Watches represent the taste, character and branding of an individual, which makes finding the perfect watch a top style priority for most. Whether it is commanding the boardroom or making an entrance at a red carpet function, the sole function of the dress watch is to compliment a business suit or formal wear. A few rules to abide by when selecting a dress watch are as follows.
First, a dress watch should be properly proportioned to the wearer’s wrist; otherwise, it will draw attention to itself. Second, as it is worn with a suit, a dress watch must be thin enough to slip in and out of a dress shirt cuff easily. Third, the standard rules of matching metals and leathers with shoes and belts apply as well. Finally, a dress watch must imbue simplicity. Most dress watches have no complications, or have at most a second hand and a date window.
From IWC and Baume & Mercier to Raymond Weil and Hublot, strap yourself in for the latest men’s dress watches available in the country.
Everyman’s go-to dress watch
In a modern twist to a classic self-winding waterproof Rolex watch, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 is equipped with the new generation caliber 3235 movement, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The Datejust 41 comes in yellow or Everose Rolesor version Rolesor is the combination of steel and gold on a Rolex watch – a signature feature of the brand since 1933.
OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 41
Reference number: 126333
Materials: Oyster steel and yellow gold or Everose case and champagne dial with a scratch-resistant sapphire glass, including a Cyclops lens over the date function, folding Oyster clasp with Easylink 5mm extension link
Power reserve: 70 hours
Rs1.5 million
Available at Tharaka Time House
At home, around the world
If you are continuously changing timezones, then the IWC Ingenieur Dual Time Titanium was made for you. The watch dial shows the current local time, while the 24-hour outer ring keeps track of a second time. In addition, to differentiate day and night, the upper half of the watch (6pm to 6am) is darker than the lower half. The watch retails with a black rubber strap that’s trending as of late.
IWC INGENIEUR DUAL TIME TITANIUM
Reference number: IW326403
Materials: Titanium case, Titanium-coloured dial, black rubber strap, pin buckle in Titanium
Power reserve: 42 hours
Rs1.5 million
Available at Chatham Luxury Watches (on order)
A standout among Cartier’s Ballon Bleu range
A defining feature of Cartier’s Ballon Bleu range is the sapphire blue balloon wind nestled on the watch’s side. The watch face is highlighted by Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands. Available with a rubber or steel strap, the watch also features a chronograph, calendar aperture and a seconds clock.
BALLON BLEU DE CARTIER
Reference number: W6920052
Materials: Steel case, gray guilloché dial with sunray effect, rubber/steel strap with double adjustable folding steel buckle
Power reserve: 38 hours
Rs1.6 million
Available at Chatham Luxury Watches
Steely grey or midnight black
The Montblanc Timewalker Chronograph Automatic is a classic. In addition to displaying the hour, date and chronograph, it features three sub-dials. The self-winding automatic movement is presented on a watch face that alternates numerals and stick hour markers. The steel bracelet watch can feature either a silver or black watch face, depending on the wearer’s preference.
MONTBLANC TIMEWALKER CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC
Reference number: 9669/9668
Materials: Steel with sapphire crystal, steel strap with a unique clasp
Power reserve: 46 hours
Rs890,000+
Available at Turret
A striking rose gold timekeeper
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Automatic Chronograph (Rose Gold) will make sure people stand up and notice you. The 18 kt rose gold case with a black alligator leather strap has a black dial with rose gold-tone hands and stick hour markers, as well as day of the week and date displays, and three sub-dials.
RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH (Rose Gold)
Reference number: 17740-G-20001
Materials: Rose gold, scratch-resistant sapphire with a skeleton case back, foldover with safety clasp
Power reserve: 46 hours
Rs1.7 million+
Available at Colombo Jewellery Stores
Gold that’s fit for a king
Straying from Hublot’s classic skeleton feature, this sleek watch is in a league of its own. The 18KT King Gold watch simplistically features chronograph and date functions. The inner casing is made of sapphire with anti-reflective treatment, with the Hublot logo printed on the matte black dial.
The 18KT King Gold strap is a signature made for men who like to adorn themselves with the finer things in life.
HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION – CHRONOGRAPH KING GOLD BRACELET
Reference number: 520.OX.1180.OX
Materials: Polished and satin-finished 18KT King Gold case with sapphire glass with anti-reflective treatment, 18KT King Gold bracelet 18K King Gold buckle clasp
Power reserve: 42 hours
Rs6 million
Available at Colombo Jewellery Stores (on order)
Retro in a contemporary design
The multifaceted Baume & Mercier Capeland complements people constantly on the go. The chronograph watch features a tachymeter to measure speed, a telemeter to measure distance, date functions and a seconds clock. The brown leather strap has a retro feel to it, but is complemented by the contemporary automatic mechanical caliber visible through a transparent sapphire case-back.
BAUME & MERCIER CAPELAND
Reference number: 10082
Materials: Steel, satin-finished, sapphire case with anti-glare on the watch face and scratch resistant, brown alligator strap with a triple adjustable folding clasp
Power reserve: 48 hours
Rs573,075
Available at Turret