Zeenat Aman on June 25 took to Instagram to post a portrait of herself wearing a cuff designed by sustainable label, Inca. What stood in this image, apart from Zeenat’s photogenic face were the multiple watch dials strategically placed on the cuff. Resonating about the time gone by and what the future holds, the watch dial cuff stood true to Zeenat’s heartfelt caption.
A trend that has been catching on among designers and celebrities across the globe, has had its moments in 2024. Like Zeenat, there have been an array of celebrities such as Kriti Sanon, Dia Mirza, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Emma Chamberlain who celebrated the watch dial in statement jewellery pieces and accessories.
At the 2024 Grammys, Taylor Swift graced the red carpet in a Schiaparelli gown and accessorised the dramatic look with a Lorraine Schwartz black diamond choker fitted with a vintage Concord watch dial. The custom vintage watch was set to midnight and was surrounded by black diamonds.
From necklaces to rings and even bags, the watch dial has been making its way in celebrity styling. Philanthropist and style icon Natasha Poonawalla, who is known for her unconventional fashion moments, graced Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities which was hosted in Gujarat, in a classic Dolce and Gabbana vanity bag featuring a watch dial. The Orologio Barocco gold metal bag in green marble resin looked ethereal and added a timeless charm to Natasha’s opulent Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla ensemble.
The watch dial had its showstopper moments on the runway this year as well. At Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI hosted in Mumbai, two labels celebrated the design along with their collections. Indian homegrown labels, Inca and Erode’s runway shows featured the watch dials in all its glory.
For Erode, a sustainable brand working towards reviving the traditional Jamakkalam (a colourful blanket found in Tamil Nadu), incorporating the watch dial jewellery was a metaphor. The models walked the show in gold watch necklaces depicting designer Mayank Bhutra’s mission. When asked about styling the models in the creative watch dial jewellery, Mayank says, “I’m on a mission to save Jamakkalam and with each passing day it’s being difficult for Weaver’s. Watch necklace was a metaphor for we are short of time and it’s already too late to save them.”
According to Amit Hansraj, the watch dial necklaces incorporated in his collection were inspired by the passage of time, embodying the quality of patience and letting time take its own course. “They reflect my personal journey of starting my career two decades ago and culminating in my first show in 2020.”
Not just designers, watch brands are too following suit and celebrating the style in their collections. During Valentine’s Day, Fossil designed a unique collection with Disney, which included a Minnie Mouse watch ring. Speaking about the collaboration and catering to the popularity of a watch ring, Johnson Verghese, managing director, Fossil India at Fossil Group, Inc. says, “We paid tribute to Disney’s most iconic couple with the duo on our most-loved silhouettes, evoking nostalgia among consumers and captivating hearts. The limited-edition Disney Minnie Mouse Watch Ring featured a rose gold-tone stainless steel case and enamelled polka-dot bow. This accessory captured all of Minnie’s charm and a perfect keepsake for Disney fans that adds a touch of magic to the celebration of love. The continued popularity of our watch rings speaks volumes about their versatility and timeless appeal, mirroring our dedication to creating collections that seamlessly blend fashion and innovation.”
A trend or a collector’s item, the style is still iconic. Amit believes these pieces transcend traditional jewellery, akin to collector’s items or works of art. “Whether the watch dial jewellery remains a trend is not my primary concern. Instead, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to captivate those who appreciate its symbolic representation of time and patience. As such, its longevity is rooted in its ability to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts beyond fleeting trends,” adds Amit Hansraj.
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