First impression do really last and one of the first things that people look to size you up is your watch. Nothing destroys a reputation like a signature watch knockoff, so make sure you get your fashion down to the genuine dress watch. These ten timepieces are a class on their own. Not only do they exude elegance and sharpness, they feature precious metals and precision movement.comp
10. Alpina Heritage Pilot Chronograph
Price: above $3,000
The watch commemorates what is renowned to be the first modern sports watch, when Alpina launched popularized the category in 1938. Although it’s designed for a rough and rugged look back in the thirties, today the design is prized for its nostalgic classic style, transforming its appeal into a dress watch but still harbouring ruggedness inside. Alpina features a military-grade telemeter markings and a “snail track” tachymeter scale. It’s also antimagnetic, water-resistant, shockproof and rustproof.
Face-off: When you cannot afford a complication to project sophistication, go for vintage to create the same appeal. This watch has a nice retro ring to it at a lower price.
9. A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar Terraluna
Price: $230,000
Its A. Lange & Sohne’s latest and much awaited highly complicated timepiece launched early this year. Available in pink or white gold, the watch features a perpetual calendar, regulator-like time display, leap year display, and an orbital moon phase, among others. It also boasts of a constant force escapement and 14-day power reserve. The watchmakers said they’re producing a limited supply for this edition.
Face-off: The dress watch for the gentleman who like the appeal of complications and the price that comes with it
8. Cartier Calibre Diver
Price: $8,200
Cartier targets the set of men who are classy yet they’re hooked on the outdoors. The result is Cartier’s first attempt to put a little ruggedness on its classic lines to create the Cartier diving watch. It’s ISO certified for 300-meter diving in steel and two-tone or 18k rose gold case. Its rotating diver’s bezel features a DLC black coat typical of a Cartier luxurious shine. For occasions when you want to impress a lady in a cocktail party of your adventurous life, this watch fits the purpose.
Face-off: The dress watch for the gentleman who professes his love for the outdoor while wearing a suit
7. Greubel Forsey Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar QP a Equation
Price: $719,000
The best dress watches are often the priciest and nothing reminds us that more than this timepiece. For what it’s worth, the watch features a one-of-a-kind tourbillon whose time can be adjusted forward or backwards. Setting the calendar moves all month, day, and date in sync. The layout of the dial, numerals, and eccentric peek-holes are rather bold, a loud declaration that this watch, indeed, is expensive and exclusive.
Face-off: The dress watch for the gentleman who likes drawing attention
6. Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio PAM579
Price: $22,500
The fifties look projects a man who has been around much to enjoy his accomplishments. Enclosed in a wide 47mm case, the watch features titanium to make light and elegant. It features calber P.2004/9 and a monopusher column-wheel based chronograph with eight days of power reserve. The sepia hue also adds character, like an aged brown to quality wood furniture.
Face-off: For the gentleman who showcases a genuine maturity in taste and style
5. A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar
Price: above $50,000
It’s from the makers of the $2.5 million grand complication that only six models are produced. If you missed that chance to exclusivity or you simply couldn’t afford the price tag, here’s the next best thing. Cased in platinum with complications that display the date, month, day of the week, and moon phases, this watch features 476 parts just for the annual calendar movement, which remains accurate for the next 122 years.
Face-off: For the gentleman who wants to splurge money on his watch, but who needs to justify its worth
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control
Price: $4,500
Nothing fancy, but simply a touch of class embodies this timepiece. It’s got a full sapphire material at the back case, a silver tone dial accented by Dauphine hands and a 39mm case. Inside, the watch is equally a beauty, featuring a calibre 899 automatic movement.
Face-off: For the gentleman who wants a straightforward signature classic dress watch.
3. Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945
Price: $20,000
The Art Deco inspiration lends to this watch a vintage elegance reserved for men who put value in refined taste. Where most dress watches are round, this timepiece attempts to break the norm without going overboard. The dials have two slightly angled surfaces and a moon phase in blue backdrop provides a neat accent. The watch is available in pink gold or stainless steel.
Face-off: For the gentleman who wants a classic rectangular watch
2. Piaget Altiplano
Price: $21,000
Silver evokes an ultra-chic style when done properly. Launched in 2010, this neat, sleek, and suave silver watch features a calibre 1200P, regarded as the slimmest movement in the world. The watch measures only at 43mm, giving it a sharp look. The neutrality of silver also gives the watch flexibility to match any suit by texture or color.
Face-off: For the gentleman who loves the classic and subdued appeal of silver
1. Patek Philippe Calatrava
Price: $23,000
It’s unassuming at best with a simple layout of Roman numerals and a beautifully balanced dial. Perhaps, it’s this simplicity that makes a Patek Philippe timeless, making it one of the most beautiful dress watches around. The “Clous de Paris” guilloche bezel is classic Patek and the yellow and pink gold add allure to the timepiece, which features a calibre 215 PS movement.
Face-off: For the gentleman who’s nostalgic about his watch and likes its timeless elegance; this man isn’t easily swayed by trends and is confident about his stature.
CONCLUSION
More than just an instrument to tell time, a dress watch defines your personality, style, and, more importantly, status. If projecting class is important to you or your career, any of these ten watches should easily accomplish the mission.