PREDICTIONS FOR 2021
ROUGH SEAS AHEAD
The disruptive effect of a global pandemic on watchmaking will manifest itself fully, as delays in supply chains that span Asia, Europe and the Americas have an impact on manufacturing. Mainstream watch companies rely on a relatively small network of suppliers for components – anything from sapphire crystals to dials or strap buckles – and exist in an ecosystem where lead times and production capacities leave little margin for error. If any of these companies should go under, it will make life tricky for dozens of brands, and the retailers that rely on them.
ENVIRONMENTALISM TO THE FORE
Watchmaking’s association with sustainability used to begin and end with photogenic charitable initiatives aimed at saving marine life; laudable in their own right but irrelevant to the core issues of production and manufacturing. There are signs of a shift in mentality, with brands such as IWC leading the way on sustainable business practices, and projects from Breitling and Panerai to increase their use of reclaimed material (Panerai is working on a project to create the world’s first 100 per cent recycled watch, but it is likely to launch only as a limited proof-of-concept). I think 2021 will be the year that Switzerland really wakes up to sustainability, but, as ever, the pace of change will not be fast enough.
ENTREPRENEURS WILL RISE
Crisis usually breeds creativity and I expect the coronavirus to be no different. Whether it concerns the way we buy and sell watches – new, pre-owned or vintage – the materials they are made from, or the way we congregate to share our affection for this anachronistic obsession, 2021 will probably see some bright sparks bringing new ideas to the world of watches. Not before time.
A BUMPER YEAR
Much as we are generally hoping that 2021 will make up for 2020 on a sporting, artistic, cultural, gastronomic and, dare I say it, political level, I would like to think that we will see an outstanding array of watches hit our boutiques, websites and Instagram feeds, as what went unreleased in 2020 can wait no longer. And although I am free from the obligation of predicting a new Rolex Submariner – we finally got one! – is it sacrilege to ask that in 2021 it releases something ever so slightly more interesting?