Dress watch

For me it comes down to the Tissot or Bulova. The Tissot probably offers the most flexibility and definitely has the better movement - so probably that one.

I think any of these would be good choices, but I would probably lean towards the Bulova, as I have been impressed with their recent releases and have acquired a number of them that I have been very happy with, including my own American Clipper.

I agree that it’s between the Tissot and the Bulova. As to the 38mm case size, if you’re looking to use it as an actual dress watch, IMO 38mm is going to look better with long sleeves than a larger one will. I don’t get all the hubbub about 38mm being “too small“ anyway, especially for a dress watch. Much like an ex once said to me, “it’s a good size.” 

All good choices.  Go with the one that you have stared at ("researched") the most.

For me its the Lip Churcill. im a sucker for the square watch😂

whichever captures your heart and makes you feel good when wearing it with your formal attire or business suits. its you who will be looking at the watch most of the time.

Bambino.... There are so many customized leather strap maker.

I would choose the Lip Churchill for my collection, it would complement it nicely.  Decisions decisions...

That's it, a dress watch is from my perspective even more purpose-driven than a diver. It is usually something you plan on wearing with a specific attire. For that reason I have different dress watches in different colors (dial/strap) specifically to pair with the shirts/suits I'm wearing.

Out of the 4, probably the Lip as the Art Deco dial is quite nice.

If you don’t mind us asking, what is your budget and would you be open to other suggestions?

Orient Star classic…… big quality difference over the Bambino for not much more £

I don’t like to do recommendations for others but… If you intend to buy a dress watch for special occasions, and not just a dressier piece, I say the Bulova or the Lip Churchill (Both with no date and light colored dial). Considering your wife’s opinion that leans over to Bulova 😎 A square dial puts you alone in a crowd though (in a positive way).

The real recommendation is of course to go with the one you like best. They all look great.

nope, it's not a con

thanks ! tough decision!

that is a very good looking watch, thanks for the suggestion I'm going to check it out!

thanks for your opinion, no prob, I'm open to suggestions, my budget would be maybe from 200-280 €

The Orient Star is 38.5 and the bambino 40, the bambino is entry level and the Orient Star a total different level. 

That's a tricky one for a dress watch. I have looked at some ideas up to £300, with a view of trying to get something a bit more special (subjective I know - bear with me...)

Timex. The Waterbury Automatic. 39mm £239.

Undone. Mystique Neptune. £246. Probably pushing what you might consider a dress watch as it is a chronograph, but I think you can get away with it. MechaQuartz movement, really nice (I have one in an Undone Collab). 

Tissot. T118.410.16.057.01 - Tissot Heritage Visodate, 40mm. It's £260 on their website for this quartz model.

Orient. RA-AG0005L10B 'Bambino Open Heart'. I still think this one of the nicest watches Orient make at this price point. £157 on Amazon.

Dan Henry. 1937 Dress Chronograph. Again, probably pushing at what you might consider a dress watch, this is really nice watch for $270USD. Seiko MecaQuartz movement will look nice and smooth when running. 38mm case.

Sternglas. Naos blue. 38mm, Ronda quartz movement, but some very minimal Nomos-inspired design for £179. Case is 6mm thick, and the glass is sapphire crystal.

• Cool shots! the Bambino is not bad at all , both are great!

Distinguished examples each one of them, I will certainly ask you for suggestions in the future, of course if you're okay with it, your taste in watches matches with mine in many ways. You just made this harder to me!  (in a good way)

Happy to - I did have to cut this shortlist down from my original post as there is a character limit, and they were slightly dearer

if you were interested: Islander HiBeat Dress Watch (Grey or Cotton Candy dial) is currently on sale at $349USD. 

Marloe Coniston White is still available at £299.99. 

 

Imho Orient is a very dressy and elegant watch. Tissot is too sporty for that. Bulova gives some very vintage vibes, nice but I don't love that exact model, I've seen ""dressier"" watches by Bulova recently. Love the last one. Orient or Lip Churchill, the first is a bit more versatile I guess.

indeed, what a beauty.

In your situation and those were the only three options. Bambino, no contest. Reasons: 
1. Classic, timeless, and time-tested.
2. I personally like to avoid repeating the same brand until my collection is larger, so as to get a taste of other brands.

If you are considering other brands or references, I would consider:
1. Dressing up certain Seiko 5 references with a nice leather strap (may cost close to the price of the watch for a real nice strap). References I have in mind: SNXS79, SNK361, and similar designs
2. If budget can be extended for a "perfect" dress watch, take a look at Nomos - do not be intimidated by the manual winding models. They are slimmer, and the movement is BEAUTIFUL (and in-house). Tangente, Ludwig, and Orion series would work best; or Tetra if you're so inclined. Lean towards the smaller sizes - they wear larger due to the long lug-to-lug distance. I would certainly invest in this if I were going for a dress watch. In fact my next purchase would probably be from their Club series.
 

me neither, for me 38 mm is an excellent size

Love the Bulova!