In search of a dress watch

[tvo7]

I want leather band dress watch for formal occasions. I do not really want to spend for the cellini. What does everyone think of a datejust on black leather croc straps. Would that look good with a tuxedo?

[glamorama]

Have a look at the Rolex Cellini Danaos 38mm semi squared dress watches for the same price range. I wouldn't go Rolex for dress watch, look at JLC or Grand Seiko for good steel dress watches.

[rb250]

Have you checked out Nomos much easier on you pockets

[Rolex fan 61]

Timex

[emtee]

Vacheron!

[sirish19]

Originally Posted by emtee

Vacheron!

I agree. I love my 2-hand Patrimony and only wear it with a tux.




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[Calatrava r]

Worn all the time. Look great.

[Innocenti]

How about a reverso ?

[ahlee00023]

A JLC MUT would be my choice for a classy, not too expensive dress watch. I don't like the DJ on leather at all. Plus it's not a true dress watch.

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[TwoBit]

Originally Posted by ahlee00023

A JLC MUT would be my choice for a classy, not too expensive dress watch. I don't like the DJ on leather at all. Plus it's not a true dress watch.

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Agree with this comment as I have one and it's a perfect dress watch

[Innocenti]

I still think of the dj as a sport watch

[DoctorA]

I like IWC line both portofino and portugieser make very nice dress watches

[kauffee]

What's your budget?

[mixx23]

A plus vote for Timex.

[jon_jon]

A preowned Cellini should be an affordable option. Datejusts are ok, but doesn't look as nice with formal wear.

[codecow]

I’d look at a JLC maybe.

[Fort Rolex]

Some flavor of Cartier

[Jojoshop]

JLC, Cartier ( I like the drive in white), NOMOS ( you got to see it in person extremely clean). Anything over 15k should be Patek in my opinion

[erne75]

Originally Posted by Jojoshop

Anything over 15k should be Patek in my opinion

+1

Breguet also has some very classic dress pieces...

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by erne75

+1

Breguet also has some very classic dress pieces...

It’s an unpopular opinion but I love Breguet for a 2 or 3 hand dress watch. I find their style much more distinct and interesting than anything from Patek or Vacheron in that category. The 7147 in guilloche or enamel would be my choice.

[Burlington]

It all depends how ‘dressy’ you want to go with it.

DJ on leather is more dressy than on the bracelet, but less dressy than most breguets, which may in turn be less dressy than a calatrava depending on the models.

So really down to taste and budget as it’s a sliding scale.

If you have some ideas of what you want to spend and styles you like, it will help more with recommendations.

Strictly speaking with a tux, no watch should be worn as part of true formal black tie. So it’s already a fashion faux pas, therefore wear what you like. I had my diver on last time i wore my tux for an awards night.

[dmy99]

Preowned DD on a leather strap, or DJ even! Other brands - IWC Portofino, Cartier Tank L/XL and Nomos are all great choices!


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[oncogene1]

For me this is the perfect watch! For the record I have steel sports as well. I just rather wear this

I wear it in jeans, formal events, or even in sweats going to Starbucks. Appropriate for all occasions! Own it!


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[mmmmp]

It isn't illegal or written in stone that a dress watch must be worn on a leather strap. There are many examples of dress watches on elegant mesh or fine link bracelets. No need to limit yourself to leather or fabric bands.

As far as a Rolex on leather is concerned: I firmly believe the bracelets Rolex provides are as much a part of the watch as the hands, dial, etc. In other words, to me, you'll be downgrading the watch which is something to consider.

I like older, vintage or rare Rolex watches which often look great on leather, lizard, alligator, what have you. Also they're usually far more comfortable which is a further consideration.

Of course the choice is entirely yours but dispense with the idea so called 'dress' watches must be on a leather strap. The whole idea of a formal / dressy piece is up to the person wearing it. The Sub, Sea Dweller, GMT, whatever are worn formally and beloved by forum members everyday. To me, a SS SubC looks terrific worn with a suit or even a tux as do many sports watches. There's no rules except: If you dig it - anything goes.

The above is just my opinion.

Mark



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[Chute]

$100 budget : Orient Bambino

$500 budget: Hamilton Jazzmaster

$5k budget: JLC Master control

$20k budget: Patek Calatrava

[superstarmar]

Sub 16610 or 14060 on leather or nato!
Done ✅!
Forget about all rye wannabes!

[polaris72]

Another vote for IWC. I have Portugieser on black Santoni leather strap as a dress watch.

[BT1985]

I think for a proper dress watch you want to stay 40mm or less. 38mm if you are a purist. Keep the dial simple and symmetrical. No date if it’s only to be worn sporadically. I personally like a date so I would just be mindful of placement and size. My personal favorite is the JLC Ultra Thin Moon in rose gold but steel looks great too and you can get at a good price.

That said, I think pure play dress watch norms have become less and less followed. Vacheron’s new fifty eight model tries to bridge the gap and I think they hit a home run.


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[danwang0520]

if you want to stay with Rolex, cellini is the only dress watch they offer.........
if you have a budget in mind and want to go with other brands, JLC/Cartier/Piaget are some of the choices.......
if you want the best of the best, PP/VC/Breguet are some of the choices you can explore.....

[Cru Jones]

For a DJ on strap, you’ll need to secure end links, as the case between the lugs isn’t finished.

But, I wouldn’t go that route, as a big part of the cost is the bracelet.

I’d either look to a brand like JLC or Cartier, or spend less and look to Nomos or, even less, a Seiko Presage (there have some very nice and reasonable enamel dials).