Anyone with a passion for fashion would have noticed that ladies, for the last few years, have been sporting large or oversized watches, pieces that often borrowed from the men’s. From desk to dinner, work to weekend, these watches have graced the wrists of women who are not afraid to stand out.
Take a page from the celebrities. Kourtney Kardashian has been seen with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, Rihanna with her Chanel J12, Jennifer Aniston with her 40mm gold Rolex President, and Victoria Beckham with her Rolex Daytona Cosmograph. Closer to home, practically all my friends and colleagues wear large watches with their cases as wide as their wrists.
I personally wear a 39mm watch. Why? Because it is bold and it makes a statement. Many ladies I’ve spoken to also attest to the fact that larger watches have a strong, masculine vibe to it that look cool and grab attention. Dainty, delicate, and feminine? Not for this generation.
With the #BigBangJeans for ladies, there’s only one fit: perfect for all wrists! A photo posted by Hublot (@hublot) on
So how big is considered oversized? It depends on the size of your wrist. Most men’s watches often go into the 39-42mm territory. In fact, men’s watches have become even bigger and more masculine with brands like Hublot and Panerai muscling into 43mm and up. Since ladies generally have smaller wrists, those sizes are considered large.
The question is, after years of this oversized trend, is it here to stay? Recent reports have concluded no, this trend is dying and we will eventually go back to wearing traditional petite timepieces. While it does seem to be abating slightly with increased interest in vintage or vintage-inspired models, and Baselworld 2016’s scaled-down offerings (think Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Quartz at 33mm), I would argue the opposite. Here are five reasons why.
1. Once you go big, you can never go back.
It’s like upgrading to a condo — once you are used to the way the watch wears on the wrist, going back to a smaller sized one feels “off”. Plus, a larger dial makes time more readable.
2. Girls run the world
Women are playing a bigger role in the world, from politics to the workplace. They are just as capable as the guys, and what better way to express this that a men’s watch?
3. Menswear fashion trend
When it comes to fashion, we ladies have been borrowing from the men — from the boyfriend jeans, shirt, jacket and oxford shoes. It’s not surprising we have grabbed the watch, too.
4. Smart Watches
These digital smart watches naturally need a bigger dial for touch capability and readability. Once people are used to wear larger watches, they will naturally stick to it.
5. Watchmakers are making them
Increased interest in oversized watches has resulted in watchmakers catering to the demands of ladies. Last year, Parmigiani introduced the Tonda 1950 Squelette Ladies’ watch in a 39mm case. It’s a classy feminine piece that combines touches of high jewellery that won’t look out of place at a casual brunch, business meeting or cocktails. Meanwhile, Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Creative Skeleton Brocéliande watch measures 42mm but is aimed squarely at the ladies with its semi-precious stone leaves, red leather strap and diamonds.
