2023 Autumn Watch Trends for Ladies and Men

This season, get ready to say goodbye to fashion extravaganzas, hello to workwear and anti-Instagram looks. As much as we’ve enjoyed dressing the part for a certain pink phenomenon and indulging in the various hot micro-trends fuelled by a summer of TikTok, the time has come to embrace a quieter, classier sense of fashion, one that will last in time - and in style.

Classic wardrobes with a twist and everyday essentials, from 80s-inspired work blazers to fitted jackets and utilitarian jumpsuits, are coming back in full force this Autumn, so it is no surprise that fashion mavens, whether they be men or women, are setting their sights on timeless accessories with a formal yet distinctive flair to complete their looks.

While the elevated back-to-work look is gaining momentum with basically everyone, there are still out-of-the-box trends that help inject a bit of spice into the wardrobe, from red essentials to military-inspired pieces that steal the show. 

Ladies, if you’re not ready for the quiet brown and grey hues of the Autumn/Winter period, keep proclaiming your love for colour with ‘Tomato Girl Fall’! The trend comes straight from TikTok, of course, and while some might enjoy looking like a bright, juicy tomato from head to toe, you can very much take part in the trend without going overboard. An accessory is more than enough to show your love for the striking hue, especially one that goes on the wrist for everyone to see and admire.

Red watches are not just a statement on the wrist; they elevate any neutrals with a bang! Some red watches to keep on your radar include Tissot’s Lovely Round Mother Of Pearl and Baume & Mercier’s classic red Hampton watch. For a more classic yet luxurious style moment, Junghans’s ever-popular red Max Bill watch will know how to complement any professional work attire as much as weekend-specific outfits. 

On the men’s runway, a standout colour has emerged: burgundy. Less dominating than tomato red, more vibrant than black, the rich, deep wine colour is making heads turn and has been approved by countless designers, from Louis Vuitton to Dior to Tom Ford.

Whether opting for an all-Bordeaux suit or a casual burgundy cardigan and jeans, there is no limit to what you can achieve with the warm Autumn hue, and this also rings true with this season’s sartorial accessories. You can choose to go full out with a captivating burgundy and gold watch on your wrist (in that case, consider the Rado Captain Cook Automatic Bronze watch), but essentially, a dash of colour on the wrist is all you need to stand out.

With its dark red dial and two-tone stainless-steel bracelet, the Rado Captain Cook Automatic watch sways between subtle and alluring, classic and trendy, making it the perfect accessory to take at work, on a leisure day out and underwater (yes, it’s also a dive watch, talk about a multipurpose piece).

Ball’s Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer is also a wonderful work of horology, and the intense, cherry-coloured dial only adds to its undeniable charm. 

This watch trend might come as a surprise but considering this year’s renewed interest in retro and vintage pre-owned watches, it was only a matter of time before pocket watches claimed their rightful place in the spotlight.

From the pocket watch’s inception in the early sixteenth century to its rising popularity on today’s social media scene (in 2023, the hashtag #pocketwatch cumulates 40.9 million views on TikTok), this horological piece of history has found a way to stay relevant in an era governed by smartwatches and digital-everything, especially thanks to modern period dramas ranging from Peaky Blinders to Bridgerton. 

Italian brand Out Of Order is known for its standout vintage-flavoured timepieces, so of course we had to include their signature Calabrone, the first pocket watch imagined by the creative watchmaker. For those who like the idea of a contemporary pocket watch but do not necessarily wish to stand out, Mondaine’s discreet unisex white pocket watch is sure to fit the bill to a tee. 

For those gents who are more into trendy outdoor wear than fancy work attire, you’re in luck: the military aesthetic is in vogue this season, as seen chez Givenchy, Sacai and Dries Van Noten. Camouflage prints and khaki essentials are forming the basis of many on-trend Autumn/Winter wardrobes, so why not take the military trend even further and complete the look with a chic army-inspired watch?

As watch experts, when we think of contemporary army watches, our mind immediately goes to Hamilton’s Khaki Field, the ultimate collection of rugged yet modern military timepieces. Among all the Khaki Field watches to choose from, we’ve selected the signature Khaki Field Mechanical in olive green, and the Khaki Field King Auto in black, finished with a robust cow leather strap. Chez Graham, the green Chronofighter Vintage GMT is the perfect option for those who wish to combine the edginess of khaki and the timelessness of a leather strap.  

From deconstructed suits to 80s-inspired power blazers to androgynous black ties and shirts, the businessman businesswoman look is on everyone’s lips, including ours. The runway has opened our eyes to a plethora of effortless business chic looks that take inspiration from reality, albeit in a more dramatic way. Codes are being broken, genders are being blurred, smart black and wearable leather reign on the runway.

On our wrists, it’s the same story. Nothing screams “I am a fashionable, put-together professional” like a refined black leather watch, so here’s our ultimate selection for this Autumn/Winter. Ladies, we recommend the Raymond Weil Toccata watch in striking black leather, and the Rotary Regent watch coveted for its bold, industrial look. As for gents, take a look at the Tissot LeLocle Powermatic and the ravishing Baume & Mercier Classima watch enhanced by a dazzling white and silver dial.

We know, grey for Autumn, groundbreaking… but hear us out! While the colour might be a tad predictable, there is no denying that a head-to-toe grey look is anything but boring. Grey inspires comfort, warmth, but also elegance, and this no matter if you’re in an oversized blazer or a long grey coat and matching pants. As such, it seems as though the only possible accessory we need to elevate our grey look is, you’ve guessed it, a chic grey watch.

There are many finishes to choose from when considering your perfect grey watch. If you’re on the lookout for a sleek stainless-steel piece, Sekonda’s Seksy grey watch for ladies will be a match. Alternatively, if a soft, fabric strap watch is on your mind, Mondaine’s Classic grey watch will fulfil all your expectations.

Chez Swatch, the newly released ‘What If’ collection is having a moment. The Swiss watchmaker is giving a new look to its watches, one where classic touches and contemporary shapes meet seamlessly in the middle ground.