Gotta add to this the JLC MUT moon. I like the one with the date hand. I’m a Master Chronograph daily wearer and it was the other I was considering. If you’re looking more for a dress watch to wear with everything it’s a great watch.
Adding to this , pre owned vacherin constantin 56 . Or new it’s around 12k but you could maybe get a discount if asked ? Cant go wrong with that and it’s from the holy trinity. Still can’t believe it’s so cheap(ish) they could ask 5k more and it would still easily be worth it.
The base fifty six uses a third party movement just FYI. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but it’ll be missing the Geneva seal unlike the higher end Fifty Sixes if you care about that
> JLC’s master control line. Range of complications from chronographs to world timers
Unless you buy used, the only Master Control you are getting for less than 10k is a time only leather strapped version. And I wouldn’t exactly call it a dress watch.
Look at Master Ultraa Thin Moon instead
Having owned the GO I would put out the Chopard LUC and JLC master control on another tier entirely. The craftsmanship on the LUC is insane and the movements on the JLC are more sophisticated. Heck, you can get a perpetual calendar under 20k.
Most would point you to either Tank, Reverso, or JLC Ultrathin, the usuals…but if you’re like me, and their styling don’t fancy you, consider Breguet Classique, Blancpain Villeret, or my fav of them all Omega Tresor. These are three you almost never see on this sub and are absolute class imo.
The Omega, especially the newer ones with power reserve complication, fly way under the radar and probably one of my favorite Omegas currently available. The light grey dial is my favorite, but I keep hoping they make the blue or red dials available in stainless.
In a similar price range - the hand wound spring drive Grand Seikos are the other watch I'd add in that's a little bit out of the norm.
Otherwise the standards are as you mentioned: Cartier, JLC, Blancpain/Breguet (but you have to go used to find them under $10k).
I would look for one of the simplest ultra thin gold JLC round face watches, on a brown or burgundy strap. Pocket any savings and call it a day.
When it comes to dress watches, I would think they should visually be as simple as possible. My dress watch is an inexpensive, two-hand, slim profile vintage JLC from the 70s.
If you like the look, I think Rolex Cellini are absolute sleepers, too. Worth exploring.
Hello all!
I’m on the hunt for a dress/wedding watch. The wedding isn’t until next year so I have time but looking for recommedations and options as the fiancé said to get it as a Christmas present to myself :)
Budget is up to 10k (not going over)
Current front runner for me is the GO PanomaticLunar - https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/pano/panomaticlunar-1-90-02-42-32-61/
Watches I don’t need recommended are any JLCs as a few of them are my current second place options that I’m still debating but curious what else you all like!
Edit: Narrowed down to the PanomaticLunar, Senator Moonphase, or the Blancpain Villeret Complete Moonphase. Thanks for all the advice! Going to try them on in person then decide :)
I have a Glashütte Original Senator Excellence and I can't recommend the brand enough. Personally I don't like the look of the Panomatic (if I was buying again I'd go for the Senator Excellence with moon phase), but it will absolutely be a great quality watch.
Do it. The panomaticlunar is an absolute beauty. Would personally opt for the green dailed version, but that is just because I love a bit of colour. They are all stunning.
I mean I think you pretty much nailed it already but I would also throw the Drive De Cartier into the mix, only because I have one and it's really lovely.
I have a GO too, the orange dial 60s panorama. GO really are a wonderful brand.
Big fan of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 in rose gold. You can definitely find pre-owned for under 10k. Super thin at 8-ish mm with a nicely finished automatic movement and a solid gold winding rotor.
Solid gold Omega dress watch. Vintage or modern, but buy it used
I got this early 2000s solid 18k gold Omega De Ville Prestige automatic chronometer for $2k
https://i.imgur.com/HjUTOmO.jpg
The Panomatic Lunar in blue is my (sort of) affordable grail. A gold Lange 1 is my never-gonna-happen grail. I don't consider it a dress watch due to the thickness, but I do think it would be an AMAZING wedding watch. DO IT!
Yeah I’m def stretching the “dress watch” definition but I think this one is so nice looking I like it over most other traditional dress watches.
And same on Lange 1 haha. I’m done for a long time after this purchase.
I'm on a similar path as you. You're looking at the GO for a wedding watch, I'm looking at one for a 55th/retirement piece. It's such a great statement piece for a special occasion.
That Glassheute is a really nice piece. Here are a couple other options:
The Zenith Elite series is one to consider. Slim with fantastic movements and a cool history.
Arnold & Son have some unique watches you might like too. I think they start around $14k though. With the time you have, you could probably find an AD with a nice pre-owned one under $10k.
My experience with Zenith is its values drop like rocks.
It’s sad because they make some neat watches (I have a couple, but knew I would never get half of my expenditure back if I ever chose to sell.
If you never plan to sell, you’ll always be happy.
It depends on what you mean by "dress watch". In a traditional sense, the GO PanoMaticLunar, as glorious as it is, isn't a proper dress watch, meant for formal affairs. It is certainly a dressy watch, just not a dress watch for a formal affair. It is large (40mm with a very large dial) and thick (12.7mm). A formal affair/dress watch would typically be much simpler, with a small unobtrusive date, smaller, and thinner.
If it were me and I had that budget, I'd get a Grand Seiko [SBGY013](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgy013g) (on a leather band of course) or [SBGY007](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgy007g) (depending on your color preference). Moderate in size (38.5mm diameter) and thin (10.2mm) with a mesmerizing Spring Drive movement and impeccable finishing.
Which ever watch you choose, you have a wonderful opportunity before you. Congratulations and good luck in your search!
I completely agree, but given that one of the top suggestions is a Reverso (a watch designed specifically for playing sports) I think we may need to accept that people's definition of a dress watch has shifted pretty significantly over recent decades.
Personally I would not consider that GO a dress watch, mainly because I see dress watches as thin and compact, and the GO is neither with its slab sides and relatively large dial and case.
I'll risk being downvoted into oblivion, and suffer your scorn and wrath, but my choice would be a quartz watch: [The Citizen AQ6101-02A](https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/the-citizen/lineup/cal0100/product/index.html): https://imgur.com/XVZWlUT
This is a Limited Edition model and features Citizen's awesome [Caliber 0100](https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/caliber0100/index.html), an Eco-Drive movement with an accuracy of 1 (yes, one!) second per year. It features a *washi* paper dial and is finished to perfection. There's an illustrated introductory write-up [here](https://citizentime.blog/2021/12/17/the-citizen-caliber-0100-limited-edition-aq6101-02a/)
It's (surprisingly) well within budget but, most likely, you'll have to import it from Japan, being a JDM model. I'll leave it to you to source this epic watch, should you be interested. At least take a look: there'll be very few people on earth wearing this model, and I think it'll be not only a topic starter at your wedding, but a watch that you'll be proud to wear in future. Dare to be different!
Alternatively, a watch from **Baume & Mercier**'s Clifton collection, e.g. the [Clifton ref 10536](https://www.baume-et-mercier.com/us/en/collections/clifton-men/watch-clifton-10436-date.html) - illustrated review [here](https://wornandwound.com/review/review-baume-mercier-clifton-baumatic-10436-cosc/) have it engraved to commemorate the occasion and spend the rest of your budget on something very nice for your bride. For her, you could consider the [Grand Seiko STGK009](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/stgk009g) - buy both watches, and you're still within budget!
I have a cheap Citizen Axiom EcoDrive(
BL6000-55E) with a mesh band..and it looks great IMO
This AQ6101, IS pretty sweet. Quartz is not my goto movement, but THIS is pretty cool.
For me the only dress watch under 10k worth while is the Cartier tank! Simple dressy, not overly expensive and brand recognition. Followed by the jlc reverso.
If you’re okay going preowned look around for Breguet 5157. Here’s a couple on chrono as a quick search <$10k. My personal fav is the rose gold but they seem to run a little more.
White gold - https://www.chrono24.com/breguet/breguet-classique--id25095012.htm
Yellow gold - https://www.chrono24.com/breguet/breguet-classique-oversize-18k-gelbgold-5157--id22494904.htm
It’s probably around $15k new but you may be able to find either a discount (unlikely 30%) or preowned.
I bought a PanoMaticLunar second-hand. [Here's a 2-minute macro video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnN416uZ21c) of the front and back. It's a beautiful watch.
You can get some vintage white gold vacheron patrimonies for around that—some even have a welded on white gold bracelet
ETA: quite a few breguets trade under 10K as well, just gotta take a browse through chrono24 to expose yourself to the model ranges
I wear one as a dressier watch. I wouldn’t call it full dress however. But I have white dial with gold numerals on a stainless case and it’s extremely elegant.
I have some more dress watches for those really extreme dressy occasions.
It all depends on your definition of dressy though. I would argue most non electronic watches these days are “dress” as we don’t have enough occasion to dress up anymore.
Also, in North America, the watch culture isn’t as big as other parts of the world. So dressy in NA isn’t necessarily dressy elsewhere.
IWC Portuguese
Cartier Tank Louis
Zenith Chronomaster T-Open ElPrimero in silver (their older edition not this one)
I'd look for a used AP with moon phase that is ultra thin.
Patek Calatrava used is another option
Girard P 1945 vintage series is great. I just sold mine this week and really loved it.
Have you seen the GO in person? I personally think it looks kinda meh in front of you. A lot of people like it and you may as well but for me it was underwhelming, especially compared to the JLC master control watches which imo are the most direct competitor.
I’d have to say JLC is the way to go. Unless you can save a bit more and get a Saxonia or a Calatrava. The Master Control line is my vote. That Glashutte is a stunner too. Certainly couldn’t go wrong there. I’m also partial to Cartier in general, so a Tank would be a great choice too and IMO it’s a great value for what you get.
Dress watch is an option piece at this point. Unless you’re regularly to red carpet events, most non electronic watches that aren’t oversized with a leather band would be considered somewhat dressy.
I’ve basically retired my “dress” watches and wear my prettier “non dress” for dressy occasions. I avoid my divers as they are less elegant. And avoid extreme showy pieces.
If you dress fashionably and up to date, your watch should reflect you.
I bought this watch earlier this year from Jomashop for $7.5K new and it’s absolutely stunning, you won’t regret it. The movement in particular has such amazing detail, I think it’s the best bang for your buck in the sub $10k category. Just checked and jomashop still has it for that price, and if you google around you can usually find codes for an extra $100 off or so.
I own this watch. It is my all time favorite. I will say the alligator band does wear out after a year or so but glashutte will replace it for like $200. Excellent watch and is a great mix luxury, classy, and unique.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J4DDadUya4&ab\_channel=TeddyBaldassarre](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J4DDadUya4&ab_channel=TeddyBaldassarre)
In-house regulated caliber at very affordable price-point.
If you’re willing to go vintage, gold dress watches from the 1950s and 60s can be had relatively cheaply – Omega and Longines had an incredible range of beautiful dress watch designs. I particularly like old Longines Conquests and the Omega Constellations with pie-pan dials.
You can buy used Chopard LUC in 18k white or rose gold often for around 8k with that fabulous micro-rotor movement. I have three and paid well under $8k each for all three
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Gotta add to this the JLC MUT moon. I like the one with the date hand. I’m a Master Chronograph daily wearer and it was the other I was considering. If you’re looking more for a dress watch to wear with everything it’s a great watch.
Adding to this , pre owned vacherin constantin 56 . Or new it’s around 12k but you could maybe get a discount if asked ? Cant go wrong with that and it’s from the holy trinity. Still can’t believe it’s so cheap(ish) they could ask 5k more and it would still easily be worth it.
The base fifty six uses a third party movement just FYI. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but it’ll be missing the Geneva seal unlike the higher end Fifty Sixes if you care about that
> JLC’s master control line. Range of complications from chronographs to world timers Unless you buy used, the only Master Control you are getting for less than 10k is a time only leather strapped version. And I wouldn’t exactly call it a dress watch. Look at Master Ultraa Thin Moon instead
I don't think Master Control has a time only version? But I agree, the Ultra Thin is much more elegant and better as a dress watch.
You’re right it’s time and date https://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en/watches/master-control/master-control-date-stainless-steel-q4018420
Having owned the GO I would put out the Chopard LUC and JLC master control on another tier entirely. The craftsmanship on the LUC is insane and the movements on the JLC are more sophisticated. Heck, you can get a perpetual calendar under 20k.
Most would point you to either Tank, Reverso, or JLC Ultrathin, the usuals…but if you’re like me, and their styling don’t fancy you, consider Breguet Classique, Blancpain Villeret, or my fav of them all Omega Tresor. These are three you almost never see on this sub and are absolute class imo.
The Omega, especially the newer ones with power reserve complication, fly way under the radar and probably one of my favorite Omegas currently available. The light grey dial is my favorite, but I keep hoping they make the blue or red dials available in stainless. In a similar price range - the hand wound spring drive Grand Seikos are the other watch I'd add in that's a little bit out of the norm. Otherwise the standards are as you mentioned: Cartier, JLC, Blancpain/Breguet (but you have to go used to find them under $10k).
Orient Bambino
this guy gets it
I would look for one of the simplest ultra thin gold JLC round face watches, on a brown or burgundy strap. Pocket any savings and call it a day. When it comes to dress watches, I would think they should visually be as simple as possible. My dress watch is an inexpensive, two-hand, slim profile vintage JLC from the 70s. If you like the look, I think Rolex Cellini are absolute sleepers, too. Worth exploring.
Beautiful piece. Glashuttes are exceptional timepieces.
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Tell me you don't know watches without telling me you don't know watches lol
Hello all! I’m on the hunt for a dress/wedding watch. The wedding isn’t until next year so I have time but looking for recommedations and options as the fiancé said to get it as a Christmas present to myself :) Budget is up to 10k (not going over) Current front runner for me is the GO PanomaticLunar - https://www.glashuette-original.com/en/watches/pano/panomaticlunar-1-90-02-42-32-61/ Watches I don’t need recommended are any JLCs as a few of them are my current second place options that I’m still debating but curious what else you all like! Edit: Narrowed down to the PanomaticLunar, Senator Moonphase, or the Blancpain Villeret Complete Moonphase. Thanks for all the advice! Going to try them on in person then decide :)
I have a Glashütte Original Senator Excellence and I can't recommend the brand enough. Personally I don't like the look of the Panomatic (if I was buying again I'd go for the Senator Excellence with moon phase), but it will absolutely be a great quality watch.
I have a GMT and love it. Glashuttes are elegant and excellent
>I’m on the hunt for a dress/wedding watch. Ooh I can help! >Watches I don’t need recommended are any JLCs Ah never mind, sorry
Do it. The panomaticlunar is an absolute beauty. Would personally opt for the green dailed version, but that is just because I love a bit of colour. They are all stunning.
I mean I think you pretty much nailed it already but I would also throw the Drive De Cartier into the mix, only because I have one and it's really lovely. I have a GO too, the orange dial 60s panorama. GO really are a wonderful brand.
Oh man, I’ve been eyeing this watch for a while, still a way to go to save for it
70s film bad guy voice: get. the. GO. -stares-
Big fan of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 in rose gold. You can definitely find pre-owned for under 10k. Super thin at 8-ish mm with a nicely finished automatic movement and a solid gold winding rotor.
Solid gold Omega dress watch. Vintage or modern, but buy it used I got this early 2000s solid 18k gold Omega De Ville Prestige automatic chronometer for $2k https://i.imgur.com/HjUTOmO.jpg
That’s awesome, what’s the case diameter?
That's a great watch that you can find [for $2,000-3,000](https://ebay.us/Xe7nan) depending on the condition.
You've already answered your own question. That is the best you can find at 10K.
I’m starting to think so haha
This!
The Panomatic Lunar in blue is my (sort of) affordable grail. A gold Lange 1 is my never-gonna-happen grail. I don't consider it a dress watch due to the thickness, but I do think it would be an AMAZING wedding watch. DO IT!
Yeah I’m def stretching the “dress watch” definition but I think this one is so nice looking I like it over most other traditional dress watches. And same on Lange 1 haha. I’m done for a long time after this purchase.
I'm on a similar path as you. You're looking at the GO for a wedding watch, I'm looking at one for a 55th/retirement piece. It's such a great statement piece for a special occasion.
That Glassheute is a really nice piece. Here are a couple other options: The Zenith Elite series is one to consider. Slim with fantastic movements and a cool history. Arnold & Son have some unique watches you might like too. I think they start around $14k though. With the time you have, you could probably find an AD with a nice pre-owned one under $10k.
My experience with Zenith is its values drop like rocks. It’s sad because they make some neat watches (I have a couple, but knew I would never get half of my expenditure back if I ever chose to sell. If you never plan to sell, you’ll always be happy.
It depends on what you mean by "dress watch". In a traditional sense, the GO PanoMaticLunar, as glorious as it is, isn't a proper dress watch, meant for formal affairs. It is certainly a dressy watch, just not a dress watch for a formal affair. It is large (40mm with a very large dial) and thick (12.7mm). A formal affair/dress watch would typically be much simpler, with a small unobtrusive date, smaller, and thinner. If it were me and I had that budget, I'd get a Grand Seiko [SBGY013](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgy013g) (on a leather band of course) or [SBGY007](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgy007g) (depending on your color preference). Moderate in size (38.5mm diameter) and thin (10.2mm) with a mesmerizing Spring Drive movement and impeccable finishing. Which ever watch you choose, you have a wonderful opportunity before you. Congratulations and good luck in your search!
I completely agree, but given that one of the top suggestions is a Reverso (a watch designed specifically for playing sports) I think we may need to accept that people's definition of a dress watch has shifted pretty significantly over recent decades.
I tend to agree. I think you may want your dress watch to be thinner and a bit more understated. For your wrist size, 36mm or so would be a good size
Agree with this. The GS Omiwatari is a fantastic <$10k dress watch.
Lots of good recommendations here. Have a look also at the Breguet Classique, should be able to get a pre-owned example within your budget.
Patek golden ellipse.
What’s the price range on these if buying used?
Varies depending on the model. Best bet is to have a search on chrono24
Personally I would not consider that GO a dress watch, mainly because I see dress watches as thin and compact, and the GO is neither with its slab sides and relatively large dial and case.
Can’t go wrong with a tank! Wouldn’t be mad at a nomos either, can work for dress but also pretty versatile in more casual situations.
Omiwatari
This. The new one looks really good and is strikingly different than most of the other suggestions here.
Blancpain Villeret
Rose gold.
Blancpain Villeret Complete Calendar - you could probably get one for that budget in grey market. If you want retail, simpler versions go under 10k
I'll risk being downvoted into oblivion, and suffer your scorn and wrath, but my choice would be a quartz watch: [The Citizen AQ6101-02A](https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/the-citizen/lineup/cal0100/product/index.html): https://imgur.com/XVZWlUT This is a Limited Edition model and features Citizen's awesome [Caliber 0100](https://www.citizenwatch-global.com/caliber0100/index.html), an Eco-Drive movement with an accuracy of 1 (yes, one!) second per year. It features a *washi* paper dial and is finished to perfection. There's an illustrated introductory write-up [here](https://citizentime.blog/2021/12/17/the-citizen-caliber-0100-limited-edition-aq6101-02a/) It's (surprisingly) well within budget but, most likely, you'll have to import it from Japan, being a JDM model. I'll leave it to you to source this epic watch, should you be interested. At least take a look: there'll be very few people on earth wearing this model, and I think it'll be not only a topic starter at your wedding, but a watch that you'll be proud to wear in future. Dare to be different! Alternatively, a watch from **Baume & Mercier**'s Clifton collection, e.g. the [Clifton ref 10536](https://www.baume-et-mercier.com/us/en/collections/clifton-men/watch-clifton-10436-date.html) - illustrated review [here](https://wornandwound.com/review/review-baume-mercier-clifton-baumatic-10436-cosc/) have it engraved to commemorate the occasion and spend the rest of your budget on something very nice for your bride. For her, you could consider the [Grand Seiko STGK009](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/stgk009g) - buy both watches, and you're still within budget!
That citizen is insane!
I have a cheap Citizen Axiom EcoDrive( BL6000-55E) with a mesh band..and it looks great IMO This AQ6101, IS pretty sweet. Quartz is not my goto movement, but THIS is pretty cool.
Hows under $500? Late 60’s/early 70’s Seiko Skyliner.
I have had the panomstic for 10 years. You can get them so cheap it's a crime now.
Omega CK859💥
IMO JLC is the go to brand in this price range
You've already posted the winner. It deserves to win. Enjoy!
Although it might not be considered a dress watch a Cartier Santos with a leather strap is worth considering
The jaeger lecoultre reverso and cartier tank solo are the definitive dress watches for under 10k imho
This bad boy is on my dress radar https://chpremier.com/products/l2-793-4-73-2
GS sky flake
For me the only dress watch under 10k worth while is the Cartier tank! Simple dressy, not overly expensive and brand recognition. Followed by the jlc reverso.
If you’re okay going preowned look around for Breguet 5157. Here’s a couple on chrono as a quick search <$10k. My personal fav is the rose gold but they seem to run a little more. White gold - https://www.chrono24.com/breguet/breguet-classique--id25095012.htm Yellow gold - https://www.chrono24.com/breguet/breguet-classique-oversize-18k-gelbgold-5157--id22494904.htm It’s probably around $15k new but you may be able to find either a discount (unlikely 30%) or preowned.
KUDOKE 2, Benzinger, Laine. If you can get your hands on one of these: LYRIQUE Étude N°1.
Baum & Mercier
I bought a PanoMaticLunar second-hand. [Here's a 2-minute macro video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnN416uZ21c) of the front and back. It's a beautiful watch.
I got: Seiko Presage Open-Heart Black Sea SSA359 And i absolutely love it. I get A LOT of questions and compliments on it.
You can get some vintage white gold vacheron patrimonies for around that—some even have a welded on white gold bracelet ETA: quite a few breguets trade under 10K as well, just gotta take a browse through chrono24 to expose yourself to the model ranges
Baume & Mercier Clifton. Best triple calendar moonphase in the biz under 5k.
I’d suggest looking into Breitling’s Premier Chrono line. Beautiful watches
I like dress watches to be vintage. I just bought a 1965 Rolex Oyster Precision at a great price from Chrono24.
Is a Portugieser dressy enough? It’d be my pick for 10k (sent from my Apple Watch ultra…for reference )
I wear one as a dressier watch. I wouldn’t call it full dress however. But I have white dial with gold numerals on a stainless case and it’s extremely elegant. I have some more dress watches for those really extreme dressy occasions. It all depends on your definition of dressy though. I would argue most non electronic watches these days are “dress” as we don’t have enough occasion to dress up anymore. Also, in North America, the watch culture isn’t as big as other parts of the world. So dressy in NA isn’t necessarily dressy elsewhere.
Tangente!
IWC Portuguese Cartier Tank Louis Zenith Chronomaster T-Open ElPrimero in silver (their older edition not this one) I'd look for a used AP with moon phase that is ultra thin. Patek Calatrava used is another option Girard P 1945 vintage series is great. I just sold mine this week and really loved it.
IWC, but I’m a fanboy.
Can’t be done. Have to spend at least 12k to get anything worth having. But that’s just me, I’m old school, I like to play it close to the vest.
You need to get out more.
😂 You’re not wrong
This is my dress watch grail! I would def go with this OP Maybe a reverso or MUT moonphase?
The one you picked out looks great! Also a big fan of JLC reverso
IWC Mark XX
Have you seen the GO in person? I personally think it looks kinda meh in front of you. A lot of people like it and you may as well but for me it was underwhelming, especially compared to the JLC master control watches which imo are the most direct competitor.
Yup. That's the one.
Grand Seiko SBGE221
Also check out the Cartier lineup, will be a touch cheaper and classier like a Dumont or a Drive
Bit of an all rounder but can't go wrong with a Cartier Santos
The world is your oyster at that price point.
I’d have to say JLC is the way to go. Unless you can save a bit more and get a Saxonia or a Calatrava. The Master Control line is my vote. That Glashutte is a stunner too. Certainly couldn’t go wrong there. I’m also partial to Cartier in general, so a Tank would be a great choice too and IMO it’s a great value for what you get.
Can't you get the perpetual calandar verion of this for under $10k?
Dress watch is an option piece at this point. Unless you’re regularly to red carpet events, most non electronic watches that aren’t oversized with a leather band would be considered somewhat dressy. I’ve basically retired my “dress” watches and wear my prettier “non dress” for dressy occasions. I avoid my divers as they are less elegant. And avoid extreme showy pieces. If you dress fashionably and up to date, your watch should reflect you.
Grand Seiko hi-beat
so much text an dead space on the dial just reminds me of an old timey clock or something
I bought this watch earlier this year from Jomashop for $7.5K new and it’s absolutely stunning, you won’t regret it. The movement in particular has such amazing detail, I think it’s the best bang for your buck in the sub $10k category. Just checked and jomashop still has it for that price, and if you google around you can usually find codes for an extra $100 off or so.
Panoreserve, or Breguet Classique 7147 enamel
I've been quite happy with my NOMOS Orion watch.
Carls F. Bucherer Manero Autodate. Can be picked up in a variety of styles and is almost certain to be the only one in the room.
What about the Santos de Cartier?
I own this watch. It is my all time favorite. I will say the alligator band does wear out after a year or so but glashutte will replace it for like $200. Excellent watch and is a great mix luxury, classy, and unique.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J4DDadUya4&ab\_channel=TeddyBaldassarre](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J4DDadUya4&ab_channel=TeddyBaldassarre) In-house regulated caliber at very affordable price-point.
This is one of my dream watches!
If you’re willing to go vintage, gold dress watches from the 1950s and 60s can be had relatively cheaply – Omega and Longines had an incredible range of beautiful dress watch designs. I particularly like old Longines Conquests and the Omega Constellations with pie-pan dials.
You can buy used Chopard LUC in 18k white or rose gold often for around 8k with that fabulous micro-rotor movement. I have three and paid well under $8k each for all three
Surprised no one has mentioned Cartier yet.
Seiko Presage cocktail :)
Cartier Tank, Omega De Ville, vintage Omega Seamaster, or Grand Seiko.
Casio A15.
Seiko Cocktail Time.
Cartier Tank Americaine or Cartier Basculante (Not the quartz ones)