For those who love fashion, staying up to date on current trends is important. Styles are forever changing, affecting almost every element in the wardrobe. One of the most important things to keep up to date with is wristwear since it properly ties an outfit together and is a statement piece that will gather attention.
Watch trends tend to remain fairly consistent or at least work in a cyclical nature, so it’s worth keeping hold of your timepieces even when the trends have changed. Here we’ll take a look at some of the top watch trends in the retail industry in 2023 and why these pieces are making headlines across the globe.
Gender-neutral watches
The advent of non-binary and gender-fluid identities has led to gender-breaking boundaries in the fashion industry. Unisex watches have been cropping up more frequently within the world of horology as a result. Rather than specifically designing and marketing these watches towards men or women, brands are letting consumers decide for themselves.
Androgynous accessories are favoured due to their versatility, distinctive style, and ability to work with a much larger range of outfit choices. In particular, neutral tones are set to be a major trend throughout the year.
Additionally, more men are starting to opt for watches with feminine touches, as these have started to become more prevalent in men’s fashion in recent years. So, expect to see more gemstones and colourful designs on men’s wrists.
The rise of titanium
Luxury watchmakers have often avoided using titanium as the material for their cases but this year has shown that the practical metal is finally getting the recognition it deserves. While lighter than steel, titanium is much more durable and it is resistant to corrosion and rusting.
One of the biggest titanium releases of the year includes the Rolex Yacht-Master, which follows last year’s Deepsea Challenge, the brand’s first-ever titanium watch.
Another brand that has recreated one of its classic designs from the 80s is Hublot. Hublot is known for its variety of luxury watches that push and redefine boundaries in the watchmaking world. The Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium Automatic watch perfectly merges a classic aesthetic with a sporty style to produce a timeless design.
Sustainability is key
With more consumers expecting brands to be sustainable in their practices, it’s no surprise that products are now being made using eco-friendly materials. Swiss watchmakers Breitling are paving the way for a sustainable future, recently unveiling its first fully traceable gold and diamond watch, which is sourced entirely through ethical methods.
Other brands like Ulysse Nardin are also becoming green by using recycled materials from aeroplane parts, fishing nets, and automotive materials. We all need to do our bit to support the planet, and purchasing from a brand that shares the same goals is a surefire way to do so.
The effectiveness of minimalism
You don’t need lots of bling and bold colours to catch people’s attention. The classic dress watch blends with outfits seamlessly and radiates perfection. Virtually all high-end Swiss watchmakers have a range of minimalist watches that are sure to last many generations. These will always make great investment pieces as they’ll never go out of style.
