Trend: Old Money watches

"Old Money Aesthetic" watches are characterized by understated elegance and refinement, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and timeless design. Which watches fit this trend? We'll tell you in this article.

What is the old money aesthetic?

Starting a few years ago as a TikTok trend, it's now a lasting fashion statement: the old money aesthetic. Think of a mix of Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley," the Roy family from the series "Succession," and the old British landed gentry, as seen in "The Crown." Wool cable knit sweaters, a Burberry trench coat, vintage Ralph Lauren, tennis, polo, hunting, and American prep college chic. And of course, a watch inherited from your grandparents! Or, a watch that looks like it was…

Are old money watches expensive?

The Old Money aesthetic doesn't necessarily require nobility or wealth; it's primarily about style. Classic and high-quality. Modest, not trendy or extravagant. No flashy colors, logos, or branding.

The style is also called "quiet luxury" or "stealth wealth," but they are not quite the same. Quiet luxury is an understated, minimalist style that's very expensive, allowing you to show those in the know that you have money. Stealth wealth, on the other hand, conceals the wearer's wealth.

What are the characteristics of old money watches?

For true old money people, an old money watch simply means the watch they inherited from their parents, or their grandfather's watch from the war. Watches with a story. 
For ordinary mortals looking for an old money-style watch, we have the following tips:

Reliable, genuine watch brand

Go for a genuine watch brand instead of a fashion brand: for example, Seiko, Orient, Bulova, LIP, or a Swiss brand like Tissot. Brands with a history and a story, often releasing reissues of classic watches. These brands are characterized by their focus on the quality of the movement, materials, and construction. In any case, choose a brand that already existed when your grandparents were young. Or a brand that makes watches that look like they've been around for 200 years. For example, Raymond Weil or Frederique Constant.

Classic or vintage design

Choose a watch with a classic or vintage design. For men, preferably a dress watch with a leather strap. Brands with many retro watches in their collections, such as Bauhaus and Orient, offer a wide selection for the old-money enthusiast. But a military field watch or a classic pilot's watch like Hamilton's Khaki line also fits this trend perfectly.

Homages to luxury watches

A trend that may well stem from the old-money aesthetic is the immense popularity of rectangular and square watches, which offer a clear homage or alternative to luxury predecessors like the Cartier Tank and Panthere. 
For more examples of homages to luxury watches read our blog: ‘5 alternatives for luxury watches’.

Minimalist and understated

Old money watches have an understated, unfussy look. They're usually not sporty or watches with lots of buttons, like a chronograph. Unless, it is clearly a reissue of a classic watch with history. For example, the Seiko Alpinist, LIP Rallye Meca-Quartz, or Certina DS Super diving watch.

Elegant and small

Old money style watches have a modest size. For men, definitely no larger than 40 mm, but preferably smaller than 38 mm. And for women, (much) smaller than 36 mm and without crystals or diamonds or other embellishments. Unique (asymmetrical) shapes are also typical of this style.

Old Money style watches for every budget

At Mastersintime.com, you'll find old money style watches for every budget. View our selection or browse the collections of the brands mentioned in this article. We are sure there is a watch for you that you'll enjoy for years to come. And perhaps even your grandchildren too?