Watches do more than tell time, they can also amplify your style in any particular situation, this is very much true for dress watches. As there are timepieces made for daily use, dress watches are designed for more formal events, requiring elegance, style, and attractiveness.
This purpose usually gives the watch a reputation for being expensive, used often for special occasions. But that doesn’t have to be the case. This article will discuss the best dress watches under $500 for men, proving that style and elegance can also be inexpensive and affordable, without sacrificing aesthetics.
| Our Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall Read Our Review | Tissot 03101
| Read Our Review |
Top Choice For Seiko's Fans Read Our Review | Seiko Cocktail Time SARB065
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Orient Sun & Moon Version 2
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Frederique Constant FC245M4S6
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Hamilton Jazzmaster
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Hamilton Khaki Field Watch HML-H70455533
| Read Our Review |
Best Solar Powered Dress Watch Read Our Review | Citizen AW1490-50E
| Read Our Review |
Tissot 03101
Specification:
Tissot 03101 | |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Band Width | 20mm |
| Band material | Embossed cow leather |
| Glass | Domed Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Swiss movement (ETA 2836-2) |
| Water Resistance | 30m/ 99ft |
| Case Thickness | 11.6mm |
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal provides a strong and functional casing
- ETA 2836-2 is reliable
- Is a great mixture of a vintage and modern feel
- Low water resistance compared to other models
The Tissot 03101 is a refreshing take on the Visodate model released in the 1950s. It merges the vintage watch into today’s generation through tweaking the dial design, making it larger for the current size trends of watches. It is an elegant dress watch that is sure to attract the keen eye of most watch enthusiasts for its homage to the classic look.
If you’ve got an eye for classy dress watches that are simple yet perfect for formal occasions, then the Tissot 03101 is definitely a timepiece to consider. The simplistic steel case paired with the white dial design makes a good combination. An italic logo adds to the vintage and classic look. With alligator-like embossed cow leather, you’ve got a balanced brown and steel grey timepiece that shows itself off especially on formal and semi-formal gatherings.
Tissot 03101 features the ETA 28362-2 movement for accurate timekeeping with 25 jewels. The higher jewel count attests to its durability for longer use. It has a balance wheel that oscillates at 28,800 times per hour and the high frequencies creates a seamless continuous motion for the hands of the watch instead of the usual ticking.
A tough, domed sapphire crystal dial case and a see through case back emphasizes the strength and beauty of the timepiece face and interiors, letting its users appreciate the design of the watch.
Is it for you?
If you want a timepiece that is as simple as it is classy, and a dress watch that you could wear formally and dressed down casually, then this is for you. A medium sized timepiece, the 40mm is good for average-sized wrists. The domed sapphire crystal adds in an extra level of protection for the timepiece.
With its simplicity, it is better suited for formal use as the white emphasizes class. However, to some degree, you can pair it up with more casual clothing, depending on the style and combination you plan on pairing it up with.
Seiko Cocktail Time SARB065
Specifications:
Seiko Cocktail Time | |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Band Width | 20mm |
| Band Material | Leather Calfskin |
| Glass | Domed Hardlex crystal |
| Movement | 6R15 Automatic |
| Water Resistance | 50m/ 165 ft |
| Case Thickness | 11.6mm |
- Unique design from collaboration
- 6R15 movement is a reliable Seiko staple
- Relatively good water resistance
- It can be hard to tell time because of the dial and hands color
- The strap appears bulky and is not as elegant as the dial
A unique timepiece, the Seiko Cocktail Time is not a typically-designed timepiece. It was created with the collaboration of native bartender, Shinobu Ishigaki. This is a unique domestic version for Seiko, considerably famous for its craftsmanship and quality.
Echoing out a sleek and polished look, the Seiko Cocktail Time is an excellent dress watch to wear at formal gatherings. Exuding an air of prestige, the timepiece features its sharp and metallic radial sunburst dial design as well as its sword-shaped indexes. It utilizes a domed hardlex crystal, utilized by Seiko for its balance between cost and quality, as well as its impressive shatter-resistance.
Cocktail Time has a transparent case back, highlighting the dial and the interiors found behind it. The gray case and dial are greatly contrasted by the dense yet lightweight, black calfskin band, a further emphasis on its prestige for the calfskin’s soft and fine feel.
For the movement, Cocktail Time features the premium Seiko 6R15 caliber self-winding movement that you can also maneuver manually with its hacking function. This is the same movement used with the equally famous Seiko Prospex timepiece models. Its 23 jewels boost its longevity as it lessens friction inside the timepiece. It boasts an immense 50hour power reserve, with an accuracy of +25/-15 seconds per day.
Is it for you?
If you want a uniquely made, formal gathering timepiece that exudes an air of prestige through its design, then the Seiko Cocktail Time may be for you. This watch is made for such occasions and will never look out of place. It is meant for special events and is definitely made with such exclusivity through its collaborated creation.
With the dial design highlighting uniqueness and prestige, it may not be a good choice to bring it for informal trips as its design is not meant for extremely casual wear. Intense outdoor activities may also harm the watch, as it is not designed for such events.
Orient Sun & Moon Version 2
Specifications:
Orient Sun and Moon Version 2 | |
| Case Diameter | 42.5mm |
| Band Width | 20mm |
| Band Material | Leather Calfskin |
| Glass | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Movement | 46B40 Automatic |
| Water Resistance | 50m/ 165 ft |
| Case Thickness | 14.1mm |
- Unique and fun dial design
- Design makes it a good everyday watch
- Relatively good water resistance
- Not easy to read at a glance
- The dial is rather bulky as it can be quite thick for users
A functional, yet aesthetically quirky timepiece, the Orient Sun and Moon is designed to show you the transition from day to night, and vice-versa, aside from the time. Aside from this unique feature, the watch is a classy timepiece with its simple and straight-forward design, making it a great choice for daily wear.
True to its name, the Orient Sun and Moon is meant to show you that, the transition from day and night. An interesting movement, the transition goes as a normal day, with the sun slowly moving up and down to be replaced by the moon, as it transitions back towards morning. This aesthetic is manifested clearly in its dial design, showing off the function as a main feature in the timepiece.
This makes a uniquely playful design, aside from the simple and beautiful guilloche dial design around it. The leather calfskin goes well with its simplistic look, making it a great overall watch.
For its movement, the Sun and Moon utilizes the Orient caliber 46B40 automatic movement. It is a simple movement but is still a reliable offer from Orient. With 21 jewels, it also helps against internal friction inside the watch, prolonging its use.
The power reserve for the timepiece is an impressive 40 hours. An exhibition back is added as a welcome design that lets you appreciate the interior machinations of the timepiece. A synthetic sapphire glass protects the watch, much similar to the actual strength of natural sapphire.
Is it for you?
The Orient Sun and Moon is a quirky timepiece that lets you see the change from day and night. It features a beautifully-designed dial and is meant to be showcased along with its sun and moon shifts. It may not be the most formal of timepieces with this design feature, but ultimately depends on the user on how they match the timepiece with.
The overall look makes it a very versatile timepiece, adaptable to a lot of different styles. It is fun to look at and functional at the same time. It is also great at formal events, just make sure to pair up the watch properly to highlight its day and night feature. However, it isn’t meant for outdoor sports events with its features not matching exposure to intense activities.
Frederique Constant FC245M4S6
Specifications:
| Frederique Constant FC245M4S6 | |
| Case Diameter | 37mm |
| Band Width | 20mm |
| Band Material | Alligator-embossed leather |
| Glass | Anti-reflective Sapphire |
| Movement | FC-245 Quartz |
| Water Resistance | 30m/ 99ft |
| Case Thickness | 5mm |
- Has an elegant minimalistic design
- Easy to read time in a glimpse
- Slim case makes it light on the wrist
- Utilizes quality materials such as anti-reflective sapphire and alligator leather
- Relatively low water resistance compared to other models
- Has a simple quartz movement with no special features
Something that will fit most styles is the elegance of the Frederique Constant. The brand boasts its quality watches, singularity, and craftsmanship, exemplified in the beautiful and minimalistic design of the FC245M4S6 dress watch that. It is sure to complement any look you want, as it fits perfectly into any occasion.
The design of the Frederique Constant FC245M4S6 delves heavily into a minimalistic and intricately ornate dial design. Your eyes won’t tire by looking at the pleasing dial, and will quickly focus on the beautiful craftsmanship of the diamond interlocking design of its central part. Alligator-embossed leather perfectly encapsulates the overall design of the timepiece.
The movement utilized for this timepiece is the FC-245 quartz movement. It is not exceptional in performance but definitely provides a reliable base for movement of the timepiece. It has 10 jewels to help against wear and tear for the interiors of the timepiece. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal adds in a level of protection against scratches.
Is it for you?
An elegant and minimalistic timepiece, the Frederique Constant FC245M4S6 is not a boastful timepiece but definitely holds itself up when looked at closely. It utilizes some of the finest quality materials for its overall look. The use of anti-reflective sapphire glass and alligator leather strap are testaments to its quality.
The interlocking design at the dial is enough detail for the watch, but adding in the complementary hour markers and hands emphasize the well-blended features of the dial. It can be dressed down for select casual wear, but shines during formal gatherings, as its minimalistic beauty will amplify your overall get-up.
Hamilton Jazzmaster
Specifications:
Hamilton Jazzmaster | |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Band Width | 22mm |
| Band Material | Alligator leather |
| Glass | Anti-reflective Sapphire |
| Movement | ETA 955.112 Quartz |
| Water Resistance | 50m/ 165ft |
| Case Thickness | 7mm |
- Simple and elegant timepiece
- Easy to read time in a glimpse
- Simple quartz movement with no other special features
- The design might be a boring for some users
Bringing in minimalistic beauty into the list, Hamilton’s Jazzmaster is sure to provide greatly in that category. Highlighting functionality and simplistic beauty for a watch, the dial is very easy to glance at and will definitely match a lot of varying colors and styles that you opt to pair it up with.
The Jazzmaster proves that simplicity is a different category of beauty, and something well-loved by many. It features a simple and elegant dial design that emphasizes the hour markers and the hands, making reading time easy. It also has a date window positioned on top of the 6 hour marker, a welcome change from the usual format of replacing the 3 o’clock marker. Matching this simple case with alligator leather completes the complementing look of the watch.
For its movement, a reliable ETA 955.112 powers up the timepiece. This movement is known for its time-tested quality and is well-known for their quartz creations, which is reliable and durable. Notably, this specific quartz caliber of the Jazzmaster has played an important role in making the timepiece as thin as it is.
It is also protected with 7 jewels, enough to give ample protection for the interior of the timepiece. Aside from that, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the case from bumps and scratches.
Is it for you?
Highlighting the beauty of minimalism, the Hamilton Jazzmaster proves that beauty can also be found with the lack of ornamentation. If you opt for a timepiece that is straight-forward yet beautiful, then this is a great choice. The complementing silver tone of the case and the dial blends perfectly into a timepiece that is easy to look at. The timepiece also offers the basic movements and functions, which makes it great for everyday use. However, it isn’t one of the best in that regard.
Hamilton Khaki Field Watch HML-H70455533
Specifications:
Hamilton Khaki Field Watch HML-H70455533 | |
| Case Diameter | 38mm |
| Band Width | 20mm |
| Band Material | Leather calfskin |
| Glass | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | H-10 automatic caliber |
| Water Resistance | 100m/ 328 ft |
| Case Thickness | 11mm |
- Sleek and vintage-looking timepiece
- Versatile timepiece.
- 100m water resistance is a great feature.
- Long power-reserve
- Lack of anti-reflective coating may be off for some users
- A little rugged for a dress watch
As there are a lot of variations for watch design, the black dial of the Hamilton Khaki brings in a lot of familiar faces for its color choice. Its visible and attractive dial highlights the basic time-keeping features along with its 24-hour markers. An easy to look at watch, it provides a classy and well-designed form that is well-suited to a lot of different styles.
The design of the Hamilton Khaki exudes a vintage and sleek look. It features a black dial with contrasting luminous white hour markers and hands, effectively highlighting them for better reading. An exhibition back lets users appreciate the movement of the watch. It is accompanied with matching brown leather calfskin that completes its overall look.
For its movement, the Hamilton Khaki utilizes the caliber H-10. It is the brand’s version of the ETA C07.111, having a mono-block rotor and aviation-inspired cut-outs to express its individuality. It is a self-winding watch that has a great amount of power reserve with 80 hours, protected by 25 jewels. An oscillation of 21600 times per hour helps it balance out the movement of the watch to its interiors.
It is a common movement, making it easily replaceable if necessary.
Is it for you?
Hamilton Khaki Field is a beautiful and vintage watch that shines through any use. Despite being a dress watch, it is not designed as formally and can be used in a lot of different occasions. The contrast inside the dial is a beautiful and highlighted design. If you want such a timepiece, then this is for you. It provides a reliable caliber with a large amount of power reserve for longevity.
You may use the watch casually, but shines as a formal wear timepiece. Its added 100m water resistance is a very welcome feature of the watch. You can bring it to a lot of environments without having to worry too much on getting it wet as it can withstand such exposure.
Citizen AW1490-50E
Specifications:
Citizen AW1490-50E | |
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Band Width | 20mm |
| Band Material | Titanium |
| Glass | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Movement | Eco-drive J810 |
| Water Resistance | 330 ft/ 100m |
| Case Thickness | 11.5mm |
- Very sleek and elegantly modern design
- 100m water resistance is a great addition
- Eco-drive movement effectively removes the need for batteries
- The bold design makes it an interesting dress watch
- May be big for some users
- Some users dislike its lightweight design, preferring bulkiness for its design
Definitely a dress watch to consider, Citizen’s AW1490-50E is beautiful and functional at the same time. Being of the Eco-Drive Series, it is powered by light as it boasts its efficient power usage. The design is also sleek, achieved by the steel case and band along with its metallic dial design that makes it excellent with formal occasions. Notably, it is a dress watch that doesn’t utilize a leather strap.
Armed to be sleek and modern, the Citizen AW1490-50E is nothing less of such. The stylish silver tone of the titanium case and band boasts its extreme strength, durability, and resistances to rust and corrosion. However, its highlight is its black textured dial. The wonderful contrast of silver polish of the case and the black texture of the dial is complemented by rose gold hour markers and hands, all of which completes the overall look of the watch.
For its internal works, the Citizen AW1490-50E is powered by the Eco-drive J810, providing a reliable and eco-friendly movement. It is a technology that has eliminated the need for changing batteries, being more sustainable and providing accurate movement compared to other common ones. A synthetic sapphire adds a level of protection for its dial.
Is it for you?
If you want a modern, contrasting, and sleek timepiece that can be used in almost all occasions, then this is a great choice for you. Citizen’s AW1490-50E is already beautiful enough, but is also highlighted by its light-powered feature, capable of gaining power from any source of natural or artificial light. This specific feature makes it sustainable for long use. It is lightweight and larger than normal, so it might not be for everyone’s wrist size.
The movement is also a reliable feature of the timepiece, making it great for a lot of outdoor trips. The lume is also highly regarded for its brightness and sustainability, making any small glimpses to the watch easy and hassle-free. Despite the large case, it is lightweight and easy to carry due to the titanium.
The Best Dress Watch for you
Offered in this article are several unique timepieces, each having their own specialties and their own sets of weaknesses. Dress watches are meant to be perfect for special occasions, and sometimes, as everyday watches, but these differ according to the timepiece’s specialty and your preferences.
Make sure to choose the best watch that suits your personal taste, and one that will match perfectly with your lifestyle and environment. Doing so will ensure that you have a reliable time-keeping companion which complements your overall look.