How to Make a Dress Watch: Things to Keep in Mind

Picture this: You've just slipped into your sharpest suit, ready to own the night at a swanky soiree. But wait, there's something missing. Your wrist feels naked, and you need that extra dash of style to complete the look. That's where the unsung heroes of the watch world come into play — dress watches.

Sure, they might not be as rugged as those adventure-ready divers, but dress watches are your ticket to sophistication. If you've ever wanted to turn heads at a formal event without saying a word, these timepieces are your secret weapon.

Watches have come a long way from their early days when they were considered feminine accessories. Today, they're a key part of fashion statements for both men and women. In this article, we're diving into the world of dress watches, which are all about combining function with elegance.

 

Main Differences Between Dress and Diver Watches

 

Dress Down for Dress Watches: Dress watches play it cool in the size department. They're like the James Bond of timepieces, typically rocking cases that measure a sleek 36mm to 40mm. Why? Because subtlety is their middle name. They're designed to slip under your cuff effortlessly, not scream for attention like their beefier diver buddies.

Bezels - The Plot Twist: Now, let's talk bezels. Diver watches? They've got those chunky, rotating bezels, perfect for timing deep-sea adventures. Dress watches on the other hand? Well, they're the minimalists of the watch world. Fixed bezels, my friend. They're like the understated sidekicks, letting the whole be greater than the sum of its parts.

 

 

Straps - Where Comfort Meets Class: When it comes to straps, diver watches mean business with their steel or rubber bands, ready for underwater showdowns. But dress watches are all about luxury and comfort. Enter leather straps. Slip one on, and you're in for a tactile treat that oozes sophistication. We daresay that there’s no better strap choice for a dress build than leather.

 

Things to Consider for a Dress Watch

Modding a dress watch is in some ways easier, at least compared to modding a diver or a sports watch. Since the timepiece is supposed to be minimalist in looks, you also have less parts to worry about. That said, you’ll need to spend more time in the designing phase, as less parts also means less ways to style your watch. A winning combination of the case, dial, hands, and straps are a must for a successful dress watch build.

Here are the things to remember:

 

Size Matters

Crafting a dress watch that's the life of the party involves some key moves. Start with the case size. Think 37 to 38mm-ish — it's the sweet spot. Not too big, not too small, just right. It's like the Goldilocks of watch sizes, ensuring your wrist feels cozy and confident. If your wrists are on the smaller side, you can go browse 36mm cases as well.

 

 

Our top recommendation for a case would be our Grand Seiko-inspired NMK940 case, measuring 37mm and presenting very sleek proportions. It’s available in Silver if you want the understated look as well as in Gold if you want a bit of bling. You also can’t go wrong with the NMK937, our 36mm dress case that similarly has its slim visage while also featuring a fluted bezel as a design element.

 

Dial the Elegance Up

Now, turn your attention to the dial. Dress watch dials are all about that clean, classic charm. Forget the clutter; think timeless simplicity. Picture sunburst patterns, sleek Roman numerals or unassuming bar indices, and hands so slender they'd win a limbo contest. When your watch speaks, it does so with grace.

Again, our recommendation goes to the GS-style dials available in multiple colors and sunburst and enamel finishes. You’ll find very minimal text on the dial, while the angled hour indices sparkle in the spotlight to dazzle whoever looks at your wrist.

 

Strap It Up in Style

The last piece of the puzzle? The strap. Leather reigns supreme here. It's not just about comfort; it's about making a statement. Brown for classic vibes, black for timeless elegance, or maybe even blue for a modern touch, and if it complements your dial — take your pick. It's the final flourish that ties your whole look together. Our top grain leather straps come in all these colors, giving off a vintage appeal while also featuring a quick release springbar so you can easily swap them out to better match the color of your attire.

 

Wrap Up

There you have it, the lowdown on dress watches. They're a must have for any watch collection, ready to add that touch of class when you need it most. So, whether you're crafting one from scratch or giving an existing piece a makeover, remember, you're not just building a watch; you're crafting a masterpiece.

And you should craft your masterpiece with namokiMODS’s huge catalog of hundreds of items, spanning parts for divers, sports watches, tool watches, and of course, dress builds. If you’re not sure which parts are compatible in terms of fitment and looks but you still want to build your own dress watch, you can look at our watchmaking kits which are beginner-friendly and has all the parts and tools you’ll need to assemble your very own classy time piece.

Happy modding!