One of the most unexpected fashion U-turns resulting from Covid-19 is that people had more time to browse, talk and buy luxury designer watches. With the pandemic dust firmly settled and the infamous Watches & Wonder Geneva 2023 show just coming to a close, the love for luxury wristwear is still at an all-time high.
Here at Watches and Crystals, we have gathered together the most significant watch trends for 2023 from the biggest brands in the industry for you to browse at your will and get your accessory collection designer ready this summer.
Stripped Back Minimalism
Chunky watch faces have dominated the industry for years, particularly regarding men's designer watches. However, 2023 looks set to strip everything back and return to slim-line faces and narrow bracelets that look effortless with any outfit, day or night.
For men’s luxury elegance, shop Emporio Armani; their slim, neat bracelets and minimal face designs make for an excellent addition to any formal wear. We love their timepieces with classic leather straps for true luxury in your accessory collection.
Alternatively, you'll ooze cool and confident style when you shop Casio’s small watch faces, clean resin straps and simple flair.
Burberry women’s watches remind us of vintage style with their dainty bracelets and minimal design features; we think these timepieces look stunning when paired with plain metallic bracelets and tasteful slim rings.
However, if you’re a woman that likes a touch of sparkle, Michael Kors's crystal accents and metallic finishes achieve the perfect balance between elegance and subtlety.
Retro Integrated Bracelets
This season you'll find integrated bracelets on the most established horology collectors in various materials and finishes such as stainless steel, leather and silicone.
What is an integrated bracelet?
An integrated bracelet means your watch case is directly connected to your strap for a cohesive and seamless look.
Since 1970, integrated watches have been all the rage, with some designer brands having waitlists for specific models that span decades. These vintage timepieces aim to maintain a sleek, elegant style, show off a brand’s exquisite finishing qualities and remain comfortable for the wearer.
Choose Tissot for a classic integrated bracelet design, period-esque style, and a high-quality finish that remains affordable.
For another brand renowned for technical precision and unparalleled quality, choose Citizen or for urban adventurers that need a watch that can carry them from work to outdoor escapes and be on trend, choose Casio G-shock.
Titanium Finishes
From a watch-making perspective, titanium can be fiddly and may scratch more easily than stainless steel. However, this year has seen a significant uptake in titanium, with some of the biggest brands embracing its lightweight feel and added rigour.
TAG Heuer's outstanding collaboration with the Bamford watch department has developed a genuinely exceptional timepiece for men. Crafted with a lightweight titanium three-row sandblasted strap and striking orange aesthetics, this limited edition aqua racer is tough enough to face any challenge.
For a watch that combines technical precision and clean contours, choose Tonino Lamborghini; moody hues, brave lines and incredible designs dominate the collection and ooze luxury.
Eone Bradley produces truly breathtaking titanium timepieces for women. With various colourful bracelets and metallic finishes, the incredible raised markers and magnetised ball bearings allow a sensory experience as you tell the time through touch.
Champagne and Violet Hues
In 2022, bold pops of colour dominated the horology industry; while this year looks set to embrace colour, we expect to see more laid-back tones of crisp champagne and subtle violet instead of bold hues.
Michael Kors has a stunning collection of champagne tones for women, with slimline mesh bracelets, faces with crystal decals or premium chronograph movement with Roman numerals, all available options.
Not just a trend for ladies' designer watches, men’s timepieces from Metal.ch, finished with cream dials, luminous hands and luxury Swiss craftsmanship, look stunning day or night.
Funky Dials
In a move away from matte faces, brands have started to invest in patterned dials with different textures for a flawless sensory experience in their timepieces.
For men, Burberry has taken their classic check pattern across their watch faces in stunning metal finishes, classic blue hues and understated whites.
Michael Kors has embraced the trend for women’s timepieces with dazzling crystal accents and the staple logo adorning their watch dials.
Gender-Fluid Fashion
2023 see’s androgyny come to the fore among all fashion collections. Think neutral palettes, funky designs and everyday wearability.
For Swiss craftsmanship, superior metals and stunning finishes, Tissot embraces all the qualities of gender-neutral accessories with a premium flair.
For decades now, both men and women have been embracing the retro-cool flair of Casio watches, made trendy by the hipsters; no matter which colour, style or size you choose to purchase, you’ll present only cool vibes with a watch from Casio.