In today’s world, the watch has become more than just a gadget used to indicate time. It is a fashion statement that is used to show status and class. With the technological advancement that the world has undergone, it’s startling to think that the wristwatch is still relevant. However, the wristwatch is still used by celebrities, from Hollywood actors to racing drivers who are always in a variety of good-looking wristwatch designs, typically from luxury jewelry stores such as C W Sellors. This article explores the relationship between wristwatches and fashion throughout history.
A period of decoration
At the start of the 18th century, watches had poor functionality and were mainly taken as decoration objects. Men who afforded the watches usually wore pocket watches characterized by hanging from shorts chain and could be easily slid into the pocket of a waistcoat. On the other hand, Women’s watches were traditionally more exaggerated and worn as a pendant. Rapid technical developments characterized the 18th century. Led by guilds and organizations in France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, inventors introduced new kinds of encasements, bearings, and springs that permitted better performance and accuracy of watches under changing positions and temperature. It was also in this era that the self-winding watch would be invented, replacing the key-winding watch. Some Swiss and English watchmakers who used newer escapements and jeweled bearings to control the speed of wheel movement would now be able to equip the watch with a minute hand, which wasn’t possible before.
These developments influenced the aesthetic components and design of the watch , making it slimmer and smaller. There was more attention to the protection of the watch, as they now proved more useful tools. Oval and circular faces were enclosed on either the back or the front by hinged covers. The covers were made using silver, gold, or brass, often displaying complex engravings or coatings of portraits, pastoral scenes, and other linked designs.
Wristwatches and Alternative Power Sources
Evidence suggests that watches still existed in the 1500’s and served fashion purposes, with special creations for royalty. The wristwatches were, however, not used widely until the early 20th century. The initial wrist watches designs had a military nature and were presented as chronographs with multiple-timing abilities. Despite being widely used by the military, the style would later spread to civilian women, with the 20th century being dominated by Jewelry inspired women wristwatches. Wristwatches would, however, by the end of the Second World War, be worn both by men and women. Pocket watches became outdated with sleeker and simpler wristwatches designs taking shape. The importance of fashion in watches dominated all through the 1960s, with pop art designs having a great influence on the watch face and watch case designs. Octagons, triangles, and hexagon accompanied round straps and cases coming in a wide variety of fabrics and colors.
The rise of brands
Today technological advancements remain a crucial component in the watch industry. Manufacturers are marketing watches with kinetic and solar capabilities, some can also be connected to computers and other electronic devices, and some have been equipped with global positioning systems. With all these capabilities, the wristwatch remains a fashion accessory for which Brand and aesthetics are paramount. Fashion watches have been linked with lifestyle, and a majority of the renowned watch companies have positioned themselves to appeal to a particular segment of the customer market. Luxury companies such as Movado, Rolex, Cartier, Patek, Tissot, and Breitling market through sponsorship of high-end events and specific lifestyle and high-end magazines and appeal to wealthy clients. A Cartier watch may have a price tag of more than $10,000 with Brands such as Swatch or Fossil selling at mid-priced ranges.
On the other hand, the Swatch watch is famous for its wide variety of face styles and straps. With watches gaining a more fashion trend, diversified companies, including Nike, are entering into the watch market and manufacturing wristwatches meant for particular purposes such as swimming or running. There are also lower-priced range watch brands, Timex being one of the initial companies to build its Brand on selling through the mass-market. Today anyone who wants a watch can readily access it. Low priced watches are easily accessible and can be found almost anywhere from toy stores, inside fast-food kiddie meals, and street markets. Review sites such as British Reviews Bird can make your work of finding a fashionable watch much more effortless.
In conclusion, the watch has a great history and has evolved to become an essential part of fashion.
