Time for change: watches that are worn anywhere but the wrist

W

hile most watches today are worn on the wrist, originally they came in the shape of fobs — attached to a waistcoat or uniform by a chain or ribbon — or were hung on pins. Later they were put on wrist straps for convenience, a style that was common after the First World War.

Now makers are relegating the telling of time to a secondary function. “We’re seeing watches evolve into expressions of personal style as consumers seek more distinctive accessories,” explains Ben Staniforth, of the pre-owned luxury timepiece retailer Watchfinder & Co. “Worn on lapels as pendants or integrated into couture, they reflect a trend where fashion meets functionality.”

Arsham Droplet watch, £76,000, hublot.com

If evidence is needed that this is entering mainstream culture, the actress Jenna Ortega rocking up at A$AP Rocky’s Met Gala afterparty last month with an antique men’s pocket watch by Heuer (known today as Tag Heuer) from c 1914 dangling from her tuxedo bodysuit should be proof enough. And the high echelons of watchmaking have cottoned on to this trend for self-expression too.