Wristwatches have evolved over the years from being a simplistic device used to monitor and tell time to status symbols and fashion accessories. It seems that everyone from Hollywood to Washington D.C. is sporting a designer watch these days, and each one is just a little different than the last.
Less than a century ago, only women wore wristwatches, as they were considered to be more of a bangle or a bracelet, and not something a man would purchase for himself, let alone wear. The market for menÕs watches, now, however, eclipses that of modern days womenÕs watches, and sports just as many brand names and luxury designers as those for the opposite sex.
Migrating from watches worn in pockets for watches worn on wrists for men came about with the war in the nineteen century. Soldiers found this type of timepiece useful and easy to carry with them. By 1906 these watches were considered a wartime necessity, and due to the popular demand for these watches a famous designer watch and watchmaker was born.
In the 1950's and beyond more and more designer watches emerged on Hollywood stars and on wrists across America. Brand name watchmakers were cranking out thousands of watches per day to meet with the demand. Discount watches flew out the window as jewelry stores began to pick up on the popularity of the watch market.
Brand name watchmakers formed partnerships with major jewelry store chains around the country. This maximized profits for both parties as the markup on designer and brand name watches could be placed around 600%. This didn't bother the public in the slightest, and they began to pay just as much for a new timepiece as they would expect to pay for an engagement ring.
The 1980's officially made having a brand name watch a status symbol. There was a designer watch designed for every wrist. Whereas in years past it was not as important, this decade had watchmakers names prominently displayed on the face of their watch. Flashy designs and diamonds adored the latest crop of watches and were proudly worn by women and men around the country.
Today there are as many designers for watches as there are fashion moguls. New lines of watches featuring celebrities and popular themes are released each quarter and gobbled up by a hungry public. American's today will own an average of 4 Ð 5 brand name watches at a time, and are replacing these regularly with new styles and designs. The traditional timepiece has evolved and changed and continues to grow in popularity and status with every minute that time is ticking away.
