What makes a fabulous dress watch is not as clear-cut as a diving or chronograph timepiece. But with catwalks around the globe starring tuxedos with trainers and knitted waistcoats with suit trousers, almost anything goes.

With everyone’s favourite secret agent opting for the anything-but-traditional Omega Seamaster with his tuxedo and Bradley Cooper wearing an IWC Big Pilot at the Oscars, there could be a fair bit of rule-breaking going on.

Choosing the perfect timepiece to help you look your best shouldn’t be the stuff of nightmares. There’s a luxury watch out there with your name on it, so check out our suggestions for some slick wristwear that will peek perfectly out from under a shirt cuff.

Cartier Tank Solo XL

If you’re after the ultimate suave look, it’s got to be one of the most iconic watches of all time – the CartierTank. With all the sophistication of a debonair supersleuth, the Tank Solo XL is our favourite here at Luxe Watches.

With an automatic Cartier 1847MC movement inside, it’s surprisingly one of the brand’s most affordable mechanical watches for fellas. This watch, despite the ‘XL’ tag is 31mm wide and 7.7mm thick.

There are a few variations of this timepiece available including case in 18k pink gold and steel. We like this black grained calfskin leather strap – the perfect companion for any sharp suit teamed with matching leather belt and shoes.

A Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin:

Known for the fantastic fit of their watches, the Saxonia collection is on many a bucket list – and it’s clear to see why. The Saxonia Thin watch case, available in rose or white gold, is unimaginably thin and features a minimal dial and an exquisite exhibition case back to show off the incredible movement inside.

There are a few versions of this watch, but the Saxonia Thin was introduced in 2016 and remains one of our favourites. The dial is crafted from solid silver and graced with solid-gold appliques, while the hands look impressive in rhodium gold.

Patek Philippe 5212A Calatrava Weekly Calendar:

This timepiece, new for 2019, debuts a new calendar function that displays the week number as well as the day of the week. Its steel case measures 40mm wide and 11.8mm thick. The typography is what makes this watch, as it is based on the handwriting of a designer from the manufacturer.

Water resistant to 30 metres and with a handstitched brown calfskin strap, the latest offering from Patek is a great choice for many occasions.

IWC Automatic Chronograph IW371480:

Based on the original 1930s design, this updated classic is the most coveted of the collection for a reason: its effortlessly elegant style and the precision of its 79350 calibre self-winding movement complete with 31 jewels.

With 44 hours power reserve and brown alligator leather strap, this IWC is one to do business with.