[f]Is something in the world of watches the latest trend?

Wristwatches appear to be as culturally relevant as ever, even if the market is declining. Just like expressions of personality, taste and style, watches are under the influence of trends. For a long time, it was pretty clear what the general trends of the moment were. But today I would like to insist on going anything. And that’s great!

Can you declare the end of the trending age of watches? It’s probably not, but let’s still give it a try.

When the trend is clear

Looking back at the past few decades, viewing trends are very simple. We’ve seen the next trends in sports watch hype and watches with integrated bracelets. There was also a clear era inspired by vintages, but all new watches sparked the emotions of a bygone era.

The 2000s were, of course, the age of big watches. This trend was due to the larger and larger watches, which inevitably led to the shift in small clocks. Big Watch gangs bumped into a small Watch battalion, and sometimes it felt like war. Enhanced by the rise of social media in the watch world, it has become a tribal issue.

Image: Huntington Company

Recently, the trend in small watches has changed to jewelry watches. This was probably another logical counter development for the massive sports watches that came before. This style has become known as “Geezer Watches.” The term is not universally loved, but the hype was authentic, especially on Tiktok and Instagram. You can even consider people who buy “investment watches” as a coming trend.

Micro Trends

The above are some of the big moves we’ve found, but you can also look at microtrends. These are especially noticeable when you look at the dial. I’m pleased that one of the vignette dials has arrived. Recently, the stone dial has made a bit of a comeback. Looking at this year’s watch and wonder, it may point to the pale blue and brown dials in current trends.

These two distinctive vintage style straps with large stitching have come as part of a larger vintage trend. It was then followed by a clean flat strap with contrast stitching and a later matching stitching. Not too long ago, all high-end watches appeared on alligator straps.

So, what are the trends at the moment?

Frankly, it feels like most of the above trends are behind us. Certainly, the pale blue and brown dials are still prominent, and the gem clock is still alive. But they feel like remnants of greater developments that appear to have come.

Now I know that many of you are probably rolling your eyes at this point. “Why do you care so much about trends? Why don’t you get what you like?” Of course you’re right. And frankly, I don’t care much about trends. But what I care about is what they left and I really like it. Let me explain myself.

Is this a new trend that says “something goes”?

Interestingly, all of these trends seem to have gone on without leaving a burnt Earth in Koichi. For example, when the small dress watch returned, the big sports watch did not go away. Ultimately, we simply leave more options.

Viewing size is a perfect example. Recently, we have seen many brands offer watches with multiple size options. As a result, the troublesome debate about it appears to have died. Not long ago I heard several watch brands refer to certain circles online as “diameter police.” We haven’t heard it for a while now. Today, you seem to be able to choose any size you want, and anyone who tries to start a keyboard war with you will judge you.

I don’t seem to have much of a trend to jump on at the moment. No more all brands will release versions of their integrated bracelet sports watches. Finally, we can no longer see reissued items from all brands’ back catalogues. You can see that all of this is mixed and matched. Lately, it’s as if something was happening. And I like it!

Less tribalized environment

If we could just use this opportunity to declare this post-trend era, we could have left tribalism in the past. You don’t have to be a dress watch guy or a sports watch gal. You can just become a watch lover. It will also be displayed in the comments section. Unfortunately, the tone is a bit sharper, but there is less tribalism in the discussion. I think this is mainly because there is no clear and ubiquitous tendency to be champions or criticized.

As something goes on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. More importantly, their preferences are not currently hiding, so no one feels that they will be ignored. It feels like the brand is simply releasing all sorts of eclectic stuff. I like the post-trend era!

Dear Fratelli, I’d like to hear from you. Are there any clear trends in watches at this time? And are you as happy as I watch them go? Let us know in the comments below!