The Biggest Watch Trends for 2025
From bold designs to sky-high prices: Watchmaking keeps evolving in 2025 with retro revivals, colorful statements, and exclusive brand clubhouses.
So here we are, folks, at the start of February 2025, and I can vividly recall sitting here this time last year and writing an article about what was to come for 2024 — How time flies. It has been a challenging year in the watch world; in fact, it's not just been isolated to the watch industry, but luxury at large has been under threat. Primarily as a result of global instability, but also a deeper question has been asked about value. With prices endlessly going up and seemingly quality going down, consumers are rightfully asking questions. I will vividly remember one of the watch brands' CEOs that I spoke to a few years back saying that more so than anything else, a client has to be in the right mindset to buy a watch. It's not necessarily about the money; it is about being in the right mindset to buy a watch, and often those are things that are outside of one's control. But that said, innovation continues, and while hype may have died down somewhat in the watch world, interest and results at auction and the number of brands popping up is continuing to grow. Which is a wonderful thing. And more so than anything else, I'm optimistic about watches still being on the cool table and something that the next generation are considering investing in and supporting. So without further ado, let's dive into what I believe will be some of the key themes and trends for 2025.
The Rise of The Unusual
Gone are the days when circular cases dominated the conversation. The traditional round case, while eternally elegant, is making room for its geometric cousins. Cartier's influence is undeniable here, with the success of the Tank and Santos lines inspiring a new generation of shaped watches. We're seeing octagonal cases beyond the Royal Oak, cushion cases that whisper of vintage elegance, and rectangular offerings that challenge our perception of what a watch should look like. This renaissance of form is particularly evident in independent watchmakers who are pushing boundaries with asymmetrical cases and avant-garde interpretations of classic shapes. And it's not just case shapes — it's complications and how we read time that is changing. Just look at Ressence, the Belgium independent makers, who’s liquid dials never see hands cross! Or even the brand-new Louis Vuitton Convergence with its open dial at 12 o’clock which shows hours and minutes rolling through.
Price Tags That Make Your Eyes Water
If you thought watches were expensive in 2024, brace yourself. The upward trajectory of pricing continues unabated, with manufacturers citing everything from material costs to increased complexity in manufacturing. Entry-level luxury watches that once hovered around the $5,000 mark are steadily creeping toward $8,000, while established models are seeing price adjustments that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. This isn't just inflation at work — it's a strategic repositioning by brands to elevate their market perception and exclusivity. 2025 marks a fascinating paradox in watchmaking: fewer timepieces are being produced, yet they're commanding higher prices than ever. The super high-end segment, pieces priced above $50,000, is experiencing particular growth.
The Return of the Bold and Beautiful
Remember when 38mm was considered the sweet spot? The pendulum is swinging back. Panerai, the brand that once defined the big watch trend, is leading a resurgence in larger case sizes. But this isn't a return to the oversized watches of the 2000s — it's a more refined approach, with better proportions and improved wearability. We're seeing 42-44mm cases that wear surprisingly well, thanks to clever case design and improved ergonomics. This trend suggests that the watch world is finding a happy medium between presence and comfort.
Retro Colors and Reissues
The watch world loves reissues almost as much as it loves celebrating anniversaries, and while I hope that we don't continue to see this, we will inevitably see more retro dial colors of a bygone era and a sense of harking back to the good times. These are most prevalent, I suspect, in sporting chronographs and at the lower end of the market where you typically see quartz instead of mechanical movements. My main issue here is just that the original is always better than the reissue, and more often than not these originals can be found for less money online. The watch-buying audience is no doubt getting more and more switched on to these types of things.
Color Outside the Lines
The days of choosing between black or brown straps are long gone. 2025 is bringing an explosion of color to our wrists, from vibrant rubber straps to hand-stitched leather in every shade imaginable. But it's not just about straps — dials are embracing color like never before. Salmon dials, once a rare sight, are becoming almost commonplace. Green continues its strong run, but we're seeing new interpretations: deeper forest tones, subtle olive hues, and striking metallic finishes. Case materials are joining the party too, with colored ceramics and exotic alloys bringing new possibilities to watch design.
This vibrancy isn't just about aesthetics — it represents a broader shift in how we view luxury watches. They're no longer just timekeeping devices or status symbols; they're becoming genuine expressions of personal style, mood, and character. Whether it's a bright orange rubber strap on a classic steel sports watch or a deep purple dial in a traditional dress piece, color is helping watchmaking break free from its conservative constraints.
The Rise of the Watch Brand Clubhouse
Perhaps the most intriguing development in how we experience haute horlogerie is the emergence of the watch brand clubhouse. These are spaces that transcend traditional retail — forget the bright lights and glass cabinets of boutiques past. Instead, imagine walking into a private member's club, where selling watches seems almost secondary to the experience itself. Vacheron Constantin's Club 1755 set a new standard here, creating an environment that feels more like a collector's private study than a point of sale.
These spaces are carefully curated to feel like homes away from home for serious collectors. Think leather armchairs that have stories to tell, libraries filled with rare horological texts, and bars stocked with single malts that are as rare as the timepieces on display. The lighting is warm and considered, the conversation flows naturally, and the watches? They're there to be discovered rather than sold.
This shift represents a deeper understanding of today's collector. Just look at the Time & Tides Watch Discovery Studio that just opened in London. It is all about community and immersion. That is the future of watch retail! Buyers right now are not just picking up new pieces, they're investing in belonging to a community of like-minded enthusiasts. These clubhouses host intimate events, from watchmaking masterclasses to conversations with master craftsmen, creating an environment where passion for horology can be shared and celebrated. It's exclusivity redefined – not through price points alone, but through genuine appreciation and understanding of the craft.
