What Makes a Good Dress Watch?

There are a variety of characteristics that factor into a good dress watch including a thin case and a leather strap.

But first, let’s start with the question  “what is a dress watch?”.

A dress watch is a staple item in any watch collector's collection, that is usually worn to a formal occasion, such as a black-tie event. They are seen as a tribute to traditional watchmaking, as they follow classic designs.

For men, they are often thinner to fit under the cuff of a suit jacket. This often falls between 34 to 40mm. For women, it is more likely to be more visible and paired with a cocktail dress.

They are generally traditional and classy, in line with the event they attend. However, many watch aficionados vouch for casual dressing with dress watches.

The elements that make a good dress watch are,

1. Thin Cases
2. Leather Straps
3. Simple Dials 
4. Precious Materials

1. Thin Cases

A key component of a dress watch is a thin case. This enables you to wear the watch in both casual and party settings, as it can fit under clothing like suit jackets.

A thin case can often be more comfortable due to being lighter than a thicker equivalent. 

2. Leather Straps

A leather strap is a common theme throughout many dress watches. The elegant designs and textures of the leather lend well to the aesthetic of the dress watch.

Dress watches typically stay within the colour palettes of black, brown, and navy. The leather type is often alligator or calfskin. These straps can often be changed if you want to add colour to your dress watch at a different event. 

If a leather strap is not for you, a bracelet watch strap can also be worn with a dress watch, especially if this is simplistic in design.

3. Simple Dials

Simplicity and elegance are key when it comes to picking the perfect dress watch for you. You do not want an overwhelming design to overpower the entire outfit. 

Therefore, a simple dial is the key to a dress watch. 

4. Precious Materials

When attending illustrious events, you want to feel high-class, stylish, and sophisticated. A watch that has precious materials often lends well to this aesthetic. 

18K gold is often a favourite for dress watches, coming in different variations such as rose gold and yellow gold. 

Our top choices for the perfect dress watch:

1. Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 41mm Automatic Watch- Black Dial  
2. Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 39mm Automatic Watch - Black Dial
3. Omega Vintage Seamaster 18k Gold 36mm Automatic Watch
4. Omega Constellation Globemaster Co-Axial 39mm - Blue Dial

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 41mm Automatic Watch- Black Dial

This minimalist design is the perfect addition to any collector’s dress watch collection. It is clear and legible and has a classic design.

The contrast of the black dial and rose gold-plated hand is alluring to all. The 41mm day-date model displays the time to perfection and with ease.

It is a sophisticated dress watch, but can also double as an everyday staple watch. This is due to the diversity and simplicity of the design.

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 39mm Automatic Watch - Black Dial

The TAG HEUER watch is a beautiful watch that lends well to the aesthetic of dress watches due to its sleek and elegant design that will have you standing out.

This elegant dial comes with a complementing black alligator deployment watch strap. The watch is powered by the Calibre 5. 

Omega Vintage Seamaster 18k Gold 36mm Automatic Watch

The Omega Vintage Seamaster is the perfect dress watch, looking both elegant and timeless. This watch originates from the turn of the millennium, displaying all the key features that Omega is known and loved for. 

It is wrought from 18K solid gold and features a full day-and-date readout for ease and accessibility.

Omega Constellation Globemaster Co-Axial 39mm - Blue Dial

The Globemaster watch is a legendary addition to the OMEGA family. With this edition, it has been upgraded to the world’s first Master Chronometer.

The simple design of the Globemaster makes it the perfect choice for a dress watch.

The watch's face has been filled with luminous Super-LumiNova, giving the watch the dress watch aesthetic. The dial is created in the classic ‘Pie Pan’ style, inspired by the original 1952 Constellation model. The watch also features anti-magnetic technology.

The 3-row bracelet is made from stainless steel and 18K Sedna™ gold. 

For more information on watches, watch straps and accessories, do not hesitate to contact us or visit our website.

Written by Luthien, for Watch Obsession.