Formerly a strictly straight-laced industry, watchmakers are evolving with the times and looking to inject novelty, innovation, and a fair measure of fun into their pieces. Whether it’s by partaking in unexpected collaborations or simply broadening their horizons during the design process, luxury and affordable watch companies alike have shown that sometimes, they’re simply here for a good time.
From unexpected collaborations to functionally fun pieces, these are the best watches that look good without taking themselves too seriously.
1. Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary
Omega and Snoopy share a storied history, with the Swiss watchmaker receiving the Silver Snoopy Award from NASA in 1970 for its contributions to the success of human space flight missions. Released in 2020, the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary pays homage to the occasion with a limited-edition timepiece that features an embossed silver Snoopy medallion on the blue subdial at 9 o’clock as well as a breathtaking caseback that sees Snoopy traverse outer space.
Read more: Omega And Snoopy Take To The Sky In The Cutest Possible Way With The New Speedmaster
2. Seiko x Rowing Blazers Seiko 5
A collaboration between Rowing Blazers founder Jack Carlson and Wind Vintage founder Eric Wind, and Japanese watchmaker Seiko, the Rowing Blazers x Seiko collab reimagines the Seiko 5KX timepiece in three distinct styles. While Rowing Blazers — with help from Wind Vintage — had sold vintage timepieces on its site for some time, the 2021 collaboration represented the first watches co-created by the brand. One iteration riffs off Seiko’s old-school rally diver, while the other two incorporate motifs from Rowing Blazers.
3. Swatch x Dragon Ball Z
When it comes to playful watch collaborations, Swatch always hits it out of the park. One for the anime fans, the Swatch Dragon Ball Z collection reimagines seven iconic characters from the show, featuring heroes and villains alike. Each watch showcases two sides to the same character, with their names appearing in both English and Japanese. Highlights include Goku, a Swatch Big Bold with a dial emblazoned with the Japanese symbol for Goku’s name, and Frieza, a Swatch Gent with tones of white, purple, and pink that draw inspiration from the villain’s skin.
4. Timex x Coca-Cola 1971 Unity Collection
Two iconic American brands unite in the 1971 Unity Collection. A celebration of ‘70s-era peace and love vibes, the collaboration gives the Timex Standard, Q Timex, and Timex T80 the flower power treatment. Each watch receives its own unique makeover, with a multi-coloured Coca-Cola logo on the Timex Standard, a peace sign and coloured indices on the Q Timex, and a whimsical retro illustration on the Timex T80. Each timepiece has its own unique charm, but the T80 is our pick of the bunch.
5. Swatch x Jeremy Scott
Released a decade ago, the Swatch x Jeremy Scott collaboration was imbued with Scott’s irreverent eccentric style. The eight-piece collection included Double Vision, a double-dialled watch styled like bullseye targets, and a watch with an elegant gilded frame.
Words by AR Staff
