As far as I’m concerned it is wristwatch the ultimate if you know, you know-fashion item. Wearing a watch is a subtle expression of style and self-confidence. And while I see the irony in calling a timepiece “timeless,” they are without a doubt investments that you will enjoy for years to come.
The 5 watch trends of summer 2026
For this overview of the biggest watch trends of summer 2026 we took the highlights of Watches and Wonders under the microscope, we looked at the latest developments on the catwalk (such as during the Gucci Cruise show), we analyzed the commercial market and took a look at what will be in fashion next season. Scroll on and discover – and shop – the chicest watches of this moment.
Tank watches
Maybe this goes without saying, but Tank watches have been in the spotlight in recent years. The timeless silhouette always looks chic and elegant.
Casio watch
Now with 10% discount
Burker watch
Now with a 17% discount
Cartier Tank Must de Cartier watch
Green tones
Green was everywhere at this year’s Watches and Wonders, from Rolex’s jade green aventurine dial to Hublot’s sage green Big Bang. Fortunately, there are also more accessible options available from brands like Coach, Vanna and Balmain.
Swarovski bangle watch
Now with 30% discount
Rosefield watch
Rosefield watch
Set with diamonds
Are diamonds ever not in fashion? This trend may require a larger investment, but it will certainly pay for itself. Whether you choose a watch reminiscent of a tennis bracelet or a Tank watch with pavé-set diamonds, a sparkling timepiece is an investment that you will enjoy for years to come.
Swarovski watch
Liu Jo bangle watch
Fossil watch
Shades of blue
Light blue tones are also currently popular, both on dials and straps. We think this cool color combines particularly well with warm yellow gold, but silver and platinum also go well with it.
Gucci Dive watch
Breda watch
Timex watch
Burgundy styles
Finally there is burgundya color that is currently also popular for accessories in general, from shoes to bags. Bulgari, Piaget and Hermès are leading the way, but Gucci, Ferragamo and Versace have also embraced the trend.
Gucci Horsebit watch
Olympic watch
Now with a 20% discount
Mockberg watch
Meg (she/her) is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com, where she specializes in retail stories across the fashion, home and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has spent countless hours researching brands and testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products and taking a deep dive into market and consumer trends. Her favorite tasks include co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes. Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis in magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories was recognized in the service article category by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year before, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in the Mark of Excellence Awards while still in office. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, and Good Housekeeping, among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram, where she lives. She’ll never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
