For several years, the number of watches sold fell as people switched from looking at their wrist to find out the time to checking their mobile instead. However, in 2015, the watch is definitely back. People are once again accessorising with watches.
The industry has come up with some incredible watches, and clever marketing is boosting sales.
The use of new materials
Watchmakers are taking new materials and using them to create some great looking watches. They are borrowing from industry and turning alloys like titanium into fantastic looking and durable timepieces. Ceramic watches are also proving popular and are now available at a price point that most people can afford.
The last time watch manufacturers tried out new materials to this extent was the 80s when Swatch started the trend for plastic watches. People still want something new and different, so watches made from these new materials are selling well.
New Tech
Smart watches have been available for several years, but, so far, sales have been slow. In 2015, the Apple Watch was launched and that seems to have ignited the market.
Lower priced smart watches are selling especially well. The Asus Zen Watch is relatively inexpensive and the fact that it looks more like a traditional watch has helped too.
Fashion and Luxury Watches
Luxury watches are also proving popular. The fact that people have a little more money in their pockets is definitely helping the sales of both luxury and fashion watches.
Bold jewellery is back, which is why sales of fashion watches have been strong for 2015. Black and gold are proving particularly popular, but there is also a thirst for bling, so stone encrusted watch faces and straps are sought after too.
Back in time
In 2015, some of the bigger watchmakers have gone back to their roots. Retro is definitely back.
Watch manufacturers from across the world have decided to rework and re-launch some of their classic designs. A great example is the Cartier Tank watch. This classic oblong shaped watch was first launched in the early 20s, and the new digital version is proving popular with modern consumers.
The Glashütte Original Sixties is another example of a watch that is selling well in 2015. The legendary Spezimatic watch was a best seller in the 60s and is appealing to modern consumers too.
Used Watches
The trend for retro style watches also has more people digging out family heirlooms and getting them restored. Jewellers and watchmakers are finding that there is a lot of demand for their watch cleaning and repair services. Others are having new straps fitted and batteries replaced to give older watches a new lease of life.
I have to say I end up using my phone a lot more now and it’s really bad because I miss my watch! I should invest in a new one. I really like the styles where it’s been shaped into a bracelet, they always look lovely. Really well written and interesting post Laura! – Tasha
This is so true, the watch has definitely made a come back! I really love retro watches as i find them so interesting in the way they look. That first watch is gorgeous!
Courtney | http://courtzmelv.com