A classical dress timepiece is a must have in any watch collection. It's the kind of watch you pull out for special events like fancy dinners, weddings and formal occasions. The classical dress watch is timeless in appearance and in stature, but times are changing so we're noticing a lot of daring designs that were once upon a time not akin to that of the traditional dress watch. We've put together a list of the 14 best classical dress watches we could find on Amazon for you to pick from for the next time you want to dress to impress. Enjoy!
Patek Philippe 5227R Calatrava
The Patek Philippe 5227R Calatrava is the quintessential dress watch, balancing a beautifully simple dial with flawless proportions. The 5227 is also available in a white gold case with a black dial variation. One of my favourite Swiss dress watches.
IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar
IWC's Portugieser collection does carry with it a fair amount of heft, but as far as the Annual Calendar variant goes I feel that its classical properties more than qualifies it as a viable dress watch option that you can wear comfortably in both formal and casual settings.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual
As far as dress watches go, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual is a harmonious combination of complicated watchmaking, subtle aesthetics and a classical look that is timeless.
Patek Philippe 5230G World Time
One of the world's most impressive and emblematic world timers, the Patek Philippe 5230G World Time is an ode to classical dress watchmaking that is undeniably appealing.
Patek Philippe 5905P Annual Calendar Chronograph
Clad in platinum and featuring a jet-black dial, the 5905P Annual Calendar Chronograph is my pick of the best dress watches on Amazon right now. An absolute delight!
A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moonphase
Soft, subtle and ever so beautiful, the A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moonphase is an effortless combination of classicism, divinity and wonder.
Blancpain Villeret Timezone
A vision of delicacy and class, Blancpain's Villeret Timezone is a stunning example of a traditional dress watch.
Chopard L.U.C Quattro
Chopard's L.U.C Quattro is a more modern take on the typical dress watch, but still evident are the classical traits that make a dress watch what it is today.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier
Like Blancpain's Villeret Timezone, the Cartier Rotonde balances the classical look of a dress watch with a more daring design, incorporating extra functions and a bolder look throughout.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept
An eclectic and super contemporary take on the traditional dress watch, the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept is ridiculously slim which makes for an invigorating package that pushes the boundaries of what a dress watch should be.
Rolex Cellini in Everose Gold
While Rolex is typically associated with the production of "tool watches" like the Submariner, the GMT-Master II and the Sky-Dweller, the Cellini is a brilliant example of what a modern dress watch should look like, combining an intriguing dial design in a beautifully warm 18k Everose gold case.
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Grande Date
A peculiar selection but one that I just had to include, the Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Grande Date is a sublime marriage of balance, beauty, proportions and detail. A fantastic dress watch for those looking for something a little bit different.
Breguet 5197 Classique
A classical piece from Breguet was always going to be featured in a list of superlative dress watches, with the 5197 Classique being the top choice. The 5197 Classique features a heavily machine dial, Breguet's iconic hands and an industrial look that is brilliantly out of the ordinary from what you would expect in a typical dress watch.
Breitling Transocean Day Date
Last but certainly not least is the Breitling Transocean Day Date. This particular model features a solid rose gold case matched with a beautiful creamy dial, providing the perfect balance of a dress watch that you can indeed wear both casually and formally.
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