No one “needs” a watch anymore, and maybe that explains our love of luxury timepieces. These masterpieces remind us of simpler times when reliable, true craftsmanship was so highly prized.

Today, luxury watches add a touch of class and nostalgia to everyday life. In 2019, watch fans and collectors have an outstanding selection of timepieces to choose from. This year’s trends run the gamut from well-loved retro to sophisticated mod. Let’s dive into 2019’s most appealing looks.

Retro

What’s old is new in 2019, especially if “old” covers the golden age of men’s watches, roughly the 1940s through the 70s. Expect to see retro styles and details from the major watchmakers.

For instance, Philippe Patek has issued its 1955-vintage Calatrava model, which features a “triple calendar” (no less than five hands running from the centre post). Instead of merely producing a former model, TAG Heuer has created an entire line around its 1960’s Autavia watch. The original collectors of the model would never have dreamed that nanotechnology would one day enhance the design they considered to be cutting edge.

Salmon Hues

Warmer metallics like rose gold are making a splash this year, in fine jewellery and luxury timepieces alike. Look for salmon hues on dials and details, as seen at Baselworld and the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie.

A. Lange & Sohnë has brightened up one of its classic models, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, with a new salmon-coloured dial. Traditionally executed with a black dial, the model takes on a completely different look in the warm red-gold tones. Montblanc also released a salmon-hued limited edition Pulsograph, which features a perpetual calendar.

Car Details

Wristwatches were initially worn by soldiers, aviators, drivers and other men of action. Keep the tradition alive by capitalising on the 2019 trend of incorporating car details into luxury timepieces.

Hublot, for example, worked with Ferrari to create the Classic Fusion GT, which imitates the curvy lines and sharp precision Ferrari is known for. And just as you can find sports cars with all of your favourite options, this watch comes in King Gold, titanium and a unique polymer matrix composite known as 3-D carbon.

Blue-on-Blue

Blue is sporty. It’s chic. And it’s a reliable staple in men’s fashion. In 2019, it appears that the blue trend has gone full tilt in the luxury timepiece market.

Blue-on-blue models can be found in Audemar Piguet’s Code 11.59 collection (so named to mark the last minute before a new day). Vacheron Constantin’s deep blue Patrimony watch and the striking Omega Globemaster continue the trend with standout elegance.

Smaller Scale

After years of ever-increasing sizes for luxury watches, look for a scaling back in 2019. In the mid-twentieth century, most men’s luxury timepieces were about the size of today’s women’s watches.

Although you probably won’t see watches that could be mistaken for women’s, smaller watches are making a comeback. And it makes sense. We don’t need clocks to remind us of the date or check the barometer. Our phones do all of that. Timepieces can go back to doing what they do best: telling the time.

Back-to-Basics

And that brings us to the last significant trend of 2019. In an increasingly complicated world, many people feel nostalgic for a simpler time, and luxury watchmakers are responding to that desire.

For straightforward precision, look to Cartier’s Toneau collection or the Nomos Glashütte Tangente Neomatik 39 with its large, easy-to-read dial. The Panerai Luminor 1950 combines sleek Italian style with Swiss precision, which results in an elegant, back-to-basics luxury timepiece.

All in all, luxury watch trends in 2019 combine the best of yesteryear with fresh colours and new materials. When you add a timepiece to your collection, cover it with Q Report watch insurance. We’ll protect your luxury watch everywhere you go.