Watches were made for our wrists, but who says they have to stay there? As fashion embraces reinvention, it’s time to think outside the box (and beyond the wrist). Experimenting with fresh, bold ways to flaunt your favourite timepiece is one way to start.
Here are four daring styles to wear your watch that will turn heads—and might just spark a trend of their own.
1. The Power Choker: Wrap Around Chic
Why limit your watch’s charm to your wrist when it can make just as big of an impression at the base of your neck? The watch-choker trend has been gaining plenty of attention since 2023, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. Last June, Rihanna appeared during Paris Fashion Week at Pharrell Williams’s debut for Louis Vuitton sporting a US$670,000 diamond-paved Jacob & Co Brilliant Flying Tourbillon—not on her wrist, but around her neck.
In the same year, Emma Chamberlain, the fashion influencer, podcaster, and friend of Cartier, wore the maison’s Mini Baignoire watch in yellow gold as a necklace at the Miu Miu fashion show last October.
And, earlier this year, pop star Taylor Swift arrived at the Grammys red carpet with a watch choker where the hands indicated the release time for her freshly announced studio album, The Tortured Poets Department. The 2024 Grammy Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album winner wore an Art Deco-style watch from Concord, affixed to a custom diamond necklace from Lorraine Schwartz.
The watch-as-choker look takes your timepiece to new heights—literally—and is an effortless way to mix a bit of retro glamour with modern edge.
Style Tips: Pair your watch choker with off-the-shoulder tops or plunging necklines to let it be the focal point. Layered necklaces can add extra texture, or you can go minimal and let the watch take centre stage. For this look, slimmer watches with leather or fabric straps work best, creating a snug fit that adds sophistication without overpowering your outfit.
2. Anklet Game: The Anklet Revolution
If you thought anklets were just for delicate chains, think again, for Rihanna is (once again) proving us wrong. Last year, the music star and beauty mogul arrived at F1’s Las Vegas race in style, outfitted in driving-worthy leather ensembles and iced out in jewellery that had her shining from head to, well, ankles. Rihanna sported a shimmering Jacob & Co. anklet, fully encrusted in diamonds and equipped with a watch face.
Wearing a watch as an anklet offers a creative twist on both accessories, perfect for a subtle statement that peeks out with every step. This works especially well with sporty watches or metal-linked straps for a luxe look that’s laid-back and summer-ready.
Style Tips: Show it off with sandals, heels, or low-cut shoes to let the anklet-watch shine. Ideal for warm-weather outfits, think flowy sundresses, linen shorts, and beach-ready vibes. For evenings, pair it with strappy heels to add a touch of luxe, no-fuss glamour.
3. Pendant Necklace: A Statement Piece
In 2024, Blackpink’s Jennie attended the Coco Crush pop-up store in Seoul with a standout accessory around her neck: the Chanel Première Sound Watch, a new three-in-one design by Chanel’s head of watch creative studio, Arnaud Chastaingt. The Première watch, first released in 1987, draws from Chanel’s iconic elements, like the octagonal case, which mirrors the N°5 perfume bottle cap, and the leather interwoven chain reminiscent of Chanel’s classic handbags.
The designer extended the leather strap of the Première watch into a long necklace, connecting it to functional black and gold in-ear headphones adorned with the iconic double C logo. Stylish and practical, this piece merges the line between fashion and tech.
Another way you could wear the trend is to transform the timepiece into a pendant. Worn on a long chain, a watch becomes a striking statement necklace that feels reminiscent of vintage pocket watches while adding a touch of modern flair. This look is ideal for watches with decorative faces or intricate details—think Roman numerals, skeleton dials, or even a gemstone bezel for added sparkle.
Style Tips: Pair it with turtlenecks, flowy blouses, or minimalist tops to let the watch pendant take the stage. Layering with other necklaces can give a bohemian feel, while wearing it solo makes it a true centrepiece. This style shines especially in cooler weather when layered over cosy sweaters for a playful mix of textures.
4. Ring Bling: Watch the Fingers
Megan Thee Stallion via Instagram Story. pic.twitter.com/V5VgMjkijE
— Megan News (@MegansCharts) June 8, 2023
Small watches can work brilliantly as rings, as seen on Megan Thee Stallion, who once flexed watch rings on all her fingers, each with a different face and shape. This avant-garde approach gives new meaning to ‘ring stacking,’ creating a bold and edgy look perfect for making a statement at any event.
Style Tips: Opt for petite watch faces that sit comfortably on your fingers, and pair with plain rings or minimal accessories to let the watch rings take the spotlight. If you’re not looking to rock a ring on every finger like Megan Thee Stallion, you could try to rock the trend on your index or middle fingers, giving a nod to oversized cocktail rings while keeping it fun and unexpected.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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