Daniel Wellington is a brand that you will come across when looking for a modern, stylish and affordable watch. The brand is hugely popular, followed by a quite controversial debate on the internet, about the quality and worth of their wristwatches.

I find this debate a bit over the top and believe things can be explained quite straightforward.

So, is it worth buying Daniel Wellington watches? Daniel Wellington is a young Swedish watch brand that targets modern young professionals. Their quartz watches are minimalistic, fashionable, light, comfortable and durable. If you want a watch that will stand out in style for an affordable price, then Daniel Wellington is worth buying.

My intention with this article is to demystify the unnecessary debate about Daniel Wellington watches and keep things simple. Daniel Wellington is famous for a reason. Let’s see what makes these watches good watches with all the crucial information that will help you make a well-formed informative decision.

5 Reasons That Makes Daniel Wellington Watches Good And Special

Daniel Wellington is an affordable watch brand that owns its quick success in the industry to the well-targeted audience and standard quality of their timepieces.

The brand started and never strayed away from their fundamental idea to produce minimalistic watches of timeless design, trendy and most of all, comfortable.

Here is the short list of what makes Daniel Wellington watches different and loved by many:

• A unique story of a brief history and great success  – Daniel Wellignot is a watch brand that exists since 2011. In the horology world, this brand is a baby. Nevertheless, the brand achieved astonishing popularity in a very short period; only three years later, they have already sold one million watches!

And the counting continues at the same pace in the following years.

The legend of their beginnings goes like this: Filip Tysander, the founder of the brand, while traveling through Australia in 2006, run into Daniel Wellington. Daniel Wellington was outstanding only for what he was representing: apparently, he was an English gentleman who wore a Rolex Submariner with the classic NATO watchband. 

His appearance was a strike of inspiration for Tysander, and the brand of stylish, classic/casual style that stands out it the crowds was born.

Nowadays, we can wonder about the historical accuracy of this story, and wonder was it just a good marketing strategy, but who cares?

The fact is that this young brand managed to stand out among so many watch brands, some dating since the late 1800s. No marketing strategy in the world would keep the popularity and the sales up for such a long time if their watches are not good and satisfactory for their customers.

Daniel Wellington’s success story is proof of a good offer per se, but let’s keep talking about what you get with one of their watches.

• Timeless yet fashionable design. The design of Daniel Wellington’s brand is what these watches are mostly known for. These wristwatches offer a new/old kind of casual; meaning their minimalistic style and light wear go well with everything, from jeans to more formal outfits.

What sets them apart from many other “casual” watch designs is that they are less bulky and resemble the classical, confident style, suitable for professionals in any setting.

Interestingly, Daniel Wellington does not have a large variety of styles, as one would think. Again, that’s a part of their smart strategy to keep it simple and not to wander from their original inspiration and bran’s appeal.

The dials on all their wristwatches are clean and neat, easy to read two-hand dial with indexes, and DW logo in 12 o’clock position. But, you do have an option between two face sizes, black or white dials, rose-gold or silver accents.

Additionally, DW wristwatches come with interchangeable NATO straps, the one-piece strap that slides under the case which makes them extremely comfortable for all kinds of weather conditions. If you want something more formal, there are leather options that you can choose from.

For those who love the classic simplicity on the wrist, Danial Wellington is a good buy.

The one complaint that I do agree with about Daniel Wellington’s design is a really small crown. Although it perfectly suits the rest of the design, it can be hard to use it when needed to set the time.

• Modern watch for a modern lifestyle. Being a young brand as they are, Daniel Wellington is a symbol of the young generation that lives and shines through the internet.

Their marketing strategy is somewhat different in that sense. The company mostly uses social media for advertising, and aside from celebrity endorsement and some professional paid marketing, most of their advertising is done by hashtagging and Instagram influencers.

Not just that this is an excellent way of marketing for their target audience, but it also makes their customers a part of the family.

Being an internet influencer is a new day status symbol, and Daniel Wellington keeps up with the modern generation, portraiting that symbol on the wrist of the wearer.

• Accurate and reliable watch. Daniel Wellington’s focus is on design and style; at the same time, these are good watches without too much fuss and complications.

DW watches use a standard quality quartz mechanism produced in Japan. Watches do not have additional functions and complications, but they are reliable in keeping time.

There is nothing wrong with the Japanese quartz mechanism if you are not looking for additional perks and features. Plus, it plays an important role in the affordability of these watches, which is one of the reasons this brand is so popular.

• Pricing. The price range, for Daniel Wellington watches, is around or below $200. I must say this is a reasonable price for a reliable and trendy watch.

There is an extensive discussion about DW watches being overpriced because the mechanism, materials and assemble process should come to less in total and that’s probably a fact. But the truth is, we all know that today, we do not pay just for a product itself, we pay for a brand name and the lifestyle it represents.

Yes, you can find other well-known brands that offer wristwatches at a similar price range, of course. But then again, that’s a question of taste.

If you like what you see in Daniel Wellington, you should not overthink. You will get a wristwatch that suits your style, which you can wear in all sort of occasions, it will tell the correct time, and it will be reliable for years to come.

So, Is Daniel Wellington A Luxury Brand?

Daniel Wellington watches are designed in Swedish headquarters and have the precision of Japanese quartz. DW watches are confident; they will stand out and will make you feel noticed; otherwise, you might forget you are wearing them, because of how light and comfortable they are. But they are not a luxury watch brand.

To explain this in a bit more detail, let’s start with complete honesty: “an affordable luxury” is an oxymoron. Luxury costs money because its costs of production are high.

In the horology world luxury means that the brand has a long heritage and a history of innovation. Furthermore, the most valuable mechanisms are mechanical, produced in-house with a lot of complications. Obviously, there isn’t a way to have such a watch produced and sold for $200.

So, Daniel Wellington is not a brand for so-cold watch snobs, enthusiastic horology collectors and investors. But if you are one of those you probably know that much.

Investing in a DW watch means investing in your style and going for what you like and need. This young brand might not be a luxury brand, but it is still quite impressive; managing to stand out among so many brands of the industry their watches are in constant high demand.

How Long Do Daniel Wellington Watches Last?

Despite the thin cases, Daniel Wellington watches are tougher than they look, and they will last for years if you do not subject them to unnecessary durability tests.

Things to consider when wearing one of the DW watches:

• You will have to replace the battery once in 3 years
• The leather strap might need replacement, but with their interchangeable straps, that’s not a problem.
• They are not really water-resistant, so it is better not to test them in the pool.
• Only a few of their watches are scratch-resistance, so although they are okay for sporty activities, keep it light.
• The crown is small and can be fragile.

Basically, DW watches are meant for wearing and showing off and not for adrenaline sports, which perfectly suits their design.

Which Daniel Wellington watch should I get?

Daniel Wellington watches are a popular, stylish choice for men and women alike. Most of their models are unisex, and they go well for almost every occasion.

With different face sizes and straps, this gives you a wide variety of choices to choose from, both for men and women. 

Here is my recommendation for some of the top three Daniell Wellington watches:

Classic Oxford Watch in Silver

Daniel Wellington Men’s Oxford 0201DW watch is a great combination of sporty and classy design, typical for Daniel Wellington.

The silver minimalistic, elegant dial is complemented with colorful red/blue NATO strap. This watch is all about presentation: a simplicity that pops out.

The thin body of the watch will hug your wrist, and the nylon NATO string will fit comfortably even in the hottest days.

The watch is powered by reliable Japanese quartz; it weighs only 5 ounces in a 40mm stainless steel case.

This handsome wristwatch also comes in a rose-gold case, and/or in 36 mm case, which makes it a beautiful piece for the ladies who love simple yet trendy elegance.

Daniel Wellington Dapper St Mawes

Daniel Wellington Dapper St Mawes comes in the durable, rose-gold case and with a soft brown leather strap. Don’t jump to conclusion when you read “rose-gold” and think this is a ladies” watch. The “rose” addition in the gold color, makes it less shiny and more handsome and elegant.

The watch is very attractive and makes a perfect accessory for both men and women. Its eggshell white dial has a large Roman numerals and date window, and like other DW watches the beauty is in simplicity. Blue handles add just enough contrast and color to this refined design.

DW Dapper St Mawes uses a Japanese quartz movement, and the diel is protected with scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass.

What makes this model unique is how it can look both famine and masculine depending on the wearer’s style. The case diameter is 34mm so that it can look great as a businesswomen accessory; while its colors and design at first glance say a “classic men’s watch”.

Only bear in mind if you are a man who has a large wrist and prefers XL watches, this model might not be the best choice.

Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol

Daniel Wellington’s classic Bristol is timeless and effortlessly elegant, a timepiece that goes equally well with jeans and formal wear.

If you want a hint of a contrast, then go for this silver stainless steel case. On the other hand, if you want just a pure, elegant look that entirely agrees with the dark brown leather strap, you also have a rose gold option.

The reliability of this wristwatch is standard – it uses precise Japanese quartz movement with analog display.

You can choose different face sizes for DW Classic Bristol. While 40mm diameter stands out nicely on a handsome men’s wrist, we recommend the smaller version of 36mm for the ladies.

Daniel Wellington Petite Ashfield Watch

The Daniel Wellington Petite Ashfield is a modern combination of black dial and a sleek matte black mesh strap. You can never go wrong with the all-black elegance. While I prefer a rose gold case and dial for that distinctive touch of classiness, you can also choose a silver option.

Petite Ashfield is an ultra-thin and light model, with only 6mm case thickness. The whole model; thin, one colored, with 28mm case diameter, 16mm strap with; is for those whose style is fashionable, modern but not in your face.

This petite watch will spark on your wrist like the elegance is something you are born with

The same quiet grace is available for men as well, with the same model but in the 36mm case.