Dress watches can be fun too – The Ixdao JD-X06S

We can understand that there has been a resurgence on dress watches and vintage has been the main reason. Sure, divers might feel quite robust and ready for any task, but when you want to appreciate craftmanship and refinement, a dress piece should be your new best friend.

That said, there are a couple of things to consider, for me at least. First the dial, it can be traditional, but it also must have a twist, maybe a different colour or perhaps some flair, otherwise it will get too boring too soon.

Then the size, a case should be under 38mm, otherwise it will start dancing around between a field watch and very large time only piece. The main reason is because, again to me, a dress watch should not have a date and as top, it should indicate the seconds, but that is it, nothing else. The dial needs to breathe so there is quite a bit to admire.

Today we have a watch that ticks all those boxes, and I must say I have been waiting quite a bit to get my hands on: The JD-X06S from Ixdao.

This is not the first time we review a watch from the brand, we had a good look on their GMT version, and I have to say I was very impressed with the construction, the printing and overall execution. This meant that when I saw their new X06S in photos, I was instantly attracted to it because I was sure of its quality.

The watch X06S pulls all the characteristics that I enjoy on a watch. Subtle details that make it feel alive and void that pitfall of being boring.

Join me to discover more on this new limited version from the brand.

The Specifications

As mentioned, a dress watch should be under certain measurements and the X06S doesn’t disappoint at 37mm. It feels right at home with the 45.3mm from lug to lug and keeps getting better and better with some hidden features which we will be mentioned later.

The dial is where most of the time was spent. It has applied and high polished Breguet numerals that match that purple bushed dial to perfection.  There is no date and only a seconds subdial with a radiant finishing, easy to read and very unobtrusive. The hands are long and beautiful, well finished too with a heart tip for the hours and a sword hand for the minutes, it works very well. A small detail that is appreciated is that the numerals are not cut at 6 o clock, instead you will find two applied dots in place which is an elegant solution to all the complaints that we all watch nerds have.

Not only the dial is brushed but also has a degrade finish which goes from black on the edges to the lovely purple that got me instantly hooked. All feels special and only a silver logo is at 12 and the word ‘’classic’’ at 6,  utmost attention to detail.

Being a dress watch, you wouldn’t expect too much water resistance but the X06S has 50 meters which feels very adequate. There is a lot of engravings done to this watch, from the 3 mysterious women on the case back to the insignia in the crown, the execution does not disappoint.

Then we have the movement inside which is a Seiko VD78, it’s a premium quartz engine. Naturally me being me, I wanted a manual version but, this engine keeps the watch extremely thin at 9.7mm (most of this thickness is the beautiful domed sapphire glass) and also affordable, which to me is more important than to have a thick and expensive dress piece. Another point to highlight is that the X06S is accurate at 20 seconds per month and because the subdial is very small, you hardly notice the ticking.

On the wrist

Very wearable, those are the 2 main words that I would use to describe the X06S. the thinness is a friend and taking that sapphire glass out of the equation, the watch disappears in my 6.25-inch wrist.

When I was talking to Ixdao, I’ve pointed out that in the website specs, it read that the lug opening for the strap is 22 mm which felt a bit odd for a small dress watch, they pointed out that it was accurate. Once I got the watch I could understand why, and it is because gives a good stand, more presence and equipped by that black alligator glossy strap, everything feels at home. It is a great choice that I would like to see with more brands.

Being a purple watch, you would thing that is not that versatile, but it is, the size is discreet, and the overall design is quite muted. It does avoid the boring pitfall we mentioned at the beginning and feels at home when you go to the office or even stay at home, it is a watch to admire, and it is all about the dial.

It is worth mentioning that there are a few variations of the X06S, a white dial with a guilloche or enamel finishing in a gold or silver case. There is also a jet-black dial for a more classic look bit for me, the purple is the one that makes my day.

Concluding thoughts

It is not easy to create a watch that looks so elegant and so unique, the time spent on the minutia must have been quite a lot and I think for the asking price of 299 USD, you cannot go wrong. The watch has a unique look and together with the built quality, everything seems to be in place for a hit.

If you are looking to add a watch that can bring joy and not break the bank, this is a great option, not only is limited, but I doubt you will see many around, that to me is true luxury.

For more information please visit https://www.ixdaowatch.com/product-page/jd-x06s-purple

Technical Specification

·       Case material: 316L Stainless steel

·       Height: 9.70 mm

·       Lug to lug: 45.30 mm

·       Case diameter: 36.80 mm

·       Lug size: 22 mm

·       Case back: High quality oil pressing pattern

·       Sapphire: Imported EU sapphire with colorless AR coating, Anti-finger print coating on the outside

·       Dial: High quality vertical brushing with applied polished and diamond cut indices

·       Hands: High quality hands, top polish finishing (by hand)

·       Strap: Genuine imported leather, quick release, stainless buckle

·       WR: 5 ATM

·       Movement: Premium Seiko Quartz VD78