Dress watches are considered a cornerstone of refined taste, and that’s the reason you will not find a true watch collector without a dress watch in his/her collection. And while high horology and complications continue to define innovations in watchmaking, dress watches are a brand’s trusty mainstay that attract with their timeless appeal and versatility. Perfect for a special occasion and official dos, dress watches are traditionally defined as formal wear watches on a leather strap – they are elegant, feature a slim profile, sometimes a colourful dial, and their diameter typically ranges between 36mm to 40mm. Refer to our list for top 5 dress watches released this year from the brands including Breguet, Grand Seiko, Parmigiani Fleurier, Ming, and Zenith.
1. Breguet Classique Souscription 2025
Released recently as a part of Breguet’s 250th anniversary celebration, the Classique Souscription 2025 model exudes the brand’s legacy. It is minimal, classic, and carries a traditional value. The watch marks the debut of Breguet’s proprietary gold alloy, which combines 75% gold with silver, copper, and palladium, from which the watch is crafted. The watch takes inspiration from the brand’s Souscription pocket watch, which was introduced in 1796 and appeared on the market a year later, and is still preserved in the Musée Breguet at Place Vendôme. Read more about the watch here.
The 40mm timepiece features a white enamel dial with clean aesthetics like Arabic hour markers, a “chemin de fer” (railroad) minute track, and a single hand. So, if you are someone who is attracted to a traditional classic style, this watch is for you.
2. Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A
Released at Watches and Wonders 2025 along with the Tokyo Lion Tentagraph, the Grand Seiko UFA, where "U.F.A." stands for "Ultra Fine Accuracy, is introduced with a new Calibre 9RB2. This movement sets a new standard in precision for mainspring-powered movements with an astonishing annual rate of just ±20 seconds—the most accurate wristwatch movement. Which means the watch is much more than a dress watch.
The intricate dial texture evokes the ice forests of the Kirigamine Highlands near the Shinshu Watch Studio. Further, ther’s a date window at 3 o’clock. The 37mm watch is available in two versions - one in platinum 950 (SLGB001), an 80-piece limited edition; and a high-intensity titanium version (SLGB003). Read more about the watch here. The watch is perfect for someone who likes all things precise.
3. Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Quantième Perpetuel
Apart from being a clean and legible dress watch, the Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Quantième Perpetuel stands out for its dial that features sophisticated complications too. The brand sticks to its minimalism without compromising on its functions. The day and date are located at the 4 o’clock subdial, while the month and the leap year subdial are at 8 o’clock. Hour markers are also minimal but quite readable. Read full details of the watch here.
It is a 40.6mm timepiece, and is apt for someone who loves wearing dress watches but doesn’t mind a bit of colour. The watch comes in two dial variations, Ref. PFH952-2010002-300181 and PFH952-2010001-300181 with light blue and salmon dials respectively.
4. Ming 37.02 Ghost
Materials, mechanics, and engineering – you will find everything in the Ming 37.02 Ghost Watch. The highlight of this 38mm watch is that it's extremely lightweight, 38 grams to be precise; has a thickness of 11mm, as well as 260m water resistance. Like the brand’s previous watches, this too has a clean and minimal dial, which reacts to light differently when viewed from different angles, thanks to the contrasting circular and radial brushing. With Super-LumiNova X1-coated hands, the Ghost lights up in the dark, displaying hours and minutes. Read more on it here.
It is a 250-piece limited edition and is a suitable watch for someone who likes to be a conversation starter and is known for a unique identity.
5. Zenith Triple Calendar Chronograph
The Zenith Triple Calendar Chronograph (Ref. 18.3400.3610/21.C911) makes it to our list of top 5 dress watches because the watch is the perfect representation of the brand’s legacy. The 38mm watch picks design cues from the version introduced last year, which itself was inspired by the iconic A386 from 1969. Its raised box sapphire crystal, tapered lugs, pump-style pushers and a busy dial are packed with dressy elegance along with a cool and sporty look. Read more about the watch here.
If you are someone who wants a detailed look, this watch is for you.
Images: Courtesy Images
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