Death Of Wristwatch Greatly Exaggerated, Says Leading Retailer

RICHMOND, Va., June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to recent reports there has been a resurgence of interest in the watch.  When it comes to telling time, recently technology has trumped tradition. Items like the wristwatch have seemingly become obsolete, being replaced with high tech gadgets like mobile devices, iPods, and computers.  However, classic craftsmanship, vintage inspired styles, and high tech updates such as solar powered pieces have consumers buzzing again.  Unit sales of watches have increased annually in almost every price segment since 2009, according to LGI Network, a division of NPD Group. Online and catalog jewelry retailer Stauer has seen growth in this category increase by 15 percent, as Graduation and Father's Day season approaches.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120613/NY24030 )

"Reports on the death of the wristwatch have been greatly exaggerated," said Stauer President Mike Bisceglia. "Yes, you can check the time on your smartphone, but nothing can match the timeless appeal of a wristwatch when it comes to defining a style and sending a message."

Trend experts say that more men are choosing unique watches as functional fashion statements.  At luxury auction house Christie's, sales of vintage watches are booming. Collectible timepiece sales topped $116 million, making it the sixth largest category for them.

According to a report by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, 2011 broke all records for the Swiss watch industry. Exports of Swiss-made wristwatches were up 13.8 percent representing an increase of 3.6 million watches. Most notably, the popularity of mechanical watches soared over 20 percent, topping exports of watches with quartz-driven movements.

With watches gaining momentum, Stauer's top picks for dads and grads this year include:

• Stauer Viator Watch ($196) is a conversation starter designed for world travelers and dads who like to make a statement. http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-Viator-Watch/20674/
• Stauer Helios Solar Watch ($179) is a timepiece for environmentally-conscious, gadget-loving dads. The Stauer Helios is powered by sunlight and never needs batteries. http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-Solar-Watch/21454/
• Stauer 22K Gold-Fused Noire Watch ($147) is a vintage-inspired classic in black and gold for distinguished dads of style. http://www.stauer.com/item/Stauer-22K-Gold-Fused-Noire-Watch/17463/

Founded in 2005, Stauer is one of the largest direct retailers of jewelry, watches and accessories in the United States with annualized sales over $200 million. www.Stauer.com.

SOURCE Stauer