Though its primary function is to tell time, the wristwatch has evolved over the years, going from a practical accessory to a status symbol and now to a statement piece. It’s a subtle piece, but a good wristwatch can effectively accent and pull together your look.
Some people may have a staple watch that they wear daily for practical reasons, but many see it as expressing their sense of style and personality. Some people collect watches the same way one would collect shoes, even going so far as acquiring pieces from different lines, such as the IWC Watch Collection and others. This interest has led to many different styles of watches and shifting trends that occur nearly every year.
To help you get ahead of the hype and nab relevant pieces before the new year, this article lists the watch trends to look out for in 2022.
1. Minimalist Watches
Minimalism has risen in popularity over the past few years. In contrast with maximalist and eccentric styles, which aim to stand out and believe that brighter and busier is better, minimalist watches focus on the bare necessities. Less is more when it comes to these styles.
Some may argue that minimalism is a dull look, but it’s hard to dislike the appeal of a sleek and simple design. In fashion, there’s been a lot of emphasis on the importance of having basic pieces you can easily mix and match, and these days, people have been applying that mindset to more than just clothes.
Minimalist designs for watches are growing to be a consumer favorite, as they don’t overpower or clash with many styles. For this reason, they’ve become an ideal way to pull together different looks, ranging from office wear to casual wear.
In addition, since minimalist watches don’t need to be adorned with gems or other precious materials, they are often priced lower, making them more affordable than flashy timepieces.
You can expect to see more of this style next year, as designers have caught on to consumers’ preference for minimalist and practical pieces.
2. Responsibly Made Watches
With growing awareness of the climate crisis spreading, many buyers are learning to be more conscious of the purchases they make. Some people have started to lean toward products made ethically and responsibly, shunning products made with materials that contain toxic ingredients or that may be damaging to the environment.
With this new shift to sustainability, many companies in the watch industry have made significant changes by producing eco-friendly products and using biodegradable or upcycled packaging. With more watches made from sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic, yarn, and even pineapple leaves, 2022 will undoubtedly look greener.
3. Smartwatches
Technology has undoubtedly been a game-changer for most industries, and watch-producing giants have not been left behind. With younger generations now being more tech-savvy, they may be more drawn to multifunctional watches. That’s where the smartwatch comes in.
With the watch’s ability to connect to the internet, it essentially functions as a mini-computer. It also offers other features that can enhance your lifestyle, such as a pedometer that tracks the number of steps you take and a program that can monitor your heartbeat, among other things. Some models also boast the same functionality as mobile phones, allowing you to make calls and send messages.
As advancements are quickly being made in technology, the smartwatch is constantly being upgraded and improved, giving consumers more reason to have one.
4. Vintage-Style Watches
Vintage watch designs have always been considered fashionable, but with most ’90s trends coming back to the market, we may see them coming back with new force. And, given its prevalence in the watch industry, it’s not hard to see that it could be a fan favorite in the next year.
You might assume that all vintage watches might be indistinguishable from one another. Still, reputable brands continue to work on new looks, even as they take inspiration from their older models. These new takes give vintage-style watches a refreshing look and make for tempting pieces that consumers will want to own.
Bottom Line
Wristwatches may be seen as more practical than fashionable, but they’re an accessory that can never go out of style. They’re not an exception to the shifting trends, though, so if you’re a watch aficionado, you may want to know beforehand what trends to expect soon. With the points listed above, you now have a good idea of what styles to keep an eye out for.
