Whilst I tend to gravitate towards the higher end brands with a heritage and pedigree dating back to the early 1900s and 1800s, I like to view what the younger set are wearing. TW Steel is a fashion watch first and foremost, that is their market and their slogan is Big in oversize watches – it is pretty accurate. They have their market and they are doing a good job servicing their market.

TW Steel is a brand that caught my eye when I was holidaying in South East Asia. Walking around the malls I noticed a number of boutiques where the brand was distributed. Naturally, I decided to wander in and try some of their watches on as I had a little time to spare and plenty of interest.

As I discovered, the brand is relatively new, founded in 2005 by father and son proprietors Ton and Jordy Cobelens in Amsterdam and now distributed worldwide. From my research, I learned that Ton already had plenty of experience in the watch industry via advertising accounts he managed before deciding to launch his own brand.

TW Steel didn’t invent the oversize watch market but were astute enough to identify the trend as an early adopter. Their timepieces are big, generally in the 46 mm to 50 mm range and although I prefer a larger timepiece on my wrist, I reckon the 42 mm – 44 mm sizing is about right. Still, this is what the younger set are wearing and this is fashion and trends so who am I to complain?

As a college lecturer, I take notice of what is on the wrists on my students and their general fashion trends, I’m just glad those silly baggy pants that always fall down are no longer worn. Will the oversize watch trend continue? In the short term, yes definitely, although the long-term trend may seen sizes reduce as men’s watches tended to be in the 37 mm to 39 mm size category and for most people, a couple of years wear at that price point is acceptable.