The 2027 Stargazer: What’s Next for Watches?

As watchmaking continues to push technical boundaries, a simpler question is coming into focus: how well does a watch fit into everyday life? Looking ahead to 2027, consumers are seeking timepieces that bring together luxury, technology and sustainability without compromising on comfort or design.

Smaller, understated watches are gaining ground. Bvlgari’s 37 mm Octo Finissimo Automatic, powered by a micro-rotor calibre just 2.35 mm thick, and IWC’s lightweight titanium Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar reflect this shift. At the same time, heritage designs are finding renewed relevance. Blancpain’s 19 mm Lady B revisits the ingenuity of the 1956 Ladybird Bullet, with interchangeable straps adding versatility. Meanwhile, Chopard’s L.U.C 1963 Heritage Regulator pairs a traditional regulator display with a nine-day power reserve, bringing classic watchmaking into the present.

Watch culture is also expanding beyond its traditional centres. Geneva remains a global anchor, while Bangkok, Milan and Dubai are developing platforms for brands and collectors. At the GPHG exhibition in Mumbai, visitors explored unfamiliar makers, admired one another’s watches and exchanged discoveries. Their curiosity reflected a growing interest in watchmaking beyond established names.

Ownership habits are changing, too. According to Deloitte’s consumer survey, 53 per cent of younger respondents intended to buy a traditional watch, while 54 per cent planned to purchase a smartwatch. Additionally, 40 per cent of Gen Z respondents intended to buy a pre-owned watch within the following year. These figures suggest that traditional, connected and pre-owned timepieces can coexist in the same consumer’s world.

India is also becoming an increasingly important market. Swiss watch exports to the country rose 31.7 per cent year-on-year between January and August 2026. Meanwhile, growing auction activity at AstaGuru points to continued interest in collectible timepieces.

These shifts reveal an industry embracing different tastes, designs and ways of collecting. As 2027 approaches, watchmaking may be less about a single defining trend and more about offering something for everyone. Ultimately, the watches that resonate will be those that fit naturally into their owners’ lives while offering individuality, craftsmanship and lasting value.

Read the full story in the special ‘Horology Issue’ of LuxeTrope, on stands now.