In an era of smart phones and iPads, watches might seem to have lost their lustre as timekeepers but the latest sales figures and fashion shows prove they are beginning to revive. The trend is towards retro timepieces like fancy vintage watches  by Patek Philippe or expensive Breitling watches .

The market search company LGI Networks reported a considerable increase in watch sale across all price ranges and all brands last year, with a 25% sale rise in models that value between £250 and £800. 2011 was a remarkable year for the Federation of the Swiss WatchIndustry as it saw the highest increase in sales in 20 years.

The NYC Fashion Week in February 2012 was all about heritage-inspired men’s timepieces finished with slim straps in leather and alligator skin. A few years ago, the size of a watch was often associated with the size of its owner’s bank account or even ego. In recent times, the tendency has shifted from oversized chronograph timepieces to classic themes. Dials are now smaller and flatter, straps are thinner and numerals are Roman rather than Arabic. 

But why are modern machos more interested in refined vintage watches than ultra-stylish, big face models and smart gadgets as timekeepers? This is partly due to the image of a gentleman and partly due to the image of a successful businessman that never goes out of style. A watch can be a statement piece either way. Here are 3 more reasons why men tend to go vintage these days.

Reason 1 – Be unique

Everyone around has the same or nearly the same mobile phone. Its colour, size and shape can be different but it does not make its owner stand out from the crowd in terms of his status. Be it a Breitling, Longines or Omega, a vintage watch can add some sophistication and uniqueness to the image.

Reason 2 – Be taken seriously

Undeniably, wearing a classic watch from the golden era of watchmaking (the 1950s and 1960s) is prestigious. Visuals have always been important. More often than not, people look at a man’s shoes, suit and watch to determine what he does for a living. To be taken seriously, he should look serious.

Reason 3 – Because hands draw attention

The significance of eye contact in conversations and public speeches has been talked about a lot but there is one more thing people pay special attention to – HANDS. They can say whether one is nervous, calm or confident and even where that person comes from (Italy or Japan). Close to the hands are the wrists, and when there is a vintage watch on one of them, they cannot but attract attention.

In an era of smart phones and iPads, there is still a place for watches. They are no longer used as timekeepers only but also have the potential to build an image their owners aspire to have, be it at a black tie party or a business meeting. Vintage watches are especially suitable for that!

Guest post by: Hannah Crossfield