You only need to look at the wrists of the most influential dressers in the industry and you'll notice the one unsung element that makes their outfits more alluring is the addition of a chic watch. Be it Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Omega or Longines, timepieces have been elevating minimalist outfits for decades, cementing them as a timeless (no pun intended) investment that will instantly upgrade any look. But what of the key 2025 watch trends?
As Who What Wear UK's Fashion Editor, I take great pride in finding you new in buys and exciting looks that will update your wardrobe, but just as important is spotlighting the classic items and luxury shopping pieces that will truly last you a lifetime, too.
Ready-to-wear trends may come and go quicker than you can say "mob wife", but we will always have an appetite for the accessories we wear time and time again, and nothing is more special than fine jewellery and watches. Don't believe me? Just take a look back at the evolution of the watch from chronometer to smart device, and you'll see just how much value and importance we place on our arm candy as the ultimate accessory.
From Tiffany's cocktail watches to Rolex's designs that have become a household name, watches are a status symbols in their own right. And, as the luxury watch market continues to rise and rise, the resale market grows too, with savvy shoppers looking for quality watches at even better prices. Not since the Hermés Birkin bag or Cartier Love bracelet have the style-conscious wanted to invest in iconic pieces that have the longevity to span generations.
With the quiet-luxury and old-money aesthetics bringing watches back to the forefront yet again, our feeds are suddenly full of editors and influencers who have made the watch an integral part of their signature style, but there are plenty of watch styles that channel high luxury in 2025, even if you're working with a tighter budget.
We spoke to Jack Stephens, in-house watch expert at pre-owed watch specialist Watchfinder & Co. to find out which watch trends are about to surface in 2025 in order to help you get one step ahead of the fashion crowd. So, from new colours to old favourites, keep scrolling to the top five 2025 watch trends that made the final list.
The 5 Key Watch Trends of 2025
1. Vintage Appeal
Looking for a piece that will stand the test of time? Our advice is to start shopping around vintage, antique and secondhand sellers. “Vintage watches have had a resurgence in 2024, and continue to grow in popularity into 2025," notes Stephens. "Brands such as TAG-Heuer are finding huge success in re-releasing watches from their archives, and smaller, independent brands without the rich back catalogue to draw from also have found huge popularity in drawing inspiration from popular watchmaking eras like the '60s and '70s."
Shop the Trend:
This white gold Cartier Panthère is so discreetly luxurious.
Both Zoë Kravitz and Kaia Gerber wear Omega.
If you adore the Cariter Tank, why not consider the more affordably priced, albeit still as luxurious looking, Longines Dolce Vita?
So, this isn't technically vintage, but one you'll want to invest in soon and treat like a future heirloom.
Near identical to the style Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wore.
Between the steel case and the pearlescent pink dial, I'm not sure what is more luxurious.
2. Bold Colour and Texture
Sorry, wallflowers. According to the experts, 2025 is all about statement pieces that are impossible to ignore. “In 2025, more vibrant colours and unique textures in new models have been prominent," explains Stephens. "This trend is already being championed by brands like Tudor, TAG Heuer, and H. Moser & Cie., who have demonstrated that there is a strong market for bold and innovative colourways, moving away from the standard offerings of blue, black, or silver dials. With this trend, we can expect to see new innovations including watches with dials made from materials like wood or stone, as well as those featuring vibrant and eye-catching colours.”
Shop the Trend:
This tank is especially unique thanks to the trompe l'oeil stone etching on the dial.
The blue grooved dial is the perfect complement to the sumptuous navy leather strap—two of the biggest 2025 autumn colour trends.
Straight from 2011, this diamond-encrusted timepiece will retain its value for several more decades to come.
Made in Switzerland, though abundant with Gucci's slick Italian expression of style.
The mother-of-pearl face is so delicate that it changes colour as it reflects fragments of light.
Featuring a strap inspired by its Hardware collection and a 'Tiffany Blue' dial, this style certainly sits at the intersection of luxury jewellery and covetable timepieces.
3. The Cartier Reign
If there's one name synonymous with luxury watches, it has to be Cartier, and despite its 120-year legacy, these French designs are still just as sought after as they were when they were first released. “By continuously innovating while staying true to its heritage, Cartier is poised to maintain its dominance within not only the women’s watch market but the industry as a whole,' adds Stephens. The luxury brand's ability to anticipate and respond to the desires of its clientele, paired with its timeless, elegant, iconic designs and strategic use of social media to engage with a global audience, has solidified Cartier’s position as a leader in the luxury watch sector.”
Shop the Trend:
This dual stainless steel and gold style is a sophisticated way to mix metals.
If there is one style that has defined 2025, it's this.
Slightly more subtle in size, though nonetheless equally enviable.
The Baignoire takes a rhythmic and dynamic approach to watch shapes.
Simply beautiful.
Patent leather and a diamond bezel? It really can't get more luxurious than this.
4. Genderless Styles
Supersized or slimmed-down? However you prefer your watches, you needn't worry about what category they fall under. According to Stephens, fluid, unisex styles are crossing over to watchmaking too. “Over the past year, the gender gap within the watch industry has noticeably narrowed, and I predict this trend will continue. Women are gravitating towards larger cases, appreciating the bold and substantial presence they offer. Simultaneously, men are showing a preference for smaller, more understated designs driven by the resurgence of vintage pieces. As a result of this I think we will see more brands producing watches closer to 40 MM, watches everyone can enjoy regardless of gender."
Shop the Trend:
The Pasha is one of Cartier's lesser known motifs, but this captivating midnight is certainly worth your attention.
The perfect Valentine's Day present to share with you and your partner, perhaps?
You can always trust the Scandinavian set for creating something rich in that chic and covetable minimalism the region is known for.
Brynn Wallner of @dimepiece predicted genderless and oversized watches as a 2025 trend all the way back at the start of last year.
Balance out the considerable diameter with equally boxy pieces like a blazer or arched jeans.
Androgynous and reversable!
5. Quality and Value
It goes without saying that you can find stunning watches for four figures and above, but what about those working with a more conservative budget? The answer is in smaller, up and coming brands says Stephens.“Watch lovers are increasingly looking for brands who offer strong value for money, not just a big name. Seiko and Christopher Ward, along with innovative microbrands such as Studio Underdog, are setting high standards in this area. It’s becoming essential for larger watch brands to consider how they can offer the best possible product for the best price."
Shop the Trend:
From afar, you could totally pass this style as a Cartier Tank.
Owning a Thomas Sabo is a right of passage for European It girls.
This Tissot style is so refined.
The curves on this stainless steel strap is so luxurious.
You can never go wrong with Vivienne Westwood.
The late-Dame designs will always enhance any outfit.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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