The criteria for what constitutes an excellent dress watch are less straightforward to establish than those for a pilot watch or a dive watch. But there are guidelines we can follow if we want to make sure we pick an excellent dress watch. Simple design of a dress watch is important as it should polish up your appearance instead of being conspicuous. Dress watches feature smaller bands and bracelets, and thinner cases so it can fit under your cuff.
We searched far and wide for the best dress watches the market has to offer, all under $500. We looked at the quality of the movement, design that will stand the test of time.
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Hamilton Jazzmaster Gent Quartz
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: F06.111
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Gent is a modern interpretation of a conventional watch that is understated yet striking. This quartz watch is an elegant, sophisticated, and tastefully crafted option for the distinguished gentleman. This might be one of our favorites due to the great combination of the black leather strap and the brown dial. Due to these 2 main colors, you can wear almost any suit, as color mismatch won’t be an issue.
Read our Hamilton Watches Review.
Tissot Classic Dream
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Swissmatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
The Tissot Classic Dream is a stylish and classic watch that can be worn every day. It is powered by the Swissmatic movement, which offers up to 3 days of power reserve. This automatic winding movement is regulated by a Nivachron spring that has exceptional resistance to magnetism. The dial of the watch features special indexes that are split into four parts, giving it a unique design.
Victorinox Alliance
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: Ronda 715
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
The Victorinox Alliance is exactly what you would expect from a Swiss brand for an everyday watch. A gorgeous, clean looking timepiece, with truly timeless design elements. The black dial and brushed stainless steel is a combination that is hard to beat. The reliable quartz movement is housed in a moderately sized (40 mm) case. An overall great watch.
Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph
Specs:
- Movement: Mecaquartz
- Caliber: VK64
- Case Width: 38 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
The Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph is an Art Deco inspired timepiece, made suitable for the modern urban living. The tachymeter is not something we see on dress watches, and it is a sporty option for elegant events, but the overall design of the dial and hour and minute hand can make this watch an appropriate choice. The 1937 Dress Chronograph is available with four different dial designs and eight different strap variations.
The 1937 has a 38mm diameter, which is the customary dimension for a gentleman’s chronograph.
Bulova Classic Silver Dial Black Leather
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 29 x 41 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
Bulova’s watches in the Classic collection are inspired by vintage design, have an understated, elegant look. This Bulova Classic with Silver dial and the black leather strap is definitely an elegant timepiece.
The rectangular case makes this watch a more vintage look, but with the right outfit, it can be a perfect addition to the modern gentleman who embraces traditions. The Bulova Classic is an evergreen timepiece!
Frederique Constant Slimline Silver
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: FC-220
- Case Width: 37 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
Frederique Constant watches are sometimes underrated timepieces. The Frederique Constant Slimline is a watch that combines very classic elements with some new design solutions. The dark simplistic hour markers on the silver dial combination brings the classic elegant look, and date window at 3 o’clock position is a classic design solution. The 37 mm case width and mm height makes this a perfect dress watch and a classy choice.
Orient Bambino
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: F6724
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Case Width: 40.5 mm
- Lug Width: 21 mm
The 2nd generation Orient Bambino is a very budget friendly option, but this doesn’t mean you have to make compromises when it comes to quality. Due to automatic movement, you’ll have a smoothly swiping seconds hand breezing over the Roman numerals on the cream dial. A very classy appearance with timeless design. A great choice!
Citizen Corso
Specs:
- Movement: Eco-Drive
- Caliber: J165
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
The Corso by Citizen is made for the ultimate business man. Sleek, elegant, straight to the point. It has a classic, timeless style due to the black dial and stainless steel case, paired with a sophisticated black leather strap. The Corso is powered by Citizen’s Eco-drive technology (so basically powered by light, any light), ensuring you never have to worry about changing the battery.
Tissot T-Classic Tradition
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: F06.111
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
With a vintage-style perfectly matched with classical elements and delicate finishing, the Tissot Tradition line adds a touch of nostalgia to ultra-modern watchmaking. Design features like as guilloche ornamentation on bracelet variants and a softly curved case complement the classic look in a modern setting. A classic, timeless watch by Tissot.
Jowissa LeWy 3
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: Ronda
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
Jowissa’s LeWy 3 is quite simply a stunning play of hues and finishes. The brown leather strap and sable-brown dial pair beautifully with the rose gold elements. This watch is hand-assembled in Switzerland, uses a quartz movement and is offered at a great price point.
Read more about Jowissa watches.
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