To watch out for!

Since the advent of timekeepers one could wear around the wrist, watchmakers around the world have not tired of coming up with newer innovations to engage watch enthusiasts. Year after year latest technologies and designs are being developed to take things forward by leaps and bounds. In the recent years the popularity of watches has increased tenfold, both as an accessory as well as an essential personal belonging. Those days of staid, utilitarian watches with plain leather straps and boring quartz dials are long gone. 

Like most things these days, watches have been elevated to the level of a covetable fashion accessory as well as being a highly functional and useful gadget. And this trend has caught on with both men and women. An outfit, no matter how curated and well thought out is not complete without the right timepiece, which will let the world know that you are an individual who has a regard for keeping time in great style. So without further ado let us delve deeper into the exciting new world of fashionable and trendy timekeepers!

Oversized watches for women have been incredibly stylish for the past few years, so much so that it has been raised to the status of being a classic. They are going strong as a result, with new tweaks in design and structure. 

Big dials that are slightly androgynous by design are very hot at the moment; a piece that looks like it has been borrowed from a man friend is highly covetable, both sartorially as well as emotionally! Slightly smaller, more feminine shapes such as banana, oval and oblong look chic, especially in rose gold and yellow gold. And a bit of bling is always a winner for the inner magpie in every woman out there! 

Ladies who tend to veer towards classic shapes and styles can go for slimmer, more streamlined watches. An interesting strap or bracelet will let the watch take centre stage; think exotic skin straps or intricately designed bracelets in precious metals such as white and rose gold. Such slim watches can be paired with bejeweled tennis bracelets or a stack of elegant gold bangles to take things to the next level.

Men had their work cut out for them back in the days when choosing a watch. 

Nowadays, however, they are spoilt for choice as newer styles and options are available to them. The oversized dial continues to reign supreme this year as well. It is the details in those big dials that make or break a watch. A mechanical watch with exposed machinery is not only fascinating to behold but is also a great conversation starter. 

Look out for well made pieces with precise movement and timekeeping. Models with exhibition backs are very interesting too. In terms of materials, the options are endless. 

Precious metals and stainless steel are eternally fashionable, due to their durability and function. Watches made with newer materials such as rubber and ceramic are also covetable as well as being fashionable. Ceramic watches tend to be scratchproof depending on the quality of material used, but beware of imitations. Watches with rubber straps are very sturdy and waterproof which makes them the ideal choice for adventurous ones! 

In terms of shapes and colours, the more unusual the better! Square, rectangle and banana shapes are always stylish. Watches with brightly coloured straps such as red, cobalt, orange and yellow look funky and youthful. 

Lastly, when you do get a new watch, take good care of it. Do not expose it to water, heat and humidity unless it is especially designed to withstand elements. And do not forget to have fun with it when you wear it and strut your stuff this Eid!

By Sabrina Nazran Bhuiyan
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed