5 Watch Trends for 2023

As 2023 approaches, it’s the perfect time to get a head start on all of the up and coming watch trends for the new year, and lucky for you, we’re here to help! 

From the rise of vintage watches to vegan straps and colourful dials, here are 5 trends you should be looking out for in the new year. 

5 watch trends for 2023 include:

1. The resurfacing of vintage watches
2. Larger case sizes
3. Eco friendly & vegan alternatives
4. All-purpose smart watches
5. Colourful dials

1. The Resurfacing of Vintage Watches

Demand for vintage watches has grown significantly over the past few years, and it isn’t slowing anytime soon. In fact, the vintage watch market is estimated to be at an impressive 3.4 billion pounds, and thanks to the rise in the online watch marketplace, it has never been easier to find rare options and purchase within a few seconds. Vintage watches are also relatively lightweight and small, making them perfect for worldwide shipping. 

Popular brands such as Omega and Rolex are taking inspiration from the past, recycling designs from the 1960s and ‘70s in a number of their new models, hoping that they can tap into the expanding market for vintage watches. 

2. Larger Case Sizes

A study looking at case diameter trends across a number of decades found that the proportion of watches in the 35-37mm category has dropped since 2000 and is now a relatively small category. In comparison, the number of 41-43mm watches has grown, and is now the largest category. Finally, the proportion of 44-46 watches has grown since 2000 and peaked between 2010-2019 as consumers seeked larger watches. 

So, why are larger cases on the rise? Well, this can be down to a couple of reasons. One major reason is that watches have become much more of a luxury and visual status symbol than just being able to tell the time. Therefore to some, the bigger the watch, the higher status they have.  Another reason is down to technology i.e. the larger the watch case, the more space for tech features such as GPS or the chronograph.

BREITLING Chronomat 44mm Automatic Chronograph - Anthracite Dial

The Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph is a stunning new interpretation of the Chronomat, with a large 44mm case and the extraordinary Caliber 01 at the heart.

The model has contrasting small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph subdials. The dial, which features a date window at the 4:30 position, is clearly legible through a convex sapphire crystal case back with anti-reflective coating on both sides.  

3. Eco Friendly & Vegan Alternatives

With the world more focused on environmental issues than ever before, most industries are making a conscious effort towards sustainability in order to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. The watch industry is no exception with more and more environmentally-conscious products taking the market by storm each year. 

Vegan watch straps are a hugely popular leather strap alternative, ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle but still eager for style. With 79 million people worldwide already vegan, veganism is expected to grow rapidly which in turn, will see a huge increase in the demand for vegan alternatives in the watch industry. 

Learn more about what vegan watch straps are and what they’re made from here. 

Hirsch LEAF Vegan Performance Rubber Watch Strap

The LEAF performance collection is Hirsch’s new nature line of vegan-friendly leather-alternative watch straps. These unique straps are adorned with real leaves, individually treated using a specialised process for a vibrantly coloured semi-transparent skeletal finish, then hand-applied to the bespoke upper carrier layer. The  n m,nn process ensures that while no two Leaf straps are alike, each is pleasingly intricate and bold in a way that truly stands out.

The underside is made from Hirsch's tried-and-true caoutchouc rubber material as used in their other Performance straps, making it flexible and robust enough for use during sports, vigorous exercise and aquatic pursuits.

Morellato GINEPRO Buffalo-Grain Vegan Leather Watch Strap

Part of Morellato's Green Collection, the Ginepro is crafted from a vegan-friendly leatherette material, embossed with a smooth and sophisticated calfskin-style texture for added authenticity.

The two leather strips are half-remborded into a single unpadded whole, giving it a lower profile and higher durability. The understated look is accentuated with tonal edge stitching, including special parallel details at the lug ends.

 

4. All-purpose Smart Watches

For all you tech enthusiasts out there, you’ll be pleased to know that smartwatches will continue trending in 2023. In fact, this year, the global smartwatches market has been valued at US$ 23.5 billion and is predicted to reach US$ 121.5 billion within the next decade. 

Since COVID has put a greater emphasis on physical health, more and more people are focusing on improving their lifestyle, and smartwatches are a perfect accompaniment for doing so. Not only do they help you keep track of the time, they can help you reach your fitness goals, make calls, check the weather forecast, listen to music, the list goes on. 

5. Colourful Dials

Another trend that is very likely to take the market by storm in 2023 is the rise in colourful dials (including white). There are numerous examples of colourful dials: Sinn Watch 556 in multiple pastel colours, Omega Aqua Terra, Tag Heuer Monaco…the list goes on.

One of the reasons for this is the freedom of expression significantly increasing over the years. As the standard workplace has become more casual, it is also now much more acceptable to wear brighter colours in formal situations. 

TAG HEUER CBL2114.FC6486 Grand Prix de Monaco Limited Edition Stainless Steel 39mm Automatic Chronograph - Red Dial

You could count on one hand how many times you've seen a red dial Tag Heuer Monaco in the flesh. Chances are, you haven't even seen one which is what makes this limited edition Monaco appealing. The one we have available today is one of 1,000 that were made in partnership with Grand Prix Historique de Monaco.

This watch shares a very similar spec sheet to the core Monaco but boast an eye catching dial and case back. Most certainly one to consider as a future collectable.

And there you have it! 5 trends to look out for as 2023 approaches. 

We are WatchObsession, your favourite watch strap store since 2010. Shop our luxury watches, watch straps and watch tools and accessories on our website and become #WObsessed. 

Written by Kate, for Watch Obsession.