Alright, watch enthusiasts and fashion aficionados, come together, because we may have found your favourite day of the year! It's National Watch Day! And if you're wondering "when is National Watch Day," It's June 19th!
This day isn’t just for collectors or people who know what “tourbillon” means (although shoutout to you horology nerds, we see you!). It’s for anyone who’s ever admired a beautifully made watch, received one as a gift, or just appreciates that satisfying click when a clasp shuts perfectly on your wrist.
The Origins of National Watch Day
Like many great things, brunch, memes, and weekend sales, National Watch Day has a relatively recent origin story. It was started in 2017 by Nordstrom, the department store giant, to honour the timeless (pun absolutely intended) impact watches have on our lives.
Before you roll your eyes and think it’s just another marketing holiday, hear us out. Watches have been around for centuries, literally since the 1500s! And over time, they've evolved from clunky pocket contraptions to sleek, sophisticated beauties that scream style and, of course, status.
Now, a few collectors use this time to commemorate the achievement in watch innovation as a historical breakthrough because watches, before becoming extravagant, used to be the only timekeeping objects.
Whether you're a fan of classic timepieces or you just want an excuse to wear your favourite watch all day, National Watch Day is the perfect time to show it off.
A Quick Travel Through Watch History
Let's rewind a bit. During the Renaissance, watches were purely mechanical wonders, reserved only for the elite. They were handmade, complex machines and a serious brag. Now, fast-forward to the twentieth century, wristwatches were suddenly no longer simply for kings and military officers; they had become a pretty necessary accessory for everyday folks too.
From the iconic Rolex Submariner to the trailblazing Cartier Tank, watches began to take centre stage not only in tech but in fashion. And let's be honest, what other accessory helps you show up on time and look good?
Why National Watch Day Still Matters
Watches have evolved remarkably since their inception and even survived the digital age for a reason. They're not just about utility; they're about emotional value. Once purely functional, they are now deeply symbolic of precision, taste, and identity.
Think about it. A parent gifting their child their first “grown-up” watch. A partner chooses a timepiece as an anniversary gift. A collector is finally getting their hands on a model they’ve wanted for years. These are moments worth marking.
National Watch Day is about recognising those moments. It's a chance to celebrate everything watches stand for: tradition, precision, craftsmanship and self-expression.
And let’s be honest, it’s also a great excuse to add another beauty to your collection.
Watches as Investment Pieces
Collectors understand that these watches are much more than status symbols; the right watch can also be a smart investment.
Some models, especially limited-edition pieces or ones from heavyweights like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet, actually increase in value over time. No wonder vintage watches have become one of the hottest areas in alternative investing.
Of course, those iconic names, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin, aren’t called the "Holy Trinity" of watchmaking for nothing. Their craftsmanship is second to none, setting the bar for generations.
But let’s be honest, there’s more than one way to define luxury these days. And with that comes a new holy trinity of watches for the non-billionaire class: Nomos Glashütte of Germany, Grand Seiko of Japan, and Tudor of Switzerland.
Of course, not every watch is bought with resale in mind. Many people buy a watch because it means something. Still, it’s nice to know that what’s on your wrist could very well increase in worth over the years.
Timeless Fashion Statement
Let's be honest, while knowing the time is essential, we don't just wear watches for their function anymore, do we? Our phones can tell us the time. No, a watch, particularly a luxury watch, is a quiet flex, a deliberate choice, and an enduring emblem of personal style.
Gen Z and millennials are increasingly drawn to classic timepieces, valuing their craftsmanship and timeless appeal over digital alternatives. This shift reflects a broader appreciation for authenticity and enduring quality in fashion.
Icons like the Rolex Submariner, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, or the Cartier Tank are fashion staples that transcend generations. They’re worn by everyone from Hollywood royalty to business leaders and creatives.
And it’s not just men’s fashion. Women’s watches have evolved from dainty jewellery pieces to bold style statements. Brands like Chanel and Hermès have elevated women’s watches to couture status.
The Craftsmanship Behind Luxury Watches
Here’s where things get seriously cool. Most luxury watches are still handmade, often taking months, or even years, to complete. Every tiny cog and gear is assembled carefully, precisely and passionately, which explains the miles-long price tag attached to them too.
Watchmakers are equal parts engineers and artists, balancing art and science in the palm of their hands. Brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Bvlgari have turned this into a form of wearable art.
So when you put on a luxury watch, you're not just wearing something expensive, you’re wearing hundreds of years of innovation and tradition.
Celebrity Watch Game
Celebs love their watches, and honestly, we love them for it. From David Beckham sporting a Tudor Black Bay to Rihanna rocking a Rolex Day-Date (and making it look cooler than ever), from Victoria Beckham to Lebron James, Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a celebrity wardrobe staple now.
Let’s not forget mega collectors like John Mayer, who has one of the most drool-worthy collections ever. Watches have become the new “it” item, like handbags, but with more gears.
If you’ve ever fancied a watch like your favourite celebrity, the kind that looks effortlessly cool on and off the red carpet, then you’re in the right place. Have a peek at our own collection of luxury watches.
How to Celebrate National Watch Day
National Watch Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate those beautiful, timeless pieces we call watches.
So, how do you celebrate this day?
1. Wear Your Favourite Watch (Because Why Not?)
This one’s an easy win, wear your favourite watch! We all have that one piece we absolutely love. Maybe it’s your Rolex Submariner, your Patek Philippe or a classic Cartier Tank that you’ve had for years. No matter which one it is, National Watch Day is the perfect opportunity to show it off.
Don’t wait for a fancy event to wear it, just slip it on for your usual day. It feels good to wear something you love that reminds you of the personal significance behind that watch. It could be a gift, an achievement or something you’ve saved up for.
2. Take a Watch Selfie and Share It
If you love your watch, why not share it?
One of the best ways to get in the spirit of National Watch Day is to take a watch selfie and share it with your friends and followers.
Make sure to add a fun caption to your post and don’t forget to tag your watch brand if you want to give them a little love too.
3. Start or Add to Your Watch Collection
If you’ve been eyeing a new watch, National Watch Day is a great excuse to treat yourself! Whether you're just starting your collection or looking to add another luxury piece to your collection, it’s the perfect time to get the watch you’ve been dreaming about.
4. Gift a Watch to Someone Special
What better way to celebrate National Watch Day than by giving a luxury watch as a gift? Watches make such a thoughtful and meaningful present. Whether it’s a special anniversary, birthday, or just because, gifting someone a timepiece is a great way to mark a milestone and show you care. It’s a gift that doesn’t just last a lifetime, it can become a part of someone’s story, passed down from generation to generation.
5. Share the Story Behind Your Watch
A lot of us have watches that hold sentimental value. Whether it’s a gift from a loved one, a watch you bought to mark an achievement or something passed down through generations, these timepieces carry memories and stories. National Watch Day is the perfect time to reflect on and share those stories.
Take a moment to think about why your watch is important to you. Share that story with others!
Celebrating National Watch Day
So, now that you know when National Watch Day is, 19th June (mark it in your diary!) Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate it!
Wear your favourite watch, even if you’re just going to the grocery store or taking your dog out for a walk. Or you can share about your family heirloom or your first grown-up splurge on social media.
If you haven’t found your signature watch yet, maybe this is the perfect day to start your collection. Or, if gift-giving is your love language, treat someone special to a new watch, whether it’s their first or their fifth. It’s a timeless way to mark the occasion.
National Watch Day is about more than watches; it’s about celebrating the moments they mark. From major milestones to everyday wins, these watches have stood the test of time (literally)
So, whether you’re already a collector or just beginning your journey into the world of watches, take a moment on June 19th to appreciate the craftsmanship, the culture, and of course, the style.
And if you’re thinking this is the perfect excuse to finally treat yourself to that dream timepiece… we’re not here to stop you.
