October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

The Best Dress Watches of 2024: Five Editorial Picks, Compared

Monochrome Watches’ five 2024 dress-watch picks range from slim green-dial steel to platinum. Compare the designs, movements and reported prices.
Estimate4–5 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Monochrome Watches’ 2024 selection offers five distinct takes on the dress watch, from a slim green-dial Chopard to a platinum Rolex. It is an editorial selection, not a ranked list or a shared test: the useful way to compare the watches is by their design, dimensions, movement and the prices reported at the time.

What the 2024 selection says about dress watches

In its 23 December 2024 article, Brice Goulard of Monochrome Watches observed that the classic dress watch had become “more daring, less formal, and more colourful,” while still offering “supremely elegant options.” The five selections reflect that breadth: restrained steel and traditional numerals sit alongside coloured dials, precious metal and more decorative details.

There is no single definition of a dress watch across these picks. Some are understated enough to pair easily with formal clothing; others make a more conspicuous statement. Monochrome did not apply a shared scoring rubric, so its choices should be read as one publication’s taste rather than a verdict on every 2024 release. Read Monochrome Watches’ 2024 selection.

The five watches, compared

Watch Case and design Movement Price reported in 2024
Chopard L.U.C XPS Forest Green Lucent Steel; 7 mm-thin case; polished finish; green sector dial and coloured strap. L.U.C 96 micro-rotor calibre. Around EUR 12,000, according to Monochrome Watches’ 2024 article; not a current quote.
Frederique Constant Classics Premiere Salmon Dial 38.5 mm × 10.6 mm case; two-tone salmon dial, railroad minutes track and applied Breguet numerals. The article describes this version as exclusive to Europe. LJP automatic movement. Below EUR 2,000, according to Monochrome Watches’ 2024 article; not a current quote.
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 45GS SLGW005 Manual-winding recreation of the 1968 45GS, with a double-signed Seiko and Grand Seiko dial. The yellow-gold SLGW004 is another version mentioned by the article. Manual-winding; calibre details not stated in the article. Not stated in the article.
Moritz Grossmann 37 Arabic Vintage 37 mm steel case; matte black, untreated German silver dial; Breguet numerals and raised minutes track. Hand-wound in-house calibre 102.1. Not stated in the article.
Rolex Perpetual 1908 Platinum Guilloche Dial 39 mm platinum case and light blue rice-grain guilloché-style dial. Automatic calibre 7140, visible through a sapphire caseback. EUR 31,300, according to Monochrome Watches’ 2024 article; not a current quote.

How the picks differ in practice

For a slim, coloured steel watch

The Chopard L.U.C XPS Forest Green combines a 7 mm-thin polished Lucent Steel case with a green sector dial and coloured strap. Its micro-rotor movement is a named part of the watch’s appeal, while the dial and strap give it more colour than a strictly conservative dress design. Monochrome reported a price around EUR 12,000 in 2024.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Michael Kors Men's Watch, Slim Runway Three-Hand Black Stainless Steel Men's Watch
  • STYLE: This Michael Kors Slim Runway mens watch features a black sunray dial, three-hand movement and black stainless steel bracelet
  • CASE & DIAL: This watch for men has a round 44mm stainless steel case with a black dial; mineral crystal face resists scratches
  • WATCH BAND: A mens wrist watch with a black gray stainless steel bracelet band; 22mm band width; links can be removed for a customized fit
  • PRECISION TIMEKEEPING: A men's watch with Quartz movement and three-hand analog display; imported
  • SWIM-READY Water Resistant: This wrist watch for men is wearable while swimming in shallow water up to 50m (165ft); 5 ATM

For a traditional dial at the lower reported price point

The Frederique Constant Classics Premiere pairs a salmon two-tone dial with a railroad minute track and Breguet numerals. Its 38.5 mm × 10.6 mm case gives a reader a concrete sense of its proportions, and the article identifies the pictured version as Europe-exclusive. Monochrome reported a price below EUR 2,000 in 2024; that historical figure does not establish today’s price or availability.

For a historical design with manual winding

The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 45GS SLGW005 is described as a manual-winding recreation of the 1968 45GS. Its double-signed dial connects the Seiko and Grand Seiko names, and the SLGW004 in yellow gold offers a different case-metal option within the models mentioned. The source does not provide a price for either in this recap.

Rank #2
Sale
Stuhrling Original Men’s Watch Black Dial Dress Watch 40mm, Ultra Slim Mens Watch Black Leather Strap, Quartz Analog Men’s Wrist Watch, Classic Minimalist Watch for Men
  • DURABLE BUILD WITH QUALITY MATERIALS 40mm stainless steel case with Krysterna crystal and water resistance up to 50M. A durable watch for men combining style, reliability, and everyday performance.
  • MINIMALIST DESIGN WITH TIMELESS STYLE Minimalist black dial design delivers sleek elegance for any occasion. A classic watch for men and mens watch black that works as a dress watch or everyday wrist watch for men.
  • ULTRA SLIM & LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT (7MM THIN) Ultra slim profile reduces bulk and weight for all-day comfort. A mens slim watch with genuine calfskin leather strap, perfect as a small watch for men who prefer a clean, low-profile fit.
  • EASY-TO-USE DATE DISPLAY FUNCTION Quick set date window adds everyday functionality while keeping the dial uncluttered. A practical quartz watch for men designed for convenience and simplicity.
  • VERSATILE FOR WORK, EVENTS & DAILY WEAR Designed to pair effortlessly with casual and professional outfits. A versatile men’s wrist watch that works as a mens work watch, dress watch, or classic everyday watch.

For German silver and hand-finished character

The Moritz Grossmann 37 Arabic Vintage uses a matte black, untreated German silver dial rather than a conventional glossy surface. Breguet numerals and a raised minutes track add depth, while its 37 mm steel case and hand-wound in-house calibre 102.1 make it the most compact explicitly sized watch in the five-watch list. The recap does not state a price.

For platinum and a more decorative dial

The Rolex Perpetual 1908 combines a 39 mm platinum case with a light blue rice-grain guilloché-style dial and automatic calibre 7140, visible through a sapphire back. Monochrome reported EUR 31,300 in 2024. The source’s description of the dial does not establish how it was made, so the pattern is best described visually rather than treated as confirmation of a particular production technique.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Citizen Quartz Mens Watch, Stainless Steel with Leather strap, Casual, Black (Model: BI5000-01A)
  • Round silver-tone watch featuring white dial with stick indices, luminous hands, and mini date window
  • 39 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
  • Movement: Conventional Battery G111, Japanese quartz movement with analog display.
  • Croco-embossed leather band with buckle closure
  • Water resistant to 50 m (165 ft): In general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling

Why other 2024 lists look different

“Best” is a matter of editorial selection in this category, not a settled industry ranking. Hodinkee’s individually attributed picks included the Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans Rose Gold, Berneron Mirage 34 Tiger’s Eye, Grand Seiko SLGW003, Audemars Piguet Mini Royal Oak, Cartier Tank Américaine Small, Baltic Prismic with Jade Green dial, and A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 30th Anniversary Onyx. Its choices reflect personal preferences and use cases. See Hodinkee’s picks.

Time and Watches published an alphabetical list of 12 watches and explicitly said it was not ranked. Its selection ranged from the Alpina Heritage Automatic and Grøne Manueel One to the Breguet Classique 5177P, Louis Vuitton Escale 2024, and Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 2024; it also included the Grand Seiko SLGW004 and SLGW005 and Rolex Perpetual 1908 platinum. See Time and Watches’ 2024 list.

Rank #4
Sale
CITIZEN Men's Quartz Classic 39.5mm Stainless Steel BF0580-57L
  • Polished silver-tone watch featuring blue sunray dial with stick indices and day/date window
  • 40 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
  • Japanese quartz movement with analog display
  • Three-link stainless steel band with fold-over clasp
  • Water resistant to 30 m (99 ft): In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming

These different selections show why a roundup is best used as a shortlist, not a scorecard. The right choice depends on whether you value thinness, a particular case material, a traditional or unusual dial, or a manual-winding versus automatic movement—and on whether the watch suits the formality of the occasion.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to use the prices in this recap

The EUR figures above are prices reported in Monochrome Watches’ December 2024 article, not present-day offers. The recap does not establish current retail pricing, stock, regional availability or official specifications. Check with the manufacturer or an authorized retailer for current information before making a purchase decision.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 3
Citizen Quartz Mens Watch, Stainless Steel with Leather strap, Casual, Black (Model: BI5000-01A)
Citizen Quartz Mens Watch, Stainless Steel with Leather strap, Casual, Black (Model: BI5000-01A)
39 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window; Movement: Conventional Battery G111, Japanese quartz movement with analog display.
$112.95
SaleBestseller No. 4
CITIZEN Men's Quartz Classic 39.5mm Stainless Steel BF0580-57L
CITIZEN Men's Quartz Classic 39.5mm Stainless Steel BF0580-57L
40 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window; Japanese quartz movement with analog display
$123.95
SaleBestseller No. 5
Bulova Men's 3-Hand Calendar Date Quartz Watch, Patterned Dial, 38mm Style: 96B015
Bulova Men's 3-Hand Calendar Date Quartz Watch, Patterned Dial, 38mm Style: 96B015
3 Hand, Calendar Quartz; Silver-Tone Stainless Steel with Fold-Over Clasp; Silver Patterned Dial, Domed Mineral Crystal
$160.15
Best Value
Sale
Bulova Men's 3-Hand Calendar Date Quartz Watch, Patterned Dial, 38mm Style: 96B015
  • From the Bulova Men's Classic Collection, inspired by vintage design, our classic watches achieve a tailored, understated look that's always in style.
  • 3 Hand, Calendar Quartz
  • Silver-Tone Stainless Steel with Fold-Over Clasp
  • Silver Patterned Dial, Domed Mineral Crystal
  • 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.