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Tony Duronio 3T WIS 
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Dress watches get so little play on the various watch forums?? Its rare to see a new arrival in the dress watch arena...so it seems to me. Most WIS seem to be drawn to Divers, Pilots and such...myself included. Yet it seems that the real watch makers, all specialize in more classic dress watches. Could it be because they are out of reach of most of our budgets? The more relaxed dress codes in recent years? Dunno':P Since its so slow around here, thought I would try to get some dialog going:D So what's your take???? |
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rws in nc 3T WIS
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Good question... I've been thinking about a nice dress watch myself. Maybe that's why watches with straps are starting to appeal more to me. |
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jaymz Guest
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Keeping Diamonds out of the equation, seems to me that the reason most high-end watches are dress watches is because buyers of those watches spend most of their "public" time in suits. Few would be interested in laying out $10,000 for a casual watch. Plus, truly unique designs, with fantastic detail, precious metals and unusual complications all seem to reside in the high-end formal watches. Just my take...not that I'd ever lay out $10,000 for a watch. Hell, if I won the lottery, I wouldn't even pay over $50 for a pair of sunglasses (I either lose them or sit on them and bend the crap out of them). Jim |
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e.avery 3T WIS 
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The truth is I wear dress watches a lot 45% of the time, since the trend has gone to bigger watches the divers, military, and aviator watches lend them selves to the size increase much more than most of the more classical dress styles that must work with the cuff of the shirt and a coat. I even prefer my larger watches to have a low profile in order for them to sometimes pull duel duty, but I believe I am in the minority. I still wear 36mm watches regularly and find them very comfortable and all of my higher end pieces are 38mm to 36mm in size. |
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oagaspar Site Founder 
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e.avery wrote: I'm with Eric on this one!...over 75% of my collection are Dress Watches and although I tend to wear them less than what would be considered Sport Watches that I own I do get the most double takes on my Dressier pieces due to the Dial Work/Complications/Bracelets/and Exotic straps that I also collect....hand6.gif The truth is I wear dress watches a lot 45% of the time, since the trend has gone to bigger watches the divers, military, and aviator watches lend them selves to the size increase much more than most of the more classical dress styles that must work with the cuff of the shirt and a coat. I even prefer my larger watches to have a low profile in order for them to sometimes pull duel duty, but I believe I am in the minority. I still wear 36mm watches regularly and find them very comfortable and all of my higher end pieces are 38mm to 36mm in size. |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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I've never been much of a dressy guy in general. I hate to wear long sleeves and if I do they end up up rolled, and I only need to wear a suit or sport jacket every so often so I tend to stay away from what would be considered a dress watch. I am mainly attracted to big divers but feel fine with watches down to 38mm. Under that and I feel there's something missing. I love dressy watches but realize I probably wouldn't wear them enough to justify a purchase. Thankfully in the casual age we find ourselves in there are very few constraints on what is acceptable to wear at work or for play. Another plus or minus of the new millenia depending on your outlook!! Thanks for getting some conversation going, TD. Pax |
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mcwright Admin 
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I own a few dress watches. But, I NEVER wear them. Or, I should say, I rarely wear them. I put them on once in a blue moon just to blow the dust off them. Then its back into the watch box for another six months. :D |
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daanbc 3T WIS 
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I'm not a dress-up kind of guy. I even told the wife and kids, if ya not gonna burn me, and decide to go against my wishes and bury me. MAKE SURE I AM NOT WEARING ANY KIND OF SUIT. Just a sipmple shirt and jeans. I hardly wear a dress watch, if I do I want it to be slim lined and with a leather band. But almost 90% of the time I wear divers. They are rugged, h2o proof, and even nice looking. |
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pacifichrono 3T WIS 
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Well, I'm required to wear long-sleeved dress shirts (and a tie) to work, so I have found that a lot of "sport" watches are too big to fit nicely within my cuff. Plus, a lot of "sport" watches look out of place in dress clothes - - kinda like the latest running shoes below a pair of pleated khakis. As many of you know, my solution has been to wear retro (vintage) dress watches that have survived the many decades since they were first made. Plus, the gold (usually solid) is a nice match for my plain gold wedding band. Just one example: this solid 14 carat gold Hamilton was crafted in 1948, the year after I was born! It still looks almost new (especially compared to ME!). The 19-jewel movement is a work of art, too - - Geneva stripes and all! |
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NANDO-FERDZ 3T WIS 
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I used to wear long sleeves shirt and tie a couple of years ago when I was still working for a consulting firm. So, a dress watch is a requirement to make myself look more convincing:) But personally I love non-dressy (divers & pilot) watches because I feel more comfortable of wearing them. Currently, I only have one dress watch in my collection. It's not too dressy though...;)  |
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canadajo 3T WIS 
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I wore a suit and tie to work daily for over 10 years...I enjoyed it most of the time once I became used to it....the only dressy watch I owned back then was an old timex....now I can afford a higher end dress watch but the only dress watch I own is a jazzmaster hammy ?!?! I look at watches kinda like cars......I perfer the Lotus's , Ferarri's , Porsch etc. to the Lincolns and Caddys .... If I had an extra 10K ...I would be looking at a Big Bang or something rather than a 36 mm skeleton |
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tny795 3T WIS 
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This was a good post/question, and I've been pondering an answer from a woman's point of view for you. First, too many women still do not understand watches and figure 2 is plenty--one for dress, one for everyday. More than that, and you're considered an oddity. Next, those that have a multitude of watches buy those that cost under $20. Just heard one say she had 200 and was about to purchase another POV one! Brand names, movements, and complications are meaningless to most. This eliminates one hell of a lot of timepieces that you guys--and we knowledgeable women--find important. Don't know about you men, but many/most women who do have more than the basic 2 tend to pick the day's watch to match the outfit and not necessarily what lies ahead during the work day. Speaking for myself, I have just one dress watch. However, were my lifestyle different, if my job required impressing people, that would make a huge difference. What would make for an interesting discussion is what one considers a "dress" watch. So, that's it for the female sex. If I'm wrong, I'm sure some other woman in this forum will be quick to correct me.....:D |
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Paxman 3T WIS
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You know thinking about your comments on movements, complications and brand names compells me to tell you most men I know are the same way and could care less about the specifics of watch or even a watch at all. Many guys hate to wear any jewelry of any sort and see a watch as a piece of jewelry. they us their cel phones for time or track the Sun's movements. Some want the basic digital which they will pound the crap out of and then toss. Repeat process. The there are the few and far between WIS. We have a bunch of them here but I don't run into all that many out on the Matrix. So our situation is much like yours except we love to place huge slabs of stanless on our massive man wrists... except for Ken!! Pax |
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KenC Admin 
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Paxman wrote: You know thinking about your comments on movements, complications and brand names compells me to tell you most men I know are the same way and could care less about the specifics of watch or even a watch at all. But I do carry a sextant on a brown Alligator strap with deployant. I guess my biggest watch is 44mm (MD), but I prefer 38mm to 42mm. As to dress watches, I have a few, but strange that most do not consider dive and pilot watches as dress watches, I do........for example, I have no problem wearing my TT Rolex GMT Master II with a dinner suit....not my TT Breitling Windrider Chronomat. I also do not have any problem wearing my Movado Kingmatic Chrono on Brwn Leather with a suit (although I do have a problem wearing the suit). My Hamilton Khaki Filed Chrono (@ $190 - I just couldn't help throwing that in) looks equally at home with suit or jeans. Likewise many of my others. JK Military, Invicta Executive, 2014 & 2015, Victorinox SA 9G-600, ZENO Explorer, Seiko ANA, Poljot Buran Flight, all 3 of my TRIAS, Tissot Seastar 1000 & PRS 516 Auto and many other.              |
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tny795 3T WIS
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And, after reading what you and Ken (with his illustrated epistle to the Corinthians), I've come to 2 conclusions. 1. None of us in this thread has really addressed the issue of what, in each person's opinion, constitutes a "dress" watch. If what Ken wrote is anything to go by, it seems any watch can be a "dress" one. A new, probably short, thread ought to be posted asking just that question. 2. Women differ from men in re watches because they do NOT see them as jewelery! (which is something they all tend to go nutso over, or: over which they go nutso). I've tried to get many to convert to more than one timepiece, using the famous sentence: A watch is a piece of jewelery that happens to tell time, as well. No dice; only one reluctantly gave that some thought and has come 'round. I was very surprised that men see it just the other way around--blown away, actually. Speaking of the quartz angle--I know one very elderly gentleman who didn't know what in the aitch an automatic was and wanted to wear one of mine to "see if I like it". Cardiac arrest time for me. BTW: he didn't get one. All my words about movements and complications, etc. had no bearing on the topic either. I simply stated I had one dress watch.....no elaboration. So, Mr. Pax, start a thread and let's see how the cookie crumbles. Or, let's not start one.....whatever. After a brief riposte to Mr. KenC's illustrated essay (what I thought about that can't be printed here), I'm going to play some poker. Paxman wrote: You know thinking about your comments on movements, complications and brand names compells me to tell you most men I know are the same way and could care less about the specifics of watch or even a watch at all. |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Sir: Thank you for sharing your plethora of timepieces. To be succinct: what qualifies as a "dress" watch for you? I came away with the impression that there is no such animal for you.......anything goes. Thank you for even considering this question. Sincerely..... KenC wrote: Paxman wrote:You know thinking about your comments on movements, complications and brand names compells me to tell you most men I know are the same way and could care less about the specifics of watch or even a watch at all. |
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e.avery 3T WIS
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A dress watch can be defined simply, it is what the person who wears it feels about it and how it makes them feel. In the end they are simple tools like a hammer, gun, scalpel, or computer, but they still define the people that wear them and also the people that made them. They are the things that bind us here in all of there forms and configurations. They are also the things that can cut like a wedge and divide, but it is not the watch that cuts at all, it is us. We are the common thread, not the watches. |
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KenC Admin
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Not true..................I don't consider most of my Seiko divers, for example, as dress watches (suit or better, that is), and I would never consider anything that was plastic or anything that had a "god forbid" digital readout!!! tny795 wrote: Sir: |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Okay, let's try this a different way. For me personally, a dress watch is 14K gold, 18K if possible. I want neither complications nor bling......can't stand bling. The preferred hands are Bruguet in style. It must have a bracelet, no strap--don't care what exotic it could be. Too, the dial must be white and on the smaller size--20-25mm, w/crown. For most women, I think, the question of fitting nicely/comfortably under a sleeve is not applicable as it must be for a man. I think I've covered it all. I wish more of us would get in on this. I do not agree with eavery's: it is what the person who wears it feels about it and how it makes them feel. My old, old Stuhrling bubble copies are NOT dress, imho, nor are my new Explorer, Pilot, nor even my gorgeous Elysee Penelope. I really think the appearance of the piece makes a big difference. |
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e.avery 3T WIS
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You may not agree with me, but that does not make me wrong. I got paid to think out side of the box in the watch industry, and have been fortunate enough to retire because of my forward thinking beliefs and not being tied to a rigid belief system, and listening to others tell me that it could not be done. tny795 wrote: Okay, let's try this a different way. |
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IW 3T WIS 
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I agree with Eric. A watch is a dress watch if the wearer thinks so. Beauty is in the eyes. . . I've been to weddings and seen many men wearing their Submariners or Explorer IIs. Looks fine with a suit. Personally, I tend towards the slimmer more conventional 'dress' watch - like a Nomos Tangente. I guess my only stipulation is that it fit under the cuff of a dress shirt - that's all. |
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rws in nc 3T WIS
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My idea of a dress watch is basically simple and reasonably thin. I'm thinking less than 10mm. Generally no sweep second hand (although I prefer one). Rich looking black or dark brown leather strap. Gold, platinum or even silver but no rose gold. No complications other than date. Definitely, no chronographs. No digital. I don't have anything that I would consider a dress watch but I have been thinking about adding one to my meager collection. |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Oh, I'm very sorry. I never meant to even hint that you were wrong. We differ in opinion,that's all. Out of curiosity, you don't consider any one+ of your more dressy than others? The start of this thread was why dress watches weren't given more play. Yet, we haven't covered exactly what makes a dress watch. You said, and OG agreed, that you both wear dress watches a big percentage of the time. What I'm trying to figure out is: what do the 2 of you, and others, consider "dress". You and he and Ken, plus who knows how many others here, have much larger collections than I but, out of all you do have, which, in your opinion makes your dress ones "dress". Okay, will stop now because my head's spinning at this point, and I very well may be repeating myself. .........:) e.avery wrote: You may not agree with me, but that does not make me wrong. I got paid to think out side of the box in the watch industry, and have been fortunate enough to retire because of my forward thinking beliefs and not being tied to a rigid belief system, and listening to others tell me that it could not be done. |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Thank you for this. You, as with me, have very specific things in mind for what constitutes a dress watch. The other 3 or 4 who've been in on this discussion appear to be of the opinion that what is dressy in the eye of the wearer is what counts; the particular style makes no real difference. I had never thought of that and found it interesting. However, most women who do wear watches do, I believe, find gems and/or gold = dressy. Anything else falls into the casual, everyday category. rws in nc wrote: My idea of a dress watch is basically simple and reasonably thin. I'm thinking less than 10mm. Generally no sweep second hand (although I prefer one). Rich looking black or dark brown leather strap. Gold, platinum or even silver but no rose gold. No complications other than date. Definitely, no chronographs. No digital. I don't have anything that I would consider a dress watch but I have been thinking about adding one to my meager collection. |
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rws in nc 3T WIS
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tny795 wrote: Thank you for this. You, as with me, have very specific things in mind for what constitutes a dress watch. Now.... having said that. Since I don't have anything that I would consider a "classic" dress watch, I would have no problem wearing my Tag link automatic chronograph on an occassion where I might wear a dress watch. So from that perspective, I can see where the other guys are coming from too. For me, a "conceptual" dress watch could be anything that I think is really nice looking. |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Okay, a question.....in your first post you said: "Definitely no chronographs." Then, you'd wear your Tag chrono. Is that because you don't have a "classic dress" piece as of yet? Know what? I'm starting to crack under the strain....:D:D:D I have my dress watch (one); all the others are for anything but. Think it's the same for most/all women. You men are more laid back, perhaps, about this topic than we are--which is what makes it all so interesting. Wish the other guys would get in on it. Okay, back to poker for me. Nice chatting with you. rws in nc wrote: My idea of a dress watch is basically simple and reasonably thin. I'm thinking less than 10mm. Generally no sweep second hand (although I prefer one). Rich looking black or dark brown leather strap. Gold, platinum or even silver but no rose gold. No complications other than date. Definitely, no chronographs. No digital. I don't have anything that I would consider a dress watch but I have been thinking about adding one to my meager collection. |
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rws in nc 3T WIS
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Right... My idea of a "classic" dress watch is one thing, but since I don't have any, I would make do with one of my nicest and more expensive watches. Nice talking to you and good luck in your poker game. |
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jakisbck 3T WIS 
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Here's my take on it (JMHO) For years at least the time I've spent on this earth where mostly dress type watches i.e pocket and wrist watches (they were kinda classified as such). Men wore suits, sports coats and dress pants (slacks) along with the common pocket watch or wristwatch. Nowadays men are wearing jeans more often and they are acceptible in the working place (office)as long as your wearing a dress shirt and or maybe a sports jacket. Some guys are able to wear casual non-dress shirts/sports in the office as well. The rugged type of guy started to pull up next to the sportier/dressier and gave much competition which actually put him in a league of his own. Everyone has seen a dress watch but how many have seen the SPORT/CASUAL watches and look good. If you think about it women would go for the guys that dress nicely but now its changed a lil to the more rugged looking type of guy (and she can fix him up as she pleases or at least try........Hehehehehe) Btw I would have to agree with a couple of gentlemen on here about what they constitute a dress watch and that is in the eye of the individual who is wearing the watch. Most woman but not all consider a dress watch to be more blingy (gold, diamonds,platinum, gems etc.) We men often think that as well but as long as it isnt as bulky as the more rugged looking watch were all for that as well (dress). For instance take a Pam which is a pretty decent size watch some of them I would consider wearing with a suit and others I wouldnt but that is just my taste. I match most of my watches with my clothing (shoes,belt and sometimes shirt or tie). Too some it all up we men are now able to let our hair down and still look good.:cool: |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Ahhh, the days of suits, ties, and looking sharp/cool/neat.:) I have found no man, until you, say that he chooses the watch of the day to go with his outfit. That's what I, and probably most women do. I do wish there were some other "chicks" at 3T who could back me up or argue the point. :( To me, a man's dress watch would be sleek with a cool exotic and no pushers, only the crown; but, that's just mho. Thanks for the feedback. :) jakisbck wrote: Here's my take on it (JMHO) |
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e.avery 3T WIS
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I do not mean to make lite of this but your description just throw out the majority of the luxury, high complication, and historically relevant watches that are worn or displayed by collectors and investors. This is a taste issue, which is the intent of the original thread. Watches that are in the high end was the point. They are smaller dressy and ultra expensive compared to 99% of the production of even Swiss and German watches. The watches that go for tens or hundreds of thousands, even millions in some cases, of dollars are not that big and are very tailored in design to go with a suit or tux. There is also the sub. category that would go equally well at the Formula 1 track which has replaced horse racing and polo to a great extent. This is an area where discretionary income is quite large. I was under the impression that that was the original distinction that was being made to compare the upper 1% of the market to the majority of what is being purchased and displayed on the Internet and in most watch shops that do not require arrangements to enter. My personal belief is that those dress watches are not out of touch. They have there place and there job is to make money. Side note but the only diamonds on most of them is in the jewel of a movement or some simple ornamentation, not the encrusted pieces, that even I own one, that is for going out at night in a more casual setting of a club. I mite add that I feel very comfortable in a fine suit and could wear one every day, and of course I match the watch to the outfit that I am wearing as do most, if not men would not be speaking of them as jewelery. |
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tny795 3T WIS
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Think it best if I back out of this and return to being Robert Mitchum. :) |
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e.avery 3T WIS
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:P You are taking the fun out of it. :P:P:P:P:P:P:D |
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