Dress watches. Some will call them one of the most important categories of timepieces that a collector can buy. It’s the one type of watch that anyone should have, as it can dress up and down depending on the occasion. In this article, we are listing down the best dress watches one can buy this 2021:
- IWC Portofino
It should be said that IWC is arguably the brand to get a dress watch from. There is quite a collection under the brand that could be touted as dress watch quality, but none is better suited for the title than the IWC Portofino line. This line of bespoke watches will complement any bespoke suit or gown the wearer dons. The styling, the presentation, even the astronomical pricing are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this line of watches.
IWC has always been a stalwart in the Swiss watchmaking tradition. It’s one of the oldest, surviving the quartz revolution, made waves with some controversial changes on their product lines, and is looking to be well on its way to survive another century. The IWC Portofino has both men’s and women’s watches, with some models ripe for the pairing.
For the gentlemen, look no further than the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase. This blue-dialed timepiece is classically handsome, helmed with top of the line materials that create the most sophisticated of aesthetic. The simple blue complements the stainless steel case and sapphire glass, not to mention the black alligator strap that shines to showcase it. Under the hood, the caliber movement is automatic and self-winding, with a resistance of 3 bars. The moon phase complication is the cherry on top!
For the ladies, the Portofino Automatic 37 in the lilac leather band is a thing of beauty. It’s running the caliber 35111, an automatic self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The silver-plated dial is lined with jewels that turn the timepiece into a spectacle of its own. Not to mention, the case that’s made entirely from gold!
- Baume et Mercier Clifton Baumatic
Another Swiss brand that doesn’t necessarily have the best word-of-mouth marketing, Baume et Mercier may be considered a mid-tier luxury watchmaker, but the timepieces it manufactures are anything but. The Clifton Baumatic, for example, is the perfect example of making the most out of the movement, presentation, and styling that a watch has.
Granted, the Clifton Baumatic is reminiscent of IWC’s dressier timepieces - but the maximalist type of styling that’s been applied to the line makes it a force to be reckoned with in terms of value. The result is a watch that’s elegant and sophisticated, without trying too hard. The 10549, in particular, is an undeniable beauty, sporting a white dial and a moon phase complication that screams quiet sophistication.
- Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
If there’s a Rolex that you would want to wear on a formal occasion, it should be the Cosmograph Daytona. A controversial choice, yes, as it is technically a sports watch, but the default styling and presentation of this Rolex classic is more than enough to pair it with any formal wear. Looks-wise, the timepiece is dapper, chic, and sophisticated without taking too much of the spotlight.
The latest iteration of the Daytona still sports the company’s Oystersteel - your choice of finish, but for recommendation’s sake, we say go for the platinum one as it’s the most versatile. But consider the one in Oystersteel and yellow gold with the black dial as well. It’s easily the best-looking of the bunch, and it will serve you well in formal parties down to casual meetings.
Under the hood, you get a perpetual self-winding mechanical chronograph, a caliber movement built from the ground up by Rolex. It has an approximately 3-day power reserve, which is more than enough to let other timepieces in your collection shine. Of course, you’re getting a 100 meters water-resistance as well, plus top of the line materials in all of its parts.
- Grand Seiko Caliber 9S
Arguably the best hi-beat mechanical movement to ever be crafted, Grand Seiko’s Caliber 9S series seriously are working beasts marketed as some of the most delicate timepieces on the planet. And with its 20th anniversary, the sumptuous Hi-Beat 36000 V.F.A. is in a class of its own among its brothers and cousin.
Made with platinum, the watch features a sundial pattern that features the GS insignia, an expected yet still surprising move that’s on-brand with the GS aesthetic. Under the hood, you get the Caliber 9S85, with a special adjustment accuracy of +3 to -1 in static, thus, the V.F.A inscription, which stands for Very Finely Adjusted.
Takeaway
These watches will surely take your simple formal wear to outfits that stand out!