Hitting Stride – The Rise Of Unisex Watches

Even though gender fluidity and inclusive fashion are words that have become commonplace today, they still inspire as much shock as they did decades ago. The echoes of the hoo-ha created by trailblazers like Coco Chanel with her androgynous silhouettes and Yves Saint Laurent with his iconic Le Smoking tuxedo can be heard even today. The watch industry, too, is warming up to the notion of unisex watches. The blurred lines in design make timepieces attainable and accessible for everyone, irrespective of gender. Such creations exude a universal appeal and edgy look that the new generations quickly shift toward for inclusive fashion that does not compromise individuality. This shift has been driven by the transformed consumer attitude towards gender, creating a more diverse and exciting world of watchmaking.

At the 2023 Academy awards, Hong Chau became the first woman to wear a Panerai on the red carpet. The brand is widely known for its bold and masculine watches, and Chou’s Luminor Due Luna, though subtle, was far from feminine. We also spotted American actor Jay Ellis wearing a Cartier Tank decked with diamonds. From the size to the aesthetics, it’s a timepiece which is quite graceful. Nevertheless, it looked stunning paired with his custom Fendi suit. So, gradually watches are gaining an inclusive character and moving beyond the traditional classifications of gender.

Hong Chau became the first woman to wear a Panerai on the red carpet of the Oscars. She wore a Luminor Due Luna in steel paired with a subtly-hued strap that complemented her custom Prada dress

Jay Ellis at the 95th Oscars, wearing a Cartier Tank

The Changing Attitude Towards Gender

Harry Styles’ bold camp look with a sheer Gucci top and pearl earrings at the Met Gala 2019 made headlines around the globe. His audacious androgyny baffled and inspired many. The appearance alongside the maestro Alessandro Michele became the most inspiring narrative for genderless fashion. Today, the world has become far more accepting and understanding towards inclusivity, whether in fashion or any other sphere. There is an overall increasing demand for inclusivity and diversity as people want to express themselves without being constrained by traditional gender expectations. People today are more open to the idea that gender is a spectrum and not limited to just male or female. As a result, brands are also creating more unisex collections with functionality, comfort, and style at the forefront.

Harry Styles and Alessandro Michele's camp look for the 2019 Met Gala stirred the dialogue about genderless fashion. How much people loved Harry's look exhibited the changing attitude towards traditional gender stereotypes

One Design For All

Watch brands are starting to recognise the importance of developing watches for all individuals, regardless of gender. Zenith recently launched a range of unisex watches designed to be worn by anyone. Other brands are also creating gender-neutral watches that anyone can wear. Such efforts reflect the changing attitudes towards gender in society. The focus is on creating timepieces that suit personal preferences and styles rather than being restricted to traditional gender norms. As a result, one can witness a wave of innovation and creativity in the horological world, where brands are pushing boundaries to create versatile models to suit changing attitudes and styles.

Functionality And Practicality

The allure of gender-neutral watches lies in their emphasis on functionality and practicality. These watches often forgo excessive adornment in favour of a more streamlined design, making them suitable for everyday wear. Brands like Nomos Glashütte and Bell & Ross have created unisex watch collections that embody this philosophy, showcasing minimalist designs and robust features that appeal to both men and women. The Nomos Tetra and Club models are excellent examples of gender-neutral watches focusing on functionality. Meanwhile, Bell & Ross’ BR 03-92 Diver Blue offers a straightforward and durable design that caters to divers of all genders. With their emphasis on more ergonomic details, unisex watches have become desirable for those who prefer substance over style.

Timepieces like Tetra and Club by Nomos Glashütte showcase minimalist designs and robust features that appeal to both men and women

Breaking Away From Traditional Gender Stereotypes

For years, watches have been marketed primarily to men, with women’s watches often seen as secondary. It created a situation where men’s watches are often highly valued and sought after, while women’s watches often come as an afterthought. However, by creating gender-neutral timepieces, brands are challenging such imbalance. The availability of unisex watches encourages consumers to think differently about how they choose and wear watches. It is an important step forward for the industry and is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse horological world. Today, more and more luxury watch brands are breaking away from conventions and embracing gender-neutral designs. Houses, such as Audemars Piguet with their Code 11.59 models, Cartier with their Santos and Tank collections, etc., are leading the way in creating watches that appeal to all genders.

The availability of unisex watches encourages consumers to think differently about how they choose and wear watches. It is an important step forward for the industry and is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse horological world

More Versatile Timepieces

In recent years, gender-neutral watches have become a gradually-growing phenomenon, with luxury watch brands embracing the trend to cater to a bigger audience. These watches transcend traditional gender roles and cater to the diverse needs of wearers, offering a new level of freedom and versatility. The likes of Cartier, Bulgari, and Jaeger-LeCoultre have successfully incorporated gender-neutral collections into their repertoire. Cartier’s Santos, originally designed for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, has evolved into a unisex icon. Its sleek, minimalistic design and seamless integration of form and function have garnered a massive following across genders. Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo series also stands out, featuring an ultra-thin, geometric design. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso collection, with its iconic reversible dial, is another example of the success of gender-neutral watches. The watch was initially created for polo players, but its versatility and timeless design have made it a popular choice for men and women alike.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the rise of unisex watches has created a wave of innovation and creativity in the watch industry. Brands are recognising the importance of inclusivity and creating watches that anyone can wear, regardless of gender. Several luxury watch brands have proven that gender-neutral watches are not a passing trend but a significant shift in the horological world. They provide an opportunity for watch enthusiasts to express their unique identities, preferences, and tastes. This shift is driven by changing consumer attitudes toward gender. As a result, one can expect to see more exciting and innovative gender-neutral watches in the coming time. The future of horology is diverse, inclusive, and accessible to all.