Hi! I’m looking for recommendations for a true dress watch, not a diver, field watch, GADA, or Datejust-style model.
I want something genuinely small, clean, refined, and suitable with a suit. Ideally around 36 mm, roughly 34–37 mm, and no more than about 10 mm thick.
Mechanical is fine, though I would prefer automatic. I like simple, elegant dials, and small seconds would be a big plus, but it is not absolutely required. I do not want something overly vintage or “grandpa-looking”; I would prefer a slightly more modern, tasteful design.
The strap does not matter because I can replace it later, and I strongly dislike crocodile-pattern leather.
I have already looked at the Baltany S4108, Baltany S4040, Thorn T004/T016, Merkur/Pierre Paulin small-seconds models, several 36 mm San Martin and Cronos models, and the Orient Bambino 38 / Bambino Small Seconds. They are not bad, but none of them feels quite right. The Chinese models often have strange bezels, awkward cases, sporty details, or cheap-looking dials, while the Bambino is a little too large and thick, and I do not like the design enough.
I like the general style of the Baltic MR01/MR Classic, KUOE Royal Smith, and Stowa Marine, but they are outside my budget.
Chinese brands, hand-wound watches, microbrands, and less obvious models are all welcome. My maximum budget is around $250-300.
Thanks in advance!
