The Top Men’s Watch Trends in 2024
The world of men’s watches is continuously evolving, and well into 2024, it’s clear that the trends this year are as dynamic as ever. Watches for men have always been a game changer. What started as elegant items tucked into the front pocket connected to a chain, have over time developed into a more user-friendly tool strapped to the wrist, sometimes crossing over into objects of high collectability in horological circles.
Through the decades, watches have dictated elegance and enthusiasts are continuously captivated by a blend of old favorites and brand-new ideas. In 2024, that translates into a return to classic timepieces, average case sizes shrinking in size, cutting-edge designs on both dials and watch cases, and an added dose of fun via color.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of horology, WWD rounded up a batch of the latest men’s watch trends that will continue making waves well into the second half of 2024.
Smaller Dials and Cases
The big watch trend that blew up in the 2000s brought with it case sizes that ranged from the traditional 37 to 38 millimeters to upward of nearly 50 millimeters. Today, dials and cases will see a continued reduction in size and, at times, they’ll also be thinner, as brands move away from the large-watch trend. For the past three years, the watch space has witnessed a rise of neo-vintage and genderless designs with case sizes coming down from typical 40mm to sizes ranging from 36 to 38mm.
Retro Revivals Are the New Classics
The watch world in 2024 is also experiencing a resurgence of retro styles, harkening back to a time of classic elegance and simplicity. A revival of the dress watch is in full force, with this classic style gaining in prominence among the best tactical and tool watches. These timepieces offer a unique blend of past and present, appealing to both vintage aficionados and modern fashion seekers by offering a timeless elegance that never goes out of style.
Lume Dials
Lume Dial technology is both a canvas for creativity and innovation and a design tool used to tell time in low-light conditions. But this year, the technology is offering up a dose of next level brilliance, giving timepieces an added level of boldness and sophistication with unparalleled luminosity. These low-light powerhouses offer an unrivaled viewing experience in any light condition, ensuring excellent visibility day or night, with watch manufacturers now going a step further and not only adding the technology to the hands and markers, but the whole dial.
Green Dials
Bold, bright colors on dials has emerged as a trend in recent years, helping wearers make a vibrant statement on their wrists. And one color reigns supreme: green. The resurgence in popularity of green dial watches for men has grown steadily over the last few years, capturing the imagination of watch enthusiasts and injecting a vibrant and refreshing aesthetic into the world of luxury timepieces. Whether paired with a classic stainless steel bracelet, a sophisticated leather strap or a sporty rubber strap, the green dial brings a fresh element to any style or occasion.
Odd-shaped Cases
Less-common designs run the gamut from square and rectangular to barrel, cushion, oval, trapezoidal or completely asymmetrical. In the late ’60s and the ’70s, there were many watches that were not round, but more of a tonneau or square shape that have become popular with vintage watch afficionados. Among collectors, these watches evoke a spirit of funkyness and full-out fun and are the timepiece of choice those seeking inspiration and risk.
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