Classic, traditional watch styles are in vogue this year, along with the continuing trends from last year of bigger watches, black watches and rose gold.
One consequence of the economic crisis was that consumers had become less adventurous about the watches they bought, said Marcos Lopez, marketing director of Hugo Boss Watches. 'People are very cautious now about how they spend their money. It is very important to offer value for money,' he said.
In the first half of the year, watch sales in Hong Kong dipped, but they have been bouncing back since July, with consumers from the mainland helping to drive the market.
'The signs are again positive,' said Thierry Dubois, managing director (Asia-Pacific) of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. 'The market of the future is here, so brands' attention is really towards this part of the world.'
Oversized black watches remain a popular niche category for men and women. The line of Boss Black Watches for autumn/winter 2009 offers fashion-oriented styles, from slim, elegant designs to large chronographs at prices from HK$1,450 to HK$5,950.
The masculine-looking HB-2003 (HK$1,950) uses a stainless steel rectangular case with an IP-Black coating and a dial design featuring a sunburst-textured outer zone and a polished inner circle. The watch's functions include a three-hand quartz movement and three subdials (day, date and 24 hours), with Roman numerals at six o'clock and 12 o'clock and hour markers for the remainder. The model shown has an embossed crocodile-pattern leather strap. A rose gold case is also available, along with a stainless steel bracelet.
