Explorer 1 as a Dress Watch

[Zuman]

I'm involved in a high-end gala event that attracts international a-listers as well as professionals who lean toward the rugged individualist end of the spectrum, together with the business class who frequently provide the main sponsorship funding.
15+ years ago all the men wore classic black tuxedos. Then a number of them began to switch to very well-tailored black suits...the kind you wear to special events, not to the office. Now I'm seeing a few more "statement" outfits...the kind of thing that causes you to notice someone for what they're wearing, not who they are.
The bottom line is that I don't think there are really any rules anymore. My Explorer 2 is kind of like a tattoo; it's just become a part of me, and I don't switch it out as occasions change. But then, I've seen people wearing tuxes and G-Shocks.
I think an Explorer 1 is as honest as a watch can be, and I suspect that anyone who thinks it's inappropriate for a dress event is a bit out of touch.

[DG123]

Originally Posted by Zuman

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15+ years ago all the men wore classic black tuxedos. Then a number of them began to switch to very well-tailored black suits...the kind you wear to special events, not to the office. Now I'm seeing a few more "statement" outfits...the kind of thing that causes you to notice someone for what they're wearing, not who they are.
The bottom line is that I don't think there are really any rules anymore.

I think the lack of rules is a problem. For example in my home city there used to be restaurants requiring that men wear a coat and necktie. This created a "dressy atmosphere" for the restaurant and made dining there a special occasion.Now that's history as high priced restaurants allow guys to wear t-shirts, ball caps, flip flops etc...
I understand that these days it's common for people to want to make their own rules, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by Stud Screw

Generally speaking, the classic definition of a dress watch is slim, often solid gold with a white dial and black hands. No seconds hand (although a small seconds is fine). Leather strap. Think Calatrava. Rolex are not dress watches, unless we are talking about the Cellini line.

Maybe in the 1950s. But when Connery strapped on his Submariner wearing his tuxedo that faded away.

OP, Wear that iconic DAGA Explorer with confidence. It’s a Rolex not an Invicta

[JohnnyBer]

Agree, rules are out the window and in many ways it’s too bad, but in others it’s liberating.

Btw, classic attire rules say that no watch should be worn with a tuxedo, because the event itself should mark the time and time not be of importance.

I would wear an Exp 1 with anything but a tux.

[DG123]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBer

Btw, classic attire rules say that no watch should be worn with a tuxedo, because the event itself should mark the time and time not be of importance.
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I like that, very cool.

[FHFinster]

I think it works on leather. If we ever make it back to the office I’d like a brown band.




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[HappyHooligan]

how would any rolex not be a good enough for a dress watch? The explorer is perfect.

[subtona]

Yes. Looks great on the right leather strap.

[myc ritz]

The 36mm is much more elegant. Sid Mashburn wears on everyday, and he is the king of clothes.

[DG123]

Originally Posted by FHFinster

I think it works on leather. If we ever make it back to the office I’d like a brown band.




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Black band looks good

[81911]

Perfect for every occasion. You’ll find naysayers saying it’s not dressy enough but they probably prefer 4 cylinder 356’s and vhs tapes.

[HForrest]

Originally Posted by mnf67

I think the Explorer I is absolutely suitable for anything but black tie, and even then no one would notice if you wore it.

I agree. This seems like it would be the case. I could see that it may not be totally appropriate for black tie, but I don't think anybody would care. White dial is generally dressier, but I would think only people like us would notice

[Heimdall]

For black tie I would not use a SS sports model but rather something slimmer.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by Sjmoore11

While I know it isn’t technically a dress watch, I think my 1016 can do in a pinch on a nice leather strap.


I think you’ll be fine in almost all “dressyish” occasions. It will certainly be a lot better than a chunky dive watch.

This chap knows how to do it. Very nice.

[Joemck]

Originally Posted by Onikage

This chap knows how to do it. Very nice.

Agreed! The ostrich strap etc is on point. Still, the explorer can stay on a bracelet if you like. I don’t think anyone would look askance at a classic timepiece.

[smym18]

So some of you would really judge someone negatively if you saw them wearing an Explorer with a suit? Sheesh.

[rolexero]

You can wear almost anything as a dress watch. However, a black matte dial strongly lumed would not be something I would wear for a dressy occasion. A datejust is much more versatile and dressier when needed.

[horseShu]

Explorer I is fine.
Better than wearing a dive watch in a suit. LOL

[DCheeta]

Hell yes. I definitely would.

But anyway, who sees your watch when it’s under your shirt cuff anyway?

[Dr.Brian]

I have a real dress watch that I got over 20 years ago. I’m not the biggest philanthropist, but I go to a few events a year, etc. and I can count the number of times I’ve worn it in the last decade on one hand. It’s been sitting in the vault for years now. You can dress up a watch like the Explorer, Day Date, Seiko, etc. with a nice black strap and you’ll be golden. It just hides under your French cuffs anyway.
I wouldn’t recommend investing any significant amount of money in a fancy dress watch, unless your job and lifestyle really requires it. Mine certainly does not. The dressy Seiko recommenced above would be a nice affordable option if you want to have a dedicated watch for more formal occasions.

[danwang0520]

Explorer I can be very versatile like a Datejust.....you can dress up or down in it.....

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by TimeOnHand

Works with everything...

I agree. Awesome pic

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by HForrest

I agree. This seems like it would be the case. I could see that it may not be totally appropriate for black tie, but I don't think anybody would care. White dial is generally dressier, but I would think only people like us would notice

Ryan Goesling pulls off his vintage AirKings frequently with ease at black tie. It’s really all about confidence these days. And your personal brand. Just save the GShock for the gym.

[mnf67]

Originally Posted by HForrest

I agree. This seems like it would be the case. I could see that it may not be totally appropriate for black tie, but I don't think anybody would care. White dial is generally dressier, but I would think only people like us would notice

I always have to remind myself that most people do not even notice what watch I am wearing, and when they do their reactions are not what I would always, expect. I have gotten more comments from random people on my least expensive watch by far, a Zodiac 53 Skin diver.

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by XplusYplusZ

I’m consolidating my collection a little, as I don’t use my JLC dress watch nearly as much as I was hoping I would (Too dressy for work, and invites to the Met Gala have dried up). A Speedy FOIS also got less wrist time than I’d imagined.

So I’m looking for something which can be worn casually, whilst travelling, to the office where there are a few watch enthusiasts, and can be dressed up with a smart strap for weddings and black ties. I also do a bit of hiking, camping and fishing but not sure I’d use it in that scenario. I hope it would become my daily wear - which is currently shared between Tudor GMT and an IWC mkXVIII heritage.

Do you think the explorer 1 214270 can pass as a dress watch? I’d likely buy a nice black alligator strap.

Does anyone have photos of one dressed up?

What alternatives do you think I should consider - particularly playing the dual roles of casual and dressy.

Cheers.

100% yes. And if you're ever at a wedding or any black tie event and someone comes up to you and says something negative or disparaging about your choice of watch, just smile, take another sip from your martini, and kick them in the balls and move on.

[Krash]

Ever since my company went casual, I’ve been questioning the necessity of having a real dress watch anyway.

COVID19 answered the question for me.

I can get by with a Sub and other sport watches. In the rare event I’m wearing a suit, I’ll wear the Sub.

I’d be fine with an Exp I too.


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[jlovda]

I spent $8,000 for my Explorer II so I will wear it anywhere I want.

[Krash]

One other thing...

If you can wear an Apple Watch with a suit, you can wear an explorer or Submariner with a suit.

My 2 cents


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[DG123]

Originally Posted by Krash

Ever since my company went casual, I’ve been questioning the necessity of having a real dress watch anyway.

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That's a good point. Sadly, "dressing up" is becoming only a part of history rather than present day occurence.

[macuser553]

Standards are different in various parts of the world. If you are an American, like me, an Explorer is perfectly fine in all but the most formal settings. I have worn my 114270, on bracelet, to business meetings, conferences, and weddings. I like to wear it because it also works well on the days when I'm not wearing a suit, and it is robust enough that I do not have to worry about bumping it while traveling. I do not bother placing it on a strap, I do not want to scratch it, and watches on steel bracelets are often worn with suits in the United States.

That said, it is not a "dress watch". I own a few. The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse fits the bill - time only, slim, precious metal case, and on a strap. Despite owning real dress watches, I'm more often found wearing my Explorer when in a suit.