When it comes to watches, less is definitely becoming more.  Personally, I blame the whole fitness craze! As people embrace a more hectic and active lifestyle, style has given way to function, and watches have been pared down to shadows of their former glory, with some designs being little more than a thick rubber band and a tiny digital face.  Practical, yes, but not something you want to keep on your wrist for more formal situations. 

However, gone it seems, are the days of watches being displayed as status symbols, as with a greater array of choice people are choosing to use their watch as a way to express their sense of style rather than salary.  (Those who aren't going bare-wristed as mobile phones become the method used for checking the time.)

So does this mean that watch design is dead?  Quite the opposite!  The key to ensuring that watches continue to serve a purpose, both as practical tools and aesthetic expressions, is to move forward, innovating with new and daring design ideas, rather than trying to redo the same old antiquated watch styles of bygone eras.

There is something distinguished about a beautifully crafted watch.  Personally, I am drawn to simplicity, clean lines and minimalistic faces, such as the signature collection from Movado where the face has been stripped of all details save a small dot at 12 o clock.  They also seem to have the right attitude needed to keep watches contemporary and relevant for our modern sense of style, which is to keep designs forward thinking and reflective of current tastes.  (I love their sparce but striking stainless steel pocket watch.)

What are your thoughts?  Do you like modern watch designs, or prefer traditional styles?