Pre-Owned Dress Watches
Discover pre-owned dress watches that balance refinement with technical integrity. This collection includes some of the most sophisticated timepieces from across horology — designed to complement formalwear or anchor a curated daily rotation.
The Language of Subtle Luxury
What Defines a Dress Watch?
A dress watch is designed for refinement: typically thinner, sleeker, and free from excess ornamentation. The focus is on proportion, finishing, and discretion — making it a favored choice for formal settings and collectors who appreciate restraint in design. Case sizes range from 34mm to 40mm, with polished cases in yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, or steel. Strap pairings usually include hand-stitched leather, lending further sophistication to each piece.
Highlights from Our Pre-Owned Collection
- Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196J - A reference point in classic watchmaking, the Calatrava is a quintessential dress watch with impeccable finishing and understated beauty.
- A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin - Celebrated for its balanced proportions and hand-finished German movement, it's an ideal dress companion with deep horological significance.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon - This model combines moonphase complexity with a svelte profile, perfect for collectors who appreciate mechanical depth without visual noise.
Compare Iconic Dress Watches
| Model | Case Size | Movement | Power Reserve | Defining Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196J | 37mm | Manual-wind | 44 hours | Archetype of modern dress watch design |
| A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin | 37-39mm | Manual-wind | 72 hours | Minimalist Bauhaus design with German craftsmanship |
| Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon | 39mm | Automatic | 38 hours | Moonphase complication with slim profile |
Materials, Movements, and Design Codes
Most dress watches in this collection are manually wound or house thin automatic calibers, allowing for slim cases that slip easily beneath a cuff. You'll find timepieces crafted in precious metals, often with enamel, guilloché, or lacquered dials. The emphasis is on finishing, symmetry, and simplicity — from baton indices to feuille hands.
Who This Collection Is For
Ideal for connoisseurs of discreet luxury, frequent formalwear dressers, and collectors building a refined portfolio of high horology. If you favor craftsmanship over flash — and believe less is often more — this collection offers lasting appeal across decades and dress codes.
Your Timepiece, Our Commitment
Every pre-owned watch is authenticated by our expert team and backed by a two-year global warranty. With white-glove concierge service and trusted sourcing, The 1916 Company ensures your next dress watch is not only beautiful — but expertly vetted and ready to wear with confidence.