Trendspotter - What's Hot in Watch Fashion for 2010

I disagree, a great watch can add the finishing touch to an outfit, much as your choice of belt, hat, bag and shoes will speak volumes about your personal style. Wearers of a classic Gucci watch for example would rarely take a trip into the uncharted territory of skater-chic Nixon. Your U-Boat wielding man with his oversized timepiece probably wouldn’t be interested in the minimalist elegance of Calvin Klein either. All of the brands found at TIME² confirm a statement of identity; stylish wristwear that just happens to tell the time! I have a passion for watches and see seasonal trends run through them in the same way that a clothing buyer would.

When we launched our Long Acre store just before Christmas 2009, the story was sparkle and I translated that into the displays; Crystal and diamond set watches are always popular gifts in the festive season and we had some beautiful offerings from Guess, DKNY and Juicy Couture to set ladies hearts a-flutter. Now, with Spring fast approaching, new colours are starting to show through. Neon is still popular but I’m seeing more of a trend reflection in muted colours; whites, nudes, pinks and lilacs. Launching very soon is a new CK watch at £215, where the emphasis sits on the strap rather than the watch itself turning it into a fashion accessory to compliment the spring trend. And how about this season’s nautical look? In my opinion nothing is classier and more eye-catching than a white watch, whether it’s a stunning ceramic set piece from GC, Emporio Armani or Burberry or an on-trend offer from the brand of the moment, Toy.

I’m lucky to be in a position where I get to see trends develop far in advance, and I have a great team assisting me in colour predictions. I’m seeing a change in style from the ranges we have at the moment; both ladies and gents watches will get a little smaller. The “boyfriend” watch trend for ladies will start to give way to dainty, feminine styles. I think “cocktail” watches will make a re-appearance. Vintage will be big towards the end of the year for both men and women with watches having a worn-in heirloom style. We’re already seeing this trend in Burberry Prorsum with their vintage flying jackets translated into some military style watches from September onwards.

For some genuine vintage trend however, you can’t beat the real thing. We have a selection of beautifully restored watches from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s such as a classic Rolex Submariner and an Omega Speedmaster. We’ve also got two very cute ladies retro Omega’s from the 60’s which just happen to be my favourites! These watches are (forgive the pun) “timeless” and as well as being on-trend, they’re stunning examples of watch making at its very best. I have a real affinity with vintage time pieces and I’m excited that this is translating into trends next season. Who knows, in twenty years time maybe that Marc by Marc Jacobs on your wrist now will be the “vintage” of its day!