Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to grow your watch collection? Or are you just looking to update your collection with a few up-to-the-minute pieces? Whatever your reasons for shopping for a new watch in the New Year, there are a few trends you should “watch” for.
Here are 10 new styles, design choices and overall trends that you can expect to see as you shop around for a new timepiece in 2022.
Designer Collaborations
You probably have your personal favorite watch designers, if you’ve been collecting for more than a year or so. You know which brands to look to, for your next best piece. However, if you’re looking to broaden the number of brands in your watch box this year, now’s definitely the time to do it. We’re seeing more and more designer collaborations come out with watches that are unlike anything you’ve seen before, offering looks and styles above and beyond what you’ll get with a watch from just one singular designer
Beyond these collaborations among men’s brands, we’ve also seen great designer collabs among women’s watches recently, including watches from Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co., Hublot and Takashi Murakami and Bvlgari and MB&F.
We have a feeling these great collaborations are just going to continue, so keep your eyes peeled for more like this. You don’t want to miss your chance at getting your hands on one of these one-of-a-kind timepieces.
Minimalism
While maximalism may have been growing in the overall jewelry world this past year, minimalism has held strong in the watch world. While jewelry tastes have gone over to the big, bold, chunky and layered looks, minimalist watches stick to sleek and understated designs that, despite their minimalism, make a big impact.
Looking for a more minimalist watch to add to your collection? We like this Harry Winston Midnight watch, which features has a 32 mm 18K white gold case set with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.75 carat), silver dial with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.02 carat), quartz movement and satin strap with ardillon buckle.
Vintage Watches
Who doesn’t love a little vintage in their closet? The same holds true for timepieces. If you don’t have a vintage watch in your wardrobe already, you seriously need to consider adding one. A classic watch can really round out your collection and accent your outfits in ways that newer watches just can’t — and it’s something that more and more tastemakers and influencers are realizing. So, don’t be surprised going into 2022 if you see more of your favorite social media stars sporting vintage watches versus newer looks. The old has become new again.
Responsibly-Sourced Watches
Maybe one of the reasons (besides the great look, after all) that vintage watches are becoming more and more popular? It could have something to do with fashion’s overall migration toward sustainably-sourced and responsibly-crafted pieces. Purchasing a pre-owned watch is just one way to do your part to cut down on your carbon footprint, but it also helps you look great, too.
Overall, beyond pre-owned watches, sustainability and responsible sourcing are growing in favor in the watch world, as makers and buyers alike look toward materials that are ethically-sourced and eco-friendly. Even watch packaging is following the trend.
All-Black Watches
Add a little more black to your closet. This trend goes hand in hand with the shift toward minimalist designs, as watch makers create designs that are black on black on black. Black strap. Black hardware. Black crown. Black markings. It’s definitely a look that adds a little extra edge to even your most corporate attire.
A fantastic example of this trend is the Bvlgari OCTO L’ORIGINALE watch, which features a mechanical manufacture movement, integrated high-frequency chronograph (5Hz), column wheel mechanism, silicon escapement, automatic winding and date, and a stainless steel case treated with black Diamond Like Carbon.
Luxury Sports Watches
Much like smart watches, sports watches are nothing new — but what designers have been doing to them this year and looking ahead to next, is. The diving watch specifically received lots of updates, thanks to new offerings from designers such as Tudor and Certina. These watches are not only attractive, they’re highly functional. Think enhanced visibility, new materials like titanium and more.
New Face Shapes
In the women’s watch world, there’s been a shift toward new and different watch face shapes, beyond your typical round or square shapes. Think bell shapes, floral shapes or even art nouveau-inspired shapes.
As an example of this, we like the Bvlgari SERPENTI SEDUTTORI watch, with its serpent head-inspired face.
Increasing Color
While we’ve noticed an increase in rainbow-hued jewelry for the past several years, especially on the women’s side (as can be seen with the Bvlgari Serpenti Viper rainbow watch), the men’s watch world has been a little more reserved in its foray into more adventurous colors.
In contrast to the black-on-black options we’ve seen, some designers this year are going for gorgeously green faces, blue dials, stainless steel hardware and a lot of brown bronze. So, as you buy your first new watch of 2022, take a few pages out of these designers’ books and expand outside of your typical color preferences, and try something new.
Changing Sizes
While, historically, it’s been the standard that men’s watches are a little more on the heavier, wider and “clunkier” side, and women’s watches have been a little more delicate, thin and small, new watch options encourage shoppers to go with the watch size that they like best, not necessarily what fashion standards have dictated in the past. So, as you shop for a new watch, look for an option that’s going to be exactly the width and style that you want as a collector.
Ready to Add Something New to Your Watch Collection in 2022?
Do any of these 10 watch trends speak to you? Check out all of the fantastic watch options available from Yamron and La Maison Yamron and, for more assistance picking the perfect watch for your timepiece collection, talk to one of our expert jewelers and gemologists. If you are in Naples, stop by our showroom.
