Is minimalism over? 5 new maximalist watch trends have made a huge impact in recent horological design, making collectors reassess their personal styles. Maximalism is quickly becoming one of the biggest trends of the year. The trend has been seen both on catwalks and in interior styling. Maximalism is being incorporated into all kinds of fashions and styling. This bold trend has been introduced into watch design by a number of brands. Different brands have interpreted the trend in different ways, leading to a variety of maximalist trends being available within the watch market. This variety ensures that there is a perfect maximalist timepiece for every collector. If you are questioning ‘is minimalism over?’, keep reading for our list of 5 new maximalist watch trends.
What is Maximalism?
Maximalism is a polarising trend that is currently incredibly popular within many areas of the styling and fashion industry. The trend has become prevalent in interior styling with bold colours, varying textures and a high number of accessories being styled within one space. Maximalism has also been adopted by many fashion designers. Outfits that would normally be said to clash are becoming fashion staples. Maximalism is a huge contrast to the minimalist trend. The popular minimalism focuses on curating a sense of style very carefully and only owning the things that are truly needed. This tends to lead to a preference for neutral tones and simple design. This trend has been hugely popular in the watch industry in recent years, but maximalism is sure to shake things up.
Maximalism promotes bold and vibrant colours with a wealth of tones and textures. This is translated into watches by using a combination of metals, crystals and skeleton dials. Skeleton dials are a particularly popular choice in the design of maximalist watches as they provide a striking and busy appearance without being messy or chaotic. Other brands choose to incorporate the trend into their watches using gemstones and bright colours. A maximalist watch will make a great addition to any watch collection as it can be used as a statement accessory to be paired with a variety of outfits.
5 New Maximalist Watch Trends
Mixed Metals and Colours
A combination of metals and colours within one timepiece creates a modern maximalist look. Two tone and mixed metal watches have been a huge trend this year, so it makes sense that the concept has been adopted into the maximalist trend. A variety of metals creates an eclectic, yet very out together look. Mixed metals are a great way to incorporate maximalist trends in a subtle and chic way.
Roamer Competence Skeleton III Bi Colour Bracelet Blue Dial 101663 47 45 10N
This Roamer watch exhibits an eye-catching two tone colour scheme. The bracelet of this timepiece is made from stainless steel and is detailed with rose gold links to creating the stylish mixed metal finish. The watch case is also made from a silver toned stainless steel. However it is completed with a rose gold bezel to complement the rose gold tones in the bracelet. The watch features a skeleton dial with a vibrant blue outer edge. The dial is adorned with rose gold baton indices and rose gold hour, minute and second hands. This watch is powered by a Swiss Made automatic movement that provides it with a power reserve of up to 48 hours. The watch is water resistant up to 50 metres.
Skeleton and Transparent Dials
Skeleton dials have become a very popular way for watch brands to incorporate a maximalist trend into an every day timepiece. This style of dial design provides a full and eye-catching dial that is sure to fascinate the wearer. Skeleton dials are not chaotic and messy. Instead, they are clean and classic whilst providing extra interest. A transparent or skeleton dial watch is a traditional style that has been adopted into the maximalist watch trend. This means that this style is not entirely trend led, so it will be an often worn piece in any watch collection.
Guess BIG REVEAL Men’s Transparent Dial Stainless Steel Watch GW0323G1
This model from Guess features a transparent dial. This dial reveals the precise quartz movement that powers the watch. The movement is built using silver and gold cogs and parts to create an elegant appearance. The dial is surrounded by a crystal set bezel for an extra touch of detail. The movement is housed in a stainless steel case. This case measures 45mm in diameter and 11.85mm in thickness to ensure for a bold, yet comfortable, fit on the wrist. This watch is secured on the wrist using a stainless steel bracelet. The ends of the bracelet that are closest to the watch face are set with sparkling crystals to further the maximalist style of the timepiece.
Bold Colours
Bold colours are favoured by many maximalists in both personal and interior styling. They are often used in the design of maximalist watches to ensure that the timepiece is eye-catching and a truly stand-out accessory. A vibrantly coloured timepiece can be added to any outfit, even if the colours clash. Colour clashing is a key element within maximalism as the trend adopts a ‘more is more’ philosophy. A bold watch will stand out at any occasion and can be worn every day.
Swatch Big Bold Planets | Come In Peace | Green Silicone SB01B125
This Swatch watch is designed in a bold green colour that is sure to stand out. The dial is transparent with a green tint. This means that the quartz movement that powers the watch is visible. Swatch is famous for its quartz movements, so many fans of the brand enjoy being able to observe the one that keeps their watch ticking. The dial is decorated with black indices and black hour, minute and second hands. A green and black bezel frames the dial and a black plastic case surrounds it. This watch is secured on the wrist using a bright green silicone strap for a vibrant look. However, the watch also comes with a black silicone strap for more formal occasions.
Patterns
Maximalism often combines different patterns and textures to create an eclectic and layered look. Patterns are eye-catching and can make a timepiece feel entirely unique. Some watch manufacturers design their watches in patterns with bold colours to truly optimise the maximalist nature of the timepiece. A patterned watch could be combined with patterned clothing to create a bold, yet cohesive, look.
Swatch Skin Classic Fire Madras Bio-Sourced Plastic Case SS08Z105
This Swatch watch exhibits a checked pattern. The watch is designed in shades of pink, orange and yellow to ensure that it can be paired with a wide variety of other colours. The watch dial features an orange checked design on a yellow background. The dial is set with black hour and minute hands. The dial is framed by a transparent pink case that is made from bio-sourced material. The pink tone pleasantly clashes with the orange and yellow shades to stay true to the maximalist nature of the timepiece. The watch is secured on the wrist using a silicone strap that is patterned with the same orange and yellow checked design as the dial.
Gemstones
Gemstones are a fun and glamorous addition to any watch, no matter the aesthetic. Many watch brands add subtle sparkle to some of their timepieces by adding a few gemstones. However, this has been taken to new heights with the rise of the maximalism trend. Watch designers have started totally covering watch dials with gemstones, using a variety of colours and shapes for an eclectic finish. Gemstones are perhaps the most maximalist watch trend, making it a key feature in our list of 5 new maximalist watch trends.
Coach Women’s Preston | Gold Plated Steel Bracelet | Crystal Set Dial 14503657
The dial of this watch is gold in colour and is entirely set with sparkling white gemstones. The hours are denoted by baguette cut gemstones, with each hour being a different colour. The dial is set with gold hour and minute hands. The bezel is also set with gemstones that are multicoloured and in a rainbow arrangement. The dial is surrounded by a gold plated stainless steel case that measures 36mm in diameter. This will ensure for a flattering and comfortable fit on the wrist. The watch is finished with a gold plated stainless steel bracelet for a classic finish. This timepiece is powered by a reliable quartz movement.
What are your thoughts on these 5 new maximalist watch trends? Would you consider adding a maximalist watch to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
