Don’t just keep up with the trends—set them with a watch.
As the seasons change, so do the trends that define our style. This year, the spotlight is on one accessory that has stood the test of time—quite literally. Watches are making a grand comeback, not just as practical timekeepers, but as powerful statements of elegance and sophistication.
Whether you’re a connoisseur of classic designs or a seeker of contemporary flair, there’s a watch out there that’s destined to complement your unique aesthetic. In a world where design is characterised by different eras, the basics of watch design have remained consistent and largely unchanged in the last century since wrist watches were made popular, meaning a good pick now will be timeless and something you can make the most of for many more years to come.
I’ve entrusted the expertise of my watch-obsessed boyfriend who has helped me put together a list of seventeen exceptional timepieces that not only keep you on schedule but also serve as timeless investments, perfect for elevating your wardrobe this season and beyond.
Although buying everything online is so easy, most of these watches can be bought in person at your local jeweller or watchmakers, whilst you’ll be supporting local, you’ll also be ensuring the authenticity and value of your watch by doing so.
$0-$500
Swatch Just White (Retail $105)
Citizen Bianca (Retail sub $500)
$500-$1,000
Baltic MR01 Silver (Retail $950)
Seiko 5 Sports SRPK13 (Retail $600)
$1,000-$2,500
Longines La Grande Classique (Retail around $2,100)
Serica 6190 M.S.L (Retail $2,000)
$2,500-$5,000
Montblanc Tradition Date (Retail $3,350)
Hermes H Watch 21mm (Retail just over $5,000)
Ralph Lauren Stirrup Petite Steel (Retail $3,900)
$5,000+
Cartier Panthere (Retail $7,000)
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Watch (Retail $16,800)
Omega Constellation (Retail $6,600)
LOTTO WIN WATCHES
Cartier Baignoire (Retail $22,000 +/-)
F.P .Journe Chronometre Bleu ($100,000+, can no longer be bought new, but it is that good)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini (Retail Circa $55,000)
Once you start down the watch rabbit-hole, you might find it hard to stop. A great outlet to continue down is neo-vintage and vintage watches (which have made a huge comeback) – you will be able to find great value pieces with unique design from your favourite era. You will be hard pressed to come across somebody else on the street wearing the same watch. The fact that watches have had such a grand resurgence into pop culture and across all demographics is testament to the investment value.
A good place to start is Wynn & Thayne who are an Auckland based business that specialise in modern and vintage watches, and again, you’ll be supporting a local business whilst also ensuring the authenticity of your investment.
Our final word would be, although we have mentioned numerous times how the investment in a watch is worth it – don’t buy these looking to make money – but view them as a long term legacy piece that you can wear and enjoy for decades and possibly pass on one day, carrying the memories you make along the way.