Swiss luxury watchmakers are competing to make the most pointless watch ever, as they race to create the deepest diving watch with limited wearability. While adding tough materials will increase durability and pressure resistance, a wristwatch should still function according to its original intended purpose, unlike record-breaking dive watches. The watch industry cannot yet make a wristwatch that can truly tackle extreme elements, so they should focus on other essential features such as wearing comfort, durability, and aesthetic refinement. The rise of vintage-inspired watches is due to watch buyers' taste and watchmakers' nostalgia for their past designs. Luxury conglomerates' desire to minimize the presence of competing products in their brands' portfolios led to the creation of vintage-inspired designs. Watch enthusiasts also love the relaunch of a fabled aesthetic. While vintage designs are worth being around, produced, and sold, even today, the industry has produced so many vintage-style watches that it is challenging to keep track of them. Rather than entirely focusing on the vintage trend, brands should debut new and innovative models to keep up with the ever-changing demands of watch enthusiasts.
Another trend that I hope to see less of in 2023 is the proliferation of replica watches limited edition watches. While limited edition models can be exciting for collectors and enthusiasts, it often feels like brands are releasing them more and more frequently simply as a marketing gimmick to create a false sense of exclusivity and urgency. It’s not uncommon for limited edition models to sell out quickly and then appear on the secondary market at inflated prices, taking advantage of people’s fear of missing out.
Instead, I would like to see brands focus on creating high-quality, well-designed watches that are available for purchase at reasonable prices. I believe that brands that prioritize quality over gimmicks will ultimately have more loyal customers and a better reputation within the watch community.
Finally, I want to take a moment to highlight some positive trends that I hope to see more of in 2023. One is the increasing focus on sustainability within the watch industry. Many brands are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact and to use more sustainable materials in their watches. This includes using recycled or upcycled materials, reducing waste during production, and creating more durable and long-lasting watches that don’t need to be replaced as frequently.
Another positive trend is the increasing diversity and inclusivity within the watch industry. More brands are featuring models and ambassadors from diverse backgrounds, and there is a growing recognition of the need for more representation and inclusion in the industry.
Overall, I believe that the watch industry has the potential to continue to innovate and create amazing timepieces that are both functional and beautiful. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and inclusivity, brands can create a more positive and impactful future for themselves and for their customers.
