The dress watch
Words - Dav Sehra
“A round case in a precious metal with a time-only dial, and a leather strap” - this is how watch enthusiasts would most probably describe a dress watch. However, the etiquette for when a dress watch should be worn, contrary to belief, has become more relaxed. Classism, social interaction, lifestyle and most of all fashion has created a new genre for how, and when, to wear a dress watch.
The modern man has now embraced casual denims and sportswear with open arms - important business meetings are now informal discussions over a chai latte in the new local independent coffee shop. Formality in menswear has taken a new approach; one which doesn’t disregard the classic tailored suit, or wearing a tie on the weekends but merges the two together. You only need to take a look at the collaboration between Aime Leon Dore x Drakes to truly understand how the two can work in harmony. We now live in a world that appreciates the fundamentals of classic menswear and proposes an element of comfort to coincide with it. Both have their function, both have their place. This applies in parallel to dress watches and how they can, and should, co-exist in the same way.
The purpose of a watch has never changed, the same way the purpose of a well-tailored pair of trousers has never changed, however, the approach to its functionality has developed over the years. Some purists may argue this change was for the worse, however none can deny it has its place firmly within today’s market. It is extremely hard to let go of the fundamental design and function of a traditional wristwatch. The modern wristwatch originates from what we now regard as the dress watch.
The dress watch has, by most, been considered something that is worn to complete the ensemble for evening wear or formal business attire. However, it now has a new place. One that sits alongside a pair of heather grey joggers, a waterproof parka and a pair of suede desert boots. This time, the ‘dress watch’ has upgraded from the classic plain black leather strap to a new green alligator strap or blue ostrich leather strap. Who knew that the dress watch could be so versatile? It is the very reason brands such as Daniel Wellington, Larsson and Jennings, as well as many others, have flourished in recent years. This is why we still favour a time-only device on our wrist. It nods to the Bauhaus movement: form over function. The dress watch can adapt and stand proud on any occasion, but does so quietly without over shadowing any of its peers - the Ralph Lauren tuxedo, Brioni cashmere overcoat or Louboutin velvet slippers.
The dress watch, luckily, has been reconsidered in recent times to allow it to coexist with parallel propositions. It is fair to say we owe a lot to the dress watch as it is ultimately the blueprint from which most of the modern watch comes from. So, wearing a dress watch doesn’t necessarily mean wearing it when ‘dressing’ up for a formal occasion. A dress watch should be considered with any outfit and for any occasion. Like any form of art, fashion and style hold the same principle - it is a proposition. It will never be to everyone's taste nor will everyone agree to its place. The dress watch stands firmly as a gentle reminder for us to appreciate what has inspired the world we live in today.
