In a world where everything seems to be going digital, from smartphones to smart homes and even smartwatches, it might seem counterintuitive that Generation Z—those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—are showing an increasing affection for something as analog as mechanical watches. And yet, it’s happening.
Gen Z, often characterized as the most tech-savvy, connected, and convenience-driven generation, is now falling head over heels for hand-wound and automatic watches—timepieces that don’t even connect to the internet, track steps, or ping notifications. So, what gives?
This article explores the cultural, emotional, and practical reasons behind this seemingly paradoxical trend and why mechanical watches are resonating so deeply with a generation that grew up in the glow of touchscreens.
1. A Desire for Authenticity in a Digital World
One of the biggest reasons Gen Z is embracing mechanical watches is a craving for authenticity. This generation is growing up in an era where much of life is lived online, filtered through apps, and curated for social media. In contrast, a mechanical watch is real, tactile, and grounded in craftsmanship.
Mechanical watches represent something genuine—a physical object built with care, skill, and precision. Unlike a smartwatch, which can become obsolete in just a few years, a mechanical watch is made to last generations, often passed down as heirlooms. It tells time, but it also tells a story.
For Gen Z, authenticity is currency. They seek brands and products that reflect values—sustainability, heritage, and honesty—and mechanical watches embody all of that.
2. The Allure of Craftsmanship and Storytelling
Gen Z isn’t just buying objects; they’re buying stories and experiences. And what better story than that of a watchmaker painstakingly assembling hundreds of tiny components to create a miniature mechanical marvel?
Brands like Omega, Seiko, Rolex, and Tissot—along with microbrands like Baltic, Lorier, and Studio Underd0g—aren’t just selling watches; they’re selling craftsmanship and legacy. Each movement, rotor, or complication has a backstory. And many Gen Z collectors revel in learning about watch calibers, case materials, and design philosophies.
In an age dominated by mass production, mechanical watches stand as a symbol of artistry and intentionality—a kind of rebellion against fast fashion and planned obsolescence.
3. The Aesthetic and Fashion Appeal
Let’s face it: mechanical watches look good.
With the resurgence of vintage fashion, thrift culture, and “old money” aesthetics, Gen Z is embracing classic, timeless styles. A mechanical watch fits right into that picture. Whether paired with streetwear or a blazer, a watch adds an element of sophistication and self-expression.
Apps like TikTok and Instagram have accelerated the popularity of watches as part of one’s personal style. #WatchTok and #VintageWatches have become trending hashtags, with creators flaunting their Seiko dive watches or vintage Casios.
Watches are no longer just timekeepers; they are fashion statements. Gen Z is using mechanical watches to reflect identity—whether it’s minimalist, sporty, bold, or retro.
4. Mechanical Watches Offer a Digital Detox
Ironically, in their desire to be more mindful, Gen Z is turning to watches that help them disconnect.
Smartphones and smartwatches keep us tethered to the internet, pinging us with messages, emails, and updates. Mechanical watches, on the other hand, offer a moment of peace. They don’t buzz. They don’t glow. They just tick.
Wearing a mechanical watch is an act of intentional living. It allows you to focus on the moment rather than the constant stream of digital noise. Many young adults have started to ditch their smartwatches on weekends or wear mechanical watches to formal events as a conscious way to unplug.
It’s a small, but powerful way of saying, “I don’t need to be reachable every second of the day.”
5. Sustainability and Longevity Matter
Gen Z is perhaps the most environmentally conscious generation to date. They’re wary of wasteful consumerism, and that’s another reason mechanical watches are back in style.
Unlike smartwatches or disposable fashion accessories, mechanical watches are made to last decades, sometimes even centuries. They don’t require software updates, and they aren’t designed with a 2-year expiration date.
Instead, they can be serviced, repaired, and maintained—a philosophy that appeals to Gen Z’s belief in sustainability and responsible consumption.
Vintage watches, in particular, are popular among this crowd. Buying pre-owned not only saves money but also aligns with eco-conscious values.
6. Accessibility Through Microbrands and Online Communities
One thing that might have kept previous generations from indulging in mechanical watches was the cost. Swiss watches have historically been seen as luxury items, out of reach for most.
But today, Gen Z is benefiting from a boom in microbrands and affordable alternatives. Brands like Seiko, Citizen, Timex, Orient, and Hamilton offer high-quality mechanical watches under $500. Meanwhile, microbrands such as Baltic, Vaer, and Furlan Marri offer unique designs and stories for a fraction of the price of traditional luxury brands.
In addition, platforms like Reddit’s r/Watches, YouTube review channels, and Instagram communities have made watch collecting accessible and inclusive. Gen Z learns, discusses, and discovers watches online—often from creators their own age.
This sense of community has made the watch world less intimidating and more inviting for first-timers.
7. Nostalgia and the Retro Revival
Everything old is new again. From vinyl records to disposable film cameras, Gen Z is bringing back analog nostalgia—even for technologies they didn’t grow up with.
There’s something deeply romantic about winding a watch every morning or watching the sweeping second hand glide effortlessly. Mechanical watches tap into this yearning for the past, a simpler time when things weren’t so automated.
In a sense, wearing a mechanical watch is like carrying a piece of history on your wrist. It reminds you that not everything needs to be updated or digitized to be valuable.
8. Watches as Investment and Symbol of Adulthood
For many young professionals in Gen Z, buying a mechanical watch is a rite of passage. It might mark a first job, a graduation, or a personal milestone. In this way, watches are more than accessories—they’re symbols of growth, achievement, and taste.
Some Gen Z buyers are also drawn to watches as investment pieces. While not all watches appreciate in value, certain models—like the Rolex Submariner, Omega Speedmaster, or Tudor Black Bay—are known for retaining or even increasing in value over time.
This notion of buying a watch that could become a family heirloom or a smart financial move appeals to Gen Z’s desire for meaningful purchases.
9. Rejecting Planned Obsolescence
In an era dominated by yearly phone upgrades and software-driven obsolescence, Gen Z is pushing back. Mechanical watches stand in stark contrast to this cycle. They require no software. They won’t become incompatible with the next OS. And with proper care, they can keep running for decades.
This resistance to planned obsolescence reflects a broader shift in Gen Z’s consumer behavior. They’re prioritizing quality over quantity, seeking out items that are built to endure.
In fact, many see mechanical watches as the ultimate slow tech—beautiful, functional, and deliberately analog in a fast-paced digital world.
10. Creating a Unique Identity
At its core, Gen Z is about individuality. While everyone else is wearing the latest Apple Watch or checking the same notifications, a mechanical watch wearer stands out.
Each mechanical watch is unique—from the patina on the dial to the specific ticking sound of the movement. Gen Z loves that a watch can express their personality, passions, or mood.
And since watches come in all styles—vintage-inspired, minimalist, pilot, diver, field—there’s something for every aesthetic.
Wearing a mechanical watch is a statement: “I know who I am, and I don’t need a screen to tell me the time.”
Final Thoughts: Time Is Back in Style
It may seem surprising that the generation raised on smartphones is turning to old-school wristwatches for inspiration. But Gen Z’s love affair with mechanical watches is not just a trend—it’s a reflection of deeper cultural shifts.
In an age of digital overload, fast fashion, and cookie-cutter devices, mechanical watches offer something refreshing: authenticity, artistry, and soul.
Gen Z isn’t rejecting technology—they’re just choosing when and how to engage with it. And when it comes to telling the time, many are deciding that a beautiful, ticking, hand-assembled piece of history is far more meaningful than a screen full of notifications.
So don’t be surprised when the next stylish twenty-something you meet isn’t checking their wrist for the weather—but admiring the intricate gears of their mechanical timepiece.