Best Men’s Dress Watches: 2021 Picks
A dress watch is going to be subjective to the person who wears it. Many choose to wear an nontraditional Submariner or Daytona with a tux rather than a thin, precious metal watch. In true black-tie style, however, a watch isn’t part of the dress code as it is deemed rude to check the time during such events. Already know what goes into the style of a men’s dress watch? Skip down to our top 20 favorite dress watches.
Key Takeaways
>Luxury pre-owned watches under $5,000 are a great starting point for new collectors.
>While cost-friendly, watches at this price point are still available in a variety of functions, complications, and styles.
>There are at least 10 top luxury watches under $5,000 from impressive brands including Grand Seiko, Rolex, Panerai, and Omega.
>It’s more challenging to find a great luxury watch under $1,000, but there are some options available like the Seiko Sportura GPS Solar and Oris Artix Date.
In this article, we review these top watch recommendations under $5,000:
> What to look for in a dress watch
> 5 Best men’s dress watches under $5,000
> 5 Best men’s dress watches under $20,000
> 5 Best men’s dress watches over $20,000
> 5 Best non-traditional men’s dress watches
What Makes A Dress Watch: Classic Styling
For those looking for a more traditional dress watch, there are a few things to keep in mind, and this goes for both men’s and ladies’ watches. The watch should be understated and complement the event.
The Dial and Size
The standard rule of watches is to match the dial to the time of day. This would suggest wearing a darker color such as a navy or a black over a silver or white dial. Another style suggestion is to match the dial with the jacket color, so if you’re attending a white-tie event, a lighter dial would suffice.
A traditional dress watch is also going to be absent of lume, which can be distracting in dark environments. The dial would also be free of complications, being a simple time-only or time and date model. However, there are models that are formal in design featuring moonphases and perpetual calendars so the rules can be bent.
Because it is recommended to be a simpler timepiece, dress watches are often much thinner or even ultra-thin models. As for case size, you want something that doesn’t overwhelm the wrist so for most men the perfect dress watch size is 36mm – 39mm across the case.
The Materials
As with all fashion, you want to make sure to match the metals with other accessories being worn. White gold or platinum are understated precious metals and are easily matched with cufflinks. For a yellow gold or rose gold watch, the case material is louder so a simpler dial and complications are encouraged but as always, there are exceptions to the rules.
Leather straps are going to add another layer of formality over a bracelet, but both are equally acceptable for formal occasions. A rubber or NATO strap is not recommended as these styles are more casual and sporty.
Of course, with any style rule, these are made to be broken once you have an understanding the choice of style is up to you. We’ve seen sporty watches on the Red Carpet, Submariners and Seamasters on the wrist of James Bond, and even a dressy Rolex Cellini on the golf course.
Our Top 5 Picks for Men’s Dress Watches
- Rolex Datejust
- Omega Speedmaster
- Patek Philippe Nautilus
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
- Breitling Transocean
While certain regions have a specific luxury watch brand or even model that is most liked, there are globally loved watches as well. Here are our top five picks for men’s dress watches.
1. Rolex Datejust
One of the most popular watches in the world, the Rolex Datejust was the first watch to feature a date window whilst also being automatic and water-resistant. It also has a unique magnifying lens over the date display, and comes in a range of sizes and styles from 28mm to 41mm. Features aside, the Datejust has been associated with historical figures like Martin Luthor King Jr., Winston Churchill, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and is on our list of Rolex must-haves.
2. Omega Speedmaster
Well-loved and for good reason, the Omega Speedmaster has a large selection of luxury watches with complications arranged beautifully on the dial. Versatile and ideal for dress or casual wear, watch enthusiasts have added this watch to their collection since 1957. Like the Datejust, notable figures—such as Daniel Craig—have helped propel this watch into the hearts and minds of collectors.
SHOP OMEGA SPEEDMASTER WATCHES
3. Patek Philippe Nautilus
Arguably one of Patek Philippe’s most popular watches of all time, the Nautilus first made its debut to the world in 1976. It has since been beloved for its distinct design and the complications that make these watches unique. From timezones to moon phases, the Nautilus blends functionality and style so that these watches can be worn for dress, or for casual occasions.
SHOP PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS WATCHES
4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
As versatile as other brands and models, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is popular with collectors thanks to its wide selection of men’s dress watches. Celebrities, particularly athletes and music performers, have added custom-designed as well as vintage Royal Oaks to their personal collections.
SHOP AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK WATCHES
5. Breitling Transocean
While many Breitling watches have the perfect blend of complications and style, the Transocean is one of Breitling’s top models and our final pick. Wearers can tell time universally due to the “unitime” function and, thanks to Breitling’s attention to style, this men’s dress watch is ideal for casual and formal wear. With that level of functionality, it’s no surprise that well-traveled celebrities like David Beckham have this watch in their collection.
SHOP BREITLING TRANSOCEAN WATCHES
5 Best Men’s Dress Watches Under $5,000
- Omega De Ville Tresor
- Glashutte Original Senator Sixties
- Jager-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille
- Cartier Santos Dumont
- Grand Seiko Heritage Collection
Taking the style recommendations into consideration, there are many models that would work for a formal occasion, at a more affordable dress watch price point.
1. Omega De Ville Tresor
The Tresor collection offers a sophisticated and modern option for a dress watch. This navy blue model is a manual-wind master chronometer and found in steel, but the thin 10.3mm case dimension and the black leather strap allow this watch to be dressed up. The navy blue linen dial is also quite unique, and the dark color makes this more formal over other dial colors. Watch the hands on review from Tim Mosso, our resident in-house watch expert, to learn even more.
Price Range: $2,450-$5,450
2. Glashutte Original Senator Sixties
At 39mm, the Senator Sixties makes a perfect dress watch on a leather strap. The silver dial exudes vintage dress style, especially paired with the retro numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9. The simple golden indices and thin hour hands on the silver dial add a hint of formality. The dramatically domed sapphire adds an extra dimension, however the watch still measures only 10mm thick. This model is also available in black, orange, and green variations allowing for extra versatility depending on your style.
Price Range: $4,950-$13,950
SHOP GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL WATCHES
3. Jager-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille
A non-round dress watch option is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille. This model in particular is on a brown leather strap, giving a slightly more casual style, but fortunately, straps can always be changed. When you flip over the Grand Taille, you’ll find the polished caseback. The rectangular dial features contrasting blued hours and minutes hands, and the art-deco horizontal lines make this an understated dress watch.
Price Range: $4,250-$12,950
SHOP JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO WATCHES
4. Cartier Santos Dumont
The Cartier Santos Dumont was originally designed for the famed Brazilian pilot, but today the model makes a perfect formal watch. The squared case features a slim profile and Roman numerals showcasing the hours and minutes. Staying true to Cartier style, the watch features a blue cabochon on the crown.
Price Range: $4,250-$34,950
5. Grand Seiko Heritage Collection
For those looking for something a little sportier but still on the dress watch spectrum, the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection checks those requirements. This Japanese watch has a dark blue dial and simple beveled indices. This watch is on a stainless steel bracelet which allows the model to span the casual and dress watch realms.
Price Range: $1,950-$36,950
SHOP GRAND SEIKO HERITAGE WATCHES
5 Best Men’s Dress Watches Under $20,000
- Patek Philippe Calatrava
- A. Lange & Sohne Grand Saxonia
- Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
- Rolex Cellini Date
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar
Watch enthusiasts have more options in formal, dress, and sport luxury watches for a slightly higher price point.
1. Patek Philippe Calatrava
A brand that is known for complicated formal watches, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is a simple time-only model. The 36mm white gold case and stark white lacquered dial are finished with Roman numerals and a black alligator strap. The movement in this thin model is just 2.55mm thick. The hobnail bezel is a nod to the original Calatrava launched in the 1980s.
Price Range: $10,950-$44,950
SHOP PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA WATCHES
2. A. Lange & Sohne Grand Saxonia
The A. Lange & Sohne Grand Saxonia is a simple time-only watch, with sub-seconds read at 6 o’clock. The 40mm white gold case allows for an easily read dial, marked with simple bar indices. The watch is unassuming, classic, and features a thickness of 8.3mm, easily slid under the cuff of a dress shirt.
Price Range: $14,950-$92,950
SHOP A. LANGE & SÖHNE SAXONIA WATCHES
3. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
For someone looking for a dress watch in something other than a silver-toned metal, look no further than the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony. The 40mm 18k rose gold case measures only 8.7mm thick and sits on the wrist even lower than it measures. The black dial is complemented with thin rose gold indices. There is a date window but it is also black, making it blend into the dial. If the red gold and black dial are not quite your dress watch style, there are other variations available.
Price Range: $12,450-$47,950
SHOP VACHERON CONSTANTIN PATRIMONY WATCHES
4. Rolex Cellini Date
From a brand that is known for its sports watches, Rolex offers the Cellini for those looking for something more formal. There are quite a few modern variations of the model, but the dark blue guilloche dial makes this an elegant modern watch. The white gold bezel is also both domed and fluted. The model is slightly thicker than most dress watches at 12.4mm thick.
Price Range: $7,450-$15,950
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual Calendar
Moving into a model that is slightly more complicated but still a great formal watch is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Perpetual. The 37mm stainless steel case features a dressy black dial and leather strap. The watch measures 10mm, which is thin for an automatic perpetual calendar watch. It is complicated, however the layout of the perpetual calendar functions and moon phase is easy to read and the indices are simplistic.
Price Range: $5,450-$49,950
SHOP JAEGER-LECOULTRE MASTER WATCHES
5 Best Men’s Dress Watches Over $20,000
- F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier
- Patek Philippe Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar
- Rolex Day-Date
- A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1
- H. Moser & Cie Venturer
These luxury watches are designed for wearing and as an investment that combines complications with an elegant, refined look.
1. F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier
The Black Label F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier is a showstopper. There are other dial colors available for the Octa Calendrier, but the black makes this the perfect dress watch. The layout of the dial has been designed for dress occasions and to be discreetly read when poking out from under a shirt cuff. The model features a retrograde date encompassing the opposite side of the dial. The black and white combination makes this a perfect addition to a tux for formal occasions.
Price Range: Call for Pricing
2. Patek Philippe Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar
Continuing on with a black dial, the Grand Complications Perpetual Calendar 5040G is an understated dress model. The tonneau-shaped white gold case measures 36mm across and 9.4mm thick. The perpetual calendar is easily read yet does not overcomplicate the dial. The crown is also slightly recessed into the case, to not overwhelm the case size.
Price Range: $34,950-$234,950
SHOP PATEK PHILIPPE GRAND COMPLICATIONS WATCHES
3. Rolex Day-Date
The Rolex Day-Date offers many variations of dress models, whether you are looking for a diamond bezel, diamond hour markers, Roman numerals, yellow gold, Everose gold, white gold or platinum, there is something to work for any occasion. The yellow gold and black dial variation is a modern take on a classic dress watch. The model is 40mm and features the iconic President bracelet.
Price Range: $17,450-$89,950
4. A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1
For those looking for something other than a black dial, the A. Lange and Sohne Lange 1 is simplistic and formal. The rose gold case surrounds a silver dial. While the watch features, hours, minutes, small seconds, large date and a power reserve indicator, it is all formal in style with thin rose gold hands and small indices.
Price Range: $26,950-$184,950
SHOP A. LANGE & SÖHNE LANGE 1 WATCHES
5. H. Moser & Cie Venturer
Taking dress watches with simple functions to the next level is the H. Moser & Cie Venturer. This particular model features a black dial surrounded by a rose gold case. The unique, and perhaps most formal aspect of the models, is that there are neither hour markers nor a brand logo on the dial. Watch Tim’s full hands-on review to learn about all the unique details to this dress watch.
Price Range: $10,950-$17,950
SHOP H. MOSER & CIE. VENTURER WATCHES
Bonus: 5 Best Non-Traditional Dress Watches
- Patek Philippe Nautilus
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
- Rolex Submariner Date
- IWC Portugieser Automatic
- Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin
Unique, these luxury watches stand apart from other men’s dress watches due to their design and versatility. Hungry for more eye-catching dress watches? Check out our list of pandemic-era pieces, too.
1. Patek Philippe Nautilus
A grail watch for many, the Patek Philippe Nautilus is a luxury sports watch that can be worn casually or dressed up. The white dial variation makes this watch stand out on the wrist.
Price Range: $36,950-$109,950
SHOP ALL PATEK PHILIPPE WATCHES
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Another sporty stainless steel watch that is often worn formally is the Royal Oak. The contrasting brushed and polished case details and integrated bracelet paired with a slim profile and simple dial make this a hybrid sporty-dress model.
Price Range: $10,000-$339,900
SHOP ALL AUDEMARS PIGUET WATCHES
3. Rolex Submariner Date
A watch that was popularized by beach-to-tux wearing James Bond, the Submariner today offers the wearer something that can be worn in any environment.
Price Range: $9,950 -$149,950
SHOP ALL ROLEX SUBMARINER WATCHES
4. IWC Portugieser Automatic
While the IWC Portugieser is more formal in design than other IWC models, the watch is much larger than a traditional dress watch. It measures 42.3mm across the case and has a thickness of 14.5mm, making it sit larger on the wrist.
Price Range: $5,450-$47,950
SHOP ALL IWC PORTUGIESER WATCHES
5. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin has set records for being just 5mm thick. The non-traditional titanium case is feather-light which makes it feel like there is almost nothing on your wrist.
Price Range: $9,950-$59,950
The rules of a dress watch are made to be broken and there is a model for every budget of every watch collector. Ready to find the best men’s dress watch for your collection? Shop the full The 1916 Company collection today.
*Note price ranges are for the entire model family and are accurate at the time of publishing. Pricing and availability may change.
Related Reading: