Dress Watch under $2000
I’m thinking it’s time to update my dress watch. This is something I’ll wear out only to special events when I wear a suit (maybe once or twice a month) I want this piece to exude a level of class (mostly for impressing any potential future clients) but I don’t want to break the bank. What you all think I should look at? I’m into vintage options as well.
One caveat is…. I’ve learned that I dislike Roman numerals on dials… which is why I haven’t rocked my bambino out for a while.
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John
photographer + film-maker.
Atlanta, GA
Member since
Last active: 2 weeks ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
I like the Tudor 1926 on the 5 link bracelet and the Tissot gentleman with the powermatic 80
I am not which model I might go for, but I'd probably be looking at Longines and likely something from their heritage collection. I think its priced a bit above $2k, but their new Flagship model with the moon phase is pretty gorgeous. Good luck!
Check out the Pitzmann First - classy, well made and under 1k USD
Mido Commander or Tissot PRX for around $700; Junghans Max Bill or Hamilton American Classic for around $1000; Junghans Meister Classic for around $1500; Nomos Tangente for just under $2000. If you want to go with a microbrand, Lorier comes to mind in the sub-$1000 space, and Monta for $1500+.
I like the Tudor 1926 on the 5 link bracelet and the Tissot gentleman with the powermatic 80
Tissot gentleman good choice, can be worn other times easy too 👍
Rectangular (or angular) dress watches get less love these days than they deserve, but they are super classy. Lorier Zephyr around $500; Longines DolceVita around $1500; Oris Rectangular around $2000. You can probably get a used Must de Cartier Tank for under $2k.
Seiko Pressage has a lot of good Cocktail Time options.
I suppose it depends how much wrist presence you want. You can get a really nice vintage Universal Geneve that is Uber thin and exudes timeless, historic elegance for less than 1000 bucks. If you're only going to wear it a few times a month, then something vintage may be the way to go. Or if you want more wrist presence you can get a CW63 Sealander Auto which is a strap monster and can pretty much be worn all the time for just under 2k.
Any Nomos I’d say
Rectangular (or angular) dress watches get less love these days than they deserve, but they are super classy. Lorier Zephyr around $500; Longines DolceVita around $1500; Oris Rectangular around $2000. You can probably get a used Must de Cartier Tank for under $2k.
The Zephyr is a great choice!
My choice would be a Cartier Tank. Most likely have to be used in that budget but if you can stretch it a bit you’ll get a brand new one..
I love the Longine Flagship Heritage line.
Sinn Classic? 1736 and 1739 are both very handsome looking watches.
I think they are right around $2K
I would suggest looking at some vintage watches from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Some really nice dress options available for great prices. I have nice vintage dress watches from Hamilton, Longines, Bulova, Tissot, and Certina, among others.
If vintage then Omega Geneve or Seamaster (dress), $2k will get you a great condition gold watch. There's probably JLC available at that price point too.
Not to me, but there are some who have issues with Roman numerals, others with arabics, and others who don't like date windows.
Find a collector...find a pet peeve.
To me it's all about the whole composition.
That being said, my main pet peeve is the cyclops...probably why I have such distaste for Rolex. I can't stand a cyclops on the crystal.
Thanks. I do like Roman numerals and the Royal is great. However, when I look at Tudor non-divers, the double date is a stand out and flies under the radar.
Longines Dolce Vita with the sector dial.
Save up an extra $1k and get the new Longines Flagship Moonphase. I mean compare that to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon for 3 to 4x the cost! Can't fake class like that.
Or.......if you can save up an extra $2k, go for a pre-owned (they were discontinued years ago) JLC Master Ultra Thin 34mm at a width of 6mm. It is a crime that they cost so little for what you get!
(Yeah, I'm not good at keeping budgets when it comes to watch purchases! ;)
Nomos
I use my Hamilton Ventura Quartz as a dress piece, but I'm a bit weird.
I have the Seiko Presage Cocktail blue Acapulco with the open heart, but I don't wear it much, the dial is a bit underwhelming.
It might be not convenient to wear a vintage watch every day (and I will actively doubt this statement), but for a couple times a month, I think you can try to find something you like.
Vintage Omega Seamaster, De Ville, Constellation - could be found under 2k$.
The same goes for a various Grand Seiko, which you can snug under a grand.
Longines is another common option for a dressy piece.
Vintage Seiko Credor is not a high-end luxury like todays, but rather an "elegant department"
this will cost you around 600$
You can actually find a Polerouter under 2k (this one is around 1900)
Or a prince Oysterdate (this one is also around 1900)
Cartier Tank Must as an option, but it will be a small watch.
The vintage Credor is an interesting angle…. Thank you
If you want to go micro-brand, there’s the wise ad9.. bunch of colors to choose and that leaves money on the table for another watch you’d wear more often: https://wisetimepiece.com/collection/adamascus-ad9
looking to max out your budget, there’s a lot to do with 2k on the used/vintage market: Tudor, Omega, JLC, GP, BM, Breitling, etc
I bet a 50s JLC on the wrist would spark a conversation or two at an event 🤗
Here’s my dress watch: a 70s bulova super seville on leather. That’s probably the only watch I get compliments for!
That Bulova is nice
Great options from Longines. 190th anniversary, sector dial, silver arrow, Tuxedo……..
Spaghetti Scameti iCon.
Citizen NB1060
Go vintage.
Not sure if you are willing to go used, but I just found a GS SBGW001 that was recently serviced for a few hundred under $2k usd. It's a 37.3mm case that wears more like 36mm with a handwound 9S54 movement. This is not my picture but I can't seem to get a photo of this watch that looks like it in real life. Not everyone likes the "double logo" GS models from years ago but I like the more balanced look compared to an empty 6 o'clock area (like in the SBGW231).
200 usd and 2000usd