Summary Waqt Picks 5 of the Best Dress Watches for 2024

What makes a classic dress watch, well, classic? It’s all about simplicity, a timeless design that’s easy to read and lets the beauty of timekeeping shine through. Think basic three-hand functionality, whether the seconds are ticking from the center or quietly sweeping on a subdial. A true dress watch keeps things elegant and understated, with a clean dial that invites you to appreciate its purpose, keeping time.

But today’s watchmakers don’t stop there. They’ve found clever ways to add just a touch of complexity, keeping things fresh without ever losing that classic charm. It’s modern refinement meeting timeless tradition, and it’s nothing short of brilliant. With that in mind, Waqt’s editorial team has rounded up 5 of the most beautiful dress watches we’ve covered in 2024.

Vyntage Horology Purity Tantonyx

The Dubai-based brand Vyntage Horology released this year a stunning new timepiece to celebrate the ‘Mavericks of Time’ exhibition at Dubai’s Museum of the Future. The Purity Tantonyx is a special edition that combines rare materials and striking design. The case is made out of Tantalum, a dense and corrosion-resistant metal, and the dial is made out of deep black onyx. The watch measures 39 mm in diameter and has a unique crown at the 4 o’clock position.

The dial keeps it minimal, with no indices, just the polished silver hands shaped like a mountain, coated with Super-LumiNova that glows green in the dark. Powered by a Swiss hand-wound movement, it offers an impressive 90-hour power reserve. Limited to just 24 pieces, the Purity Tantonyx is priced at AED 79,500.

Krayon Anywhere Arborea Métiers d’Art 2024

Krayon unveiled this year in what we think is its best release so far, the Krayon Anywhere Arborea Métiers d’Art 2024. Taking inspiration from Henri Rousseau’s famous 1907 painting “The Virgin Forest” for this extraordinary creation. The hand-painted dial reimagines Rousseau’s jungle scene at sunset using the intricate champlevé enameling process, featuring 575 small cells to create a vibrant, detailed landscape. The watch comes in a 950 platinum case measuring 39 mm in diameter and 9.5 mm thickness. 

At its core, the watch retains Krayon’s hallmark complication: the ability to calculate sunrise and sunset times for any location. The dial offers a 24-hour display with sunrise and sunset indications, while a subdial at 6 o’clock displays the calendar and month. Powered by the in-house caliber C030, this manually wound movement provides a 72-hour power reserve. It is  limited to just 15 pieces, and priced at AED 783,400. 

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Ora ïto

Vacheron Constantin celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Patrimony collection with a stunning new 100-piece limited edition, designed in collaboration with French designer Ora ïto. Known for his philosophy of “Simplexity,” Ora ïto’s influence adds a modern twist to the collection's hallmark minimalism. The new watch honors the brand historical ultra-thin calibers that shaped Vacheron Constantin’s legacy. 

The new model features an 18K yellow gold case, 40 mm in diameter and 8.5 mm thick, paired with a gold-colored dial adorned with an intricate circular pattern. Highlights include a circular “pearl” minute track crafted from 18K yellow gold pearls, along with applied gold indices and hands. Powered by the in-house automatic Caliber 2450 Q6, the watch offers a 40-hour power. Its price is available upon request. 

Cartier Tortue 

This year, Cartier revived its iconic Tortue, a model first introduced in 1912. The watch is reintroduced as a classic time-only model, available in either platinum or yellow gold, but we opted for the platinum for its rarity and how well its aesthetics complement the design. The case measures 42.4mm by 32.9mm with a thickness of 7.2mm, retaining the signature turtle-inspired shape. The dial features a silver opaline finish, giving it a refined and timeless look. The dial has rhodium-plated Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands.

It is powered by the manual-winding caliber 430 MC, which offers a 38-hour power reserve. It comes with a beautiful burgundy alligator leather strap and is limited to 200 pieces. The price is AED 122,000.

Qin Gan Pastorale II

Some Chinese independent watchmakers, such as Qin Gan, are making strides toward challenging the dominance of the Swiss industry. This year, he released the Pastorale II, building on the success of the original Pastorale, which was introduced three years ago. This new model features refined craftsmanship and the use of precious metals, marking a significant evolution in his work.

The Pastorale II is a true testament to Qin Gan’s dedication to both art and watchmaking. The case, available in 18k white or rose gold, measures 38.5mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness, showcasing a blend of elegant curves and traditional Chinese design elements. The dial is crafted using a champlevé enamel technique and features laser-engraved indices and Roman numerals. The watch is powered by Qin Gan's in-house Caliber 1810, based on the Longines 30L movement, and offers a 36-hour power reserve. It is limited to 15 pieces per year and priced at AED 169,000.

Although many exceptional timepieces have been showcased this year in the dress watch category, selecting the best remains a subjective endeavor. Each choice reflects the unique taste and perspective of its owner. Ultimately, the true beauty of these watches lies in their ability to convey the personality and style of the wearer.