Christmas is but a stone's throw away, so we've decided to dive head first into the festive season and throw out to the universe some of the best classical dress watches that we could find. From Patek Philippe to Jaeger-LeCoultre, from Blancpain to A. Lange & Söhne, we've put together 10 of the best superlative classical dress watches we really want to be unwrapping come Christmas morning. Enjoy!
Patek Philippe 5139G Perpetual Calendar
Crafted in white gold, the venerable Patek Philippe 5139G Perpetual Calendar features one of the most legible and classically designed perpetual calendar dial layouts. The slim-line lugs and machined bezel, coupled with the leaf-shaped hands and small crown make the Patek Philippe 5139G Perpetual Calendar one of the ultimate classical dress watches, period. A definitive stocking-filler.
Chopard L.U.C Quattro
Chopard's limited edition white gold offering is the L.U.C Quattro, a wonderful mix of classical design with dashes of modernity in a functional package that can be dressed up or down. The elegance of the Chopard L.U.C Quattro is accentuated by its beautiful blue dial, while its duality is highlighted by its 9-day power reserve.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date
Clad in rose gold, the brilliance of A. Lange & Söhne's Saxonia collection is on full display with the Saxonia Outsize Date. The contrast between the jet-black dial, the rose gold case and the rose gold hands is brilliant and is really an ode to the traditional look of the classical dress watch. Glashütte watchmaking at its finest.
IWC Portofino IW357406
With a case set with 92 sparkling diamonds and a dial embossed with a unique glitter effect, the Portofino IW357406 is a crowning jewel in IWC's female-oriented dress watch collection. The dial's unique looking pattern was achieved by embossing a hand-made pattern on the dial which is then silver-plated in a galvanic bath. The epitome of the female classical dress watch.
Patek Philippe 5227G Calatrava
The Patek Philippe 5227G Calatrava is the epitome of the stereotypical dress watch. Classical lines, understated and completely inconspicuous, the Patek Philippe 5227G Calatrava would be the ultimate modern dress watch.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual
The combination of the white gold case with the grey dial and one of the most legible perpetual calendar dial layouts makes the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual an obvious choice for this list of superlative classical dress watches. Many have tried and many have failed to replicate the foundational and almost effortless look of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual. One of the greats, for sure.
Blancpain Villeret 8 Days Limited Edition
The skeletonised leaf-shaped hands and blocky Roman hour numerals are just the beginning of what is one of the most intriguing offerings on this list. The black enamel dial coupled with the glimmering platinum case emphasise the classical look of the Blancpain Villeret 8 Days Limited Edition to great aplomb. Normally not a fan of Roman numerals, but in the case of the Blancpain Villeret 8 Days Limited Edition it definitely works.
Patek Philippe 6006G Calatrava
Perhaps the most un-Patek Patek that Patek makes (how's that for alliteration?!), the 6006G Calatrava is like a hidden gem in the Swiss manufacturer's stable of grails. I particularly like the distinction between the date indicator being highlighted by the red-tipped hand, the skeletonised hour and minute hands, and the off-centre seconds sub-dial register. Not your typical run-of-the-mill Patek, but it's one that is really growing on me.
Patek Philippe 5146G Annual Calendar
Classical yet modern, dressy yet casual enough to be worn outside of suit-and-tie occasions, the Patek Philippe 5146G Annual Calendar is the perfect balance of duality. I love the cream-coloured dial, accentuated by the white gold case. Like the 6006G, the 5146G Annual Calendar isn't Patek Philippe's most conventional piece from the Swiss maison, but it's got some serious cool factor going on about it.
Patek Philippe 4978/400G Calatrava
The Patek Philippe 4978/400G Calatrava, also known as the Diamond Ribbon Joaillerie, is the ultimate expression of classicism, exclusivity and baller-status. With a dial fully set with dials and a diamond-encrusted spiral hypnotically dancing its way around the dial, the Patek Philippe 4978/400G Calatrava is the connoisseur's choice.
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