The bracelet watch is experiencing a major resurgence, and this time it feels less like corporate power dressing and more like polished off-duty luxury. After years of oversized smartwatches dominating wrists everywhere, fashion is shifting back towards something softer, slimmer and far more elegant.
The new generation of watches is designed to blur the line between jewellery and timepiece, slipping seamlessly into stacked bangles, gold rings and capsule wardrobes.
Bracelet watches arrive at David Jones
At David Jones, the bracelet watch trend has arrived in full force, with brands leaning into delicate silhouettes, vintage-inspired faces and refined metal finishes that look expensive without trying too hard.
Cendre Kate Watch 18k Gold, $249 from David Jones. Credit: David Jones. The biggest appeal is versatility. These are watches designed for everyday wear, but they still bring enough glamour to elevate an outfit instantly. A simple white tank and jeans suddenly feels intentional when paired with a polished gold watch peeking out beneath a blazer sleeve. Even activewear gets a lift from a sleek silver bracelet watch that looks more fashion editor than fitness tracker.
Leading brands embrace the trend
Leading the trend is Cendre with its Kate Watch in 18k gold. The oval face feels distinctly vintage-inspired, while the adjustable bangle design gives it the appearance of fine jewellery rather than a traditional watch. At $249, it taps directly into the growing appetite for accessories that feel timeless instead of trend-driven.
Meanwhile, Coach continues its minimalist streak with the Sammy Ionic Plated Thin Gold Steel Silver White Dial watch. Clean gold markers and a slim bracelet design give it a refined everyday feel that works equally well in an office or at dinner. The quiet luxury aesthetic dominating fashion right now is written all over it.
For shoppers wanting something classic with a slightly retro edge, Fossil has leaned into rectangular watch faces with the Raquel Gold Tone Analog Watch. The white satin dial and compact shape feel reminiscent of vintage heirloom watches that might once have belonged to somebody impossibly chic in the 1990s. Priced at $299 from David Jones.
Then there is Daniel Wellington, a label long associated with clean Scandinavian minimalism. Its Petite Mini 19mm 3-Link Two Tone Watch combines silver and gold finishes, making it ideal for people who mix metals in their jewellery collection. The petite size also taps into the growing move away from oversized accessories and towards more delicate styling.
At the more glamorous end of the spectrum sits Furla with its hyper-mini silver bracelet watch accented with sparkling crystals. The tennis bracelet-inspired design feels particularly aligned with the return of high-shine accessories and evening dressing, adding just enough sparkle without tipping into excess. Priced at $399 from David Jones.
Timeless investment pieces
People are investing in pieces that feel more lasting and less disposable. Instead of trend-heavy items that disappear after a season, shoppers are leaning towards timeless staples that can move between work, weekends and events without effort. Unlike smartwatches, which often prioritise utility over aesthetics, bracelet watches offer something emotional. They feel nostalgic, glamorous and personal in a way that technology rarely does. More importantly, they complete an outfit rather than interrupt it.
This season, the humble watch is no longer just about telling time. It is becoming the finishing touch fashion wardrobes have been missing.
