The Gender-Neutral Watch Trends Dominating This Summer

In 2025, what does it really mean for a watch to be dubbed a men’s or women’s style? The short answer is, not much. As we progress into the 21st century, gendered labels for timepieces have come to signify very little when it comes to who is actually wearing the piece. For instance, 38 mm watches that might have been created “for ladies” are showing up on men’s wrists from red carpets to basketball courts and commentator booths.

One of the biggest trends of this year is the movement toward more and more gender neutrality. Basically, we are talking about the idea that any watch can be worn by anyone! Antiquated labels and ideas of binary style are on their way out, but the world’s most elite timepieces will never fall out of style. Instead, how we wear them (and who wears which) is changing.

Today, we are going to take a look at the gender-neutral watch trend, highlighting its most important features and showcasing a few watches that will help you totally nail this haute look.

Next time you go watch shopping, do not let traditional ideas of men’s versus women’s watches sway you. Instead, let your taste speak for itself. Take the time to try on a few different pieces, and give some options you might not have first chosen a chance as well. You never know which watch is going to pique your interest, and androgynous style is 100% in.

Here are some of the defining features of the gender-neutral watch trend. Buyers are no longer letting gendered labels turn them off from a watch they love. Make sure you follow suit.

For the last few years, news outlets like GQ and The New York Times have been reporting on watch dials getting smaller and smaller. Now, we are seeing this trend come to fruition not only from the runway and trunk show side of things but also in celebrity photos and streetwear. For a long time, large-scale, hefty watches were all the rage, especially for menswear. But now, men are gravitating back toward smaller styles.

The proof? Societal icons like Timothée Chalamet, A$AP Rocky, and Bad Bunny have been photographed wearing teeny tiny dress watches from designers like Patek Philippe and Cartier. Resellers, like our team at Avi & Co., have also noticed a shift. Whereas a 31 mm watch would have once been unthinkable for menswear, now it could be a great fit for either a man or a woman.

The “boyfriend watch” trend, in which women started wearing larger watches that were traditionally dubbed menswear, further upended gendered watch labels. Suddenly, you would see stars like Victoria Beckham and Mary-Kate Olsen sitting in the front row at New York Fashion Week rocking 44 mm Rolexes. With women moving toward larger silhouettes at the same time that men gravitated toward smaller ones, the distinction between men’s and women’s watches continues to grow smaller and smaller.

While gem-set watches used to be written off as gauche or “new-money” looking, they are quickly rising to the top in terms of renowned and coveted timepieces. Gem-setting is as much of an intricate complication as tourbillons or chronographs, and it takes true expertise to pull off this craft correctly. As fashion norms for men shift and redefine themselves, gem-set watches are becoming more socially acceptable for masculine individuals as well.

A gem-set watch showcases your commitment to the finer things in life, your dedication to haute horlogerie, and your ability to afford these high-end timepieces. Whether you choose diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or another prestigious stone, you will get the chance to showcase your status, class, and taste all in one fell swoop.

Bold colors are in, for both men and women. There is no reason for men to feel as though they have to stay in what we like to call the neutral zone: black, white, grey, navy, and khaki. Sure, those hues are safe and neutral. But some (not us!) might even call them boring. Instead, do not be afraid to take a stylistic risk! You will never regret adding a pop of color to your look, and it might just turn out to be a conversation starter.

You can also use color to send a message, to signify your position, and to evoke confidence. Color speaks for itself, according to researchers at Northeastern University, so choose a hue that shows who you are before you even open your mouth.

Are you ready to dive headfirst into this year’s hot gender-neutral watch trends? Check out these timepieces to channel versatile styles in your own wardrobe.

The Rolex Datejust line is undoubtedly iconic, and it is even a favorite of some U.S. presidents. But have you considered adding a miniature Datejust 31 to your collection? We love the look of this undersized timepiece, which combines stainless steel and rose gold for a two-tone aesthetic that goes with virtually anything. The date window at the 3 o’clock position adds necessary functionality, and the Roman number dial markers give a sense of old world class. Plus, the fluted bezel is a much-loved Rolex feature that is a great addition to any collector’s watch box.

Talk about gem-set watches! This glamorous Audemars Piguet creation hails from the iconic Royal Oak line, and it showcases countless round diamonds throughout its dial, bezel, and bracelet. Chronograph subdials and sapphire hour markers complete the look. If you are looking to get on board with the trend of men wearing gemstone watches this year, there is no better place to start than this Swiss masterpiece. The diamonds speak for themselves, and you will be proud to walk into any room walking this many prestigious carats. The 18K white gold construction is yet another boon, and it elevates this watch above and beyond the line’s stainless steel models. If you are seeking a truly unique Audemars Piguet timepiece, it simply does not get better than this gorgeous creation.

Maybe you are not so sure about smaller watch faces but you still want to cash in on some of this season’s hottest trends. If that sounds like you, this Richard Mille creation might just be the perfect pick. The 46 mm silhouette definitely falls into the category of oversize, but it still hits the mark with bold colors, including royal blue, lavender, and deep purple. The RM 07-01 is housed in a ceramic case that combines strength and lightweight performance. It exudes strength and innovation at every turn, from the skeletonized dial to the avant garde design. There is no going wrong with a Richard Mille watch, and this sophisticated timepiece is no exception.

With this chic Patek Philippe Nautilus, we hit every gender-neutral watch trend in one! This piece is perfect for anyone seeking a smaller dial, as it clocks in at just 32 mm. You get a pop of color in the bold, azure strap and dial, which is sure to make any outfit more interesting. And finally, you will see some sparkle and flair on the bezel, where brilliant-cut diamonds catch the light. This unique and glamorous creation feels like a breath of fresh air, a summer in Santorini, and a cool glass of sparkling water all in one. The dial, which combines Arabic numerals and index hour markers, features a textured wave pattern that adds to the summery effect. This timeless watch has a distinctive appeal that goes beyond this year’s trends. This bright blue Nautilus is sure to become a crowning element of your watch collection.

Whether you are looking for watches to hit the latest trend or searching for timeless pieces that transcend the roller coaster of fashion, we have got you covered. Here at Avi & Co., we specialize in globally renowned watches from high-end brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Richard Mille. No matter what you are looking for, our expert team can help you find the perfect piece in one of our three boutiques. Of course, you can find us in the nation’s most glamorous shopping destinations: Aspen, New York City, and Miami.

What are you waiting for? Make an appointment today to lock in your personalized shopping experience.