The time has come again and summer 2019 is drawing to a close. But that’s no reason to be sad, because apart from the fact that you won’t have to fear any more sweat marks under your wristwatch, watch fans are eagerly awaiting the answer to the question: What do you wear on your wrist this autumn? We will inform you about the current trends and tell you what you can do to score points for the coming season.
Less is more
Too many bright colours and accents are rather avoided this year. Instead, simplicity is increasingly being introduced. Classic and proven materials such as leather and stainless steel are used for this purpose, with the latter often being used in thinner form for extra delicate bracelets. These so-called mesh straps are extremely en vogue especially for the ladies – and at the same time practical, because they can be adjusted from very narrow to very wide completely freely. So the watch fits perfectly. The classic IWC Portofino Automatic with its silver strap is a true all-rounder that never goes out of fashion. With a dial in white or black, every woman will find her favourite – or can opt for the extra feminine moon phase version in rose gold with moon display and bezel set with stones.
The dials also tend to be flat and elegant. But there’s no need to worry if you like it a little thicker: chronographs are also ideal companions for this autumn and are available in a wide variety of versions. As far as colour design is concerned, tone-on-tone looks in chic black are the order of the day. So the non-plus ultra of the season is the “little black” for the wrist. Our suggestion: Take a look at the new Rolex Yacht-Master 42. With its black ceramic bezel and the athletic Oysterflex strap made of black rubber, this timepiece is an absolute winner next season. And the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield, with its black ceramic bezel combined with a black dial and band of the same colour, is also a feast for the eyes. The sporty lines and matt finish radiate pure masculinity.
In contrast to the all-black look, however, colours are also very much in vogue. Red, blue and brown tones set the tone, often in the form of dial tones or interchangeable bracelets for ever new colour combinations. This has not escaped the attention of Tudor either: The Black Bay collection fits perfectly into this category. The models are available in various red and blue versions, and so many ribbons that you can hardly decide on a version. The version with a black dial, red bezel and brown leather strap in a used look is hard to beat in terms of coolness!
Blue, blue, blue … are all new watches?
If one had to decide on a “colour of the season”, blue would be the best choice. This year no one can avoid this colour scheme: the new black is celebrated with a dark shade reminiscent of the deep sea. And who could blame it? Blue is more striking and, compared to other colours, appears noble and always suitable. The colour can be worn with a casual look as well as with a fine suit and can always be easily combined with other accessories. The model per se is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss. Through the green sapphire crystal, the dial glows in a unique tone. The timepiece has been specially designed for engineers and technicians exposed to electromagnetic waves. It can withstand up to 1,000 Gauss and is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres – a truly solid companion.
You don’t want to do without black? Take a look at the new edition of the Rolex GMT-Master II with Jubiléband. The blue-black bezel of the popular time zone watch is a real eye-catcher and stylishly combines both tones. The Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel from Jaeger LeCoultre also impresses with its slim design and the combination of black and blue. The moon phase display with polished new moon on a starry sky is a detail for watch lovers with particularly high demands. The blue enamel dial with guilloché is the result of dedicated handwork – but anyone who wants to access it should be quick, because only 100 copies of this masterpiece are available. Another attractive and cheaper alternative is the Portuguese Chronograph Edition “150 Years” by IWC Schaffhausen. The elegant and discreet watch comes with a radiant blue dial in combination with a black strap made of the finest alligator leather – literally hitting the mark this autumn. The robust chronograph movement in classic column-wheel construction consists of 194 individual parts – exquisite watchmaking artistry is involved here.
The new blue is currently often accentuated with an eye-catching orange. It is important that only moderation with contrast is played here – or that everything is really put on one card. Our more discreet trend favourites come here from Nomos Glashütte: the Ahoi Atlantic Date with a dial in brilliant Atlantic blue and blue-black textile band invites you to dream – and to realise it afterwards. The timepiece with golden hour and minute hands plus a bright orange second hand gives a modern and dynamic feeling – and at the same time looks mature and stylish.
But the model Autobahn Neomatik 41 Datum Nachtblau also definitely looks great. The dial with its subtle but effective contrasts and a ring of luminescent Superluminova fields make this timepiece a very special companion – especially for trend-conscious car fans.
You are courageous and adventurous and don’t shy away from attracting attention? Then the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue series is just the thing for you. The dial comes with a mix of opal and blue, as well as lots of attention to detail. With this treasure, you can see at first glance what an art it is. The many small, refined elements and refreshing contrasts in orange radiate modernity and tradition at the same time. No wonder when you consider that the Heritage line has made it its mission to preserve the brand’s past while at the same time modernising it. This has definitely been achieved here. The Heritage Chrono Blue is a tribute to the Oysterdate Chronograph from the 70s. It is available with a classic stainless steel bracelet or a three-colour textile strap.
From old to new
In 2019 not only the fashion world will celebrate the retro look, watches in retro design will also continue to be the hit par excellence. Popular models from the old days are often “dug up” or reissued – and usually celebrate a successful revival. This year Omega has brought back the caliber 321, which more than 50 years ago already drove the Speedmaster of astronaut Ed White during the first American space walk. To mark this anniversary, the company launched the first Speedmaster Moonwatch in Platinum. The beautiful, complex watch with real moon meteorite discs on the subsidiary dials is a truly amazing specimen. The chronograph combines a stepped black onyx dial with a white gold case and a black leather strap. Omega will be awarded full points for the coming season.
TAG Heuer also shines with a new edition of a legendary classic: the popular Autavia from the 60s is experiencing its big comeback in 2019. The 42mm wide stainless steel case with narrow bezel makes the heart of all retro fans beat faster and fits perfectly into the current trend of simplicity. Push buttons on the underside of the case also ensure that the bracelet can be replaced quickly and easily, making this model an all-rounder for every style. In addition, pilot’s and pilot’s watches also remain in vogue.
No wonder, when you recall the many advantages of these models: robust, simple and precise, they convey the wearer (and all admirers) retro charm of the extra class paired with an incomparable sense of freedom. The distance is calling! With the Navitimer Ref. 806 Breitling has carried out a pilot’s watch reintroduction of the extra class and thus done everything right. Only small changes were made to the original from 1959 – the charm of the classic was completely preserved. Whichever watch may accompany you this autumn – with the new trend knowledge you can definitely make an impression and are well prepared for upcoming decisions when it comes to the world of watches.
This post is also available in: German