Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Watch Out: 4 Luxury Watch Trends to Follow in 2018-2019

After 15 years with Swiss watch brand OMEGA, Brice (pronounced: br-ees) Le Troadec jumped continents to head up iconic Japanese timepiece company Grand Seiko as EVP and brand president.

Le Troadec received his first watch as a little boy from his grandfather who was keen on new watch technology, particularly the advent of quartz movement. Quartz, unlike mechanical or automatic movement, is when the second hand moves in individual ticks, powered by a battery. That watch was a Seiko (the parent company of Grand Seiko).

Recommended Videos

The Manual sat down with Le Troadec to pick his brain about the biggest luxury watch trends that will dominate the fall/winter of 2018-19.

Vintage

In true timeless fashion, Le Troadec ended by saying that not following trends is a trend in itself. The timepiece embodiment of this sentiment is a timeless vintage-styled watch. “Models that carry the historical features of the brand will rise up,” he says. The exact aesthetic (i.e. sporty, dressy, diving, etc.) will depend on the wearer’s preferences, but the trend will favor watches that completely embrace the individual brand’s identity.

Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Special Edition

Image used with permission by copyright holder

With a Caliber 9S 85, this Hi-Beat 36000 has a wickedly high oscillation rate of ten beats per second. Normally increased precision comes at a price as the faster rotational speed can take a toll on power reserve and watch longevity as a whole. At this 9S functionality, Grand Seiko keeps a power reserve of 55 hours. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 9S mechanical caliber— a timepiece that revolutionized watchmaking and was one of the most important moments in the brand’s history. Only 1,500 pieces will be made.

Shop Now

Limited Editions

With consumers (Millennials especially) Le Troadec says the “uniqueness of the timepiece” is of the utmost importance. “It used to be that brands hid their processes and technologies, but now there are high expectations for tech and knowledge,” he says. Watches with special builds and meaningful changes to the dial, texture of the dial, hands, shape, and finishing will stand out. These features are usually premiered on limited edition models. However he cautions, “It doesn’t have to be limited edition to be unique. It can be any special building.”

2018 Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph

Image used with permission by copyright holder

This modern remake isn’t a “limited edition” watch but was debuted in 2018 as a modern ode to the Polaris 60s throwback divers’ alarm watch. It’s the rebirth of an icon. With a 42-mm case, this timepiece features an open heart and three black finishes.

Shop Now

37mm and Smaller

Le Troadec says the standard size of a luxury timepiece today is 40mm. Increasingly (much like the size of men’s pants), that is slimming down to 36-37mm. Over the end of 2018 and start of 2019, expect to see sleeker and thinner men’s watches that maintain the durability, precision, and manliness of a chunky 50mm+ without the bulk.

Omega Seamaster 1948 Limited Editions

Image used with permission by copyright holder

With 2018 marking the 70th anniversary of Omega’s Seamaster, this pair of vintage-styled 38mm refined timepieces sure are worth celebrating. Unabashedly vintage, the tech under the hood is hyper-modern, with automatic movements from METAS-certified calibers. Only 1,948 pieces of each have been made. Hands-down a striking timepiece for its trendy size.

Shop Now

Manual Winding

“As consumers are more educated and desire to know every single detail, people like more and more to be connected to their watch,” says Le Troadec. This hunger for knowledge, mastery, and connection has resulted in more people wanting to wear a timepiece that requires mechanical winding with simple dials as opposed to automatics.

NOMOS Glashutte Autobahn Tetra Petit Four

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Working with artists and designers in neo-modernist works, NOMOS released their minimalist Autobahn collection of 41mm, water-resistant timepieces for drivers, cyclists, and divers. The hands on the autobahn-inspired face which is made to look like a vintage speedometer.

Shop Now

Jahla Seppanen
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Born and raised off-the-grid in New Mexico, Jahla Seppanen is currently a sports, fitness, spirits, and culture writer in…
Topics
Play it cool, pay less: Negotiation tips for buying luxury watches
How to haggle like a pro and save thousands on your next luxury watch
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar

The art of the deal is just that — an art! Purchasing a luxury watch is more than merely owning a nice timepiece; they are solid investments that are statements and, for many, family heirlooms. For most people, purchasing a luxury watch at the full retail price isn’t typically in the cards. If you have a preference for high-end brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Omega, the ability to negotiate with a trusted watch dealer can save you thousands of dollars and increase the value of your collection. So, if you want to get the best watch of your life, then you’re going to have to learn how to fine-tune your negotiation game. 

The most crucial element to negotiation is a well-executed strategy involving thorough research, patience, and a bit of luck. Understanding the current market to know when to buy and when to walk away is another important step in gaining access to watches that are in demand and difficult to acquire. It is possible to play it cool, pay less, and incorporate negotiation tips for buying luxury watches that speak to your personal aesthetics and budget.  We uncover the ins and outs of negotiation, how to play your hand, when to fold, and ultimately impress the person on the other side of the bargaining table. 

Read more
Is Rolex rewriting the rules of the luxury watch game?
What the closure of key Rolex hubs means for watch owners
Rolex Land Dweller set

In a strategic move that could reshape the luxury watch industry, Rolex is reportedly taking decisive action to consolidate its control over distribution and after-sales service. According to Jing Daily, the brand is reportedly shuttering third-party service centers, particularly in key markets like China, in a likely bid to strengthen its grip on every aspect of its timepieces' life cycle. This bold decision comes at a pivotal moment, as pre-owned Rolex prices soften after years of explosive growth—raising questions about the future of secondary market dynamics.

The closure of independent service hubs would suggest more than just a logistical shift—it would indicate an intent to rewrite the rules of luxury watch ownership. A pivot toward in-house servicing would mean Rolex would have direct influence on pricing, authenticity, and even the resale value of its watches. This realignment could have far-reaching consequences, from squeezing out grey market dealers to reshaping how collectors buy, sell, and maintain their prized timepieces.

Read more
A bold revival: Daniel Roth returns with a luxury watch for true collectors
The legend returns: Daniel Roth’s revival in high horology
The 2025 Daniel Roth Extra Plat up close.

Few brands understand the art of revival like Louis Vuitton, and together with LVMH, the Daniel Roth name has ignited excitement among watch enthusiasts and luxury is reborn. The debut of the Extra-Plat in 18k rose gold commemorates the brand’s iconic design heritage while featuring the technical mastery of La Fabrique du Temps.

The latest announcement coincides with Daniel Roth operating as a marquee name, a bold move aligned with the renaissance of the luxury watch market. With the distinctive flair of Roth’s designs and the technical brilliance of Louis Vuitton, a pioneer in the industry is poised to reimagine watches for collectors and enthusiasts alike. 

Read more