Those declared dead live longer – and tick louder.
For a long time, tech experts predicted the end of the classic wristwatch. The assumption was that smartwatches would displace analog timepieces. However, current market observations show the opposite: Generation Z (those aged 20 to 30) is rediscovering the fascination for springs, gears, and mechanical precision.
More Than Just a Status Symbol
Certainly, watches are still considered status symbols. However, industry associations and online marketplaces like Chrono24 are observing a shift in motivation. It is no longer just about "showing off," but increasingly about lasting value and genuine craftsmanship.
This trend is also driven by pop culture. When stars like Ed Sheeran show off their collectibles or iconic models appear in series like "The White Lotus," it creates desire. Unlike fast fashion or rapidly obsolete technology, a mechanical watch offers a sense of permanence.
Mechanics Beats AI
An exciting aspect is the conscious contrast to the digital world. Industry experts have pointed out that in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world, fine mechanics provide a welcome "counterpoint."
Precise mechanics work entirely without a battery, without updates, and without artificial intelligence. It is comprehensible, repairable, and physically tangible. For a generation that has grown up almost exclusively digitally, this "analog" quality has an almost magical appeal.
The "Apple Watch Effect"
Paradoxically, the Apple Watch has helped this trend. It brought the wrist back into the consciousness of young people as a place for accessories. But eventually, the desire for differentiation sets in: A smartwatch looks identical on millions of users. A mechanical watch, on the other hand, allows for individuality.
Investing in Values
The topic of "investment" also plays a role. In times of uncertain markets, young people are looking for alternative ways to invest their money. Whether it is a Rolex as a value investment or a handcrafted watch from a smaller brand (microbrand) out of passion: the willingness to spend money on quality has increased.
Generation Z informs itself extremely thoroughly. Before making a purchase, blogs are read, YouTube reviews are watched, and forums are scoured. The purchase is not an impulse, but a conscious decision for quality – an attitude that we at forumveda can absolutely confirm.