Do People Still Wear Watches? Are Watches Obsolete

It’s 2020. We’ve living in the era of smart phones, smart watches, and have the luxury of the time of day being displayed nearly everywhere we go. It’s easier than ever to get the time – and get it accurately – so why would we still need traditional analog wristwatches?

Do People Still Wear Watches and Are Watches Obsolete?

Absolutely yes, people still wear watches and they are certainly not obsolete!

Everyone from medical professionals and CEOs to interns and engineers still reach for their favorite wristwatch when it comes time to add that finishing piece to their outfit.

 

Although it may seem like there are less traditional watches out there due to the explosion in popularity of smartwatches in recent years, the demand for watches has stayed relatively constant and has even increased slightly among modern, minimalist selections.

In the graphic above from Google Trends, you can see a steady increase in Google searches for ‘affordable watches’ over the last couple of decades. These days, people see less value in breaking the bank to invest in luxury watches and there has also been a significant increase in availability of quality affordable watches.

It is now easier than ever for anyone to don a stylish wrist piece without spending a fortune. This also makes it easier for younger consumers to enter the watch market and may be a big reason why traditional watches have sustained such a steady presence in people’s wardrobes.

But that can’t be the reason, right? Is a slightly larger selection in affordable pieces the main catalyst behind why traditional analog watches have kept such a strong presence in modern fashion?

Why Do People Still Wear Watches?

Simply put, people still wear them because traditional watches are cool AF! They also have a nostalgic appeal to them and are constantly seen worn by celebrities and important figures.

 

They come in a wide range of styles, designs, materials, movements, and more! At this point, watches are more of an expression of your personality than anything else. As the decades go by, they seem to become more and more intricate in their design and the constant emergence of new styles and features is probably a key reason why analog wristwatches stay at the front of people’s minds when picking their outfit.

But that’s not all – watches, despite being used less and less for time telling purposes, are still a very practical addition to your attire. For those that like to have their phone tucked away most of the day, it is a quick way to get the time. It’s also effective for the same reason if you’re in a setting such as a meeting or conference where it would be unprofessional or rude to take a peek at your phone.

When asked why they wear them, most men will tell you that they are a great accessory to have complimenting their attire when the selection of accessories overall for men is scarce – especially in more professional settings – whereas women have a much larger selection to pick from in terms of jewelry.

In terms of jewelry, men also have the option of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and various types of rings in a causal, everyday setting, but none of those are typically acceptable in a business or white-collar setting. Women, on the other hand, could comfortably don all of that (except maybe the multiple rings) in the same setting.

So, watches are a great way for men to express themselves while being confined to an otherwise scant selection in dress attire. Watches worn by men are also synonymous with authority, success, and some even say that they see those who wear watches as more trustworthy or dependable than others.

The reason women wear watches isn’t much different than men. It’s all about the aesthetic! Your casual, minimalist watch can make you appear more laid back and adventurous while sharper, more detailed designs make you look more prestigious. Watches also mesh great with bracelets and rings when worn together.

The average woman over the age of 30 usually owns anywhere between 3 – 7 different wristwatches whether they wear watches daily or not. Even if you’re not in a profession that calls for wristwear every day, it’s always a great idea to have a nice piece ready to strap on when an event calls for it – and they will call for it.

What Type of Person Still Wears Wristwatches?

We mentioned a few professions earlier that commonly wear watches, but there are truly no limits to the type of person that would wear a wristwatch. This is because there are so many different types of watches.

Whether you work in an office setting or on the front lines in medicine, whether you’re in law enforcement or a pilot, or even if you work outdoors in nature – there is sure to be a watch to match your style and activities.

Wristwatches are a symbol of maturity and people generally begin wearing them regularly in their mid 20s. The strongest demographic when it comes to watch purchases comes from those in their late 20s and early 30s. This group is also most responsible for the presence of the growing minimalist watch industry.

What Type of Analog Watches are Trending Right Now?

In recent years, smartwatches have exploded onto the scene and have captivated a large group of (mainly young) consumers. People who wear smartwatches are people who typically didn’t wear watches before and wear them for their functionality as well sleek, modern appeal. However, there is still a very large group of people who still enjoy a traditional analog watch.

Although smartwatches get most of the press, another style has quietly emerged as a favorite among younger watch lovers – minimalist watches. Minimalist watches look exactly as they’re described – with emphasis on less.

As watches have become increasingly complicated over time, more and more people are scaling back on the bells and whistles of flashy studded out watches. Instead, a growing number of consumers have flocked towards the simplistic design of minimalist watches.

Although there isn’t much to their design, each minimalist watch you come across will have its own distinct feature that sets the piece apart from the rest. The trend of minimalism made its way in the watch industry about a decade ago and has increased steadily in popularity ever since.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Yes, people still wear watches and, in fact, the popularity of the traditional wristwatch continues to go strong and is projected to continue going strong for the near future!

Don’t underestimate the power of a sleek watch and what it can do for you.

Whether your profession is in an office or outdoors or whether you work underwater or in the skies, a watch is still the go-to accessory when finishing your look.