Watches are not made overnight. They may take months, and in some cases years, to put together. They are a symbol of style and personality; a statement piece that tells more than just the time. Nowadays, women want more than just a timepiece; they are searching for diversity, femininity and elegance. But with an estimated 1.2 billion watches sold every year, each one tailored to a current trend, how do you know which fashion to follow? We’re here to guide you through this year’s women’s watch trends and explain what to look out for when you choose your timepiece.
Vintage is back
Following the release of the Apple Watch in 2015, people began to question the relevance and survival of mechanical watches. However, the sharp rise in demand for vintage watches has blown all doubt out of the water. Just as a pair of pearl earrings will never go out of fashion, a vintage Cartier could never be considered outdated. Vintage watches are proving to stand the test of time, quite literally, with the vintage market booming and set to rocket further as 2017 progresses. Women are moving away from large-face watches, which is why vintage watches, traditionally with smaller faces, are rapidly becoming the new game in horology. What’s more, Rolex and other luxury watch companies only sell current collections, rather than watches created over 50 years ago, hence why women in search of more diversity are turning to vintage and pre-owned luxury watches. Whether you can call this an old or new trend, it is time to delve into the past to find your new timepiece.
A typical ‘female watch?’
What is a ‘women’s watch’ and why should ladies be confined to a gendered timepiece? There seems to be a misconception that women’s watches need to be ornate or over decorated, when in fact, a lot of women are searching for something classic, simple and elegant. This is why more and more women are turning to men’s watches when making their choice. This new appeal to men's watches goes hand in hand with the rise in demand for vintage horology, since vintage men’s watches from the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s generally fit extremely well on most women’s wrists. They embody a classic and delicate style, distinct from the glittery gaudy watches we see selling on the shelves today. What’s more, a bolder face of a man’s watch and thicker band offers a perfect balance to feminine garments, giving women more of an elegant edge.
A strapping choice
The watch strap, or bracelet, is arguably the most important part of the watch itself, yet with so many options to choose from, it is hard to know where to start. This year is the year of stainless steel. This classic case material, which can even withstand a wide range of chemical reactions, is one of the strongest and most versatile metals used in the watch industry. In 1912, The New York Times reported that stainless steel watches were “the most useful piece of jewelry that had been invented for many decades”. They stated that they were for “women who have to work as well as those who play.” Boasting longevity and elegance, we can understand why this timeless metal is set to trend in 2017.
When buying a luxury women’s watch, you are investing in more than just a timepiece. You are investing in a story, a style and a symbol of elegance. Whether you fall for a vintage Cartier that has defied the decades, or a new collection stainless steel Rolex that promises to survive for generations to come, one thing to be sure is that with every luxury women’s timepiece comes true timeless elegance that will stand out from the rest. Visit our auction page now where you can find a whole range of luxury women's watches and more.