The ascension of watches from simple timepieces to fashion accessories and high-tech do-it-alls has been occurring at a mile a minute. Or so it seems. There are as many choices of styles and technical features for watches these days as there are with drivers and wedges. Probably more. If you’re looking for a titanium watch to match your driver, it’s out there. A blue watch face to set off your golf shorts? No worries.
Whether it’s for sporty purposes, fitness, casual or dress, a dizzying array of colors, prices, fabrics, metals and capabilities is at your fingertips, with companies such as Dakota, Fossil, Michael Kors, Seiko and Citizen making crossover models that fuse functionality with luxury design. The versatility and sporty sophistication allows wearers to take almost any watch along for the ride, whether it’s for business, pleasure, recreation or socializing.
What watches can do, in addition to getting you to the first tee or that important dinner reservation, is add polish to your wardrobe. For traditionalists looking to stay current, many watchmakers, such as Orvis, offer modern twists on classic designs, be it date displays, sub-dials, three-hand movements or band designs.
There are also plenty of options for golfers who want an active-oriented timepiece.
“Fitness watches have really made a strong presence in the market. The use of smartphones allows a watch worn at the wrist to sync up to a phone via Bluetooth and track your daily movement,” said Mandy Engel, sales manager for Dakota Watch Company. “For example, a smartband app counts steps, calories, monitors sleep cycles and provides comparison charts to compare activity by days, weeks or months.”
Most bands for this active realm offer durable and sleek silicone strap finishes for a sporty panache. And while buyers often go with neutral colors such as white, black, creams and browns, there’s a trend for hot and vibrant colors in lines such as bright blues, cool greens and funky shades of orange to cater to a wider pool of consumers looking for something stylish yet with the subtle ability to set them apart.
Because of the many water-oriented activities in Southern California, watches for scuba divers or other ocean enthusiasts have long been popular. While those models are typically durable and practical, there’s also something cool about their vintage maritime aesthetics that provide an enduring appeal.
Another emerging trend is clip watches, which have several convenient applications, including for golfers.
“Attached on a belt loop, pack, utility vest or golf bag, clip watches are popular because they’re useful to someone who may have a hobby or profession that requires free wrist motion,” Engel said. “We place useful tools that, along with time, you’d like at a fingertip reach. Our clip watches have flashlights, bottle openers, knives, scissors, thermometers, compasses and more.”
There are also a number of watch models that are energized by nature and never need batteries. Another good option for Southern Californians, they’re charged in natural sunlight or indoor light with some building up to 10-month power reserves.
