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Are you interested in purchasing a dress watch? The BQ Watches team is here to help. If you’ve never browsed dress watches before, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the definition of a dress watch and explore some of the most popular models, so you can make the best decision for your own personal style.
Read on to learn more about dress watches!
A dress watch is a timepiece that is designed to be worn in formal or business settings. They typically employ classic and timeless designs that can complement formal attire. With that being said, the definition of what constitutes a ‘dress watch’ has loosened over the years, and there aren’t necessarily hard and fast rules as to what watch you can and can’t wear in a formal setting.
With that being said, let’s have a look at some of the defining features of a traditional dress watch.
Simple and elegant design – The purpose of a traditional dress watch is to complement your outfit without drawing too much attention from it. Understated designs are common with dress watches.
Slim profile – A dress watch will usually forego a bulky design for something slimmer and more minimalist. This provides a nice balance to a formal outfit.
High-quality materials – A dress watch is usually made with high-quality materials. Luxury models may use gold, rose gold or platinum for the case or the band. Stainless steel models can be dress watches as well. It’s also common to find dress watches with leather bands.
Overall, the key to a good dress watch is its ability to blend seamlessly with any formal outfit while also exuding a sense of refinement and elegance.
Luxury watch brands offer a wide selection of dress watches, each with their own unique design and features. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet have produced beautiful dress watches that combine precision, style, and luxury.
Let’s have a look at some of the most popular luxury dress watch brands.
Rolex is the most popular luxury watch brand in the world, known for its innovative and timeless designs. Rolex’s reputation precedes itself, so let’s have a look at some of its most popular dress watch models.
Datejust – The Rolex Datejust is one of Rolex’s most iconic watches, and its timeless design makes it an ideal dress watch. There are many models and styles of the Rolex Datejust, so there are just as many casual options as dressy options for buyers.
Cellini – The Rolex Cellini was specifically designed as a dress watch, and it is the only Rolex that foregoes an Oyster case. This intentional choice was to make the Cellini much slimmer. This watch comes with a round case, an uncluttered dial and a leather strap. As far as dress watches go, it doesn’t get much more classic than this.
Day-Date – Earning the nickname “The President,” it’s easy to see why you could consider the Rolex Day-Date a quintessential dress watch. These timepieces are made with luxury materials, and you can even find options entirely made in 18k solid gold for a truly sophisticated timepiece.
Cartier has more than staked its claim as one of the finest watchmakers in the world. Known for unique designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Cartier is often a go-to choice when buying a dress watch. Let’s have a look at some of its most popular options.
Tank – The Tank is undoubtedly one of Cartier’s most iconic designs. The rectangular case, based on the design of WWI tanks, makes it instantly recognizable. Overall, the Tank is a minimalist and elegant timepiece perfect for formal occasions.
Ballon Bleu – The Ballon Bleu de Cartier eschews the Cartier’s signature rectangular design for a more classic round case. The smooth curves of the watch still give it a unique look, but the design is undoubtedly sophisticated and worthy of the Cartier name.
Patek Philippe is another giant in the watchmaking world, and its dress watch models are amongst some of its finest designs. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular Patek Philippe dress watch models.
Calatrava – This is the quintessential dress watch from Patek Philippe. It boasts a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing design with easy-to-read hour markers. It’s a watch that will always be perfect for any formal occasion.
Nautilus – The Nautilus may be a sports watch that primarily comes in stainless steel, but its sleek design makes it capable of fitting in at formal occasions as well. This is a watch that can easily go from a casual happy hour to a black-tie affair.
Franck Muller is a luxury watch brand known for creating incredibly unique designs that embody haute horlogerie. This penchant for bold design may make you think that Franck Muller doesn’t produce dress watches, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are some of the most popular Franck Muller dress watches.
Casablanca – The Casablanca features Muller’s signature barrel-shaped case design. The simple watch face is clean and minimalist, making the Casablanca the perfect dress watch candidate.
Cintrée Curvex -The Cintrée Curvex is a classic dress watch that features a signature curved case design. The unique barrel-shaped case helps this watch to stand out without making an overly brash statement.
Long Island – If you don’t care for the barrel-shaped case design, the Long Island might be the right Franck Muller dress watch for you. This watch features a rectangular case and a leather strap, making it the perfect subtle companion for a formal night out.
IWC, or International Watch Company, is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known for its sophisticated designs and impeccable craftsmanship. Here are some of its most popular dress watches.
Portugieser – For those that like their dress watch to be a little more high-tech, consider the Portugieser. This IWC watch features a classic design, and you can find options with automatic three-hand watches, perpetual calendars, chronographs and more.
Portofino – If you want a dress watch that is as traditional as possible, the Portofino is the right choice. IWC hit all the right notes on this, with a round case, slim design and subtle watch face. If you want a great all-around dress watch, you can’t go wrong with the Portofino.
Now we have a pretty good idea of what constitutes a dress watch, along with some examples of the most popular brands on the market. If you’re in the market for a luxury dress watch, you’re now equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision while also keeping your own sense of style in mind.
Click here to read our article on the Top 10 Ladies Dress watches.
You can browse a full selection of used luxury dress watches in the BQ Watches online shop today. We have all the best luxury brands, and we can always help you source something if you have something specific in mind. Browse our inventory of dress watches below to see what we have in store and find your perfect dress watch today.
Whether you need something dressy, sporty or casual, you can always count on the experts at BQ Watches. Our online inventory is constantly rotating with pre-owned luxury timepieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Tag Heuer and many more.
Our experts are always happy to help you find your perfect watch. We’re also always ready to source a watch for you if you can’t find what you want in our inventory. Additionally, we offer services for selling your luxury watch, getting an appraisal, professional cleanings and even maintenance. We’re your one-stop shop for all of your luxury watch needs. Browse our online shop today or come visit us in our London, UK showroom to get to know the experts at BQ Watches!
