gold baton indexes, slim arrow hands and a perfectly proportioned minute hand. Apart from the aesthetic beauty, the watch is powered by the extremely capable Manually Wound ALS Cal. L093.1, which you can appreciate through the exhibition case back. It is clear of fuss and clutter. From the tradition to the technical, the A.Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin 201.027 demonstrates perfection in every aspect.

5. Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duo Day Night, Ref: 270.2.54 Q2702121

Introduced in 1931, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most remarkable innovations in the world of luxury watchmaking. Its most distinct feature is the reversible case, which makes it so loved and desirable to buyers and collectors. Over the decades, the Reverso’s design has evolved, incorporating various design variations and complications, but its essence remains the same.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duo Day Night Ref. 270.2.54 Q2702121 looks luxurious in a rectangular 42 x 26.5 mm 18ct rose gold case and gold reeded bezel. Its aesthetic appeal lies in its clean, elegant lines and the symmetry of the case, making it an icon of timeless style. On the front, you can see a two-tone silver guilloche dial with black Arabic numerals and on the back lies a Charcoal guilloche dial with a time ring and Arabic numerals. It comes fitted to a gold bracelet that somewhat plays with the definition of a dress watch but scores full for its appeal. This Reverso watch is really something special.

6. Rolex Perpetual 1908, Ref. 52506

An heir to Rolex’s exclusive watchmaking innovations and aesthetic heritage, 1908 is perhaps the Swiss legend’s best dress watch so far. The 1908 replaced the Cellini, and fans, media, and collectors; everyone was in awe of Rolex for creating such a stylish replacement.

The new dial design of the Rolex Perpetual 1908 is a visual success. The stunning guilloche pattern adds plenty of character and is a tribute to Rolex’s classic art of watchmaking. The ice-blue dial with its large 3/9/12 numerals, a small second sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position and the finely printed railroad minute track are impactful with an undeniable refinement. The watch sits at a comfortable 39mm size in a shiny platinum case and has a hefty presence on the wrist. This model undoubtedly reflects the modern vision of a dress watch, but the fine fluted pattern on the bezel and the slim, pointy lugs add a touch of retro.

7. IWC Portofino 8 Days, Ref. IW510103

Launched in 1984, the IWC Portofino range is often described as the ‘Epitome of good taste’, whose classically understated design has remained relatively unchanged over the years. It’s a pretty dress watch with an unmistakable appearance.

The IWC Portofino 8 Days, Ref. IW510103 is one of IWC’s flagship pieces with its manual-winding 59210 mechanism, allowing it to last eight full days before it automatically stops. But honestly, it is 9 days. The extra day in reserve ensures the movement runs precisely. Aesthetically, the watch impresses with a big 45mm stainless steel case and a silver dial with solid gold indices, date displays and a small second counter. The brown alligator strap rightfully stitches the whole look together while exuding style. The Portofino watch collection boasts a range of classically designed minimalistic watches that retain their value. The fact that you can sell watches for a good return makes it popular among both men and women. 

5 Reasons for the rise in popularity of Dress watches

So why should you own a dress watch when you can literally gorge on plenty of other styles? 

Well, there are more reasons than you could have possibly thought of. Dress watches are one of the ‘best-kept’ secrets in fashion.

Here is a list of reasons why dress watches make perfect for any collection:

Effortless chic

Be it a special occasion or a desire to look your best, dress watches can seamlessly enhance your look with a touch of elegance and sophistication. They are known for their minimalist design—the dials are simple, the case is slim, and they mostly come fitted on a leather strap. In short, they are stylishly sleek, making them perfect for any occasion.  

Glimpse into the past

Many collectors and enthusiasts have started looking into the past, and dress watches from iconic brands like Cartier, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and others offer a getaway to the brand’s history and rich heritage. The brands offer plenty of models to choose from as the watchmakers curated dress watches, combining horological excellence with their rich dress watch heritage.

Cost Efficient

There is also the advantage of affordability when it comes to dress watches. As dress watches have suffered greatly due to their lack of popularity, you can buy watches at a much lower price than the sports watch models. You will be amazed to find some of the most stunning dress watches in an extremely affordable range. A classic Omega or Vacheron Constantin dress watch can be yours at a minimal price.

Versatile

It’s wrong to say that dress watches are only fit for the boardroom. They are versatile accessories that can be worn with almost any outfit. If you’re looking for a casual and formal watch, a dress watch is your ideal choice. From jeans to suits, they look great on both men and women. The best part is that the watches come in many styles, designs, and colours, so there is something for everyone.

Excellent investment

One of the many reasons dress watches are becoming so increasingly popular is because a dress watch is an excellent investment that will last you for many years. You can buy a watch at a considerably lower price and sell it in the future for good value. Buy dress watches from popular luxury watch brands, and you will reap the benefits later. They only get better with age.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Amidst the rush of sports and dive luxury watches, dress watches are perfect if you want something that will make you stand out from the crowd while keeping you looking classy and sophisticated.

Every piece on this list, from Cartier to Vacheron Constantin, carries its own distinct charm and a heritage that stands the test of time. These iconic dress watches are not mere accessories but timeless symbols of fine watchmaking.

So, why wait? Upgrade your collection with one of these coveted timepieces, which will never go out of style.