The 1950s-style watch aesthetic is back thanks to American manufacturing company Timex. Recognizing a sway in the market in the direction of nostalgia, the company has been placing the onus on curating collections of retro timepiece designs.
Timex's latest offering — the 'Referee,' is the result of a collaboration between the watchmaker and British menswear designer Nigel Cabourn. Released just in time for the World Cups, the silhouette of the 1950s-style watch takes cues from British football in the mid-20th century. The inspiration is not only contained in the aesthetic of the timepiece. Timex and Nigel Cabourn also infuse the product with "a standout football function [as] three-quarters of the dial is color-blocked in red [to] signify [...] half of a match's playing time."
The 1950s-style watch is made out of stainless steel and it retails for about $176 USD.
Referee-Inspired Watch Designs
Timex and Nigel Cabourn Collaborate on a 1950s-Style Watch
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgic Watch Aesthetic - Opportunities for retro-inspired designs that tap into consumer desires for nostalgia.
2. Functional Design Elements - Innovations to add practical and functional elements to watch designs, such as the color-blocking function in the Referee watch.
3. Collaborative Design Projects - Opportunities for collaborative design projects that tap into the expertise of multiple industries and create unique and innovative products.
Industry Implications
1. Watchmaking Industry - Opportunities for watchmakers to tap into the growing demand for retro-inspired designs that offer functional and practical elements.
2. Fashion Industry - Opportunities for fashion designers to collaborate with watchmakers and offer unique and innovative watch designs that reflect current trends in the fashion industry.
3. Sports Industry - Opportunities for the sports industry to tap into the trend of nostalgic watch designs by collaborating with watchmakers and creating watches that incorporate functional features like the Referee watch's color-blocking function.