One would have thought that technology would have spelt the end of classic watches as we knew them but there is a resurgence and how, says Ayushi Sharma
They say it right. Wearing a watch will never go out of style. With rapid development, almost all products that people used have changed but this doesn’t seem to be applicable to wristwatches. However, it is no longer a piece of machinery to tell the time but has become more of a style statement. So the oft-repeated phrase that development of technology is a threat to the classical and traditional watches can be debunked straight away. Watch designers strongly believe that the classical wristwatches will always be about individuality.
As for the trends, the market seems to be literally exploding with a variety of options, whether it comes to colours, surface textures and the interplay of case and strap materials, which have rarely been used as boldly since the 1960s and 1970s. Indeed, many brands and their designers are recalling the styles from those eras, reworked in new ways by adding a bit of digital touch.
VINTAGE
Retro is the new cool. Archival designs have seen a resurgence since last year, a trend which sees no signs of abating. Designs have the imprint of the time when watchmakers were keen on making a statement.
William Besse, International Sales Director, Frederique Constant, observes the same trend. He feels that youngsters are opting for their grandparents’ watches. “This generation wants to bring the golden era back. They consider them to be more classic and elegant and that is why the straps are back. They have a very clear dial. I feel, youngsters understand that sometimes it’s important to know where you are headed without reflecting on where you come from. Understanding your heritage, your roots and your ancestry is an important part of carving out your future,” says he. The brand has recently launched its latest collection of Ladies Classics Quartz timepieces.
But it is not the only one in the game. There is Carl F Bucherer’s Manero Flyback with its rose gold case and vintage racing silhouette which almost has an heirloom quality. However, those who would prefer a classical racing style without going over the top, there is the TAG Heuer Autavia with the bright brown dial.
The micro-trend of the 90s has become prominent. Hero products from 40s-70s, the golden age of wristwatches, are being reimagined and recreated for a new generation smitten by great design with a vintage touch.
For the purest example of old is the new new, there is Patek Philippe with a 1955-vintage 'triple calendar' Calatrava model featuring no less than five hands running off its centre post.
MATERIAL
It is not just enough to display time or look good, brands are putting their minds to the material that goes into making a watch. So there are military-grade alloys, ultra-hard composites, near-magical metals and even silicon.
Zenith Defy LAB saw a production of silicon balance. The brand also uses its Aerolith case material — essentially aluminium foam — but is far from the oddest case material out there. Carbon and ceramic has often been used in watches but Girard Perregaux’s hybrid carbon fibre and fibreglass which is light, tough and colourful is what makes it special.
SMARTWATCHES
Whereas Johnson Verghese, VP, MD, Fossil India, feels smartwatches have really picked up and is something that will keep growing in the years to come. “The market has witnessed tremendous changes in the way watches have been designed, marketed and bought. From traditional watch pieces to smartwatches that offer the world on the wrist to hybrid watches that were designed for consumers who wanted the best of both worlds, the market now has timepieces for every user’s varied requirements and preferences,” says he and adds that watches are not designed just with the purpose of telling time but also to compliment the look of a fashion conscious consumer. As fashion accessories, they add to the style quotient of one’s outfit and have created a notable space for themselves in the market. A shift has been registered from the usual gold and silver bracelets to newer additions like rose gold and other colours which are getting popular as it is possible to create an entire spectrum of colours with metal with new technology. “The trend can be attributed to two main factors — shift in global fashion trends which is reflected in watches and an increased consumer demand for variety,” he feels. Well, even the classics have been converted into smartwatches today. Michael Kors being the most chosen example.
CATCH THE COLOURS
Adding to the blue and green mix that the year kicked off with, watches are now available in a practical rainbow of colours. The standard collections are going beyond black, blue and white. There are some seriously cool salmon dials while Tutima has maroon brown ones. Rolex has added some light blue marble in the mix.
STRAPS
Johnson Verghese shares that metal and leather straps have always been the key options in the wristwatch category. Depending on the look and comfort level that a consumer aims to achieve — formal, casual or sporty, the aforementioned cater to either of the requirements. “However, utility-driven designs are on the rise, silicone straps and mesh straps with easy-to-do magnetic buckles make their way to the market space. Interchangeable straps have also emerged as one of the latest trends where consumers like to switch between metal and leather or between different colour straps,” says he.
