FFirst, Mark Zuckerberg removed his gray hoodie. Then he let his curls grow. Now, he is shifting his styling focus to his left wrist, sporting a $900,000 (£740,000) watch by Swiss brand Greubel Forsey, made of white gold and limited to only three pieces per year. This addition to his watch collection includes a $1.2 million rose gold Patek Philippe watch and the thinnest watch ever made.
The trend of mechanical watches is on the rise, driven by Generation Z, who are embracing traditional aesthetics for a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Depop has reported a 34% increase in watch searches, attributing the shift to analog watches exuding a classic style and functionality.
Despite predictions that smartwatches would eliminate traditional Swiss watches, there has been a decline in sales as consumers opt for old-fashioned timepieces. TikTok showcases a variety of watch styles and brands, from high-end Rolex to more affordable options like Casio and Swatch.
Luxury watches have also found their place on the red carpet, with celebrities accessorizing their outfits with iconic timepieces. Watches of Switzerland Group notes a growing interest among Gen Z customers in Swiss-made watches, emphasizing brand recognition and sustainability.
Wearing a watch can convey status and personal style, reflected in popular television shows and public figures showcasing their timepiece choices. Even high-profile individuals are opting for more modest watch brands, signaling a shift towards less conspicuous displays of wealth.
This shift towards authenticity and understated luxury resonates with Gen Z, who look for genuine expressions of style rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. The appeal lies in something real and meaningful, rather than a symbol of affluence.
Source: www.theguardian.com