When it comes to watches, many believe that it is timeless accessory that never goes out of style. That might be true for many, but they’re no exception to the shifting trends of the industry. Whether you are a watch enthusiast or a hard-core collector, the chances are that many of you are looking at figuring out the upcoming watch trends for 2022. That’s where we come in! Here are four of the biggest watch trends (PS: none of this is set in stone) that we see taking off in 2022:
Also Read: The Best Watches of 2021
1. Sustainability is the keyword
There is no denying the fact that the idea of maintaining the health of our planet Earth is gathering steam, with sustainability being its driving force. With the growing awareness of the climate crisis, consumers are conscious and aware of how their consumption affects the environment. This shift to sustainability and conscious consumerism has led the watch industry to step up and make significant changes to its product line, manufacturing process and sustainability efforts.
From Panerai’s release of its Submersible eLAB-ID PAM01225 made from recycled-based material to Swatch introducing a completely new BIOCERAMIC material for its new Big Bold watch, the watch world has embraced the use of sustainable materials. Panerai has also led the way to transparency and disclosed its entire supply chain, thereby encouraging its fellow peers to follow suit. With these steps taken to create an environmental-friendly watch industry, sustainability is a key trend that we will see more of in the upcoming years.
2. Collaboration is the Mother of Creativity
In recent times, collaborations have been taking place in every industry. From designers collaborating with big clothing companies like the SabyasachiXH&M to big luxury fashion brands getting together (read Gucci and Balenciaga) have been taking over every industry, including the watch world.
We have witnessed Hublot’s long string of collaborations across different industries. From its most recent partnership with Takashi Murakami to its long-standing relationship with Sang Bleu, Hublot has been the frontrunner in its association with different artists from various industries. One of the most significant collaborations of 2021 has been Patek Phillipe teaming up with Tiffany & Co. to give us the highly coveted Nautilus Ref 5711 with a Tiffany-blue dial. Additionally, last year we saw the collaborative effort of the watch industry evolving with brands like Bulgari and MB&D coming together to release the 3D-like MB&F X Bulgari Legacy Machine FlyingT Allegra.
With such releases closing off the year, rest assured to witness more collaborations coming through in the coming year!
3. Splash Of Colours
While 2021 was the year of the colour green, we assume the coming year will also see a lot of brands experimenting with a range of coloured dials, including more shades of green. The last few months of the year saw the release of coloured watches like OMEGA’s Globemaster Annual Calendar in green, red and golden hues, along with some green editions from De Bethune and Zenith.
Apart from the multi-coloured dials, we also see brands joining the trend of introducing watches with cases made entirely from sapphire crystal. From the Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire, Chanel J12 X-Ray Electro Caliber 3.1 to Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire, we predict many other watch brands going down the same route in 2022, albeit in more affordable price points.
4. Character Watches
The last few months of 2021 saw the release of a slew of watches inspired by cartoon characters. Now we know that the tradition of associating cartoon characters with watches is not a new phenomenon. Die-hard Rolex fans have given their favourite Submariners names like the Hulk, Batman or Kermit according to the colour palette of the respective watch. However, this time, the relationship between the watches and cartoon characters is getting bolder and more fun.
From the bold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Panther Flying Tourbillon to the fun yet interesting Gérald Genta Arena Retrograde with Smiling Disney Mickey Mouse, watch brands are investing in creating unique timepieces with these cartoon characters. Additionally, Swatch’s new timepiece featuring the entire Peanut Gang and Snoopy becoming the main inspiration for George Bamford’s creations has paved the way for more character watches to unveil in 2022. This is great news for watch lovers as this trend allows many collectors to enjoy the joys of watch loving and be able to wear their favourite and nostalgic characters on their wrist.
