Are Fashion Watches Worth Your Money?
Watches are more than a ticking accessory – they're a blend of style, status, and self-expression. But is a fashion watch worth the wrist space?
I’ll be completely honest: I’m no watch connoisseur. It wasn’t until I stepped into semi-adulthood that watches started becoming a thing of relevance to me. As my appreciation for watches grows, I found myself doom scrolling in search of what could be my first-ever timepiece. One deep dive into watchtok and community discussions later, I realised that my knowledge of horology starts and stops at leather and metal straps. I was in unfamiliar territory where “lugs” doesn’t mean pulling my luggage out of the conveyer belt with great effort. The confusion did not stop there, in the comment section was a very passionate debate over fashion and traditional watches (by stalwarts like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet and so on). My immediate assumption was that the former is much affordable and the latter is well, luxurious. I was quick to be proven wrong, because it goes much deeper than that.
WHAT IS A FASHION WATCH?
Unlike traditional watchmakers, brands categorised under the term ‘fashion watch’ typically specialises in non-horology products and later expanded into watchmaking. The word attached at the beginning of the term, however, is not correlated strictly to major fashion houses as jewellery brands are also part of this group.
If we wind it back in time (no pun intended), luxury watch brands have been making watches way before fashion houses started debuting its first timepieces, which explains the exclusivity surrounding the former. But other brands, outside of the big four players (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille), make some pretty great contenders that are neither behind in style, craftsmanship, or even legacy. Despite the name, fashion watches go far beyond a fashionable accessory that sits pretty on your wrist – although it is part of the charm. Simply because it is vacant of the word ‘luxury’ does not mean it lacks the quality that makes it one.
SO, IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
Watches, much like other fashion items, could serve a variety of purposes depending on what you're looking for – style, status, gift, and more. Whether a watch is worth investing in ultimately goes back to personal preference. For the uninitiated, like many younger buyers, fashion watches could be a great entry point, go past the years-long waitlist and you've got yourself a watch. When it comes to longevity and prestige, there is no reason to question it. Take Chanel's J12 for example, it has won not one, but six Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve awards – how is that for prestige? And if you're just looking for a fun time, there are many brands that offer great unique pieces, without the hefty price tag.
Below, I asked two of my Gen Z friends who are just starting out their collection on what makes a watch worthy of their time.
ELDEEN NG, 28, CLIENT ADVISOR
What do you usually look for in a watch?
"Design and uniqueness are key for me. I often imagine how the watch will complement my wardrobe and the occasions I could wear it to. I'm especially drawn to pieces that has a character – it subtly stands out and has the potential to spark conversations."
Do you think fashion watches are worth buying?
"I believe it really depends on the individual and their relationship with watches. If someone genuinely appreciates the design and can envision it as part of their personal style, then it's absolutely worth the investment. To me, a watch is more than just a timepiece, it's a statement accessory that enhances personal style and expresses individuality."
His pick:
Cape Cod Automatique steel watch on leather bracelet, $ 5,950, Hermes
"The Hermès Cape Cod is a fashion watch that captures my interest. It’s a refined timepiece that perfectly blends elegance with everyday wearability. Being a leather enthusiast, I can easily imagine it paired beautifully with various leather straps. Its distinctive square-within-a-rectangle design is both unique and timeless. This watch is certainly one I’m keeping an eye on."
NAJJA CHALIZA, 21, FREELANCER
Tell us about your watch collection.
"I personally don't have my own watch just yet. But when I was younger, I loved trying my parents' watches, even though they didn't fit me. I remember liking my mum's Hermes Heure H watch – I loved the 'H' shaped case paired with different coloured straps that she owns."
Do you think it's worth investing?
"I think it's subjective to each buyer and depends on one's relationship with the item. Many fashion watches come with an expensive price, if there is an added personal connection or sentimental value behind it, I think it would be worth the purchase."
Her pick:
Premiere Edition Originale watch on leather and steel bracelet, $9,200, Chanel
"I saw Chanel's Premiere watch ads all over Orchard Road last year. Initially, I wasn't interested, but overtime I found myself loving the marriage between the black lacquer and gold hardware. As someone with small wrists, the slim shape really caught my eye, so this one is definitely on my wish list."
Scroll on for more watches to shop.
J12 Bleu watch on ceramic and steel bracelet with blue sapphire, $35,550, Chanel
Escale platinum watch on leather bracelet with diamonds, price upon request, Louis Vuitton
Cape Cod steel watch on matching bracelet, $6,040, Hermes
La D My Dior stainless steel watch on matching bracelet with mother-of-pearls and diamonds, $7,700, Dior
Ferragamo rose gold plated stainless steel watch on matching bracelet with diamonds, $14,271, www.farfetch.com
Spirit Zulu Time 1925 18k pink gold watch on stainless steel bracelet, $6,000, Longines
Swarovski Octagon Cut stainless steel bracelet watch, $750, Farfetch
Gucci 25H 18k gold plated silver watch on stainless steel bracelet, $2,700, Farfetch
