Dress Watches Under 500
The ultimate purpose of a dress watch involves only two functions: tell time, and look good doing it. Since you will only be wearing this watch to complement your finest formal or evening attire, bells and whistles (such as various dials and details) are usually not necessary. The best dress watches will be subtle and classy in order to properly perform their duty. This article will explore 5 different dress watch models, all under $500, and all with different personalities. The best dress watch in this list will largely be a matter of personal preference, though each one has proven form and function.
Movado Men’s Museum Dress Watch
Following the theme of simple dress watch designs, it’s hard to get any more minimalist than a Movado. The watchmaker is famous for its “museum” watch, and obtained the moniker after becoming the first watch dial to be included as part of the permanent design collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The solitary dot at the 12 represents the sun at high noon, and the simple design results in a sophisticated and contemporary look. Swiss Quartz movement under the hood keeps dead accurate time, and strong synthetic sapphire protects the legendary dial. A soft leather band ensures a light and comfortable fit, and a Movado would not look out of place at any wedding or dinner party.
Tissot Men’s Silver-Tone Dress Watch
Tissot is a well known luxury Swiss watch company, and many of its models feature the subtle styling ideal for a dress watch. This model is a perfect example, featuring professional colors of black and Silver along with a clean dial design. The black dial is protected by a Sapphire window, the strongest material available and sure to never crack. Luminous hands circle triangle hour markers with Roman numerals in the 12 and 6 position, and a date dial at the 3. The stainless steel band has a rich feel, and is complemented well by the reliable butterfly clasp. Elegant and understated, this Tissot is really the perfect embodiment of a classy dress watch, and is available at quite a bargain price.
Gold Seiko Dress Watch
Gold has long been a symbol of vitality and accomplishment, and the color is not out of place on a dress watch. This particular model features an uncluttered face, with only a small date dial at the 3’oclock. The solar power system ensures that a battery replacement will never be necessary. The 36 mm size is just right, not too ostentatious while still remaining masculine. Seiko is one of the most well known and respected brand in the industry, with a reputation for providing excellent long lasting watches at reasonable price points. As one of the best selling and highly reviewed models on this list, one could certainly not going wrong adding the SGF206 to the wardrobe.
Two-Tone Kinetic Seiko Dress Watch SNAA30
For an all purpose dress watch under 500, the Seiko SNAA30 two tone watch is a common and excellent choice. The piece is made of black stainless steel with gold tone stripes on the bracelet and inner dial. Kinetic function means the watch requires no battery, and will keep running powered solely by the movement of the wearer. Durable and water resistant, this Seiko is a great “every day” watch that works at the office as well as at a fancy black tie dinner. An exhibition case back is also a nice touch, allowing a peak into the mechanical ingenuity at work in the heart of the watch.
Orient “Esteem” Men’s Dress Watch FDB08005W
Orient is a brand that is not as well known, and probably does not receive the full attention it deserves. The time pieces that the company puts out are always very well built with fine materials and accurate movements. The styles are also quite sophisticated, making them perfect candidates for formal functions. This particular model features a white face with large dark hour markers, making the watch very easy to read with a quick glance. The open heart window on the left side is a nice touch, hinting at the complex automatic self winding movement within.
