A man’s outfit is something that cannot be understated when he steps out into the world. A key component of this is a definitive dress watch, which can bolster or take apart an outfit with ease. Don’t get us wrong, we love the best sports watches and dive watches, but there is a place for them in the horological world.

After all, wearing a Panerai Submersible in its 45mm frame may prove more of a negative talking point in the boardroom than it would diving headfirst off your SuperYacht. 

Of course, this isn’t the same for all dive timepieces not being suited to dressy events. Take for example the Tudor Pelagos 39mm which could comfortably fit under shirt cuffs and have absolutely no issues about being your oceanside companion.

Look, we know all the questions that are running through your head about if there is a market out there for the best dress watches for men. Yes, Yes Yes. There most certainly is! From affordable to downright outlandish, Chrono Hunter has your timekeeping back covered with our expert view of the best dress watches. 

Luckily for you, we are not short on a few dress timepieces. With brands like Rolex bringing out the 1908 for 2023 and older classics like the Cartier Santos, looking fancy on people’s wrists since 1911, you have the perfect blend of vintage allure and sexy contemporary numbers that deserves to be slapped on your wrist. 

So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it with a few pertinent horological questions that people ask.

 

What Is A Dress Watch?

Is A Dress Watch An Everyday Watch?

So can a dress watch be an everyday watch? There’s a bit of pretension in the horological world about when and when not to use a dress piece. In the example above, we said it may not be the best option to choose a bulky piece for a suit and tie event. However, if the timepiece is small enough and svelte as Kylie Minogue, it can easily be pulled off with no issues whatsoever.

Have we got you spinning around yet? Most certainly, this is very much the same case with dress watches. If you land on one which is not only a smashing Bobby Dazzler on the wrist, but has the durability to withstand most of life’s knocks, it can be worn for all manner of lavish events. 

The case sizes may be a little smaller than sporty models, but once you get past that and get used to a smaller case size, you should have no problems with the dainty side of case life!

 

Can You Wear A Dress Watch All The Time?

Yes, a dress timepiece can be worn all the time…provided it’s comfortable enough. In this instance, everyday models tend to be associated with sports and dive pieces, purely because they are prioritised for durability and comfort.

Some models like the Longines Dolce Vita Sector Dial are crafted out of highly durable stainless steel and feature supple leather straps, pertaining to the comfort aspect of the piece. As long as you feel like your wrist won’t fall off or start to turn red, you can wear it all the time, not just for dressy affairs. 

However, if you’ve paid a good sum of money for one, like a vintage Rolex Day-Date in gold, you may feel a little uneasy about wearing something so priceless or sought after around town. We don’t blame you as a scratch on that, feels like a dagger in your own heart. 

Therefore, it’s completely up to you as to whether or not you wish to roll the horological dice and bring it out. 

 

Is A Dress Watch Formal?

It depends…are you looking for a formal piece? If you are, you can most certainly land yourself a piece that is brimming with formality. Take for example The Patek Philippe Calatrava collection. With a minimalist dial, gold case and a heaven sent supple brown leather strap, we hold no reservations against this being an out and out formal dress piece. 

For other editions like the Omega AquaTerra with summer blue colours, it does have a fun, sky blue colouring, allowing you to de-formalise an outfit. Even though the case is steel, it’s still a gorgeous piece and can be paired with a navy suit or a black cashmere jumper if you feel a little dressed back.

It’s difficult to find a model that can be used in a variety of situations, but a few key components to look for are the style and casing. We certainly wouldn't bring a platinum timepiece out to the ice-skating rink! Again beauty is very firmly in the eye of the beholder here.

 

Does Rolex Have A Dress Watch?

Rolex have recently done away with the Rolex Cellini, an out and out dress watch which featured guilloche styles and cases ranging from rose gold to white gold. It was a beautiful timepiece, but like the end of Friends…all good things must come to an end.

Rolex decided to treat us with the fantastic Rolex 1908. Given a 39mm case in either white or yellow gold, it boasts luxury from the get go. It’s sleek sizing and highly minimalist white or black dial is everything a dress watch fanatic could dream of. Plus it’s a completely new dressy direction that Wilsdorf and Co are aiming for.

There are other collections too which have stood the test of time. The Rolex Datejust collection has been ticking along since 1945 and immediately gained notoriety as the first model whose date changed at midnight. Varying from 36mm to 41mm in case diameter, they come in a strong selection of materials such as duo gold, steel and pure gold. 

The Day-Date is another great collection that offers a variety of styles. Featuring platinum dials on reference 2281236 and Everose gold on reference 118135, this collection is easily distinguishable due to the stunning President bracelet. Offering a sleeker take on the classic Oyster bracelet, the President bracelet is one to look out for in terms of desirable dress watches.  

Lastly, you may find that The Rolex Sky-Dweller is more your cup of timekeeping tea. I’ll have what Roger Federer wore at Wimbledon 2023. While associated with the enigmatic world of travelling due to its ingenious Ring Command bezel that navigates multiple zones, it’s actually an incredibly stylish dress piece. 

When it was released in 2012, it was only available in golden forms like yellow and white. It has since evolved to include more accessible materials like Rolesor which blends gold and steel together. Measuring 42mm, it’s bulky, but still suave enough with the classic fluted bezel to be accessible to the luxury market. 

 

What Is Considered A Men’s Dress Watch?

There is a very simple criteria as to what makes a men's dress timepiece. 

• Is the case elegant? It doesn't matter if it’s crafted out of steel or gold…so long as the case features either curvature or beautifully cut straight lines exactly like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. 
• Is the strap attractive? Fitted with either a delightfully soft leather strap or beautifully finished metal bracelet like the Jubilee or the President for Rolex, the strap is an integral part to looking and feeling confident. 
• Is the dial clean? If the dial is clean with, for example, just Roman Numerals and a guilloche dial, it can be considered as a dress piece. If there is a small aperture, that is just as acceptable. In some instances, a nice moonphase on a blue dial piece can add another element of beauty as featured on The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moon 39mm or Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase. 
• Is it something you think personally is a dress model? All in all, if you think it’s a dress timepiece, it probably is! Timepieces and style are all subjective. Trust your intuition and find a look that you think best reflects your personality and wardrobe for all things dressy, including the office, behind the barbecue grill or clinking cocktail glasses with CEO’s during after work drinks. 

 

Are Dress Watches Still Popular?

Dress watches are still enormously popular in the grand scheme of horology. Following on from the eclectic history behind brands like Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe, the iconic dress styles of the past have been bolstered with modern technical updates. 

Men are looking for the everyday watch due to them being more affordable. While this does reside on the side of sporty timepieces due to their durability and precision, dress watches are slowly catching up as they remain stylish, but become more durable and feature technical updates which boast great horological precision.

Now then. We’ve run through the intricacies of what sums up a men's dress watch. Now let’s delve deep into our definitive guide to the best dress watches, fit for any swanky occasion. Whether you are looking to buy a watch for the first time, searching for that entry-level luxury watch or saving for that big promotion, look no further. 

We’re sure you’ll find something that will pique your interest.

 

Rolex 1908

The Rolex 1908 is fresh off the horological press from Watches and Wonders 2023. 

 

1908 - Source - Reddit

 

Measuring 39mm, this timepiece caters towards the trend of smaller pieces which is gripping Gen-Z as much as their desire for neo-vintage models. Crafted out of yellow gold or white gold, you have the opportunity to choose between two equally desirable metals. 

The refined lugs gently lean into the case with stunning curvature that would put Raquel Welch to shame. The case itself is incredibly sleek which allows the totaling 45.2mm to be nothing at all on the wrist. Given a polished finish, the case aims to be as quaint as possible, deciding to choose a smarter finish than the sporty polished effect. 

The bezel too is a beauty with a serrated edge which leads to a fluted aesthetic. Screw the rotatable bezel like the Rolex Submariner…we’re here for the best dress timepieces…nothing more, nothing less.

The dial is very simplistic as it contains a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock and that’s it for the complications.

The combination of Arabic numerals and baton indices is subtle but adds a legible finish to the 1908. Deviating away from the opulent design of the Cellini’s rayon flammé de la gloire pattern, the 1908 instead goes for a satin finish instead. Why have cotton when you can have silk!

Powered by the movement 7140, the movement is supported with a Chronergy escapement and a Syloxi hairspring to bolster the reliability from magnetism and knocks. Running at 28,800VpH and offering 66 hours of power reserve, the weekend-proof movement is a formidable force for an elegant dress timepiece. 

We recommend pairing this with a black suit for serious office days or a powder blue shirt to let the yellow gold really stand out. 

You can buy a Rolex 1908 at retail for £20,100 as of November 2024

 

Grand Seiko Urushi Maki-e

Sometimes a nice jolt of colour is all that's needed to make a dress model that little bit greater. 

 

Urushi Maki-e - Source - Grand Seiko

 

Measuring 39mm, the Grand Seiko Urushi Maki-e is perfect for the metropolitan man who doesn't want a model that’s either too big or small. Sure, it may sound like something you would pick up in a sushi bar…but there’s so much more to the Urushi Maki-e. 

Crafted out of 18K rose gold, the case sheen is a beautiful reddish gold hue that offers an alternative to the very popular yellow or white gold sheens. The dial is where the party gets started. Upon first glance, you may assume that it’s a really well finished red dial and think nothing more of it.

In fact, the dial is made from Urushi Lacquer which is a form of Japanese craftsmanship that is very rare to find. 

The “Urushi” material is found from the trees that grow in a little Japanese town called Joboji. Lying under Mt. Iwate, which is the most prominent mountain around the Shizukuishi Studio, the material not only looks amazing, but has strong ties to the maker. 

The pattern on the dial is known as Mt Iwate and it looks very much like the iris of Satan’s red eyes! Don't be dismayed, we are sure you’ll end up in horological heaven with this stunner. The hour markers and GS text below 12 o’clock, finished with Maki-e styling that a gentleman (and master engraver) named Isshu Tamura is done to perfection. 

Made up of numerous layers, the markers look like they are rising out of the dial to meet you. Thank goodness for the dual curved sapphire crystal that offers a little extra room. Enjoying a healthy dose of 24K gold or platinum powder for an extra touch of luxury, they are then polished to give the recognizable Maki-e shimmering shine. 

Powered by the movement 9S63, the movement here is given an accuracy of around -3/+5 seconds per day and a very strong power reserve of 72 hours. This gives you enough time to lounge in your boating loafers aboard that private yacht party or hot foot it to Europe for a weekend getaway. 

Fitted with a dark brown, crocodile leather strap, it would look sublime with a red suit shirt for that important dinner or black cashmere jumper for those occasions where a suit shirt is too formal. This one has really got our timekeeping taste buds tingling.

You can buy a Grand Seiko Urushi Maki-e at retail for £27,950 as of November 2024. 

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin 16202BC.OO.1240BC.02

The Royal Oak collection is the heavy hitters of Audemars Piguet’s portfolio.

 

Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin - Source - Audemars Piguet

 

Released in 1972 under the careful gaze of Gerald Genta, this was the first collection that became the epitome of luxury sports models. Don’t be misled in thinking the word “sports” somehow means this isn’t a beautiful dress timepiece. It doesn’t let Genta down in that respect.

Crafted out of white gold and sized at 39mm, the extraordinary size comes in the form of the thickness of the case. At 8.1mm thick, this is the ideal size for a dress model, yet it has sports heritage which is both bizarre, yet shows how it is incredibly versatile. 

Given a dial that’s not too dissimilar from a moonlight sky, the Royal Oak is as hot as the scorching heatwaves in Europe and a great addition to the dressy world. The finish is gleaned through a grainy blue dial which offers a massive change from the standard tapisserie dial that the Royal Oak collection usually prides itself on. 

Given white gold indices to keep up with the case material, they are applied and match the similarly golden Royal Oak hands. Coated with luminescence, the model is perfect for visibility. Who knows, those dressy evenings may turn into drunken mishaps late at night!

The bracelet is famously integrated and is similarly crafted out of 18K white gold, as well as the similarly iconic octagonal bezel fixed with 8 screws. 

Powered by the movement 7121, this particular movement offers a very hardy frequency of 28,800VpH with 52 hours of power reserve. Powering the general timekeeping and a small date aperture located at 3 o’clock, we are no doubt in very good hands with this movement. 

It’s unique dial design and white gold construction means this model is perfect for an office dinner, black tie event or impressing your other half sipping cocktails. 

You can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra Thin 16202BC.OO.1240BC.02 when you request a price as of November 2024.

 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 Copper Dial

Looking as fresh as a daisy and sharp has never been so easy with a dial as coppery as your pipe work.

 

Laureato 38mm - Source - Girard Perregaux

 

But this one blows the copper hue out of the water. At 38mm, the Girard-Perregaux case is a continuation of the famed Laureato complication which dates back to 1975. This is one of those occasions where a dress timepiece is bolstered with a beautiful steel case. 

Crafted out of stainless steel, the Laureato’s case is rather slinky at 10mm, allowing it to slip on your wrist and under cufflinks with consummate ease. Given a coppery dial sheen, the sunray effect and stylish Clous de Paris pattern means that light has full control of the dials colour. 

Depending on the light source and its location, the dial changes in shade, meaning you could look bright and upbeat in the sun, while more relaxed and easy going in a more ambient setting. 

Furthermore, even though the Clou de Paris effect is used to alter the light situation, it looks immense in terms of it’s design as it’s composed of miniscule pyramids, offering a very hypnotic effect. 

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Moving on to the baton markers and hands, these are given the same steely allure as the case, allowing for coherency across the timepiece. The marker situated at 3 o’clock is replaced with a small date aperture that’s given a copper background like the dial.

Featuring a brushed hexagonal bezel atop a similar brushed case, the Laureato Copper Dial does have a sporty edge, allowing this dress model to be extremely versatile. 

Powered by the movement GP03300, the movement offers 28,800VpH and a fairly reliable power reserve of 46 hours. Although just short of enjoying weekend-proof status, it gives you sufficient time to show this arm candy off to friends and family alike.

Given a stainless steel strap, it is perfect for going to the Opera with your loved one in a navy blue suit, or picking up your award as “Top Dog” at the end of year awards ceremony.

You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 Copper Dial at retail for £12,700 as of November 2024

 

Chopard L.U.C 1860 168860-3003

Chopard are well known for slew of show stopping and pricey timepieces such as the Chopard 201 Carat, valued at around £20 million. Not to worry, not all of them are exorbitantly priced; plus you won’t need to sell the entire contents of your house!

 

L.U.C 1860 - Source - Reddit

 

The L.U.C 1860 case measures 36.5mm which is an ideal size for those looking to buy a watch with sleek aesthetics. Crafted out of Chopard’s own Lucent steel, the case’s material is 50% harder than steel, antiallergenic and given a fabulous glean, resulting in a beautiful incandescence. 

A contender as one of our best salmon dials which is extremely popular at the moment, it is based on top of a golden base. Undergoing a guilloche aesthetic, the dial is beautiful to look at, but not overly gaudy due to its clarity and simplicity, allowing it to be labelled as one of the best dress models.

Featuring steely hour markers and hands, they clearly stand out from the darker salmon dial. The small seconds based at 6 o’clock rests under the hands without making the dial too busy, especially since it’s given the same colourway as the rest of the dial. 

Powered by the L.U.C 96.40-L movement, it runs at 28,800VpH and has an impressive power reserve of 65 hours. This is down to the L.U.C Twin Technology which comprises two stacked barrels within the movement. COSC certified, you are guaranteed excellent quality and first rate accuracy with this movement. 

Fitted with a grey calfskin strap, the L.U.C 1860 is rather moody which is perfect for evening events. We suggest a similarly grey suit if you are keeping with the strap, or a camel overcoat for those chillier days.

You can buy a Choaprd L.U.C 1860 168860-3003 at retail for £22,700 as of November 2024. 

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph

For a luxury brand as fit for the red carpet as Jaeger-LeCoultre, they have set the benchmark for sporty dress editions like the ever so talked about Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. 

 

Reverso Tribute - Source - Jaeger-LeCoultre

 

Crafted out of stainless steel, the case is given the capability of being able to rotate. This was originally done to protect the dial from harm, but now it’s used more as the ultimate fashion statement. Heck if it’s good enough for JLC’s 2023 brand ambassador Lenny Kravitz, you know you are onto a good thing if you are looking for the best dress timepiece.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a key brand for statement pieces. They have realised this and have brought in a sublime backside to this piece with added glitz. The front dial is very formal in its grey blue sheen and accompanying sunray finish. This allows light to bounce across the dial perfectly, offering all manner of shades to the piece. 

The other side of the case shows an openworked dial, revealing the complexity of the movement 860, especially the retrograde chronograph that dwells within the movement. 

While the skeletonised aesthetic could be deemed as too much for a dress watch investment, Jaeger-LeCoultre intelligently gave the movement an array of finishes, such as applied hour markers and the seemingly floating minute track complimented by the bevelled bridges. 

The rectangular case is polished, negating the sporty brushed aesthetic. The Dauphine hands on the dials are staples of the collection and we thoroughly enjoy gazing as they point to the gadroons. The modern skeletonised look, gives the Reverso a new lease of life and allows it to be deemed as one of the best dress pieces.

Jaeger-LeCoultre have finally cracked the time and display indications of a chronograph within a rectangular case on both sides of the timepiece. The movement 860 allows for all of this due to its powerful 28,800VpH and a solid 52 hour power reserve. 

Strapped up with either a beautiful Bleu marine calfskin leather strap or a black version, we are spoilt for choice here. Disclaimer; both are quite dark so the difference isn’t too dramatic, but can be interchanged for a jet black suit to a navy suit. Be it dressing up to the nines for dinner to clinking glasses on a sunset cruise, make sure you’re wrist ready for whatever exploits come your way. 

You can buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph at retail for £22,900 as of November 2024.

 

Cartier Privé Tank Normale - Yellow Gold

Cartier is a huge Swiss luxury brand that is famed for creating the first wrist worn timepiece in 1904 for Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviation pilot who required a timepiece that could quickly be accessed on his wrist. Nowadays it's easily a part of the best dress watch selection.

 

Cartier - Source - Reddit

 

The Cartier Tank was founded later on after Louis Cartier came back from war in 1917 and was inspired by the brancards (French for stretcher) of Renault F-17 tanks that he saw on the Western Front. Designed to look like the bird's eye view of a tank from the front of the case, the design has continued in the same vein ever since with numerous iterations. 

Sized at just 32.6mm, the case is exceptionally accessible as a dress watch due to its small layout. The dial follows its predecessors, but also incorporates a few changes. Featuring black Roman numerals over a silver background, the hands are gently blued to keep with the signature blue cabochon on the crown.

The cabochon to Cartier is what Snowflake hands are to Tudor. They simply go hand in hand.

For the eagle eyed horologists, you may have noticed a little Easter egg on the model. A close look reveals that the text “1917” is written just beside the “VII” hour marker. As an ode to when the Tank was released, Cartier are masters of blowing their own timekeeping trumpet!

The piece is powered by the in-house movement 070. Unfortunately, it’s not a great performer at just 25,200VpH and the movement has a rather low 38 hour power reserve. However, if you are looking to buy a watch that is beautifully executed in its aesthetics, this might be the dress watch for you.

The brickwork style bracelet is astonishing as it exposes no gaps whatsoever and looks like a layer of pure yellow gold. Made up of 7 links across, the bracelet is a feat of luxury which is perfect for most situations, including business parties in your crisp white suit shirt, or nailing a job interview. 

You can buy a Cartier Prive Tank Normale at retail for around £36,000 as of November 2024. 

 

H.Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar 

Sometimes complications can be executed very well in a dress watch. Please may we introduce a luxury brand overflowing with grail models, The H.Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar.  

Source - H.Moser & Cie

 

Their perpetual calendar graced us in 2006, boasting stunning design and stylish features. For this edition, H.Moser & Cie have raised the boundary even further, releasing a stunning show of quality materials and thoughtful design. 

The case is crafted out of tantalum, which a few of you, if not all, will be wondering what it is. Don’t scratch your head no more as we’ll give you the lowdown. Originally used in the metallic wiring of light bulbs, tantalum was originally used for basically anything other than horology due to its solid properties and unbelievably high melting point.

H.Moser and Cie are design innovators by trade and are coming up on the inside as a wildly underestimated brand. Have you seen their salmon dial Streamliner model? The Endeavour Perpetual Calendar utilises the tantalum case and all its anti-corrosive skills to create a beautiful circular case. Its colour we can closely relate to “livid” which is a beautiful metallic sheen.

At 42mm, it’s a chunky boy of a dress watch, but it gains back such a status through its very stylish design and minimalist aesthetic. With two curved sapphires on the front and exhibition case back, the eyes are instantly drawn into the ocean blue dial. Not quite Summer Blue like the revamped Omega Ploprof but it’s nonetheless eye-catching.

The dial is finished with excellence in mind, using fumé aesthetics to create a rough blue face and keeping excess down to a minimum with just two black indices at 6 and 12 o’clock, no circular sub dials and just a few hands to represent the small seconds and power reserve,

Crafted out of enamel, the dial is a massive talking point among horological fanatics. It’s so spectacular, that even a fresh faced model lover would feel comfortable boasting this to the world. The hammered enamel face with its Grand Feu finish gets a big tick from us!

Powered by the HMC 800 movement, the movement is deceptively powerful for a piece that looks so otherworldly. While it runs at an okay 18,000VpH, the power reserve is an astonishing 7 days which is top notch for a movement in such a beautiful piece. Visible through the caseback, the movement is finished well and boasts impeccable beauty throughout.

The hand stitched kudu leather strap in a soft grey colour is a perfect match for the Endeavour Perpetual. If you find yourself networking with the business greats or presenting your new idea to revolutionise the world, this is the timepiece you want by your side and on your wrist. 

You can buy a H.Moser & Cie Endeavour at retail for around £66,400 as of November 2024. 

 

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date 

Dress watches can feature complications, as long as they don’t cramp the style of the piece. 

 

Patrimony - Source - Vacheron Constantin

 

For example, while we love the Audemars Piguet Ultra Complication Universelle RD#4 and it’s 23 complications, it does look a little bit too garish when you're flexing your social muscles at an important business meeting. 

Step aside AP as The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date defines elegance with a healthy dose of complication. Crafted at 42.5mm of solid platinum for the case, the timepiece is already off to a highly luxurious start. As you may already know, platinum is extremely in demand due to its rarity in the horological world. 

Undergoing a polished finish throughout, there is no trace of any brushing which could link to sportiness. After all, no one would wear this baby while coughing up your lungs on the treadmill or Tube. Its circular case design has been a staple of the dress watch world, as far back as the 1920s and 30s.

Upgrading it with such a rare material, is a major thumbs up from Vacheron Constantin to go all out with your dress attire, especially with such an awe-inspiring case and dial.

The casing leads into a beautiful salmon dial. Salmon is similarly rare in the horological world, although a few top brands are starting to turn to it, such as Patek Philippe with their 5270P Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. But hold the front page…we ain't gone fishin yet.

The dial is crafted from pink gold and undergoes a sunburst finish to glean the contrast of lighter and darker elements. Not enough? Why not get spicy with the beautifully finished minute track that is made up of many separate white gold dots that are diamond polished. Slow down, Vacheron Constantin!

The baton indices are white gold hour markers and have been tapered in at the top to allow the retrograde date to take centre stage. Vacheron Constantin does love a bit of self adulation, as noted by the Maltese cross below 12 o’clock. As the official emblem of the brand, they’ve crafted it out of pink gold which has been given a sandblasted finish to beam its exclusivity. 

The hands are similarly crafted out of white gold, like the indices, while the retrograde date hand is blued, keeping with the blue markers of the retrograde date function.

The cases fairly big frame allows the retrograde function along the top and bottom of the dial to not be crammed in like those time peeps queuing outside Swatch stores for the latest Moonswatch edition. Whatever will they think of next…a Royal Oak Moonswatch?

The movement 2460 R31R7/3 powers the extraordinary retrograde date functions and allows for the timepiece to run at a strong 28,800VpH. The movement is given an average power reserve of 40 hours while the openworked caseback boasts a Poinçon de Genève stamp on the movement. This pertains to the model's epic quality. 

Given a strap that is casually named a navy Mississippiensis (tongue twister!) alligator leather strap, it links with the blued retrograde functions seamlessly. We recommend adorning a navy suit with this piece for cocktail meetings in Mayfair, linking arms with your partner over a glass of bubbly or entering that new upscale restaurant. 

You can buy a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date at retail for £59,500 as of November 2024

 

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G

Being the best dressed man in the room is a difficult feat. Having the best dress watch is another completely different horological ball game. Not to worry, the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G should be on your buy list. 

Calatrava - Source - Patek Philippe

 

Patek Philippe has been at the helm of highly complicated timepieces since their inception in 1839. Creating the James Ward Packard timepiece in 1927 with 10 complications, it swiftly became the most complicated model of its era. 

Now, the time is ripe for Patek Philippe to delve into the art of dress watches. The Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G is a 40mm case of pure white gold. At an accessible 40mm case size, the material is a precious metal, meaning it’s highly valuable and sumptuous in its polished finish. 

The rounded case design is typical of dress watches and pays homage to the collection stemming back to 1932. Think funky design can only be found on the face? The flanks of the case undergo a gorgeous Clous de Paris hobnail pattern which offers a whole new dynamic to the timepiece. 

The dial is a highly exciting piece of horology. The textured face is given a charcoal style shade, which is only skin to the surface of the moon with all its bumps! Its finely grained aesthetic is bolstered with a matte black minute track around the periphery. 

The classical style of the Calatrava, means the minute track follows the design style of Chemin de fer, or English Railroad to the natives. These little nods or winks to the past, summarise the model as a truly great timepiece, designed to celebrate the eclectic past of the collection.

The Arabic numerals are crafted out of white gold too and finished with a healthy dose of beige luminescence. They are incredibly legible against the textured face, even more so with the luminescence. 

The hands are rather unorthodox as they are shaped like syringes. Similarly crafted out of white gold and dosed with luminescence they sweep over the sheen accurately and are noticeable straight away. The small date aperture positioned at 3 o’clock is a nice feature and is kept silently stowed away to help the minimalist aesthetic.

Running on the movement 26-330 S C, the movement itself is visible through the caseback, allowing us to see the emblazoned 21K gold rotor. Given a Gyromax and Spiromax balance and balance spring, the movement is certified with a Patek Philippe Hallmark seal, guaranteeing the Calatrava’s immense quality. 

Dancing at 28,800VpH with a power reserve of 45 hours, this movement is up and ready for your dressy night outs on the town, lasting you well into the night. Adorned with a hand stitched beige calfskin strap with a nubuck finish and fabric pattern embossment, the strap is as beautiful as a well worn pair of leather boots. 

We think you’d look sharp wearing a beige suede jacket for those after work drinks, or going all out at a Charity Gala with a textured black suit.

You can buy a Patek Philippe Calatrava 5226G at retail for £35,730 as of November 2024

 

Longines Master Collection L2.843.4.93.2

Last year, Longines gave the horological world a big grin when they celebrated 190 years of their presence. 

 

Master Collection - Source - Longines

 

Releasing three Longines to update The Master Collection (all dutifully named 190th Anniversary), these timepieces all developed the collections in just the dial style alone. At 41 mm case size, they have engraved numerals or tidy brushed faces. Now, we are in 2023, and Longines think it’s time to continue the revitalisation of the Master Collection. We say, bring it on!

Slashed down to a 38.5mm case size, they are clearly referencing this timepiece as a dress number due to the drop from the more sporty 41mm case size. Crafted out of steel that's polished throughout the case, the timepiece is sleek and not ostentatious. With a 10.2mm thickness, you should have no issues slipping the case under some shirt cuffs when patting your buddies on the back after that Jordan Belfort style client win.

The front is again the centre of conversation. While the same level of detail is there in terms of the brushed aesthetic and slightly grained allure, the new salmon face is highly attractive and boasts the vertical lines even further due to its lighter complexion. 

The Arabic numerals are Breguet influenced and slightly sunken due to them being engraved in. Filled in with a black colouring to enhance their legibility, they match the hands which are similarly a black sheen.

A new small seconds counter is added at 6 o’clock which is a handy complication, not to mention a nice added visual perspective. The minute track on the periphery is given a polished sunburst dynamic, creating a visible difference between the track and the rest of the front.

The L893 movement is bang on in terms of what you’d expect of a timepiece as beautiful as this. Offering an unorthodox 25,200 VpH, the movement has a 72 hours power reserve which is more than enough for a boozy weekend where you can’t risk losing your Longines!

The black alligator leather strap is given a triple safety folding clasp and a push piece mechanism, linking to the security of the strap, not to mention its extremely comfortable leather material. 

We reckon you’d be the Belle of the ball if you adorned this with a pinstripe suit for that very formal link up with the boss. If you need to look more casual, a simple black suit shirt will do for an evening out or stroll along golden sands. Go forth you party animal!

You can buy a Longines Master Collection L2.843.4.93.2 at retail for £2,350 as of November 2024. 

 

IWC Portofino Automatic IW356504

There’s nothing fishy about our next best dress watch contender. Portofino may be the scenic fishing village with striking pastel coloured homes that travellers swarm like bees to a hive. 

But the elegant Portofino collection from IWC will stop you in your tracks. Ticking along since 1984, when it featured a circular gold case along with Roman numeral indices, as far as pilot pieces are concerned, they certainly came, saw and conquered thanks to the Mark series.

 

Portofino - Source - IWC

 

Not much has changed, truth be told. But why teach an old horological dog new tricks? The circular case style remains while the precious metal build is still an option for any collection. However, there’s something about this IWC Portofino Automatic IW356504 that’s just astounding. 

Crafted out of 18K 5N rose gold, the case oozes luxury, especially since its 40mm case size is built in that classic rounded case. It is silver plated with a matte white finish on top, boasting the perfect canvas for sleek indices to play. 

Featuring golden, baton style indices at all but 12 and 6 o’clock which are made up of Roman numerals, the IWC Portofino face is fresher than your Monday morning pre-work latte. This is certainly not your average cup of Joe. The hands are similarly crafted out of yellow gold in line with the refined aesthetic. 

The minute track hovers on the periphery and consists of small black lines which contrast with the creamy face. There’s a small date aperture at 3 o’clock which is handy for the modern man who needs to get all his bearings in next to no time!

The slim feuille hands and similarly tight indices hark to the uncluttered front that’s become so popular with enthusiasts. For the horological historians among us, you may believe that the model is shaped like a pocket piece. And you’d be absolutely spot on!

The IWC Portofino’s design harks back to the 1970s where the Lepine pocket model was a massive influence for this top Swiss brand. Then being released in 1984, The Portofino was the main collection that clearly followed the design codes of the pocket timepiece.

While we don’t have the pleasure of being able to see the movement through an exhibition caseback, we do get to enjoy the pleasures of a solid caseback. Taking inspiration from the deck of a ship at a Portofino harbour, the engraved image follows the fishing village and all its relaxed vibes. Hang on a second, I think I can smell that fresh sea air…

Powered by the 35111 automatic movement, it runs at a steady 28,800VpH with a 42 hour power reserve, providing central hacking seconds and a date aperture. Fitted with a dark brown alligator strap, the fabric is both supple like a new pair of Christian Louboutin heels and very secure on your wrist. 

Trust us, this is not coming off anytime soon. It offers a moody dimension to the bright white and shiny rose gold case which can be seen on the 18K 5N gold pin buckle. We believe that this timepiece is perfect for attending big meetings on entrepreneurship expos or sailing your own schooner to the glorious Portofino bay. All we ask is you look the part with a white suit shirt or white tee.

You can buy an IWC Portofino Automatic IWC356504 at retail for £11,100 as of November 2024. 

 

Rolex 1908 - Platinum

In case you didn’t get enough of the good stuff from the classic Rolex 1908 line in yellow and white gold, Watches and Wonders 2024 brought with it a revolutionary inclusion of a fabulous platinum edition.

 

Source - Rolex

  

Remember, the line only took off from Watches and Wonders 2023, so in its very short career, it has not only replaced the discontinued Cellini and added a fresh dress watch line to Rolex’s portfolio. However, it’s now available in a hot new material. 

A lot of the previous dimensions are retained in the latest model. The 39mm case diameter and 9.50mm thickness would suggest that this is a very accessible timepiece to wear on the wrist. Given a thorough polish and a fluted bezel, the timepieces are inherently very dressy, but ultimately incredibly stylish. 

Opposing the original models, the dials have been exchanged from white and black dials to a fabulous new ice blue dial. Undergoing an off-centre circular finish, this reimagines the matte backgrounds that Rolex is famed for. Legibility is still of utmost priority, as noted by the white gold Arabic and baton hour markers. 

Inside the timepiece is the high functioning Calibre 7140. Visible through the sapphire caseback,  expect a rapid 4Hz alongside a 66 hour power reserve. Secured with Paraflex shock absorbers and Chronenergy escapements, Rolex use all of their patents to take full advantage of the strong movement. For us, this is one of the best dress watches Hans Wilsdorf has brought to the timekeeping table in recent years. 

You can buy a Rolex 1908 Platinum at retail for £26,600 as of November 2024. 

 

Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5236P

Patek Philippe’s Grand Complications line has been a topic of great conversation. Unfortunately, the horological-complexity chat was geared towards the Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication during Watches and Wonders 2024 due to its record breaking 63 complications. 

 

Source - Patek Philippe

  

No bother though. The Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5236P may not have the array of complications, but it’s still a top choice for those looking to buy a dress watch that’s undeniably gorgeous. 

The 5236P has already seen the light of day in 2021, wherein it provided a tidy dial configuration and a range of functions such as the moon-phase. For Watches and Wonders 2024, we see a fresh dial shade and a volume of top complications.

Made of 950 platinum, it is 41.3mm x 11.07mm thickness could be a little hefty, but you must remember that the watches are jam-packed with a whole smorgasbord of functionality. Its 30 metre water resistance isn’t anything to shout about, but we are chatting about some of the best dress watches around!

The dial has a rich, salmon shade with a matte finish. The colour is very unorthodox and as on trend as London Fashion Week. However, we’ve carefully put together our own horological catch of the day which you fish-loving horophiles can view here:

 

• Pink Out Your Watch Collection With Our Top Salmon Dials

 

For general timekeeping, look to the baton hour markers that are built in front of a black, 60 minute track. This also works with the hands that are black as that spooky Halloween skeleton outfit highly legible against the salmon dial. 

At 6 o’clock is a moon-phase indicator, with an integrated running seconds counter with a day and night indicator at 8 o’clock. This is particularly useful for quickly checking if you’ve lost too many hours at the cocktail bars.

There’s a leap year aperture based between 4 and 5 o’clock while positioned below 12 o’clock, there is a large date aperture that totals the day, date and month in separate reels. Powering all of these functions is the 31-260 PS QL calibre. 

This runs at a phenomenal 28,800VpH and provides a weekend-proof 48 hour power reserve. Perfect for parading at that beach wedding or flexing at a glamorous awards ceremony.

You can buy a Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5236P at retail for £121,100 as of November 2024. 

 

IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar

Our next best dress watch is somewhat on the larger side but still packs lots of flex appeal due to its outstanding lineage. 

The Portugieser line was suggested by two Portuguese merchants, Rodrigues and Teixeria to IWC in 1938, as they were looking for a large dress watch. This prompted them to release the Portugieser.

 

Source - IWC

  

It was noted for being vastly oversized and designed to counter the small watches of the era. Pioneer for the large watch revolution? We think so!

At Watches and Wonders 2024, the Schaffhausen brand released a fresh play in platinum on the line, in the form of the highly powerful Portugieser Eternal Calendar. Powerful is a word that can be overused, but it matches the immense capability of the Calibre 52460 and what it delivers. 

A magnificent execution, it comes in at 44.4mm x 15mm thick. However, we feel its precious metal and heritage means this is still one of the best dress watches to buy this year. One of the main features is the Kurt Klaus inspired perpetual calendar. Taking up three sub-counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, there is a very handy moon-phase counter at 12 o’clock.

You don’t have to look too close to spot the four-window aperture between 7 and 8 o’clock. Just twist the crown to make any alterations across the subdials.  

Stop right there. How dare we brush past the moon-phase so quickly!

Capable of accuracy for a mind boggling 45 million years, if you happen to jump in your Tardis and leap into the future, it will only be one day out of sync. Great Scott! Accuracy is the main objective of the IWC Portugieser “Eternal” calendar, so you can expect all the date functions to be accurate up to 400 years. 

This includes competently avoiding leap years while you’re at it. You can see why we had to add this hot number to our best dress watches guide. Although the domed sapphire crystal may appear a little complex, it's marked out clearly against a white lacquer dial. 

Furthermore, it works well with the pitch black railway track around the dial that frames all the functions. The Arabic hour markers and hands are silver and easily legible which is a recognisable feature of IWC novelties. Within the platinum case beats the Calibre 52460. Boasting a Pellaton winding system, you can expect a fabulous 7 day power reserve and a rapid 28,800VpH. 

You can buy an IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar at retail for a price on request as of November 2024.

 

Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph - Platinum 

The original Monopoussoir was a diddy little thing.

The brand’s first official chronograph at 25mm x 35mm, it was home to a classic column wheel and horizontal clutch. Now, Cartier’s stable is always brimming with Tank’s and Santos.

But horophiles need to remember the beauty of the Monopoussoir. Originally a part of the Cartier Privée Paris Collection, the timepieces are noted for a few design codes, including a tonneau case shape (way before Richard Mille jumped on the bandwagon) and single button chronograph…the chronograph function being a creation of Louis Cartier dating back to the roaring 1920s. 

 

Source - Cartier

  

Interestingly, the watches are nicknamed "tortue à pattes” or turtle on legs due to the unique tonneau case shape. The Rolex Submariner Hulk should be quaking in its boots!

Watches and Wonders 2024 saw a recent introduction of the line and perhaps the start of regular modernisation and updates from the collection. Designed out of platinum, Cartier skipped the podium classics of gold and silver to give this watch one of the most desired materials in the industry. 

Totalling 34.8mm x 10.2mm, the watches are incredibly small, even by Cartier standards. Unsurprisingly, the watches offer a mediocre 30 metres of water resistance. However, these dressy pieces are thoroughly polished across the case sides and bezel. They spare no room for fancy embellishments or finishes, aside from the spinel, sapphire cabochon that takes up the crown.

Yielding dual snail sub-counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, they fit in well with the Roman numeral hour markers and blued steel hands. Framed by a minute track, the timepieces are accurate and easy to read. 

Through the sapphire caseback, users can bear witness to the calibre 1928 MC, offering a 44 hour power reserve and 28,800VpH. With such a small case, a smaller movement is required. Its 4.3mm thickness is so slight that it actually qualifies as the thinnest chronograph calibre to date.

It doesn’t quite put the Bulgari Octo Finissimo in its place but we do like this dress watch for its timeless style, vintage appearance and versatility.

Capped at 200 pieces, you can buy a Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir at retail for around £49,750 as of November 2024. 

 

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moonphase Retrograde Date

The Patrimony line from Vacheron Constantin has quickly become a go-to line for most horophiles looking to buy a Vacheron Constantin quickly. 

Launched in 2004, the Patrimony Moonphase Retrograde Date is inspired by the classic dress watches of the 1950s. So, for the design, we shouldn't expect anything particularly radical, but for the movement and functionality… Only time will tell!

 

Source - Vacheron Constantin

  

Watches and Wonders 2024 introduced a fabulous Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moonphase Retrograde Date which represents an enigmatic play on the classic line. Crafted at 42.5mm X 9.5mm, the case size is perfect for casually slipping under shirt cuffs, especially as it’s as thin as a rake. 

The polished round case is not a wow-factor, but it's a sure fire sign that you are opting for one of the best dress watches, especially since it’s a design that has continued to be lauded by many luxury watch brands. 

The silver toned dial utilises a sunburst finish which casts light well throughout the dial, while the rose gold batons and hands stand out well from the creamy background. We mentioned complications, right? 

Well, while the bottom portion of the dial has standard sized baton hour markers, from 9 till 3 o’clock, there is a phenomenal retrograde calendar that’s read via a black, arrow tipped hand. Contrasting at 6 o’clock, the quaint moon-phase indicator utilises a midnight blue sky as a strong contrast point.  

Powered by the brilliant Calibre 2460, there is a 40 hour power reserve with a consistent beat 28,800VpH timepieces are rapid and fitted with an 18K oscillating rotor with openworked styling.

You can buy a Vacheron Constantin at retail for £47,600 as of November 2024.

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon

For the Royal Oak line, it’s hard to imagine anything that it hasn’t covered. 

We’ve seen a variety of materials, the smallest calibres imaginable and functions that both dazzled and boasted Audeamars Piguet’s incredible technical know-how.

Source - Audemars Piguet

  

So, they have done what any self-respecting horological brand would do. Decided to create an entirely new material and devote it to the storied collection! Released in March 2024, we give you the chance to admire the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon. 

Steel will always be the go-to option for the line as it was the chosen material way back in the 1970s. Around 50 years later, the line has evolved to include a new material which is named “sand gold”. 

In-between white and pink gold, it uses a few other compounds like copper and palladium to give the material that understated hue. Available in a 41mm case, these dress watches live up to the slender design with 10.6mm thickness. 

Given a brushed bezel, case and integrated bracelet, the polished finishes are spotted along the bezel and case sides. Overall, the Royal Oak shape is maintained, including the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, but the main change is spotted in the form of a new dial. 

Completely skeletonised, the bridges and main plates opt for a variety of top finishes, including the movement itself. After all, if everything is on show, it's best to make them all look fabulous! We’re talking circular finishing and horizontal brushing, combined with polishing and sunray finishes. 

Audemars Piguet have pushed their craftsmen to offer the biggest flex of the year. Finishes and construction aside, timekeeping is still pretty legible through the silver baton hour markers and hands that are given a central strip of luminescence. Take note of the tourbillon at 6 o’clock which counteracts gravity. 

Isaac Newton would have been proud with this on his wrist. Powered by the Calibre 2972 with 21,600VpH (3Hz) , benefit from a 65 hour power reserve which will see you some of the most lavish affairs you may encounter.

You can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon at retail when upon requesting a price, as of November 2024.  

 

Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier 

Chopard is the secretive diamond in the horological world. 

Other brands like Rolex waltz around with their 30% plus market share, recently blowing up over $11 billion in sales. Others such as Audemars Piguet collaborate with stars like Travis Scott and John Mayer to showcase their extensive cultural reach. 

Source - Chopard 

  

Chopard opt for a more low-key approach, but they have produced some phenomenal pieces which can easily be seen on any best dress watches list. The Qualité Fleurier is perhaps one of their most desired lines due to its heritage. 

The title references the period when Chopard took over the Qualité Fleurier Foundation back in 2022. This was the first qualitative horological certification for finished watches, originally designed between three brands; Chopard, Parmifiani Fleurier and Bovet. 

After Bovet and Parmigiani Fleurier stepped away from the grouping, Chopard was left in sole charge of the foundation. The latest edition of the line was released during Watches and Wonders 2024 and has become an instant hit. 

Crafted out of Lucent steel, this is a material that Chopard have patented. Composed of 80% recycled steel, sustainability is very much the order of the day in this case.

Measuring 39mm x 8.92mm, the Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier is in our opinion, the perfect size for a dress watch. We just have a hunch for these things. Given a thorough polishing along the bezel the sapphire crystal gives a clear view into the simple yet elegant dial.

The silver toned dial is made up of various rings, including a 60-minute chapter ring on the periphery, an hour marker ring which features arrow-head style silver hour markers and the central ring which totals the sword shaped hands and small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. 

Powering the main timekeeping functions and small seconds counter, the calibre L.U.C 96.09-L offers a 65 hour power reserve. Viewable through the sapphire caseback, you can take note of the Geneva stripes and circular graining. Functional and housing some excellent functions, it can move from office to cocktail bar with consummate ease. 

You can buy a Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier at retail for around £18,300 as of November 2024.

 

Rolex Day-Date 40 - Everose Gold

Like Chesney Hawkes sang about, could this be the “One and Only” for your dress watch collection? The Rolex Day-Date is a powerhouse bar none. 

Released in 1956, it stunned the horological world as the first range to showcase both the date and day spelt out in full on the dial. Made up of the 6510 and 6511 references, the watches were available in both domed and fluted bezel variants.

 

Source - Rolex

  

Typically associated with precious metals, the Day-Date is definitely one of the top options for those looking for one of the best dress watches filled with sophistication, glamour and a giant helping of historical lineage. In this instance, following the phenomenal release at Watches and Wonders 2024, the Rolex Day-Date 40 adds a breath of fresh air into the line. 

Crafted out of Rolex’s patented Everose gold material, this has a fabulous lustre that gives a sublime shine. From polished lugs to the attractive fluted bezel, the latter has become a symbol for Rolex, indicating that the watch is made for luxury and should be worn with your finest three piece. 

The 40mm diameter case works tremendously well with the 12mm thickness, allowing the piece to not be overly large, nor is it too small. The watches use a twin-lock crown and a screw down caseback in order to provide 100 metres of water resistance. 

Rolex are popularised for their matte dials. This time round, they’ve branched out with the stunning ombré aesthetic. Running from a grey centre to a pitch black periphery, the dials use rose gold Roman numerals with interjecting single baton hour markers. 

At 3 o’clock is a Rolex’s patented Cyclops eye which enhances the date's legibility. At 12 o’clock is a full day aperture, leaning into the classic Day-Date styling. Within this model the Calibre 3255 is Superlative Chronometer certified with a 70 hour power reserve. Plus, don’t forget the daily accuracy of around +2/-2 seconds per day.

And with Tom Brady rocking the ice blue dial version with Arabic numerals (228206) as well as the coveted Puzzle Emoji Dial, this number is a holy grail that should be firmly on your radar.

You can buy a Rolex Day-Date 40mm at retail for £37,800 as of November 2024.  

 

H.Moser & Cie Streamliner x Alpine Pink Livery 

The best dress watches are all about being worn with confidence. 

The guys at Chrono Hunter HQ have noticed a definite shift from the monochrome black and white shades of yesteryear to a far more modern use of colours and shades. 

 

Source - H.Moser & Cie

  

One of the best examples of this is the H.Moser & Cie x Alpine 6811-1202 which debuted in May 2024. Firstly, it’s important to cover the collaboration between H.Moser and Alpine Motorsports. 

Emerging in February 2024 as Alpine Motorsports first ever global partner, the partnership covers the BWT Alpine F1 Team, meaning the watches will be built with the fantastic racing engineering of a top brand. 

Releasing their first iteration of the collaboration in April, the colours came in a navy blue which was quite low-key. However, one month later in May 2024, they went one step further with a pink colour scheme. After all, pink is the colour of the BWT F1 Team! The 42.3mm x 11mm dimensions are quite large, but it helps with the 120 metre water resistance.

Crafted out of steel, the case is brushed which offers a startling contrast against the polished case flanks. Given a skeletonised dial, it’s made up of gently tapered bridges that are equally brushed to become seamless with the case. 

For timekeeping, you will need to look at the pink synthetic corundum (type of sapphire) at 12 o’clock. Due to its inherent properties, the material is essentially transparent, allowing the skeletonised design to remain centre stage.

For the hour markers, they are all coated in Super-Luminova with the blued hands given a Globolight insert for maximum legibility. At 6 o’clock, there is a one-minute flying skeletonised tourbillon which utilises specially made cylindrical hairsprings for maximum accuracy.

The HMC 811 calibre provides a 21,600VpH and a hardy 74 hour power reserve, as provided by a bi-directional pawl winding system. 

You can buy a H.Moser & Cie Streamliner x Alpine Pink Livery at retail for around £78,800 as of November 2024. 

 

Omega Speedmaster 38mm Moonshine Gold - Diamond

The Omega Speedmaster 38mm line was originally released in 2017 and has become immensely popular among dress watch fans. 

Fast forward to April 2024 and the Omega Speedmaster 38mm has been unleashed with 8 models in a range of styles, including precious metal versions in Sedna and Moonshine gold. 

 

Source - Omega

  

We’ve done the studying and the analysing for you, and we may have found one of the best dress watches from our extensive selection. The Omega Speedmaster 38mm Moonshine Gold is perfect for every horophile out there. 

Totalling 38mm, the watches may appear very tasteful on the wrist with their use of Moonshine gold, Omega’s patented version of yellow gold.

For us, the 14.7mm thickness makes this very chunky which may perturb the ergonomic-lover. Surrounding the dial is a sparkling diamond bezel which totals 1.5 carats. Diamonds can appear gaudy, but Omega makes it work well here with the precious metal case allowing it to be a highly wearable piece. 

These diamonds are visible around the triple sub-dial counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The green dial is made up of Moonshine gold baton hour markers with Superluminova dots at their heads with the hands having Super-Luminova running in their centre. 

The three chronograph subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are edged with Moonshine gold and diamonds, allowing the circular snail and white background to clearly show the various functions. 

There is a date aperture at 6 o’clock which is very functional. The solid caseback shows large Speedmaster text alongside a prominent Seahorse emblem as a link to the brand's immense heritage. The Calibre 3300 is Chronometer certified which confirms the longevity and quality of the movement. Capable of offering 4Hz, the Omega Speedmaster 38mm has a 52 hour power reserve.

You can buy an Omega Speedmaster 38mm at retail for £43,800 with a Moonshine gold bracelet as of November 2024. 

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) - White Gold

The AP Royal Oak is the Rolls Royce of luxury sports watches. The Gordon Ramsay of novelties delivering finesse, style and consistency…every single time.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line answered a lot of questions for those looking to buy  sports-chic watches during the 70s. Designed by none other than the man, the myth, the legend himself Gerald Genta, the watches feature a number of phenomenal design codes, including an octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet and famed Tapisserie background. 

 

Source - Audemars Piguet

  

Totalling 37mm of luxurious white gold, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) is the latest advancement on the collection. Given fabulous polished finishes along the edges of the bezel, the lugs and case are given a countering brushed finish. 

Capable of yielding 50 metres of water resistance, the timepieces are splash proof, but not suitable for anything more extreme. This is to be expected, as the 8.1mm thickness is exceptionally slight and suitable for dazzling your office colleagues or dinner dates. 

Along the tops of the watches you will find the instantly recognisable eight-sided bezel which is made up of the traditional 8 hexagonal screws with the added luxury of 32 baguette-cut diamonds in between each screw. 

The dial utilises a smoked blue shade that graduates from a navy blue centre to a pitch black periphery. This PVD aesthetic allows the Tapisserie pattern to showcase light throughout the entire dial. Boasting white gold baton hour markers and hands, the indices are fitted with diamonds, but the hands have luminescence running through the hands centre. 

At 6 o’clock is a stunning skeletonised tourbillon which confirms the accuracy and avant-garde aesthetic of the pieces. The rapid 2968 calibre is a miniscule monster at 3.4mm tall while their movement offers a 50 hour power reserve and ticks along at 3Hz.

You can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3 at retail upon requesting a price as of November 2024.

 

Omega Constellation 41mm Meteorite - Moonshine Gold

When people hear of meteorite watches, there’s usually a period of bated breath to see the final product is a disaster or perhaps one of the best dress watches that’s out of the stratosphere. 

 

Source - Omega

  

In the case of Omega’s releases in February 2024, the Constellation 41mm Meteorite offers an exciting play on the material. It actually acts as a delightful accessory to an already very stylish model. 

Paired with the Constellation line, this has been in production since 1952 and has been heralded as another Gerald Genta innovation (at least, for a little while). This edition totals 41mm diameter of Moonshine gold and a 13.5mm thickness. Not small, but it's perfect for the horophile who wants to show off his timepiece. 

The Constellation heritage runs through its entirety, fitted with a textured bezel and the four claws that link to the classic 1982 watches. It also features Roman Numerals which adds a unique dimension. 

Moving on to the dial which is less obscure alien-tech and more astonishing constellation magic. Omega uses meteorite here but gives it a yellow gold PVD so it seamlessly fits in with the rest of the visuals There is similarly a Widmanstätten pattern that the rock naturally produces, making every timepiece completely individualised. Much like the chalcedony Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier.

For timekeeping functionality, simply read the yellow gold baton hour markers along with the sword shaped hands. Luminescent and complimented with a date aperture at 6 o’clock, the watches are definitely usable while in the boardroom, or strolling down the fairway with your new titanium driver in hand. 

Powered by the Omega 8901, the calibre provides a 60 hour power reserve and a Master Chronometer certification which guarantees the longevity and pristine power. 

You can buy an Omega Constellation 41mm Moonshine Gold - Meteorite Dial at retail for £40,000 as of November 2024. 

 

MB&F LM Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet

Collab pieces have become all the rage recently. 

We’ve seen sensational pieces between Audemars Piguet and fashion designer Tamara Ralph, H. Moser & Cie and Studio Underd0g worked together to produce the incredible Passion Fruit collection, while Bamford London and Ace Jewellers, delivered the scratch and go B80 Ace Limited Edition with the first blow on them.

Jungle Book Edition - Source - MB&F

 

So then gents, what is the next best dress watch that you should flex in order to look better than LeBron James and his 4 Championship Rings? Step forward the MB&F LM Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet! That’s right we are talking about Maximilian Büsser & Friends to be precise.

For those out of the loop, Eddy Jaquet is one of the finest and most revered engravers in the current industry. Working with MB&F previously to produce the sensational LM SE Eddy Jaquet “Around the World in Eight Days”, he subsequently won the GPHG Artistic Crafts Award in 2021. 

But this is now, and we simply must get into this latest iteration!

Prepare for a behemoth on your wrist! Totalling 44.5mm x 18.2mm these desirable dress watches have never been so much of a statement! Crafted out of stainless steel, this is a very strange material choice in our humble view. 

Given the luxury, we may expect something like platinum or white gold. But, they give the steel a little pzazz in the form of a polished bezel and brushed case sides. Aside from the unusual crown placement at 2 o’clock, they are steeped in the classic circular case dress watch design. 

In the spirit of all the other Eddy Jacquet pieces, the dials are superbly hand-engraved. For this model, the theme is 8 young fiction novels, covering works like The Jungle Book, The Three Musketeers, Moby Dick and many more! Oh we definitely wanna be like you. It’s said that Jaquet read each tale and created sketches for each one, which are then applied to a series of dials. 

Across the board, the engraving is presented on an exceptionally slim 1.15mm dial plate, proving his technical skill, alongside his range of techniques like hand applying certain parts in dark rhodium alloy, while adjusting the shading himself to ensure everything is clear. 

Regardless, you are entitled to a pitch black off-centre dial with blue hands at 12 o’clock, dual sub-dials at 4 and 8 o’clock with black outer rings and blue hands, and a central Split Escapement function with the balance wheel in a mesmerising state, hanging above the dial by two prominent arms. 

Providing optimal timekeeping is the LM Split Escapement movement. This manual-winding calibre has 296 components and is fitted with 35 jewels. With a three day power reserve and 18,000VpH, it should be enough time for that keynote speech, business event or last minute weekend getaway. On the other hand, this movement is perfectly hand finished, and offers sublime power in all conditions due to the double mainspring barrels. It must be l’amour.

You can buy a MB&F LM Split Escapement x Eddy Jaquet at retail for CHF 158,000 (around £139,650 as of November 2024) 

 

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony - Ora ïto

We are not patronising you with our next best dress watch. Far from it. 

In fact, gold is possibly the most timeless material in current horology. Associated with every genre, including classic dive watches like the solid gold Rolex Deepsea at Watches and Wonders 2024, Vacheron Constantin are taking the material to a whole new level with their Patrimony Ora ïto. 

Source - Vacheron Constantin

 

But gents, who is Ora ïto? This French designer has been working closely with some of the top luxury Swiss watch brands. From Heineken to horology’s beloved Swatch brand. Heck, he was even the first person to create the world's first virtual studio!

So, we assumed that this collaboration would already be more of a raging success than the Rolex Daytona 116500LN However, we underestimated just how much Ora’s fabulous Simplexity vision would be imprinted on the watch. 

Celebrating 20 years of the Patrimony’s initial release back in 2004, they are the equivalent of the Olympics golden torch being held aloft. Certain to catch eyes, at 40mm x 8.55mm they are crafted out of solid 18K yellow gold and expertly polished from top to bottom.

The dimensions indicate a very slender proposition, and the pretty poor 30 metres water resistance stat suggests the same! However, this is an office or special occasion piece. We certainly would not risk one of the best dress watches anywhere near water, a lake or a pond.

For the dial, Vacheron Constantin keeps the gold theme running, and this is the point where Ora ïto makes his grand entrance. What appears like a simple finish, is actually a circular, geometric pattern that gets progressively larger the closer to the edge. 

Admittedly, legibility may be a slight problem as the slender hands and tooth-shaped hour markers are gold too. Around the edge of the dials is a pearl minute track made up of 48 polished 18K gold pearls. Fitted with a subtle date aperture at 6 o’clock the text is turned to red to offer a jolt of colour to the dazzling scene. 

What does such a “minimalist” item need to move like a hare? Easy, the high-powered 2450 Q6/3 calibre! Completely self-winding, the movement offers a 40 hour power reserve alongside a 28,800VpH. Totalling 196 parts, it’s racing around in a razor thin movement at 3.6mm and is partnered with 27 jewels. 

Capped at 100 pieces, you can buy a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony - Ora ïto at retail for £34,000 as of November 2024. 

 

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon - Amber Dial

Here’s a challenge, try saying this watch title in one breath! 

With such a long-winded name, wecan assure you that this model is packed full of top functions, and yet is the perfect dress watch for most gents. 

Source - Bucherer

 

Released in a trio of designs, this is by far the most complex edition from the lineup. Exclusive to Bucherer, yes the retailer that Rolex very recently acquired, it is a standout from the usual H. Moser & Cie collections. 

Coming in at 40mm of solid titanium, the watches are ultra-light and presented in an ergonomic, circular case. Offering optimal durability and style, they are the perfect accompaniment to your standard office-wear, or that wintery camel overcoat for the hotspot in town. 

Protected with a sapphire crystal across the top and the back, the dials come in an amber, Grand Feu finish. This is a technique only used by the finest craftsmen, and sees compounds like silica being fired onto an enamel dial. The subsequent effect, as shown here, is a textured, granular display allowing the dial's features to be boasted.

We have a plethora of excellent features that are shown throughout the face. Time is read via the leaf shaped polished hands, and there’s no hour markers as per the usual theme from the Endeavour lineup.

From the openworked tourbillon at 6 o’clock, to the sensational minute repeater being on full display at 10 o’clock, this beauty allows you an in-action view of the mechanism in action, chimes, hammers and all. 

Keeping the chimes ringing more than Big Ben and the hammers, well, hammering, the watches are fitted with the HMC 904 calibre. Made in-house, the movement offers a strong 90 hour power reserve alongside a consistent 21,600VpH. 

You can buy a H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon - Amber Dial at retail for CHF 350,000 (around £309,400 as of November 2024). Secondary prices are dropping and now is a better time than ever to get your hands on this beauty!

 

Grand Seiko Elegance Chisen Teien SBGY040

Released alongside the red-dialled Grand Seiko Nishikigoi SBGW321, this Grand Seiko Elegance Chisen Teien SBGY040 is another Europe-exclusive that may get those outside of our Eurocentric bubble a little hot under the collar!

Source - Grand Seiko

 

Luckily, Brexit has not impacted us here!

Crafted out of 18K rose gold, the watches are 38.5mm x 10.2mm. Grand Seiko can flex a fabulous steel model with that personal Zaratsu polishing, but there’s always something a little special (and investment worthy!) about a golden model. 

Rose gold is especially desirable due to its warm hues as opposed to yellow gold, but it is clearly a precious, luxurious metal, whereas white gold can become a little confused with steel to the untrained eye. 

Polished throughout, the watches are very special and should only be worn for the most fashionable and important functions or black tie affairs. For the dial, Grand Seiko have sought to blend in with their blue leather strap by presenting a very special Japanese aesthetic called “Wagara”. 

This decoration has become synonymous with a few things in Japanese culture, including porcelain work, kimonos and more generally, the interior of properties in this eastern-land. Given a rich, navy blue shade, the influence is the ponds found throughout Japan, and the final outcome is a stitched finish that imitates ripples across the water. 

How refreshing! Time is simply read by the rose gold sword shaped hands and tooth shaped hour markers. Speaking of flowing, the 9R31 calibre is buttery smooth, producing a 72 hour power reserve alongside an accuracy rating of around -/+ 15 seconds per month. 

Capped at 20 pieces, you can buy a Grand Seiko Elegance Chisen Teinen SBGY040 at retail for £26,890 as of November 2024. 

 

Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase - Sunray Beige Dial

As the latest iteration of the Flagship collection, that's been two-stepping since 1957, Longines have produced a collection that prioritises clean dials and subtle aesthetics, over standard tool watch legibility. Perfect for our very special best dress watch list then!

Source - Longines

 

For this model, we see a steel case at 38.5mm x 12.4mm. Sure, it’s not particularly luxurious like gold, but Longines ensure to make it perfect for snappy suit-wearers by providing a satin-brushed and polished finish across the lugs and the bezel. Plus, you won’t be handing out the big bucks like you would for some of the most expensive Omega watches on this list!

The 30 metres of water resistance isn’t likely to get the divers queuing up like they did for the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul, but it’s enough for a brisk handwash in the awards show toilets. Now, if we can take a dive of our own underneath the domed sapphire crystal, we should take a look at the stunning, bronze dial. 

Classified as beige, the colour is complemented with a sun-ray finish, allowing light to display the intricacies of the neat dial. For timekeeping, simply refer to the tooth shaped polished hour markers and sword shaped hands in the centre of the face. 

For precision timekeeping, refer to the central white minute track that allows you to accurately determine each individual minute. Of course, Longines like to treat us to more than just the basics, albeit produced very well. 

A moon-phase indicator at 6 o’clock is an attractive addition to any dress watch. The moody blue night sky and the yellow moon and stars and high contrast and add a kick of colour to the models. The addition of a date aperture around the aperture is another useful feature for us to utilise. You never know when your inner-wolf needs to be freed, sometimes outside of Halloween!

With a tick and pulse, the Calibre L899.5 grants us a 25,200VpH alongside a 72 hour power reserve for optimal precision and strength. Magnetism will not harm you, the silicon hair-spring has seen to that!

You can buy a Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase at retail for £2,950 as of November 2024.

 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Japan Aiiro Limited Edition

It seems like everyone is riding the same Eastern wavelength for 2024. We’ve seen a gorgeous Chinese New Year model at the start of 2024 from IWC, Atelier Wen producing a deep, purple shade on their Millésime and now Girard-Perregaux with their Laureato Aiiro Japan Limited edition. 

Source - Girard-Perregaux

 

Global relations have been a little sour recently. Wars, tensions, Trump as the 47th President of the United States. We’re in something of a political quagmire. Therefore, it’s nice to see when one of the biggest Swiss watchmakers comes out with a timepiece that celebrates 160 years of diplomatic relations between the land of horology, and the land of the rising sun. 

Composed of steel, at 42mm x 10.68mm they are promoted with satin-brushed and polished flanks and tops. Keeping the same charm the Laureato has had since 1975 when luxury sports watches were all the rage, it offers that brilliant octagonal bezel and 100 metres of water resistance. 

Secure and stylish, truly wondrous!

For the dial, we see a completely new pattern by the brand. Complemented with a sun-ray finish across a gorgeous hand-guilloché texture, there are thick lines that emanate out from the centre and are split into individual segments.

This is all built upon a Grand Feu enamel face, utilising a navy blue shade that allows the steel batons and hands to clearly stand out. The date aperture at 3 o’clock is useful and keeps this dress watch as a useful tool. Running at great speed is the Calibre GP01800, providing s a 28,800VpH and a 54 hour power reserve. Solid stats for this anniversary piece!

Capped at 100 pieces, you can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Japan Aiiro Limited Edition at retail for £15,600 as of November 2024. 

 

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Self-Winding

Remember when Vacheron Constantin first launched the Fiftysix line back in 2018? 

Who could forget! 

Completely new, it took the fashionable elements of 1956 style, and modernised it with a complex movement and new dial styles. Sounds like a contender for the best dress watch to us!

Source - Vacheron Constantin

 

In 2024, like Darth Vader, they decided to strike again with a new Fifty Six watch. But this is no Phantom Menace. Subtle, loyal to the classics, and distinctly part of the great Genevan-brand’s empire, this is an awe-inspiring edition to the complex gents wardrobe. 

About as game-changing as the Patek Philippe Cubitus, the 40mm x 9.6mm is crafted out of pink gold. Completely versatile and a timeless choice since forever, rose gold is luxurious and adds a jolt of colour to a simple black suit, while accentuating the sharp vibes of a black tie event. 

Polished from head to toe, the watches leave nothing to chance when it comes to pulling off the style points. Of course, a novelty is only as good as its dial. Vacheron Constantin does not disappoint with a pitch black dial, keeping just a very low-key sunburst finish.

It’s the best shade for a dress watch material that is already dazzling, plus the rose gold Arabic and baton numerals, as well as the sword shaped hands are all the brightness we need. Coated with lume, they ensure that this is always visible, from the dark beer gardens to the early morning rises. 

Known as a sector dial, it splits each Arabic hour marker into its own segment, alongside small interjections between the flowing, central white minute track. The added date aperture at 3 o’clock is non-obtrusive, yet is useful when you forget if Father’s Day is today or tomorrow. 

This Fiftysix adopts the Calibre 1326 to keep it ablaze. Totalling 142 parts, it speeds around at 28,800VpH and has a 48 hour power reserve. From the quick-set date to the 25 jewels, everything is carefully constructed, and has the brand's own stamp via the signature Maltese cross oscillating rotor, oozing prestige and sophistication.

You can buy a Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Self-Winding at retail for £24,500 as of November 2024. 

 

Grand Seiko SLGW004

Modernity is good, but vintage will always be better. 

Therefore, we really appreciate Grand Seiko taking time to look back through their archives to produce a complete re-interpretation of the 45GS. Speaking of interpretation, have you seen the latest Franck Muller Crazy Hour Eau De Parfum. Check out our article here to see why you too can achieve the smell of success!

Source - Grand Seiko

 

Unsure as to what this is? Let us break it down for you a second. The 45GS indicated the brand's very first venture into the manual-winding, 10-beat calibre world back in 1968. Unfortunately, since it was released one year after the 44Gs calibre (the persistent blueprint for most GS models today), it was slightly overshadowed. 

Left to the watchmaker's grave in 1971, the 45GS is making a grand return in 2024 under Grand Seiko’s latest SLGW004 reference. Coming in an 18K yellow gold case, the models offer 38.8mm x 10.4mm dimensions. The diameter is indicative of the modern dress watch trends. The smaller the better. From the chamfered edges to the mirror like polishing across the tops, the watches look more like yellow glass than gold!

But we are here to push through the horological ceiling. The dial is a slightly cloudy white, tying in with the original colour of the classic 45GS shade. We did say this was an interpretation…Given a gold plated logo, baton markers and hands, this striking design is sumptuous, plus it retains that vintage, timeless vibe.

But are we still being loyal to the classic 45GS movement? Not quite. Revamped and given some of those modern updates, this new 9SA4 calibre is a hi-beat movement, indicating the first Grand Seiko hi-beat manual wind movement in over 50 years.

The 80 hour power reserve does not disappoint either, nor does the consistent +5/-3 seconds per day accuracy. Yes, they may love nature more than Bear Grylls. But they are still producing those gamechangers, guys!

Capped at 200 pieces, you can buy a Grand Seiko SLGW004 at retail for £27,400 as of November 2024. 

 

Jacob & Co Oil Pump Tourbillon 44mm

Time to pump up the volume a little.

If you attend any fashion show, you’ll note that the more avant-garde and crazy an outfit, the better received it inevitably is. This principle carries over to the watch world, wherein Jacob & Co have offered one of a remake of the best watches through their Oil Pump timepiece from back in 2019. 

Source - Jacob & Co

 

Released during Geneva Watch Days 2024, the watches stay captivating as one of Andrew Tate’s rants on Youtube, while remaining as desirable as ever!

Produced from rose gold, there is a case diameter of 44mm and a thickness of 18mm, evoking luxury and destined to become your next statement piece. Let’s be honest, for man-mountain’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger, these are the only viable options! 

And for those with slimmer wrists, this can be a strong talking point. Remember, looser fitting clothes will make this appear more seamless with your outfit, and if Buzz Aldrin can triple wrist, you can do whatever you want!

For the dial, Jacob & Co create an intricate weave of details to produce an exceptionally precise piece, with a little bit of edge. To break it down, Jacob & Co ensure timekeeping is still a legible feature via an off-centre dial at 4 o’clock. This features Roman numerals and two red tipped hands emanating from the one-minute tourbillon, built into the centre. 

The rest of the dial conjoins 3D oil pump effects alongside real-life complications. Be it the power reserve indicator at 7 o’clock with oil pipes running through to the main oil ring display taking up the top portion of the dial, such as the derrick or reservoir tank. 

All of this is automated via hitting that convenient pusher at 1:30. Lasting 35 seconds we must admit, it’s a pretty entertaining function to watch unfold! Surely there’s not a movement alive that can cope with all of this? Yes there is, the JCAM53! Totalling a whopping 430 parts, this covers a 21,600VpH and a 72 hour power reserve. Rapid, accurate and fitted with 55 jewels for seamless working, this is one high-powered beast.

Capped at 88 pieces, you can buy a Jacob & Co Oil Pump Tourbillon at retail for $280,000 (around £215,700 as of November 2024)

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin is something of a titan in the Swiss brands portfolio. Immediately becoming the world's thinnest perpetual calendar upon its release in 2018 under the concept RD#2 line, they have boasted a plethora of materials, including platinum and titanium. 

Source - Audemars Piguet

 

So, what’s changed? We’ll give you one guess!

Crafted completely out of 18K yellow gold, measuring 41mm x 6.2mm they feature a number of iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak elements. This includes an octagonal bezel, integrated bezel and the prominent hex screws across the top of the bezel. 

Usually, we would opt for a rubber strap on these sports-infused pieces, but Audemars Piguet have elevated this beauty to a whole new dressy level with a solid gold integrated bracelet. 

In terms of sizes, this razor thin iteration is pretty much a re-interpretation of its predecessors. However, the yellow gold case is a stark contrast to the previously low-key, minimalist materials. Brushed from the lugs to the bezel, the finish is sporty, yet still retains its dress watch allure. Finished with a sublime vertical brushed aesthetic against the golden face, the lines are intricately positioned in smooth flourishes from top to bottom. 

From the sunray finished triple date displays at 3. 6 and 9 o’clock, to the added two apertures at 4 and 8 o’clock, these cover the day, month, date, leap year, not to mention day and night indicator. And don’t forget the contrasting moon-phase indicator at 12 o’clock with a dark blue night sky… What a mouthful!

For the time, simply refer to the central gold Royal Oak hands and baton hour markers. These have lume centres, allowing you to accurately read time in all conditions. We certainly would not wear this through Sherwood Forest! Audemars Piguet ensures to keep things not only looking tip-top, but speedy like Usain Bolt through the Calibre 2120. This automatic movement is made up of 256 components, offering a 19,800 VpH and a 40 hour power reserve. 

Capped at 88 pieces, you can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar  Ultra-Thin at retail when you request a price as of November 2024.

 

Conclusion

Owning a dress watch doesn't have to be a strenuous activity. Now that you are all up to date with the best dress watches around, you get the fun part of choosing the ones that really turn you on! Of course, if none of these take your fancy or doesn’t grind your gears or silicon hairspring for that matter, as always, why not consider a couple more of the best dress watches on the house via this handy table;

MODEL	REFERENCE	MATERIAL	DIAL COLOUR	PRICE (AS OF November 2024)
Rolex Sky Dweller	336935	Everose Gold	Turquoise	£46,300
Omega De Ville	434.53.41.21.10.001	Yellow Gold	Dark Green	£13,600
Longines Flagship	L4.984.4.79.2	Steel	Cream	£1,800
Vacheron Constantin Historiques	4200H/222J-B935	Yellow Gold	Gold	£71,000
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon	26396NB.OO.D002KB.01	Black Ceramic	Black	Price on Request
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40	IW358313	Steel	Pink	£6,500
Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Self Winding	​​5738/51G	White Gold	Black enamelled	£68,220
Omega De Ville Tresor Co-Axial	43513402106001	Steel	Black	£7,300
Chopard L.U.C. XPS	68629-300	Lucent Steel	Green	£10,700
Jaeger-Le Coultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon	Q1682401	Pink Gold	White	Price Upon Request

So, you have a few more options available to you, Timelords. You could join in with modernity and go with the Rolex 1908, or get yourself an iconic piece of timekeeping history like the Cartier Tank. The latter is so entrenched in history that you may be accidentally transported back in time! Wait a minute, Cartier. 

Are you telling me you have constructed a time machine out of a Tank Normale? Being stylish with a dress watch has never been so easy when Chrono Hunter is on your side. Dress watches are not going the way of the Dodo. In fact, history tells a tale of phenomenal design and style that is being modernised with the latest movements to date. 

With styles being reimagined and altered to suit the modern gentleman, the dress watch category has expanded beyond a niche marketplace. Our guide on the best dress watches for any swanky event has gone from limitless expense of the highly regarded Vacheron Constantin Patrimony to the fresh faced Rolex 1908, out and ready to stake a claim in the dress watch world. 

Featuring a variety of very exciting materials and dial styles, we have procured the best timepieces for you to drool over. Now, we should probably clarify the best place for you to get your hands on such timepieces!

We hope you have enjoyed perusing our best dress watches for any swanky event. Now, the only thing left to mention is where you can source these beauties.

Can't wait to buy a Rolex 1908? Looking for the best possible prices in a secure and friendly environment with a quick turnaround? Why not save time and chat with Chrono Hunter here. Check out our top notch reviews on Trustpilot and discover why we are the go-to place to buy a watch or sell a watch. 

Benefit from multiple offers from our established network of luxury retailers and accept the offer that’s right for you. Simply enter the details via our form or download our dedicated app, available on both Apple and Android platforms. With years of experience and brand expertise, you’ve tried the rest…now experience the best.

 

Further Reading: 

The Ultimate Watch Collection For Under £60,000 - Tudor Black Bay, Rolex Daytona

A Collection Of The Very Best Luxury Watches From Wimbledon 2023

Chrono Hunter Compares Rolex and Audemars Piguet - Which Is Best?

 

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