The 23 best designer watches to invest in this year if you’re so over being fashionably late

There are some people who obsess over watches. The mechanisms, the movement, the, er, twiddly bits that make the hands go round. We admit, the movement of a classic watch is endlessly fascinating… But when there is series 2 of Bridgerton to speculate over or a new quarantini to perfect, appreciating the finer details of watch workings can, sometimes, slide down the never-ending to do list.

It shouldn’t, of course, because a watch that is in perpetual motion is a truly epic accessory which makes your life run more smoothly and chicly… But if it’s time (we are so, so sorry) to add a grown-up watch to your wardrobe, it’s absolutely got to look amazing. And of course it’s a given that you will have researched the elements that are important to you - whether that’s the movement, the depth of water resistance, or length of warranty. So all that is left to think about is aesthetics.

Watches are likely to be one of your most worn accessories, by the very nature of their investment. You might have a shoe collection that runs into treble figures or hundreds of handbags but it’s likely you’ll stick to one or two watches throughout your life and wear them every day. A great watch will ace the 30 Wears Challenge with ease. Of course, splashing out a large sum is not something you will take on lightly, so choosing a model that will last the course - style-wise - is essential. Be mindful that even watches aren’t immune to the influence of trends. Although trends do appear in a subtler manner, to ensure longevity from your new investment. You don’t want to spend four figures and find that your rubber, neon pink strap is So Over after just a couple of months (although take heart, trends are always cyclical - you might just have to wait another twenty years for a neon pink moment…) But, right now, the overarching mood of what’s in fashion, watch-wise, hasn't shifted greatly over the last few seasons.

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By Charlie Teather

Here are the 23 best designer watches that will be forever in fashion.