It’s the Signet-owned banner’s first location in Georgia.
Why People Still Wear Watches
Our Editor-in-Chief also dives into what sizes they prefer and how they feel about smart devices in her post-Baselworld blog post.
![The time, date and day of the week is available at the press of a smartphone home button. It’s made the many functions of a watch like this Patek Philippe ladies’ 38 mm Ref. 4947 obsolete. So why do we still wear them? 20170412_Patek-Philippe-ladies.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/e82be15b7012c3cdd5736e55f064dbf3.jpg)
It is not news to anyone that technology has usurped many of the functions once served solely by wristwatches.
Electric lighting, for example, supplanted the need for minute repeaters--watches that sound out the time, aiding the wearer when they are in complete darkness--and dive computers replaced the dive watch as a necessity, though many divers still don one as a back-up.
And, clearly the most recent and relevant, is the smartphone, which makes it so that everyone has the date and atomically correct time available to them at all times with the simple push of the home button.
Yet, the sale and wearing of watches persists. But who is wearing them, for what purpose, and what sizes are they buying?
After I got back from Baselworld, I posted these questions to my Facebook page and to friends via other means to find out.
Watches Are Still a Thing
Among those who responded to my various inquiries, I found that the number of people who wore watches outnumbered those who didn’t.
I also found that they buy their watches at a wide range of places--online stores, online auction sites, independent jewelers and department stores--reinforcing what we already know: that the market for buying jewelry and watches has become much more fragmented.
The responses from the watch-wearing men weren’t surprising.
Most said they wear watches because they feel their jewelry selection is otherwise limited. As one Breitling- and Rolex-owning but Patek-aspiring ex of mine put it: “Watches are the only jewelry I wear. They are my accessory.”
The women’s responses were more varied and interesting (read into that what you wish): they wear a watch because it’s easier than digging their phone out of their purse every time they need a time check, and/or they look at it as an accessory that complements their outfit, in the same way that jewelry does.
One respondent who has a 38.5 mm quartz Omega Aqua Terra (which she purchased at an independent jeweler) gave an answer that was a blend of both: “I find checking my wrist is much more subtle than pulling
A few other women said they have fairly substantial watch collections and love their timepieces just as much as they do their jewelry.
I have one friend in particular who has, in her words, “quite a collection,” the majority of which were given to her as gifts.
Her go-to, everyday watch is a women’s Omega Seamaster that she received as a graduation present (and also was purchased at a local jewelry store), but she has much higher aspirations.
A regular reader of this blog (good friend that she is), she has lusted after the Patek Philippe Ref. 6102R rose gold Celestial Grand Complication ever since I blogged about it after returning from the 2015 edition of Baselworld.
I don’t blame her.
Matters of Size
I also asked women specifically about their preferred watch size and found that they, quite overwhelmingly, preferred larger cases. (Note here: Since I was asking generally on Facebook and not just to the trade, I did not inquire specifically about millimeter size. I would not expect most people to know that offhand.)
Interestingly, a couple of the gentlemen who answered my query said just the opposite--they like the smaller men’s watches.
A former work colleague and friend in Atlanta noted: “I’ve always had an affinity for analog watches … I love a well-made, well-designed tool or piece of machinery, and watches also appeal to my fetishistic sense of sentimentality and nostalgia.
“I know you didn’t ask the guys, but I’m sorta bummed about the absurdly oversize faces on men’s watches these days … These bagel-size faces have got to go.”
A mutual friend whom he tagged in the post added: “Agreed! It’s gaudy and gauche. Makes one look like they’re trying too hard.”
Women’s want of bigger watches coupled with men’s desire to dial it down has led to what I saw a lot of at Baselworld this year--watches that can be considered either a smaller men’s or a larger women’s watch and are designed with gender neutrality in mind.
It’s the same thing that’s happening in clothing now. Just before Baselworld, in fact, fast-fashion retailer H&M launched a unisex collection of casual clothes called Denim United.
While Omega had two 41 mm additions to its Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer Collection, the brand also introduced this 38 mm stainless steel model with a blue dial.
Bulova has started steering away from categorizing their watches as men’s or ladies. The watches in the brand’s new Classic and Automatic Collections range in size from 39 to 41 mm and are not particularly “masculine” or “feminine” in nature.
Also at Baselworld, Longines released a beautiful addition to its Heritage collection that’s 40 mm, and 40 mm is also the size of another one of my favorite watches from the show, Oris’s Big Crown 1917 Limited Edition pilot’s watch.
![](/rails/active_storage/blobs/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBdXdQIiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--874ebfe0e383da6649374f606bf89592ec928074/20170412_Oris-Longines.jpg)
I love the vintage look of both and as a woman who already wears a 38 mm watch, I would not hesitate to step up to a 40 mm for either one of these.
What About Smartwatches?
Invariably, the smartwatch discussion crept into the answers to my watch questions.
While overall more people reported wearing a regular watch, there were a few people who said they had abandoned a traditional timepiece in favor of a FitBit, Garmin or Apple Watch.
“I wear a FitBit, which is essentially a watch. Since the dawn of the cell phone, I have stopped wearing watches regularly,” one woman wrote.
The Apple Watch might not have been a huge hit, but people do like smart devices that not only tell time but keep track of their steps, calories burnt, etc. One person even noted that their Apple Watch has a “breathing” app that simulates deep breathing for meditation. OK.
But it’s also worth noting that, for some, wearing an activity-tracking device that also tells the time has served as a reminder that looking down at your wrist to check the time is just easier.
So, just maybe, they’ll be in the market for watch again someday.
As one respondent (who is also in the jewelry industry) sagely noted: “A lot of who wears what has changed so much due to technology. There was a time not too long ago where the smartphone served the purpose of a watch, but with the smartwatch there is a new and broader acceptance that gives a greater versatility to both men and women, young and old.”
The Latest
![These “Double Loop” earrings feature a drop-cut amethyst sitting atop the lower hoop, totaling 1.60 carats between both earrings. The hoops are made of silver covered in “pistacchio” colored enamel, while 9-karat yellow gold holds the stones in place and connect the two hoops behind the earlobe ($1,770). Bea Bongiasca’s Double Loop Earrings](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/f338ef6b4603be3c97765f833b831ca0.jpg)
Commemorate “brat summer” with these green hoops.
Sponsored by Gemological Institute of America
![Untitled design.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/583fbcb2bb839782810080debef35d3c.jpg)
As the demand for lab-grown diamond jewelry may still be increasing, the most notable change we are likely to see is price stabilization.
![Earlier this month, online giant Amazon and the Better Business Bureau filed a joint federal lawsuit against ReviewServiceUSA.com for allegedly selling fake reviews, both positive and negative. Amazon package outside door](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/27fce4225a38900d54a5536ce523a22d.jpg)
They claim ReviewServiceUSA.com was selling both positive and negative reviews of products and businesses.
![](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/99a46b30cc354962ac2e29ecd113587a.jpg)
![A shot of the Venetia diamond mine in South Africa, owned by De Beers Group. The diamond miner and marketer saw revenue drop 21 percent and rough diamond sales decline 20 percent in a “weak” market for diamonds. De Beers’ Venetia diamond mine](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a1f16ceaaba662e80385166060d192a7.jpg)
Lab-grown diamond sales in the United States and ongoing economic challenges in China are impacting natural diamond demand.
A longtime member of IJO, she’s remembered for her passion for design, learning, and environmentalism.
![1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9d60901b44425a53b9010301897a3bbc.jpg)
GIA®’s most advanced microscope has new features to optimize greater precision and comfort.
![A malachite and diamond bracelet from Pomellato’s “Pom Pom Dot” collection, launched earlier this year. Pomellato and Boucheron were bright spots for Kering in an otherwise underwhelming first half of the year. Pomellato Malachite Pom Pom Dot bracelet](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3c237b62e009742fc52487097daf3c5a.jpg)
The gains come amid a tough time for parent company Kering, which saw sales slide 11 percent in the first half of the year.
![Volunteers and Shane Co.’s corporate team from all 22 locations of the family-owned jewelry chain have begun packing backpacks with school supplies for teachers to distribute to their students this school year. Shane Co. and the Kids in Need foundation logo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/1c5abfb36ec775724f014f47bfbb47fc.jpg)
The fine jewelry retailer filled backpacks with back-to-school essentials for students in 13 states.
![A shot from the advertising campaign for LVMH-owned Bulgari’s “Eden the Garden of Wonders” high jewelry collection. LVMH’s jewelry and watch sales slipped in the first half of the fiscal year. Bulgari high jewelry campaign](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c24eb75ca8cea44d2e9859648f4a98ee.jpg)
Tiffany & Co. is focusing on its “iconic” collections while the company has made changes at the top at TAG Heuer and Hublot.
![Chaumet, a Parisian jeweler owned by LVMH, has designed the Olympic and Paralympic Games medals. Chaumet Paris 2024 Olympics medals](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/7831b3a738baddfc7d783e6df0fbf796.jpg)
The Parisian brand is the first jewelry company in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to design the medals.
![The acquisition of Union Life & Casualty by Jewelers Mutual will help strengthen both the pawn market and the insurance industry, said JM. Jewelers Mutual and Union Life and Casualty logos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/195925667226ecfc51b4e1bb09607143.jpg)
Union Life & Casualty will join JM Insurance Agency Partners, expanding the provider’s pawnbroker coverage.
![The winner of this year’s Lonia Tate scholarship, Bradlei Smith will receive the opportunity to earn her Graduate Gemologist diploma from GIA and, following graduation, an internship at Ben Bridge Jeweler in Seattle. Bradlei Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/996834935ae30a7a1195db8b9db6cb7d.jpg)
Los Angeles-based Bradlei Smith was selected for this year’s award.
![Peter Smith is an industry consultant, speaker, sales trainer, and author. He can be reached via email at TheRetailSmiths@gmail.com. National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/bec7295a7f478778b1c196e6d81e7cd9.jpg)
In his latest column, Smith shares multiple reasons why people who look at the glass as being hall full often make better salespeople.
![De Beers Group mined 6.4 million carats of diamonds in the second quarter of 2024, down from 7.6 million in the same period last year. (©De Beers Group/Photo credit: Ben Perry @ Armoury Films) De Beers rough diamond display](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/80cd02b1c8384f4b2efda0bcdf6a75e1.jpg)
The company also reported the $150 million sale of an iron ore royalty right, part of its ongoing effort to divest “non-core” assets.
![In honor of its summer bridal event, Long’s Jewelers is partnering with Wequassett Resort and Golf Club on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and jewelry brand JB Star on a vacation giveaway. Long’s Jewelers giveaway promo](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/4e7a90944c4e8875a4f3818dbe26b28b.jpg)
The giveaway is part of the New England jeweler’s summer bridal event.
![L.A.-based flower designer, Sophia Moreno-Bunge models Guzema’s “Hidden Beauty” collection in front of a garden in Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Sophia Moreno-Bunge of Isa Isa modeling Guzema’s Hidden Beauty collection](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/6f3822623eb7fd2f6468f82825194cb1.jpg)
The ad features three celebrity florists creating floral sculptures while wearing jewelry by Guzema.
![The Entrepreneurship Grants program supports winners with financial aid to scale their businesses and increase their societal impact, said Diamonds Do Good. Pictured here are three of the 13 winners, top right is Tresia Shituula, and bottom row left to right, are Monkgogi Moshaga and Mohamed Samu. Tresia Shituula, Monkgogi Moshaga, Mohamed Samu](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/a7c9b87301b76a9446f6522747ce5b95.jpg)
The grant provided a total of $100,000 to support 13 entrepreneurs from diamond communities in Africa and India.
![Ghazi Osta, better known as Gus, was the owner and president of Volusia Gold & Diamond, a store he and his wife, Leigh Osta, opened in 1986. He was shot and killed inside the store Friday afternoon after a brief argument with a regular customer. (Photo courtesy of Volusia Gold & Diamond Facebook page) Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/c8c1fa3df746cbd364915a98dcac9d21.jpg)
Ghazi Michel Osta, or “Gus,” was killed Friday by an 83-year-old man said to be a frequent customer at his store, Volusia Gold & Diamond.
![Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (left) is the Responsible Jewellery Council’s new head of North American development, and Effie Marinos is its new specialist advisor for technical standards. Elyssa Jenkins-Perez and Effie Marinos](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/94332af0c7a776e7a8c36fabf76baa5f.jpg)
The organization also announced Effie Marinos as its new specialist advisor for technical standards, as well as four other appointments.
![Karen Rentmeesters, who joined the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in 2010, will take on the role of CEO. Karen Rentmeesters](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/3256fcc71cd43a399055c61f68486269.jpg)
Rentmeesters has served as interim CEO since April following former CEO Ari Epstein’s resignation.
![Longtime Washington, D.C., jeweler Brian Mann (right) with his wife Jessie Mann, an artist who custom-paints porcelain Limoges Boxes, at a 2016 Jewelers of America member event. Mann, the longtime co-owner of David Mann Jewelers, died June 21 at age 70. Brian and Jessie Mann](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/be4debc6e0b3198943a66ef0e2197c2c.jpg)
Mann, whose family’s jewelry store was located inside the Pentagon, is remembered for being a thoughtful champion of the industry.
![The 1916 Company recently opened a new Tudor boutique in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Tudor store in Denver](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9f8600ea53ed731963331ebd28a10d16.jpg)
The 500-square-foot boutique is located in Denver’s Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
![This necklace from Messika’s “So Move Max” set is made of yellow gold with 19.18-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds and designed with circle motifs that move within the links (price upon request). Messika’s So Move Max Necklace](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/14c78af4a4e8c6b996a81bbb5a5bc69f.jpg)
Dance all night long with the “So Move Max” set’s necklace.
![On Sept. 1, Julien Tornare (left), current CEO of TAG Heuer, will become CEO of Hublot. Antoine Pin, now the general manager of Bulgari’s watch business, will take over Tornare’s role as CEO of TAG Heuer. (Images courtesy of LinkedIn) Julien Tornare and Antoine Pin](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/b24627b34ece895ddd254bae22751fb8.jpg)
Luxury giant LVMH is reshuffling the leadership in its watches division.
![A rendering of a billboard from Etsy’s new campaign. The campaign is designed to highlight the platform’s creators and how their products are made. Etsy billboard rendering in NYC](https://uploads.nationaljeweler.com/uploads/9a94f394f326b90dc1c9da6a711c5e09.jpg)
Sellers and shoppers have spoken out against a rise in mass-produced merchandise on the platform meant to highlight handmade goods.