The Top Watch Trends to Follow This Year: What’s In and What’s Out

The Top Watch Trends to Follow This Year: What’s In and What’s Out

The world of watches is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging each year that redefine what’s stylish, functional, and sought after. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for your next timepiece, staying updated on the latest watch trends can help you make informed decisions and keep your style fresh. Here’s a look at the top watch trends to follow this year, highlighting what’s in and what’s out, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

1. IN: Colorful Dials and Straps

Bright and bold colors are making a big splash in the watch world this year, with brands embracing vibrant dials and colorful straps that add a playful touch to any outfit. From vivid blues and greens to deep reds and purples, colorful watches are a great way to express your personality and stand out from the crowd.

Colorful Watch Tips:

  • Mix and Match Straps: Opt for watches with interchangeable straps, allowing you to switch up your look with colorful bands that match your outfit or mood.
  • Bold Dials: Brightly colored dials are a statement trend, perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their wrist.
  • Go Monochrome: Monochrome watches in a single bold color, like all-blue or all-green, are eye-catching and on-trend, offering a sleek yet playful aesthetic.

Example Pairing: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s bold blue accents make it a perfect fit for this trend, adding a fresh and modern touch to any look.

2. OUT: Oversized Watches

Oversized watches, once a dominant trend, are gradually falling out of favor as the market shifts towards more balanced and wearable designs. This year, there’s a clear move away from overly large, bulky cases in favor of sleeker, more proportionate watches that offer comfort and versatility.

Sizing Tips:

  • Go for Medium Sizes: Medium-sized watches (38-42mm) are a versatile choice, offering a balanced look that suits most wrist sizes.
  • Slim Profiles: Opt for watches with slim cases that sit comfortably on the wrist, enhancing both style and comfort without being overpowering.
  • Focus on Fit: A well-fitting watch that matches your wrist size will always look more polished and stylish than a watch that feels too large.

Example Pairing: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s 42mm case is perfectly in line with this trend, providing a balanced and stylish fit for everyday wear.

3. IN: Retro and Vintage-Inspired Designs

Retro and vintage-inspired watches continue to be a major trend, bringing nostalgic charm and timeless style to modern wardrobes. With nods to classic design elements from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, these watches offer a blend of old-school aesthetics with contemporary functionality.

Vintage Design Tips:

  • Classic Numerals: Look for watches with vintage-style numerals, aged dials, or old-school layouts that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
  • Unique Case Shapes: Retro-inspired watches often feature unique case shapes, like cushion or tonneau, that set them apart from more traditional round designs.
  • Muted Colors: Opt for muted tones like navy, mustard, or forest green, which add to the vintage appeal without feeling dated.

Example Pairing: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s retro design and bold color scheme make it a perfect nod to vintage style while keeping a modern edge.

4. OUT: Busy Dials with Too Many Complications

While multifunctional watches have their place, overly busy dials filled with complications, sub-dials, and excessive detail are losing their appeal. The trend now leans towards clean, minimalist designs that are easy to read and wear, emphasizing simplicity over complexity.

Minimalist Watch Tips:

  • Clean Dials: Choose watches with simple dials, minimal markings, and clear, easy-to-read faces that offer a sleek and modern look.
  • Subtle Complications: If you prefer complications, opt for watches with subtle features, like a date window or a single chronograph sub-dial, that don’t overwhelm the design.
  • Focus on Functionality: Keep it simple with just the features you need, ensuring your watch remains stylish and functional.

Example Pairing: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s clean and straightforward design makes it an ideal choice for those looking to embrace minimalist watch trends.

5. IN: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials

As sustainability continues to influence fashion, the watch industry is also making strides towards eco-friendly designs. From recycled materials to innovative vegan straps, sustainable watches are gaining popularity among environmentally conscious consumers.

Eco-Friendly Watch Tips:

  • Recycled Materials: Look for watches made from recycled stainless steel, plastic, or other sustainable materials that reduce environmental impact.
  • Vegan Straps: Vegan leather straps made from plant-based or recycled materials offer a cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather.
  • Solar-Powered Movements: Solar-powered watches that harness energy from light sources are a sustainable and low-maintenance option that’s gaining traction.

Example Pairing: While the 85RETRO™ Model 1 isn’t specifically eco-friendly, keeping an eye out for sustainable models as they emerge can help you stay on trend.

6. OUT: Flashy Gold Bling

While gold will always have its place in watch design, the trend for overly flashy, blinged-out gold watches is waning. This year’s focus is more on understated luxury and subtle metallic finishes, with polished and brushed metals taking center stage over loud, shiny bling.

Subtle Luxury Tips:

  • Brushed Metal Finishes: Opt for brushed or matte finishes that offer a sophisticated and modern look without the flashiness of high-polish gold.
  • Two-Tone Designs: Two-tone watches that combine metals like silver and rose gold offer a balanced, elegant look that feels fresh and refined.
  • Understated Details: Choose watches with subtle accents and refined details, enhancing the luxury feel without overpowering your outfit.

Example Pairing: The 85RETRO™ Model 1, with its brushed metal accents and sleek design, aligns with this trend of understated luxury, perfect for those who prefer a more refined look.

Conclusion

The top watch trends of the year reflect a shift towards versatile, wearable designs that blend style with functionality. From colorful dials and retro-inspired designs to minimalist aesthetics and sustainable materials, there’s a trend for every taste and lifestyle. Keep these trends in mind when shopping for your next timepiece, and explore options like the 85RETRO™ Model 1 to stay on top of the latest in watch fashion, ensuring your collection remains stylish, relevant, and perfectly suited to your personal style.