Dress watches are coming back
I’m getting a really positive vibe about dress watches lately.
People (by which I mean, watch geeks like us) seem to be getting more and more excited about simple, uncluttered watch designs. We’ve seen it in the resurgence of field watch designs, and I think dress watches are going to be the next big thing.
I’ve heard, very well articulated, arguments that foretell the extinction of the dress watch. These doomsayers talk of dress watches falling out of vogue as people dress down more, both for work and play. While I think the former observation might be true (I never wear a suit anymore, having worn one for almost 20 years), I’m not sure the latter conclusion follows. Received wisdom
might imply a “dress watch” be paired with dressier clothes (it’s in the name after all), but for me the actual designs we describe as “dress watches” are extremely versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of fashion styles.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting a precious metal Patek should be used for doing hard physical activity. But if we’re being honest here, a white gold dive watch isn’t really suitable for diving. There’s clearly a limitation of function for lots of “dress” watches, but I don’t think the same limitations apply to style.
I’m someone that’s mostly in jeans and a jumper in winter, and when summer comes (if it ever does in the UK) I’m in shorts and T shirt. Either way, any simple, uncluttered watch design can work:
- field watch = tick
- dive watch = tick
- three hander dress watch = tick
OK, so some dress watches might not really look right. A perpetual calendar might be a push, for example. But I’d argue that the limitation is nothing to do with “dress” vs “sports” watch styles, it’s about simple versus bling / statement designs. In my view, there are versions of the Royal Oak, Nautilus and Submariner that don’t actually work when paired with normal everyday clothes: they are just too bold, bling, or balsy.
But maybe I’m in a minority of one here. I’m interested in what you think and what you wear. How do you pair your wrist with the rest?
Collecting for almost 20years and obsessed with watches for a lot longer. Not a flipper - more a buy and keeper. Not a huge collection - but they’re all much loved. Have more watches that I’m sure I c...
Dress watches are beautiful and simple and subtle. I do love good dress watches; and most of them are usually priced lower than sport watches in secondary market which can be a win for us.
These aren't APs or Pateks obviously but I'd say they are more on the formal side of style. I wear the Baume and Mercier all the time and the Ostrich strap really makes it more casual. The Eterna is super clean and they both have nice exhibition features. Love them both!
I just bought 2 dress watches this year 👍👍👍
I think basic 3 handers are always popular, but nowadays a dress watch isn't as delicate as they one were, and now can be used as a GADA.
That's because vintage styles and designs are making a comeback... and that's a good thing! I'm really glad to see the oversized chunky watches of the late 90s to 2000s going away
https://www.watchcrunch.com/aliveandticking/posts/wruw-2024-02-15-b4bec264-njkivkxq-325887
Funny timing, I tend to wear a dress Patek with trainers (sneakers) most of the time!
Not in the minority for me my friend. I think dress watches are based on great classic design. And even though I wouldn't take one diving in the Mariana trench (😂), I find they are very versatile and timeless and you don't have to be in a suit and tie to make one work!!
The JLC 🤤
I totally agree - i think dress watches can be really cool and easily paired with a more casual wardrobe. I hope that your prediction will become reality 👍
I’m a fan of a dressier watch with casual clothing, but in context, my dressier watches are mostly under $1K
Dress watches never went anywhere
Agreed. And not because I just bought a Mido dress watches.😂. These 3 you show are just amazing....
I’ve always preferred dress watches and still do. Most of my collection is dress watches with a few sport sprinkled in
Big sports watches are getting smaller. Dressy watches may be coming back.
I have a number of dress watches. I don’t think that I have to be going out for dinner or to the symphony (which I love) to wear one. I switched up today and am now wearing this watch, which I consider a dress watch:
I’ve always preferred dress watches and still do. Most of my collection is dress watches with a few sport sprinkled in
Just had a snoop of you’re WRUW. Amazing collection! Particularly love the vintage Omega and two JLCs.
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