Unisex watches; More choice for everyone!

The watch world has traditionally been set up in the same way as the fashion world, with a strict division between the collections for men and women. 
There is of course something to be said for that. Women are generally smaller than men and usually have thinner wrists. And -according to market research - colour is more important for women than for men.

But is the difference in watches for women and men really that big? And does it matter? The fact is that more and more brands are bringing unisex watches to the market. More choice for everyone!

Watch as jewellery

Before the First World War, almost all watches were pocket watches. Except for ladies' watches! It was not considered appropriate for ladies to wear a watch. It was considered impolite for a woman to look at her watch, because doing so might give the impression of being bored. That is why watches were made especially for ladies that looked like a piece of jewellery, in which a small clock was subtly hidden. This has (fortunately) changed, but to this day women's watches are often small or richly decorated with crystals or precious stones.

It was only WWI that wristwatches became the norm for men. For practical reasons, but often as a way to distinguish oneself from others. Even today, a watch - besides a (wedding) ring - is usually the only piece of jewellery a man wears. This is changing rapidly. Men today wear more jewellery next to their watch, such as a bracelet. And even for bling lovers there is currently plenty to choose from.

Size matters less

The main difference between men's and women's watches is still the size. For women an average of 36-40 mm and for men 40-45 mm.

With the oversized watch trend of the past 15 years, women have become accustomed to larger watches. Smartwatches are also generally larger and thicker than regular watches. So why not choose a size that suits you? After all, people come in all shapes and sizes regardless of their gender. There are also plenty of men for whom an XL watch is not their first choice.

The fact that (men's) watches are larger than 38 mm has only been a thing of the past decades. In fact, 38mm is now the average size of a ladies watch. In the last few years we have seen a return to smaller sizes in men's watches, which means that an increasing number of watches are suitable for the thinner (women's) wrist.

Many watch brands are responding to this development. For example, the Certina Aqua watch is aimed at both men and women. Due to the a modest size and good fit, the new Ligure watch is also suitable for both wide and narrow wrists.

As with many trends, Swatch is as usual a forerunner. The original standard Swatch watches from the 1980s and 1990s were 34 mm. The current large version of this watch is 41 mm. A collection with something for everyone in colours and designs.

Classic-modern and retro watches also have a universal appeal and are suitable for almost all wrist sizes due to the classic style and size. For example Casio Vintage watches or the Tissot PRX line which is available in different sizes.

The design is leading

With (Scandinavian) design brands, the distinction between women's and men's watches has always been minimal. After all, it's about the design. You just have to choose the size or colour that suits you.

This principle can be applied to all watch styles. Does the style appeal to you? Does the watch fit? So what does it matter whether it is labeled 'ladies' or 'men'?

Functionality increasingly important

With the rise of increasingly sophisticated sports, outdoor and smart watches, the distinction between women's and men's watches has become even smaller. The functionality of the watch is paramount. Fortunately, these watches are now available in more and more sizes and colours, so you can choose the model that best suits you and your style.

Colour!

Men's watches originally have modest colours. The choice of material such as steel or gold was the guiding principle. But there too we see more diversity emerging and the choice of different colours of dials and straps is becoming more and more obvious. And with modern style icons such as Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet, it is becoming evermore normal for men to follow the colourful route. See, for example, the colourful Versace watches.

Choose watch that suits you best

We often pigeonhole stylesand products, but when you broaden your horizons, and focus on the style you like in a size that fits, you will find that there is a lot more to choose from. We have collected some examples on our unisex watches page.

Adjust the watch to your wishes

Have you found the perfect watch at Watch.co.uk but are you unsure whether it will fit your wrist? In the watch specifications you can find for which wrist size the watch is suitable. And we tailor-make the (metal) bracelet for you free of charge.

With a simple procedure such as attaching a different watch strap, you can not only give a watch a different appearance, but also make it better suited to your wrist. For example, with the sliding closure of a mesh strap, you can easily adjust the watch to your wrist size. Or opt for a leather or rubber strap. Many brands of watches nowadays have 'easy click' or 'quickfit' straps that you can easily change yourself!