2025 Watch Trend Predictions
The watch world doesn’t merely follow trends; it sets them, often years ahead of the curve. So, let’s try to predict some of the trends we’ll see in 2025.
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
Horology has always thrived on contrasts: bold versus understated, classic versus avant-garde. And in 2025, these tensions will shape a landscape that’s as dynamic as the collectors it seeks to charm.
Let’s explore the trends ready to capture our imagination – and our wrists – next year.
#1 Maybe-Trend: Hardstone Dials
Stone dials seem poised to have a major moment, and in 2025, these naturally luxurious materials with an exotic appeal will take center stage.
In the past, legacy brands, like Piaget, with its mastery of colorful stone faces (think the deep malachite greens or celestial lapis lazuli blues on the dials of the original Black Tie “Andie Warhol” models), have set the bar high.
#2 Maybe-Trend: Heritage Goes Next-Gen
Here is one unusual thing about 2025: it’s packed with anniversaries. Audemars Piguet celebrating its 150th, Breguet an impressive 250 years, Vacheron Constantin a whopping 270, Rolex 120, Roger Dubuis 30, and Czapek reaching its 10th anniversary – and that is to name only a few!
Then there are the anniversaries of iconic models like the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, which is turning 50 in 2025, and Hublot’s Big Bang, which will be 20 years old.
Expect limited editions that nod to the archives but with modern twists. Think slimmer cases, retro dials, and fresh materials like ceramic or bronze. These aren’t just reissues; they’re reinventions designed to resonate with collectors who appreciate history but crave something new.
#3 Maybe-Trend: Simplication
Complications could very well take a chill pill in 2025, but we don’t think for a second that brands will be dumbing things down or *gasp* abandoning complications. Instead, we believe many brands will focus on presenting complex complications using smart simplicity (hence our portmanteau “simplication”).
This potential trend wouldn’t be about playing it safe; it would reflect confidence. We might see innovations in mechanics that are subtle but genius, like watches with fewer settings or more intuitive adjustments.
For collectors who value clarity over clutter, these designs will be a godsend. That is because sometimes, less really can be more.
#4 Maybe-Trend: Size Wars: Big and Bold vs. Sleek and Small
Recently, we have seen the re-emergence of smaller-diameter watches. Well, in 2025, we think the middle ground might be left behind entirely, with brands going all-in on compact chic or embracing oversized swagger.
On the small side, we think we’ll see more 34mm to 36mm (or even smaller) pieces as the trend toward vintage-inspired pieces gains more traction, as demonstrated by Audemars Piguet with its Royal Oak Mini collection from earlier in 2024. Elegant, understated, and a touch retro, these smaller styles might be a nod to old-school cool.
At the other end of the size spectrum, oversized designs, like Patek Philippe’s 45mm Cubitus or Richard Mille’s 50mm RM 032, might lean into audacious styling, from sculptural cases to exaggerated bezels.
As a result of this polarization, whether collectors go subtle or showy, there may be little room for in-between.
#5 Maybe-Trend: More Collabs
Okay, predicting more collaborations is a bit of a layup, but we think 2025 will see the continued rise of collaborations, both within the watch industry and with the world of fashion and art.
Partnerships between watch brands – think unexpected pairings that combine contrasting heritages and aesthetics like MB&F and Bulgari – might lead to fresh, boundary-pushing designs.
On the other hand, the synergy between horology and fashion is likely to evolve even further.
What would you predict? Leave a comment under our IG post for this article.
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