5 Best Dress Watches | Watchfinder & Co.

The dress watch is perhaps the hardest watch to master. It has to be simple, it has to be manual wind, it has to have no complications-small seconds at a push-and it has to be small, both in diameter, but more importantly, thickness. This leaves very little for a watchmaker to hide behind, only the quality of the watchmaking itself left to do the talking. How do the very best brands in the world do it?
Featured Watches:
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin 1292520
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 81180/000G-9117
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R
Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Extra-Thin 15180OR.OO.A088CR.01
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin 201.027
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[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@Mizai]

im more interested in the 1 star reviews on your trust pilot profile

[@dream_emulator]

Can we some how nominate this channel for an award? Every video belongs in a museum in Geneva.

[@djmadayo]

Easily the best series of watch videos on KZbin.

[@yvelf]

dont forget Glashütte...from the comments id say its equal if not better...

[@markgisi1838]

Nominate 'em for a Webby!

[@rhahnabunaid]

Me: 'Oh sweet, I'm still looking for a nice dress watch.' WF: 'This may be the cheapest one here at 12,500 pounds ...' Me: 'God damn it.'

[@dingmingzou9866]

LMAO same here

[@JosephHHHo]

Yeah, enter the Orient Bambino...

[@Malevolent_Q]

Enter Timex

[@jennyp.4603]

@@JosephHHHoBoys, be a bit self respecting, you can do better than a Bambino... Get a Nomos... Junior A Lange & Söhne watchmakers wear them as well

[@poetryonplastic]

Seiko SARB, Nomos, Omega Deville, Longines Master

[@Jhet]

When he said "as fresh as a glass of cold water" I had to get myself one A glass of cold water, that is.

[@Rr_9991]

r/hydrohomies

[@Jhet]

@@Rr_9991 I fucking love water, I've been on it for like 19 years now. Can't seem to get off it.

[@garethhanna9173]

I splashed out and had two glasses, damn the expense.

[@akshaysinha1993]

LMAO, you made my day bro

[@yvelf]

and you did...cause you could afford that...

[@jameswong6590]

A Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin 37mm topped all of them.

[@drbadzer]

And the sky is blue. Are we going to state obvious facts all day?

[@alexbarcovsky4319]

That watch made me fall in love so hard that I save everything I can to get it as soon as possible.

[@johanforslund5461]

@@alexbarcovsky4319 did you get one?

[@Jerf1]

@@johanforslund5461 I think he’s still busy saving

[@bigpops74]

Out of those, the A Lange is an easy choice for me. £1K more than a JLC, and the most stunning watch of the three.

[@redpillsociety6479]

bigpops74 there were five watches, not three

[@kev-dm5388]

I instantly choose Lange & Söhne

[@silvercat7328]

That Vacheron is pure class.

[@kyatzz]

I think the Lange is the clear winner here. It has that perfect, very elegant, minimalist look. That, paired with the amazing movement and finish, and the fact that is among the least expensive here, makes this kind of a no brainer for me. If it was at all within my budget, that's the watch I would get.

[@Kraken1000]

I think this is the first comparison video you've done where I want them all. Stunning. Great macros too.

[@AppleSauceInvasion]

1. ALS 2. PP 3. VC 4. AP 5. JLC

[@seany108]

The guy who does the narrating and macro shots is world class. Best horology content on the web. Period.

[@ahmedbangura1979]

These are all high end watches for me, but the mastery of the narrator is so astonishing that I make it a hobby to view and listen to his videos every night before sleeping.

[@talk2rony]

My picks are A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin and Vacheron Constantin Patrimony.

[@st0rmr1der7]

+1 for the Saxonia

[@johnsonfung3972]

I agree Vacheron Constantine Patrimony is the best

[@sriniyarlagadda5442]

Same a Lange is my boy i want a zetwork

[@garytaylor5273]

The holy trinity with patak

[@brennan7032]

agreed

[@jeffmitchell9831]

Breathtaking macro photography and an AMAZING narrative. For me: 1st = ALS🥇 2nd = JLC 🥈 3rd = VC 🥉

[@colewalliser]

no other I'd rather have but the A Lange Saxonia!

[@flynsequeira7237]

Perfect for the red-carpet slo-mo's?

[@okavipra]

or Jaeger-LeCoultre here. these 2 mastered simplicity to perfection

[@joshalbert]

1. A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia 2. Nomos Orion Midnight Blue 3. Patek Philippe Gondolo 5109R 4. Grand Seiko SBGW251/252/253

[@bendigeidfranemmanueljones5694]

The hours I've spent watching all these to pick a watch I couldn't afford - I could have worked and bought one. Thanks a lot.

[@moog247]

One of the best detailed videos you've done yet, the macro views are stunning. Can't choose, want them all... but the ALS and and the VC are just outstanding. I had to cover the dial on my Bambino and watch this in another room, lest it get jealous!

[@jakob1643]

I always pick the a lange when its in one of your list 😂

[@sujaybhat]

If ever there was an award for the best KZbin video production, it should go to this channel. This guy's voice, choice of words and analogies can be compared to none. Keep it up.

[@elsenorjesus2419]

Damn! That shot at 6:00 😍 The escapement through the ruby

[@mhorlor]

seconded!!! Amazing Amazing photography. Well done watchfinder team.

[@afrikanbootyscratcher8818]

I have never seen such a thing!

[@nielsnielsen9013]

just beautiful

[@petrhaisman8645]

Those A. Lange und Sohne watch are out of this world!!!

[@derekrolle6705]

For me, the A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin day in and day out.

[@b0bbymoon452]

1. JLC Master Ultra Thin - Smart and Elegant 2. VC Patrimony - Royalty and Exclusive 3. Pp Calatrava - Classic 4. ALS Saxonia - Teutonic and Masculine There is no need to pick the “best” among them. It’s just a matter of preference

[@phughes4224]

The Lange .... by a mile.

[@adityabanerjee1124]

ALS for sure. Such simplicity and grace.

[@mhorlor]

Great video again - loved the escapement-in-the-jewel at 6:00 - amazing!!!

[@godwolf2090]

Pleasantly impressed by the AP but A. LANGE FOR THE WIN!

[@s802487]

I love your videos and the narrative is perfect. These are absolutely beautiful timepieces. My pick would be the JLC

[@Raph.Bogaert]

My favourite dresswatch is the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse. It's as minimal as the ones mentioned in this video, but with that special shape. And the best part is that you can buy it used for 1/4 of the retail price, as value for money this really counts!

[@on_spikes6867]

Lange 100%

[@richardhollo9828]

The Lange takes it for me because of the movement's finishing, but the JLC's dial is also extremely appealing. Beyond these, i would honestly consider the IWC Portofino too.

[@pintthereof4598]

Richárd Holló it has a date on it. Not minimalist enough really

[@abiromu]

Also has a seconds hand.

[@chriswelham9089]

I’m not the biggest fan of pure dress watches, but the exemplary photography and masterful production of this latest video had me mesmerized. Your documenting of these “microscopic engines” was captivating.

[@PopBubbleWrappable]

The JLC is my top choice, but that Lange & Sohne is an extremely close second. I'd buy both if I could.

[@RevLev06]

A. Lange & Sohne is my favorite, hands down. I am enthralled with its aesthetic and design both the dial and case as well as the movement itself. If I had the funds it would be part of my collection of German watches.

[@jdstarek]

My top 5: ALS VC H. Moser JLC GS

[@matthewscott3689]

This is objectively the greatest video of all time! Well done

[@gpearce11]

My person favourite dress watches are the Breguet 7157, with enamel dial, and the Vacheron Constantine Malte small-seconds. Both are classic dress watches in every sense (though not quite as thin as the examples here), yet each have a little something that sets them apart from these more conservative choices. For the Breguet it’s that beautiful hand painted enamel dial, with the wonderful subtle small seconds dial at a quirky 5 o’clock, along with the usual Breguet flourishes like the coin edge case. And the VC Malte is basically the Patrimony Small-Seconds, only in a tourneau case. Tourneau cases have really fallen to the wayside to round and rectangular cases in recent decades, but I like the compromise of an elongated case that is less severe than the standard rectangle (the relative scarcity of the case shape doesn’t hurt it in my book).

[@frodclairvoyantclip]

A. Lange & Sohne would be my pick without a second thought! That watch is stunning and beautifully executed. I can stare the movement of it all day

[@ChibaCityBlues]

That one is easy for me. The Vacheron Constantin. I just love the proportions and the look. Timeless.

[@TheCamb0910]

Yep the A.LANGE & SÖHNE SAXONIA THIN is stunning. Hands down winner for me. 👌🏽

[@micahwhite6903]

Love your videos, especially now that they have bullet sound effects. When you do such a large comparison, can you put all of them in one shot at the end? Its easier to see similarities and differences relative to one another and possibly even a side profile or on-wrist profile to highlight thinness. Thanks again!

[@waelthassan]

excellent video, truly enjoyed watching it. I just came from a tour of the Vacheron Constantin factory and I'm now in love with the Patrimony. But I must admit the JLC looks outstanding and modern amongst these giants

[@tackontitan]

That shot with the ruby on the Patek Philippe really amazed me!

[@muhammadikram7681]

The way you present and explain the watches are absolutely tremendous as well as your voice is so amazing....👏🏻👏🏻

[@YulianRojas]

A Lange & Söhne for sure

[@ewsdneax61eaxe10]

What i like about ALS is that the finishing is great even their cheapest watch, no compromises👍👍👍

[@Ryan-jr2cv]

That Patek Phillipe 😍

[@TomasEriksson001]

Amazing content as usual! Amazing timepieces and a good selection. For me however, I’m missing my choice in the segment: the Piaget Altiplano.

[@berotor]

I believe that the dress watch category is not only about round watches. For me, the Tank Louis Cartier is the most elegant timepiece a man can put on the wrist. I would love a second part video on this topic.

[@adart2496]

I have the Patrimony and the Saxonia Thin (40mm). They are a pleasure to wear every time and even though they are simple I never tire of looking at them. Both are also extremely comfortable on the wrist, especially the VC. Great list.

[@booger7720]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm in the market and am having a difficult but enjoyable time trying to decide which dress watch is my favorite. The dial of the Patrimony has really stood to me as simple and elegant. However, I am also a fan of JLC and ALS. I appreciate that you've pointed out that the Patrimony is very comfortable on the wrist. Do you have any other info that could help me decide these amazing makes and models? Thanks.

[@adart2496]

Josh Plett Hi Josh.THE most comfortable, and I think, elegant dress watch I own is the VC Patrimony Contemporaine (not the Traditionelle) in white gold. It’s only hours and minutes. Just pure understatement and modest design perfection. Second on my list would be the ALS Saxonia Thin (40mm). Also a very simple, elegant timepiece and extremely comfortable on the wrist. If you can pay more and want to go with Patek Philippe, I would not recommend the Calatrava. That design, to me, is rather more ordinary than understated. It’s not that comfortable. The Nautilus is incredibly comfortable and has the advantage of being swim-able and lumed, but it has a decidedly more sporty look. Thanks for asking and good luck with your search!

[@rossdavis5833]

LOL'ed at the completely unexpected bullet sound effect - next time please chase that with the Wilhelm scream.

[@joncerv]

The subtle details on the vacheron are incredible.

[@titor8017]

A. Lange , Patek, Vacheron , JLC, AP in that order of choice for me. Tho you can’t miss with either, all are great

[@darrenteo5751]

A Lange & sohne 1815 is what I would choose

[@daniellewis9240]

Bravo Bravo!!!! Great new choice for the background music.

[@FirestormAA]

Lange for the win clearly..... the finish is top notch.

[@MrSupernova111]

These are all beautiful watches! I love your passion and knowledge of the watches you review!

[@WorldsWorstFishing]

Love that calatrava!

[@Rjl41]

My favourite is the Saxonia, then the PP Calatrava, The Jules Audemars, the VC and the JL!

[@trelee9865]

Patek and Lange would be my top two picks, they look stunning

[@clave9999]

I prefer the Lange and sohne watch and the Vacheron watch. I love these two clocks.

[@batthemadbat]

Nah Mate, the hardest part is not choosing... it's paying for your choice ;)

[@MisterHedgeFund]

Yeah, at the end of the day you’re paying more than 15k for a white dial watch with two hands.

[@Lyaaaamlyaaaam]

Why would anybody do shopping if they don't have money in the first place. 🤔

[@ndukaolise]

A. Lange & Sohne clear is the clear winner, stunningly beautiful and just perfect 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@matthunter9562]

I choose between Vascheron Contantine Patrimony or A Lange & Sohne Saxonia this both of dress watch so beautiful, minimalist, & awesome 👍🏻👍🏻

[@thomasrusso1411]

A. Lange Sohne work of art

[@diegobittar7425]

Lovely simplicity

[@MrIMPRESIO]

A.Lange absolut winner 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@abdullahashraf8549]

A lange and shone is the best in my opinion!

[@JaredSteadman]

Great vid. Lange.

[@MrVoayer]

Important lessons in history and even more impressive showdown of beauty, art and crafts ! Fabulous video ! Dazzling watches ! Watchfinder & Co. at its best !

[@christopherliang6879]

Saxonia is my favorite but the JLC and Calatrava are both beautiful as well. Frankly, all 5 are excellent

[@hans.lankamp]

Video idea: the top 5 square dress watches? A few options: A. Lange & Söhne Cabaret Jaeger-leCoultre Reverso Cartier Tank

[@kaygurke5629]

Lang & Heyne Georg Moritz Grossmann Corner stone

[@hans.lankamp]

@@kaygurke5629 good choices! Maybe also the PP Gondolo and the VC Hisoriques Toledo for the swiss fans?

[@N0gai]

Nomos Tetra

[@jamieparker4010]

Zenith port royal rectangle

[@dogez1]

Yes I would like to see that too. I have recently gotten into square watches and would love to see a nice spread of them that I can never afford. I just got a 1946 Bulova excellency off eBay as a stand-in until I can get a reverso and I am really enjoying it. And it has gotten the most notice of any watch I own.

[@KC93SE]

I don't know why, but when he says "fresh", it just feels so.... relaxing. So, calming.

[@alexclaassens2745]

I actually have a Vacheron Constantin from 1967 housing the K1120 movement, the same one from this Audemars Piguet, and only measures in at 6.6mm thick, FROM 1967!!

[@crowshik]

Heart started racing as soon as the video started, then ALS came along and there were goosebumps!

[@notmyfault6835]

All three pieces are perfection! Absolute perfection!

[@downingbethune8758]

Three?

[@macoyupadoodle]

The ALang has this clinically crisp and clean look that wins it for me . All businesses in the front and a hell of a party at the back.

[@johnchampion6926]

Definitely some watches were overlooked here. Rectangular/square watches like the JLC Reverso & the Cartier Tank are perfect dress watches

[@joealam1118]

What about Breguet...? sure they have something in this category.

[@N54B30BMW]

This channel is so incredibly fantastic. Only here can you watch a video about a couple of very expensive rather serious watches and be suddenly be confronted by a comic bullet sound at 9:28 That was so unexpected and so damn funny. I really love this channel.

[@lonesomepiper6783]

I was wondering if anybody would mention that! It was very surprising! Spot on!

[@atayal_1]

Although I can't afford most of these watches, but I just find your voice soothing and mesmerising!

[@lucasmoraes3787]

Great video. My favorite would need to be the Vacheron, because of the Geneva seal.

[@laurenceharrison661]

Always fantastic videos and beautiful watches

[@deanaustin1975]

I've never gotten along with date windows, so the A. Lange & Sohne, or the Audemars Piguet. Thanks.

[@Mans1810]

That rotor on the Audemars OMG 😍. What a beauty.

[@dereks66]

Patek Philippe has mastered the dress watch with the Calatrava. Models 570, 5296 and 5227 are excellent choices to name a few.

[@RecordSisi]

I love the JLC

[@SB-wr7hf]

Narration is pure nuts, truly delightful!

[@naderon]

All exquisite. I would, however, pick a Laurent Ferrer galet micro-rotor over all of those (though it's a bit thicker i suppose)

[@ssaddiq786]

Fantastic video.... very informative.

[@111Jpz]

For me the five would be, JLC Reverso, VC Patrimony, PP Calatrava, a Must de Cartier Tank and the Lange Saxonia - this wins it though. Great video.

[@normanpedersen5454]

YES!!! I love dress watches, so this was a fun vid!

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Is it just me who is shocked that the JLC / PP / VC all contain movements ridiculously small in comparison to the diameter of the watches? I know that JLC and PP have recycled older movements for this, which used to be in much smaller watches (not sure about VC), but it's still shocking that, especially at the price point of PP, they haven't bothered to provide an updated movement that fits the case. A.L&S the clear winner here, and it's not even close - even if the Calatrava is visually extremely attractive.

[@Jonathanbloom100]

I believe breguet is missing on this list

[@benedictvoon812]

A Lange and Sohne is the one for me.

[@lityear4604]

I have a Cartier Drive Moon-Phase and I love it as my dress watch.

[@felipeguimaraes1359]

The Saxonia Thin is a minimalist's wet dream 🤤😛

[@uptheorg]

Thrilling to see my recent acquisition of the JLC Ultra-Thin Jubilee featured here! On my favorite watch channel! I considered all of these of course when buying -- one requirement of mine is that it would be silver colored and the JLC Jubilee that I got is in platinum. On the pre-owned market, I got it for $10k all in and I believe that it is unquestionably a great value. I also particularly liked the design on the Jubilee -- more "modern" than the others somehow, with the daupine hands. I bought the watch for my son's wedding and I will cherish it forever -- it is certainly a rare one in that only 800 were made. All the watches are beautiful -- thanks for a great video.

[@vitogorleone5256]

Another great video which this time, hit my soft spot for dress watches. Oh, that 5196R. 😍 Still hoping you could feature the 5196G though and/or maybe a comparison of all three metals of the 5196. 😉 Best horology content anywhere, definitely! Would love to see you feature the more subtle white gold version.