Modern Sports Watch Design Trends

Grisar · 2019-10-22T06:21:20Z

Explore the 'must-have' elements of modern luxury sports watches. Grisar's post sparks debate on steel, blue dials, and iconic designs.

Grisar initiates a compelling discussion by outlining the 'must-have' elements defining the current fashion for luxury sports watches, presenting a visual comparison of prominent models. This post serves as a critical lens on market trends, inviting the community to debate the criteria that elevate a sports watch to 'legendary' status in today's horological landscape.

The "must have" elements in the world of sports for today's tastes and market...not everyone does it well, not everything sells, but at least everyone is trying the best.

- Must be steel

- Must be with a bracelet

- Must be simple (time only or with date at max)

- Must be automatic

- Must be iconic (well, some recognised DNA)

- Must have a blue dial (any kind of darker blue)

- Must have simple indies (baton being the best)

- Must be reasonably priced (top tier brands at EUR 25-30K)

THE BIRTH OF ANOTHER LEGEND, ISN'T IT? Get prepared, LOL!

Don't know who did this wonderful comparison picture...if anyone knows, it credits to him/her.

Key Points from the Discussion

The current market trend for luxury sports watches emphasizes steel, integrated bracelets, simple automatic movements, iconic design, blue dials, and baton indices, with a price point around EUR 25-30K for top-tier brands.
Some collectors prioritize personal 'must-have' elements like Swiss-made, heritage, white/silver/blue dials, and a display case back, with the Bvlgari Octo Solotempo being a standout for its innovative case and Italian flair.
The desirability of watches like the AP Royal Oak Jumbo and Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is often driven by scarcity and 'bragging rights' rather than solely the watch's inherent qualities.
Many modern sports watches, while individually appealing, share a similar aesthetic, reflecting a human desire for community and belonging even in individual choices.
Some designs, such as the Chopard Alpine Eagle and certain Bell & Ross models, are criticized for being overdesigned or derivative, with the Rolex blue dial Oyster Perpetual suggested as a more compelling comparison.
The Cartier Santos, with its design heritage dating back to 1904, is argued to belong in this category of iconic sports watches, despite its different origin compared to Genta's later designs.
Gerald Genta's influence is significant, having designed or heavily influenced at least five of the twelve watches featured in the comparison, solidifying his status as a premier watch designer.
The Santos Dumont from 1904 is distinct from the steel Santos model introduced in 1978, which is the one that fits into the modern sports watch lineup.

The Discussion

Bill

Oct 22, 2019

Patek 5711 and the Audemars Piguet are my two choices. [nt]

Grisar

Oct 22, 2019

Without any doubt 👍

"often imitated, but never equalled"

edo.k

Oct 22, 2019

Zenith Defy classic and Urban Jurgenssen missing with their takes on this theme... [nt]

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Oct 22, 2019

The Royal Oak and Overseas catch my eye the most of these. [nt]

anon_852399

Oct 22, 2019

for me the top three picks (counting only models in current production) would be the Nautilus, the Alpine Eagle and the Laureato.

just saying... And wonder if the new steel ALS can make it into my top list.

Abu Alex

Oct 22, 2019

The originals here are of course the Genta-designed IWC Ingenieur, the Bvlgari Octo (which began its life under the Gerald Genta brand), the Patek and the Audemars...

The Cartier Santos does not really belong in this picture because it is in a category of its own and boast the longest design heritage dating back to 1904! It's also a fantastic watch in this current version as shown on this picture

Key Points from the Discussion

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