About 1955

The formal dress code meant tailored suits, shoes such as oxfords or loafers and an outfit finished with a stylish dress watch.

By AWCo on 21 June 2019

“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” – John Lennon

"Fear was replaced by love and joy in life again."

The Second World War had come to an end in 1945 and by 1955 fear was replaced by love and joy in life again. Hope and hard work for a better world were paying off. 1955 and the era after meant the return of iconic designer brands and tailoring houses in fashion. Economies were doing well again and men were dressing up for their jobs. The formal dress code meant tailored suits, shoes such as oxfords or loafers and an outfit finished with a stylish dress watch.

"Watches became incredibly popular after World War II."

Since telling the time outside a house was only possible by reading a city clock, only if it had one, watches became incredibly popular after World War II. By 1955 almost every man had a wristwatch. The design of these watches is still unmistakably elegant, clean and slim. With a diameter of 34 up to 37 millimeters, the size was modest and functional.

After the 1950s the average size of a wristwatch has evolved with the decade and after the millennium, a 40 millimeters-plus diameter was seen as a men’s size watch and smaller is was seen by many as feminine. Sports watches were seen more and more to finish a formal and classy outfit, but what a pity and a mismatch.

The appealing thing about these 1950s dress watches is their elegance. The question is more; are you man enough to pick such a classy and stylish piece over a big and flashy steel sports watch?

The 1950s designs of Patek Philippe, Omega and Longines are still among the prettiest dress watches ever made and radiate good taste.

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