Recommendations for Dress Watches $5k - $12k

[RaZCaL]

My collection consists mostly of sports watches. Recently I am looking at more dressy watches for formal occasions. So far I’ve been looking at the following:

1) VC Fifty-six self winding
2) JLC Reverso
3) JLC Master ultra thin moon
4) JLC Master Control calendar


Any other models to consider? Thanks!

[SoylentGreenChi]

The four you list are terrific, also lots of options in the Grand Seiko elegance line, Zenith Elite line, Cartier Santos, or Omega Constellation. At this price point, I’d probably go with Cartier, but there are lots of things here I’d be very happy to wear. Good luck!

[Moose500]

I was in the same boat as you and went with the reverso. I am extremely happy with it. It brings such a different look and feel than my Rolex and Omega SS sports watches. It is just plain cool.

[RaZCaL]

Looking at IWC Portugieser too.

[beshannon]

JLC is great, I would also look at Glashutte

[texasmade]

Cartier Tank Americain or Cartier Santos Dumont (the manual wind version on a strap)

[Justindo]

All of your choices are high value winners, in my opinion and both brands are far better quality than Cartiers in that price range.

The VC is the nicest in terms of quality but the JLCs resonate more with me. If you were to consider the more expensive Fiftysix Day Date or the Complete Calendar, I would lean toward the VC.

You also could probably get a 35mm gold Lange Saxonia in that price range, which would be what I would go for with your price cap.

[scarlet knight]

I like my Reverso Duo from JLC



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[mps354]

Can’t go wrong with a reverso

[Skyrider01]

I have both the MUT Moon and the Master Calendar Meteorite. For formal occasions, go with the MUT Moon which is dressier and also slimmer and better proportioned than the MC.

[DD58]

I vote reverso duo medium. I have a Cartier and will be trading up to the duo as my dress watch


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[illiguy]

Under 5k USD and get Grand Seiko SBGW231.

[moting]

Originally Posted by DD58

I vote reverso duo medium. I have a Cartier and will be trading up to the duo as my dress watch


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I would be interesting to know why?

[jed11]

All great options. I’ve come close to the Reverso a few times but just never pulled the trigger…but still on the radar. Never really looked at the fifty-six until I saw it in-person at my AD. Once on the wrist, the choice was clear. I ended up going with the simple model, non in-house movement just because I liked the cleaner dial layout. While it leans towards the dressier side, I really love the versatility of this watch…the dial is so dynamic.



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[DD58]

Originally Posted by moting

I would be interesting to know why?

It all in the size. The watch is the xl tank. I got it for a wedding I was attending in December of last year. I love the history of Cartier the tank is the iconic dress watch in my eyes. I should have gotten a small size I just love manual and automatic movements so I went with the xl. It’s just to long on my wrist.

I did try both the Cartier and jlc on that day and love the fit of the jlc I just felt for a formal event it more of a classic style. Plus the extra money I didn’t spend I got my wife the sbge269 she’s been wanting for a while.


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[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by texasmade

Cartier Tank Americain or Cartier Santos Dumont (the manual wind version on a strap)

Great picks. Santos Dumont gets my vote.

[RaZCaL]

Thanks for the recommendations. Forgot to mentioned that I already have a Cartier Santos large so I may steer away from another Cartier. May check out some GS. One thing steering me away from the VC Fifty-six is the movement. Otherwise that would be my front runner.

[Sandpit]

A rose gold JLC Master Ultra Thin can be had for under $12k from the grey market

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

Thanks for the recommendations. Forgot to mentioned that I already have a Cartier Santos large so I may steer away from another Cartier. May check out some GS. One thing steering me away from the VC Fifty-six is the movement. Otherwise that would be my front runner.

If that's the case, I would go either:

- Reverso duo (if you like the case shape)
- Nomos or GO (depending on wrist size since GO cases are on the bigger side)

[danwang0520]

JLC Master ultra thin moon gets my vote out of your list

[RaZCaL]

I tried on the Reverso today and did not like how it felt on my wrist. Felt it was too small and dainty. Also, tried on a couple of the JLC Master pieces which I loved. Trying to decide which variation before pulling the trigger.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

I tried on the Reverso today and did not like how it felt on my wrist. Felt it was too small and dainty. Also, tried on a couple of the JLC Master pieces which I loved. Trying to decide which variation before pulling the trigger.

I know what you mean. I tried on a Reverso a while back. I love it when I see it on the internet. When I tried it on, it just felt cheap and fragile to me.

I like the Master Ultra Thin Small Seconds. I tried it on and liked it much better than the Reverso. I can do without the moon phase and date function…




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[TimeAZ]

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

One thing steering me away from the VC Fifty-six is the movement. Otherwise that would be my front runner.

What's wrong with the movement?

[RaZCaL]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

What's wrong with the movement?

The base model uses a “manufacture”, rather than in-house, movement, the cal. 1326, which is based on the Cartier 1904 MC. Nothing wrong with it but if I was paying over $13k, I rather get an in-house movement. The more expensive complete calendar uses in-house movement.

[brandrea]

Another Reverso vote here. Iconic reference and look (if you’re into it)

[scarlet knight]

If you didn’t like the size of the Reverso that you tried on, they do come in different sizes. I’m sure they have a bigger one. But if you don’t like them, your call.

[RaZCaL]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

If you didn’t like the size of the Reverso that you tried on, they do come in different sizes. I’m sure they have a bigger one. But if you don’t like them, your call.

Nothing against the Reverso, I think it’s a very cool piece but the fit just wasn’t for me base on my frame. I think the tank shape just doesn’t work for me.

[Tongyk]

Similar to a poster above, I have the reverso but it’s more of a sports watch style


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[scarlet knight]

Originally Posted by RaZCaL

Nothing against the Reverso, I think it’s a very cool piece but the fit just wasn’t for me base on my frame. I think the tank shape just doesn’t work for me.

Different horses for different courses, I think they say something like that in England.

[Ichiran]

There are some nice ones from Grand Seiko. Here are a couple.

SBGY007
IMG_09012022_224442_(800_x_1080_pixel).jpg

SBGW259
IMG_09012022_224702_(800_x_900_pixel).jpg