These days, the idea of wearing a watch seems to be almost antiquated. Why should young people own an everyday watch, let alone a dress watch when they always have their cell phone to tell them the time. Seeing someone on the street peer at their wrist when asked the time is so unusual as to seem charming and quaint. But watches have always offered more than simple utilitarian value. They can bring a sense of personal style to your outfit and express individualism as well as any other type of jewelry that we wear.
Below are ten dress watches for men and women that I think just might change the way you feel about watches completely.
Best Dress Watches for Men and Women – Comparison Table
Image | Product | Features | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
![]() ![]() ![]() | Fossil Men's Townsman Chronograph Watch | 44mm case Hardened mineral glass Stainless steel case | 4.7 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 2 Emporio Armani Men's AR2477 Dress Silver Watch | 43 mm case with mineral crystal dial window Quartz movement with analog display Stainless steel case and band with deployment clas | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Ultra-Thin Minimalist Men's Fashion Watch | Only 7mm thick Metal mesh band Dark minimalist face | 4.3 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Timex Essex Avenue Watch | 25mm case Brass casing Mineral crystal glass | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 5 Timex Originals T2N338 Mens Classic White Dial Black Strap Dress Watch | Night light provides visibility in low light Protective scratch-resistant hard mineral crystal lens Spherical brass case with analogue show | 4.4 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 6 Anne Klein Women's AK/1362RGRG Rose Gold-Tone Diamond-Accented Bracelet Watch | Made in USA or Imported Slightly domed wall-to-wall mineral crystal lens Rose gold-tone sunray dial | 4.6 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 7 Armitron Women's 75/3313SVTT Two-Tone Dress Watch | 19 mm brass case with mineral dial window Quartz movement with analog display Two-tone bracelet with jewelry-clasp closure | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 8 Bulova Women's Silvertone Crystal Swarovski Pave Bracelet Watch | New slim dress styling in stainless steel embellished 440 Swarovski Crystals on bracelet, bezel Full-pave dial, deploy ant closure | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | 9 Anne Klein Women's AK/1412BKGB Gold-Tone and Black Dress Watch | 37 millimeter metal case with mineral dial window Japanese quartz movement with analog display Resin band with jewelry-clasp closure | 4.6 out of 5 |
![]() ![]() ![]() | Michael Kors Men's Slim Runway Watch | 44mm case Scratch-resistant glass Sunray-style face | 4.7 out of 5 |
What To Consider When Buying A Dress Watch
Not long ago, watches were an everyday necessity that few of us could afford to be without. They kept us on schedule and helped us navigate our day with unfailing accuracy. These days, the watch has been demoted to an adornment, more a piece of jewelry than a much needed device. Despite this fact, the right dress watch can be the finishing touch on the perfect outfit.
When considering which dress watch to choose, one should be mindful of their budget. Watches can run from very affordable to extremely high priced. Another consideration is versatility. You’ll want a watch that can go with more than one outfit, whether it be formal or simple. With the right amount of thought, you can find the perfect dress watch for your life and wardrobe.
The Best Dress Watches Reviewed
Fossil Men’s Townsman Chronograph Watch
Lay your eyes on this stunning chronograph watch from Fossil. While it looks like your average luxury watch at face value, the two subdials make it a practical choice for those who are serious about time-keeping. It utilizes Quartz movement, which is accurate and reliable.
Like other Fossil watches, this model is available in a few different styles. This one has a navy-blue face, a stainless steel case, and a brown leather band.
Key Features:
- 44mm case
- Hardened mineral glass
- Stainless steel case
- Leather band
- Two subdials
- Water-resistant
2 Emporio Armani Men’s AR2477 Dress Silver Watch
This silver Armani is a classic and would be a valued staple in any man’s wardrobe. Features three hand movement and a durable mineral crystal to prevent scratching, as well as a classic link-style band to ensure a good fit. Precise analog quartz movement and water resistant up to 165 feet. Case diameter measures 43mm.
Key Features:
- 43 mm case with mineral crystal dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel case and band with deployment class
Ultra-Thin Minimalist Men’s Fashion Watch
You might not be familiar with this brand, but the design speaks for itself! This is a beautifully designed fashion watch with a distinct minimalist flare. The face is pure black. Subtle differences in the finish of the lines improve visibility. Meanwhile, vibrant red hands keep you on track.
The case itself is wide but thin. It’s only about 7mm thick. The thin design pairs nicely with the lightweight mesh band.
Key Features:
- Only 7mm thick
- Metal mesh band
- Dark minimalist face
- Minute subdial
- Water-resistant
Timex Essex Avenue Watch
Another beautiful choice from Timex is the Avenue watch for women. This model has a brass casing and a durable metal band. Like other Timex watches, it’s available in several finishes. This one is gold-plated and features a face made of Mother of Pearl!
The face is simple and refined, which only highlights the opulence this watch has to offer. To protect the pearl inlay, Timex included a mineral crystal glass. It’s tough and scratch-resistant. The watch is also water-resistant to 30 meters.
Key Features:
- 25mm case
- Brass casing
- Mineral crystal glass
- Water-resistant
5 Timex Originals T2N338 Mens Classic White Dial Black Strap Dress Watch
Sometimes less is more, and this is also true with the best dress watches. This black men’s dress watch is a prime example of classic simplicity. From the Timex Originals Collection, this watch features analog quartz movement and a mineral crystal to help prevent scratching. Waterproof up to 100 feet, it should withstand everyday day splashing but shouldn’t be worn while bathing or swimming. Case diameter is 42 mm.
Key Features:
- Night light provides visibility in low light
- Protective scratch-resistant hard mineral crystal lens
- Spherical brass case with analogue show
6 Anne Klein Women’s AK/1362RGRG Rose Gold-Tone Diamond-Accented Bracelet Watch
Simple and elegant, this beautiful rose gold-tone watch would be a stunning addition to any gown. Featuring round sunray dial with contrast logo and single diamond at 12, o’clock position, this alloy link bracelet has a jewelry clasp closure. It has a mineral dial window to resist scratches and uses Japanese quartz movement with analog display. Case diameter is 32 mm. NOT WATER RESISTANT.
Key Features:
- Made in USA or Imported
- Slightly domed wall-to-wall mineral crystal lens
- Rose gold-tone sunray dial
7 Armitron Women’s 75/3313SVTT Two-Tone Dress Watch
This oval ladies’ dress watch features a link style band for guaranteed fit and quartz movement combined with analog display. The silver-tone sunray dial with gold-tone hands and markers makes a lovely statement on the two-tone bracelet with jewelry-clasp closure. Armitron delivers a simple yet stunning dress watch that would look good with an elegant gown or more casual dress. NOT WATER RESITANT.
Key Features:
- 19 mm brass case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Two-tone bracelet with jewelry-clasp closure
8 Bulova Women’s Silvertone Crystal Swarovski Pave Bracelet Watch
This stunning stainless steel ladies’ dress watch is a part of the Bulova Ladies’ Crystal Collection and is truly a sight to behold. This rectangular slim dress styling in stainless steel embellished with 362 Swarovski Crystals on bracelet, bezel and full-pave dial and features analog-quartz movement. Water resistant up to 100 feet, but it is not recommended that you wear it while swimming or bathing. Case diameter is 30 mm.
Key Features:
- New slim dress styling in stainless steel embellished
- 440 Swarovski Crystals on bracelet, bezel
- Full-pave dial, deploy ant closure
9 Anne Klein Women’s AK/1412BKGB Gold-Tone and Black Dress Watch
This simple yet beautiful women’s dress watch is perfect for the professional who isn’t looking for a lot of embellishment. The gold-tone case and sleek black dial offer understated elegance on a link style resin band with jewelry clasp closure. The mineral dial window is resistant to scratching. Japanese quartz movement inside, with an analog display.
These dress watches are water resistant up to 100 feet to withstand the splashes associated with normal daily use. However, with this rating, it’s not recommended for bathing or swimming. Case diameter is 37 mm.
Key Features:
- 37 millimeter metal case with mineral dial window
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display
- Resin band with jewelry-clasp closure
Michael Kors Men’s Slim Runway Watch
Michael Kors is a world-renowned designer that has an inspiring collection of men’s watches. The Runway watch is a sophisticated option that highlights a modern minimalist design. It’s slim and lightweight, helping to cut back on the bulk that many metal watches are known for.
But don’t be mistaken: The watch is still plenty tough. It’s made of stainless steel and features a gorgeous plated finish. The watch is available in gunmetal, black, green, gold, and more.
Key Features:
- 44mm case
- Scratch-resistant glass
- Sunray-style face
- Water-resistant
- Stainless steel
- Available in multiple finishes
Though they may seem archaic now, dress watches were once a part of everyone’s daily wardrobe. These attractive dress watches for men and women provide a nostalgic nod toward the not so distant past and offer an elegant way to accessorize beyond standard jewelry and cufflinks. You’re sure to garner attention at your next cocktail party or business meeting when you casually shrug back your cuff to check the time on your classic timepiece.
When choosing a dress watch for yourself or as a gift for spouse, make sure you set a budget and decide what style you’re into. Do you like flashy embellishment, or a more understated, sleek look? Most watches are a one size fits all, whether they feature a jewelry clasp, standard band, or removable links. If you choose the last sort, be sure to read the instructions on link removal or take the watch into a licensed jeweler for assistance.
Battery changes should always be done by a jeweler to prevent damage to the protective crystal. With some research and patience, you will be rewarded with the chance to impress your friends with your personal style. Next time someone asks you what time it is, you won’t even have to open your phone.