black dialed dress watch suggestion

[thedoover]

From the responses to these questions sometimes, I get the impression that some of our established membership doesnt care for posts like this. I myself do, because I can contribute to someone's decision-making process. I would encourage anyone that reads this to throw their two cents in, in the form of a suggestion or explanation, about the request below. Having said that...

I want to pick up a black-dialed dress (or at least not full-on sport) watch. I have leanings towards things that not everyone has. The requirements are:

• at least 40mm
• stainless steel preferred to gold
• black leather strap - not rubber
• chronograph much preferred
• black dial
• under $350 - lower the better (no tourbys)

I dont want a lesson on what a proper dress watch is for a tuxedo or suit or whatnot. Ive read other posts and I know what some have had to say about that. Noticeably absent is the Montblanc Timewalker - I have liked them in the past, but for this exercise I think Ill pass.


Here are some of the watches I am considering:

Zenith Chronomaster XL Open Heart
Its a little smallish at 40mm, but I am a huge fan of Zenith and wish they made more reps (not Defy Extreme ones) of this brand. Sticks or roman numerals. I know the example I have here has a bracelet, but I would get the black leather either with it, or more likely aftermarket.

A Lange & Sohne Datograph
Very nice watch - cool complications. Better size at 42mm. I also like the white dialed version though and therefore may hold out on getting this one in black.

IWC Portofino
Also a bit smaller at 40-41mm, but classic watch. A little cheaper than the first two also.

Maurice Lacroix Pontos
42mm, not too expensive and different. The datewheel is white rather than gen black, and the pushers and crown are wrong. The fact that few other dealers list it may indicate it is unavailable too...

So add your thoughts to the pile.

 

[levelmanroger]

All good choices given your criteria.
I would add IWC3717, and the obligatory definitive dress watch (though not chrono) Rolex DJ2.

 

[Rick914]

The Lange is Killer IMO, I really love the double date windows, very classic

 

[cwazy1]

JLC master geographic

 

[thedoover]

JLC master geographic

I had the master geographic in silver, and it felt a little cheap to me. It was the right size, and had interesting real and faux complications. My 2nd time zone minute hand wasnt synched with the main minute hand either.

If it wasnt for my previous issues, I would have this one in the list too.

All good choices given your criteria.
I would add IWC3717, and the obligatory definitive dress watch (though not chrono) Rolex DJ2.

I do have a 3717 (that still needs the crown and stem repaired.) Its pretty sporty to me, but it is a good one.

 

[cwazy1]

I had the master geographic in silver, and it felt a little cheap to me. It was the right size, and had interesting real and faux complications. My 2nd time zone minute hand wasnt synched with the main minute hand either.

If it wasnt for my previous issues, I would have this one in the list too.




I do have a 3717 (that still needs the crown and stem repaired.) Its pretty sporty to me, but it is a good one.

I think I read your review of it and with the out of sync minute hand. Wouldn't that be a simple fix by just pulling it and resetting it?

As for cheapness, was it really bad? I'm in the market for either the master tourby/geo/duometre, but cant seem to decide on which one...

 

[maxlawbr]

All good choices given your criteria.
I would add IWC3717, and the obligatory definitive dress watch (though not chrono) Rolex DJ2.

+1 I think the IWC 3717 is a killer as a Dress Watch, better it is a killer as a watch with black dial and black leather strap, as you can use it with suit as with jeans.

The DJ2 is nice too, but don't fit your requirements.

 

[thedoover]

I think I read your review of it and with the out of sync minute hand. Wouldn't that be a simple fix by just pulling it and resetting it?

As for cheapness, was it really bad? I'm in the market for either the master tourby/geo/duometre, but cant seem to decide on which one...

Well, some that other members have picked up looked to be correct, but the minute hand on the subdial wasnt independently adjustable. There was nothing I could do short of opening it up.

 

[wat44]

get rid of the chronos!!!!

there is a lange without the chronos - I know because I have it!

 

[thedoover]

get rid of the chronos!!!!

there is a lange without the chronos - I know because I have it!

Simplicity may not be my style.


Sent through a series of tubes...

 

[optical]

Lange, just looks pure class

 

[rud19]

+1 for Lange

 

[mbjoer]

Breitling SOH

 

[Senormankypants]

I love black faced watches but aren't white faced with silver (or black) markers a bit more "dressy". Some of the simpler design Patek Philippe watches look very stylish and would make a good dress watch (IMO).

 

[Wilazn]

Always thought the rule of thumb was chronos are a no no for dress watches.

 

[dlc.nla]

Always thought the rule of thumb was chronos are a no no for dress watches.

This is mostly true. Unless its something like a Patek trip date Chrono of course.

Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk 2

 

[thedoover]

I love black faced watches but aren't white faced with silver (or black) markers a bit more "dressy". Some of the simpler design Patek Philippe watches look very stylish and would make a good dress watch (IMO).

They may be more dressy, and I will be looking at a white faced one as well possibly. But for this exercise I'm avoiding white. I have a Portuguese 7 days that is white already also.


Sent through a series of tubes...

 

[Senormankypants]

In that case I would second the choice of an IWC 3717.
Its a lovely looking watch - (I have one on order).

 

[ricou2273]

The lange of course

 

[spdu4ia]

Another vote for langE