It’s Time to Make a Statement
It’s not that we’ve abandoned fashion watches, but truthfully, when was the last time you looked to one for the time? Though they may seem like relics—at least from a utilitarian perspective—trendy watches are making a bold comeback as the season’s statement fashion accessory.
“The trend for statement watches is coming from two places—first, we’ve really become quite skilled at layering the wrist bling over the last year thanks to street style blogs and, of course, the J. Crew catalogue,” said Jen Ford, fashion news director at Lucky magazine, referring to the now-ubiquitous look combining trendy watches and multiple bracelets, often worn on top of the sleeve of a sweater or shirt. “A statement watch is kind of natural extension of bold jewelry.”
Betsey Johnson and Marc by Marc Jacobs are both producing chunky and playful plastic watches to accompany their other bold accessories. Even First Lady Michelle Obama sports a bright purple neon ToyWatch, a gift from her husband, which reportedly sold out online the first time Michelle Obama wore the statment watch.

First Lady Michelle Obama, wearing a purple ToyWatch, arriving at the Eiffel Tower with her daughters. (Photo by MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)
But the accessory trend we’re loving most is the “boyfriend watch,” which has been receiving heavy rotation on famous wrists from Rachel Zoe to Ashley Olsen, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Kristin Cavallari and Olivia Palermo. A chronograph boyfriend watch style by Michael Kors in rose gold has sold out at many retailers, and a tortoise shell style is also a big seller. (On eBay, online sales for "Michael Kors watch" in the Jewelry and Watches category are up 51 percent in a recent 30-day period, 12/20-1/18, compared to six months prior.) Boyfriend watches by Michele and Chanel are popular too, as is the classic men's Rolex, worn by a woman. “Buying a classic men’s watch, if you’re a woman, taps into that idea of heritage, the want for things that are handcrafted,” said Ford. “You’re investing in something for yourself like you would, say, a pair of diamond earrings.”

Celebrities wearing statement watches: Nicole Kidman (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images); Model Naomi Campbell and Rachel Zoe (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/FFR/Getty Images for FFR); Kim Kardashian(Photo by Dr. Billy Ingram/Contributor)
For a night on the town, Lucky magazine News Editor Jen Ford suggests playing it up by layering a trendy watch with a pile of metal bracelets. “Or for more minimal take, keep the outfit simple and let an oversized watch be your only piece of ‘jewelry’."
Adidas Unisex Digital White Rubber Watch
(buy it now price, $89.99)
New Michael Kors Gold Tortoise Date Ladies Watch
(buy it now price $149.99)
NEW Casio G Shock Candy Pink Watch
(buy it now price, $88.99)
Bulova Women's Diamond Black Watch
(buy it now price, $274.50)
NEW Toywatch Purple Mini Jeweltone Plasteramic Watch
(buy it now price, $149)
NEW Chocolate Tortoise Shell Dress Watch
(starting bid, $69.95)
NEW Michael Kors Rose Gold Chronograph Watch
(buy it now price, $199.99)
New Emporio Armani Golden Mens Watch
(buy it now price, $180)
NEW Michael Kors Black Ceramic Bracelet
(buy it now price, $325.99)
NEW Michele Tahitian Ceramic White Diamond
(buy it now price, $1,850)
Rolex Submariner Big Crown
(buy it now price, $27,500)
NEW Nixon Rubber Player Purple Watch
(starting bid, $149.99)
NEW Michele Large Jelly Bean Yellow Watch
(buy it now price, $275)
NEW Breil Globe Chrono Ladies Watch
(buy it now price, $286)
New Tortoise Bracelet Mop Dial Midsize Watch
(buy it now price, $169.99)
NEW Toywatch Plasteramic Neon Pink Watch
(current bid, $31)
Those are amazing picks! I love white watches, but these colorful ones are so pretty. I can't pick just one favorite. They are each so gorgeous in their own way.
I am obsessed with the Michael Kors watches, especially the rose gold and the black ceramic. Great pics! I want, I want, I want!
I love love love statement watches! Great picks! -Kristina, prettyshinysparkly.com http://prettyshinysparkly.com/things-i-love-the-statement-watch/
I agree about the Michael Kors watch! Guess what I will be asking for come Valentine's Day?!