The Gen Z-fication of watches has begun

Watches & Wonders, aka the fashion week of the horology world, just wound up, and there was a slew of exciting new trends that emerged. Taking place over five days and featuring almost 60 brands, the showcase took place in Geneva, Switzerland, the home of fine watchmaking. But amongst the record-breaking technical innovations and updated classics, there were a few select designs that seemed to be keeping in mind the younger watch collector (yes, they’re talking to you, Gen Z). Ahead, three of the top trends for a new guard of watch enthusiast.

And it was all yellow

Yellow, in all its shades and hues, continues to have its moment in the sun. Sitting at the top of the list of Pinterest’s Palette 2025 list, it’s meant to add a dash of playfulness to your wardrobe. Watchmakers like Oris (affordable and innovative) have taken note. Their new Big Crown Pointer Date, a revival of a 1930s model, comes in a delicious buttery hue. “How could you look at the yellow-dialled Big Crown and not smile,” Oris CEO Rolf Studer said in an announcement at Watches & Wonders 2025.

Other brands are also following the yellow dial road. The folks at Hublot have produced a neon yellow 20th-anniversary edition Big Bang watch; Rolex has released its iconic Oyster Perpetual watch in a soft, sandy beige; and Tag Heuer has introduced its sporty F1 Solargraph in bright bumblebee yellow. But our eyes are on cult brand NOMOS Glashütte’s World Traveller in Dune. The limited-edition watch is ultra slim at 9.9mm and comes with a dial and sub-dial that help you quickly count time differences.

Size doesn’t matter

Watch dials are sizing down. “One trend that’s gathering steam is smaller sizes,” says Preetika Mathew, editor-in-charge, WatchTime India, who is a regular at Watches & Wonders.

Just look at every time Cartier poster boy Timothée Chalamet has worn a small-dial Panthère, or, earlier this year, when Jeff Goldblum chose to wear a 37mm lavender-hued timepiece from Vacheron Constantin. The interest in shrinking things down is tied to a growing movement towards unisex watches. “Brands are going genderless to appeal to a larger demographic. Take uber luxe brand A. Lange & Söhne, for example. Its classic dress watch 1815 now also has a 34mm dial. And IWC’s popular Ingenieur now comes with a 35mm dial,” adds Mathew.

Playing with time

We already know that Gen Z is obsessed with toys in various forms, be it their emotional support plushies, bag charms, or Hello Kitty-themed clothes. Enter the novelties—gorgeous watches that are both plaything and timepiece. Chanel is all aces this year. The fashion label released a necklace watch where the ‘pendant’ bears a likeness to brand founder Gabrielle Chanel and gives serious Polly Pocket vibes. Titled Coco Black Jacket, it features brand founder Chanel dressed in one of her legendary black suits (with diamond detailing on the collar and cuffs) and a boater hat encircled with a diamond-encrusted ribbon. The wearer must flip open the top of the hat to check the time.

But that wasn’t the only kid-ult friendly timepiece. We’ve already discussed watchmaker Hautlence’s clever action figure-style Retrovision ’85–a great big watch that transforms into an even bigger desk clock. For those who might enjoy something a little more old-school, Van Cleef & Arpels has released a ‘kissing’ watch. The Lady Arpels Bal des Amoureux Automate features an automatic movement that brings a couple together for a kiss at noon and midnight. How romantic.