Versatility is a topic that we get so much of in our watch content these days and brands aren’t ignorant to it. In spite of that, the way you build your collection with a varied set of multiple watches can be meant to “fill in the void”: the diving watch, the pilot watch, the sports chronograph, and so on. However, when you start to think “the dress replica watch,” you may find yourself hitting a roadblock.
Is this the result of shifting styles and the fact that most modern watches also satisfy the aesthetic? In theory, actually, this is a watch that should be comfortable and appropriate in settings beyond business-casual. Whether you achieve that with a sub-36mm slim case watch on leather or a diver on links is up to you. Whatever the case may be, the idea of a dedicated dress watch might not work for everyone.
Back when Bond had style, Sean Connery rocked a 6538 Big Crown Rolex Submariner with a white tuxedo while casually timing a barrage of explosives. It’s evidence that sport fake watches had paired with formal attire even in the 60s. Much of that influence still carries on today and even though you might not be an MI6 goon, you’ll still probably get away with wearing a chunky replica Rolex Sea-Dweller at a formal event.  
When you can’t discount dress replica watches altogether, there’s no denying that the versatility of modern sports watches can diminish their appeal. Even brands have caught onto this and have developed “luxury” sports models that bridge the gap between classy elegance and tough “go anywhere, do anything” aesthetics. The newer Zenith El Primero series and the Tudor Black Bay collection of watches are both great examples of this practical design shift.
Besides, when you consider the most traditional traits of a dress watch (time-only white dial and a simple leather strap) you might find you’re not willing to dish out that much for it. Are those really the only features to look for? Once again, that standard has changed, and really, you have way more options. Dedicating a large portion of your watch-buying budget to something you might wear once or twice each year just doesn’t make sense. That’s why a great diver, like the Omega Seamaster, works just as well for crashing a wedding as it does for racing Xenia Onatopp in your Aston Martin DB5.
Therefore, if you’ve never understood the need for a dressy piece well, you aren’t alone. And the key point is that you don’t find ways to force replica watches into your collection out of so-called necessity. Pilot watches and dive watches both offer some great options that work well in formal settings. Find what works with your style and tailor your collection to match your own special taste.