Watchmaking trends that must die by 2025
Fernando AldeaIn the world of watchmaking, not all that glitters is gold. Some trends have gone from exciting to downright unbearable. Here's a look back at the trends that shouldn't be with us this year. Because yes, we want innovation, not more rehashes or soulless limited editions.
Do you ever feel like the watch industry has become stagnant? You're not alone. In 2025, there are certain trends that should be a thing of the past, along with cargo pants and neon colors. From vintage reissues to endless waiting lists, today we're calling for change. Because as true watch enthusiasts, we know there's always room for improvement and turning the dial on its head... literally and figuratively.
The curse of vintage reissues
Another reissue of a 1940s model that no one knew about? Please, stop. This trend has been hijacking brands' creativity for over a decade. Sure, we understand nostalgia, but not everything has to look like it came from a museum. The problem is obvious: it's cheaper to recycle designs than to innovate. And as buyers, we're partly to blame. We ask for new things, but when brands give them to us, we end up saying, "Oh, I'll stick with the old model."
Brands should learn that old isn't always better (with important exceptions). We want watches that challenge the norm, not simply resurrected designs with slight tweaks. Yes, there are applaudable exceptions, but if we see even one more "new" reissue of a model lost in time, we'll seriously consider emigrating to another galaxy with Elon or Jeff.
Watch crime: the dark side of luxury
You can't go out for a coffee in peace without worrying about someone eyeing your wrist like a potential thief. What was once a problem isolated to certain cities is now a global phenomenon. From London to Los Angeles, wearing a luxury watch has become a high-risk sport. The rise of watches in pop culture doesn't help. They're now so recognizable that any thief can spot them better than the average collector.
The solution isn't to stop wearing watches, but to be more strategic. Avoid exposed places, be careful where you sit, and make sure you shop from trusted sources. Oh, and let's not forget our responsibility in the secondary market: buying watches of dubious origin only fuels this cycle. Let's be part of the change, because no one wants to give up luxury because of fear.
Waiting lists: until when?
Rolex, we're talking to you. How is it possible that with over a million watches produced annually, it's still impossible to buy a Submariner without waiting years or paying an absurd premium? This practice not only frustrates buyers but perpetuates an inflated and speculative secondary market. It's time for brands to take control of their distribution chains and get rid of artificial waiting lists.
Solutions? Sell directly to customers or establish clearer policies with their distributors. Because if we continue as we are, waiting lists will become a joke as bad as the ones we make on the show. Watch it anyway because, although the recommendation is close, the quality of the comedy has clearly improved. End the waiting lists!
Limited editions
It's not that we hate limited editions, it's that we hate them when they're a bad joke. When everything is "special," nothing is. Brands have abused this technique to the point of releasing "limited" watches in runs of 10,000 units. Where's the sense of exclusivity in that? Even worse, many of these pieces end up gathering dust in display cases because there's nothing truly special about them, except an inflated price tag.
Let's do it better: limited editions with purpose, with unique designs that celebrate something important, and in quantities that reflect true exclusivity. It's not that difficult. Or is it, beloved brands?
Conclusion
In 2025, we want to see real changes in the watch industry. It's time to innovate, to create, and to give collectors something more than nostalgia and frustration. And in the meantime, we'll still be here, wearing our watches with pride (and a little bit of paranoia on the terrace). Because if there's one thing we love, it's that everything is better with watches.
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