A Swedish brand, Daniel Wellington takes the classic large round watch case and adds a touch of simplicity and elegance. The founder, Filip Tysander named the brand after an exquisite British gentleman he met who had a love of vintage watches. You will find the designs from DW to be minimalistic yet timeless, often pairing well with most outfits.
Does The Daniel Wellington Brand Make Good Watches?
Daniel Wellington Petite Melrose Watch
One of their most classic designs, the DW Petite Melrose comes in many metallic colors ranging from rose gold to silver. With sizes ranging from 28mm to 32mm, this unisex design sits well on the wrists of individuals who like a classic yet refined design.
This particular watch comes with Japanese quartz movement, keeping time accurately inside a double-plated stainless steel case. The Petite collection is made for daintier women in mind with smaller wrists. The 6mm thick case will lay relatively flat against the skin.
Pros:
+ Many metals and colors available
+ Comes in two sizes meant for smaller wrists
+ Japanese quartz movement keeps accurate time
+ The stainless steel band provides comfort and durability
+ Water-resistant up to 100 feet
Why We Like It – Metals tend to be more durable than fabrics and plastics. The double-plated stainless steel offers another level of robustness without compromising style.
Daniel Wellington Classic Cambridge Watch
The classic nato band features three stripes of red, white and blue. Show your patriotism with the classic flag colors of many allied countries. There is a reason this is a best seller for the DW brand. With the elegant yet slim dial and the iconic round watch face, you get a playful yet simplistic air.
Wear it on your wrist for work or an outing, the 40mm Classic Cambridge watch from Daniel Wellington suits those with slightly thicker wrists. This model also features a double-plated stainless steel case and Japanese quartz movement for an accurate timepiece.
Pros:
+ Iconic red, white and blue stripes
+ At 40mm, it’s suitable for slightly larger wrists
+ The double-plated stainless steel keeps the watch face resistant to corrosion
+ Easy to style
+ Comes with a two-year warranty
+ Water-resistant to 99 feet
+ The nylon band is secure yet breathable, won’t cause irritation
Why We Like It – Classic Cambridge is the perfect mix between playful and classic. If you want something with a bit more flair compared to the solid color bands, this is a great option.
Daniel Wellington Sheffield
The Sheffield is another unisex design that comes in petite for ladies. They feature leather straps with the same classic eggshell white watch case and rose gold double-plated stainless steel. The length of the interchangeable strap is adjustable from 7.5-8.5 inches meant for larger wrists.
If you are in love with the design like we are and possess a slimmer wrist, you should look at the petite line that comes in 28mm. Just like all other designs, it comes with a stationary bezel, Japanese quartz movement, and round watch design.
Pros:
+ More versatile with the interchangeable straps
+ Double-plated stainless steel watch face.
+ It comes in a petite version meant for women and those who have smaller wrists.
+ Japanese quartz movement for accurate time
+ Is water-resistant up to 100 feet
+ Also comes with the DW two year warranty
Why We Like It – Essentially possessing the same designs and features as other models, Sheffield has another layer of versatility with the interchangeable straps.
Are They Worth It?
For a seemingly basic design, the Daniel Wellington watch line is much pricier than your average brand in terms of features.
When you see the large round watch face with a dainty strap, nothing but simplistic, you know it’s a Daniel Wellington design.
Some consumers feel that for the price (roughly around $100-$300), the materials do not justify the cost. They are splashproof but shouldn’t be submerged for over 100 ft, and while the watch case is double-plated, it’s still relatively thin.
For something assembled in China with only the quartz movement from Japan, you are able to get many other reputable brands such as Casio, Citizen, Seiko, etc for the same price.
If you are looking for a statement piece/fashion accessory, then DW is a great option. Their designs and reputation put them on par with other brands such as Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Armani, etc.
If you are a watch aficionado looking for your next big collector’s timepiece, then we would steer clear from DW.
Many customers are happy to purchase a Daniel Wellington watch for the brand alone. In the end, it all rests on what you are looking for.
They are timeless pieces and if you aren’t a watch snob and care about the history of a brand, this 8-year old company may not fit your standards. Those looking for a fashion accessory in an iconic yet simplistic design, then these are the watches for you.
Conclusion
Whether or not something is worth buying is completely subjective. There are so many factors involved to determine the answer to this broad-ranging question. The facts are clear, DW watches do not offer many advanced features, they are not designed for outdoorsy folk, and may just be a tad expensive for what it is.
Nevertheless, the brand has millions of satisfied customers around the world attesting to the quality and look of their watches. If you covet the allure of a casual style watches for any occasion, then DW does it best.
Did You Know
Filip Tysander relied heavily on social media marketing and not the traditional method. Starting the company did not cost Tysander as much money as you would think. He sent his designs back and forth to China, all of them following his minimalistic yet classic design.
Expert Tip
Read through our watch size guide to find the proper fit for your wrist. What’s great about the Daniel Wellington classic round watch case is their ability to look good no matter what. Even if you did decide to go slightly larger or smaller, that itself brings extra personality to your overall look.
