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"Dress" Watch Options
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Author:  AlexB [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 8:09 am ]
Post subject:  "Dress" Watch Options
Hey All,

I'm trying to make my mind up over choices for a "dress" watch, all my current watches are just a bit too bulky imo to fit nicely under a shirt cuff. Now these are a few of the watches i've been looking at so far.

1) Rolex Sub-C
2) Omega Seamaster PO Big Non Chrono (old version with black bezel)
3) Breitling SOH 46 Non Chrono

Thoughts on these choices and possible other suggestions?

Thanks
Author:  jnelson3097 [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 9:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Of those, I'd go for the Sub but if you want a dress watch, you should also consider the Datejust II.
Author:  JacksonStone [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 10:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Technically those are all sport watches. That said, an easy first pick per my own preferences would be the Sub-C. However, your other two options are way larger, so I wonder if the Sub might be too small for you. Size aside, you can't go wrong with it; it goes with everything, dress or casual, and will easily fit under your shirt cuffs. I also second Justin's choice of the DJII for a more dressy watch. It's only slightly bigger than the Sub, though.
Author:  sco [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
It sounds like you want a divers watch.
Author:  AlexB [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
I know they are really sport/diver watches, but I really want something that I can wear under normal circumstances and also use as more of a practical dress watch due to their sizes. The issue with the sub is that I do find it rather small, but it has such a classic look to it at the same time. Was kind of hoping they would do a new version of the non date version of the sub but with the ceramic bezzel instead, hrmf!

Any suggestions on something which is perhaps more of a "classic" dress watch?
Author:  JacksonStone [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
AlexB wrote:
Any suggestions on something which is perhaps more of a "classic" dress watch?

The epitome of the dress watch is the Patek Calatrava. Of course, they're very expensive, and I honestly don't like them that much anyway. I only mention it as a means of showing what a true dress watch is. Are you interested in something this dressy, or do you want something that blends a little more sport into the mix?

Other considerations: Omega DeVille Co-Axial Chronometer. The pictures don't do it justice, but in person, these things ooze craftsmanship and excellence. Not cheap, but still less expensive than a Sub. Or, if you want to straddle the line between dress and sport, there's always the Aqua Terra. Both are slightly larger than the Sub, but considerably smaller than the big PO or the SOH 46. Generally speaking, you're going to have a hard time finding anything that can be construed as dressy that is as large as 45-46mm.

Also, as long as you're into the upper four-figure price range, consider a Grand Seiko. They can hold their own against the best Swiss watches in that price bracket.
Author:  AlexB [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
The aqua terra is definately one to consider as it does fit nicely into the kind of style I'm looking for, thanks for the suggestions :)
Author:  Drtymrtini [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
As an owner of an Omega PO Big Size, as much as I love the watch, I do not consider it a "dress" watch as it is much too large. 42mm or smaller yes, but the Big Size wears big. My Rolex is a very versatile watch - I can dress it up or down - and it's size is perfect for sport or dress. I can wear my Panerai dressy or casual, but it's size definitely limits what dressy attire will accompany my watch :)
Author:  roman4405 [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  "Dress" Watch Options
Out of your three choices I'd go with the SubC first then the PO. The SubC is just a classic and hands down one of the nicest watches around. It can easily be worn with a suit or a pair of shorts.

I have a 45mm PO and, depending on the size of your wrists, I think it would look pretty good in more formal occasions. It's large but fairly flat and very classy looking. As long as your grown-up sized, not like some people here, I think it would be a great alternative to the SubC.
Author:  Otto [ Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Have owned all of them and, as much as I love the PO, I think it is the least dressy of the three, by far.

If you ignore the size (which is admittedly significant), the SOH has the most 'dress watch' features of the three, but it's still a long way from being a dress watch.

The Sub is easily the most versatile IMO.

I agree with the Aqua Terra and Datejust II suggestions. If you're looking for something sporty which can also dress up a bit, I would add IWC Portuguese and JLC Master Compressor.
Author:  ricardo [ Thu Nov 10, 2011 2:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Have you thought about the new Breitling TransOcean or Tag Heuer's all black Monaco or 1887?

All very stylish, fairly sporty and a comfortable size.
Author:  AlexB [ Thu Nov 10, 2011 3:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Never liked the tag monaco series, but the 1887 is not all that bad. The breitling transocean is a great looking watch though, both the chrono and non chrono versions, think I will pop into a few dealers in the UK when I'm over later this month and get a feel for them.
Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Out of your choices then it'd be the Sub-C everyday, but I'm another one to lend support to the Aqua Terra (the new one with the 8500 movement). I never used to like it in pictures, but after trying one on a few weeks ago, I can safely say that it's really nice watch that bridges the gap between sports and dress almost perfectly.

I read on another forum somewhere that on a leather strap the AT is a sporty dress watch, and on the bracelet it becomes a dressy sports watch. I think that sums it up pretty much spot on!
Author:  sharkman [ Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
We have a tendency to get are panties twisted in a bunch over what is and isn't a dress watch. In other words - WE THINK TOO MUCH.

I don't care what a watch's design purpose is. How does it look and feel to you with a suit and dress shirt? That is the only rational question.

PO - had one. Wore it every day in a three week trial. Loked right, felt right, and I'm certain 99 out of 100 don't know whether it is "supposed" to be a sport watch. It works -period.

Sub C - had one. Same deal as the PO but maybe even more so. I had no issue at all wearing it to black tie events.

SOH46 - had one. It would work as well - in black on black at least. Put a leather strap on it and it will be fine IF it comfortably fits under your shirt sleeve.


Get the one you want. And remember there are loads of people walking around with ONE watch which happens to be a Sub or a Seamaster (including the PO and AT). It is common indeed to see those watches equally at home in a pool and at a dressy function.


Can you tell I'm waiting for the morning's first coffee to finish brewing?
Author:  Tim S [ Thu Nov 10, 2011 8:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: "Dress" Watch Options
Out of your three, another vote for the SubC.

Sharkman is right, while I don't think that those watches are technically dressy, whatever works for you is the one you should go for.

I also agree with some of the other options offered above - TransOcean GO, IWC, JLC, Chopard and Omega all provide great dressy options.

Have fun with the process of trying them all out.
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