In a notable shift in fashion trends, watch stacking has emerged as a favored style among celebrities, underscoring its growing prominence as a chic accessory rather than a mere time-telling tool. This trend was recently highlighted by Kylie Jenner and Serena Williams, who have both showcased their penchant for wearing multiple watches simultaneously.
Kylie Jenner made waves on social media while on holiday, flaunting a combination of Cartier watches—the iconic Cartier Panthère and the trendy Cartier Baignoire. The Baignoire, which gained significant attention when unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2023, features a slim gold bangle that seamlessly blends the realms of jewelry and timepiece, reflecting the current trend of stacking watches as a fashion statement.
Similarly, Serena Williams captivated audiences at the Espy Awards in July by donning two Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches. Her dual-watch look reinforced the notion that timepieces have transcended their traditional role, becoming a staple accessory on the red carpet. As noted by Brynn Wallner, founder of the influential Instagram account Dimepiece, Williams’ commitment to integrating multiple watches with her outfit highlights the evolving role of watches in fashion.
The trend of stacking watches is not entirely new, however. Historical figures like Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro were known for wearing multiple timepieces, including a Rolex Submariner paired with another watch. In the contemporary context, this practice has gained renewed popularity among watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Kate Lacey, a London-based vintage watch expert and owner of The Shrew Shop, attributes the rising trend to a broader shift in watch fashion. “The enthusiasm for smaller-sized watches is part of the trend, but people are also transitioning from larger pieces by stacking them to create a fuller look,” Lacey explains. “Additionally, the integration of watches with jewelry reflects a growing irreverence towards traditional watch norms.”
Nicholas Biebuyck, heritage director at Tag Heuer, adds a practical dimension to the trend. For professionals like him, wearing two watches often serves to showcase both contemporary releases and their historical inspirations. This approach underscores how watch stacking can also function as a nod to the evolution of watch design.
Jean Arnault, watch director at Louis Vuitton, was recently spotted at a Paris fashion show sporting a watch on each wrist, illustrating the trend’s presence at major watch events. Collectors often adopt this style to display their collections or to combine modern and classic timepieces.
In the realm of personal style, there are no strict rules, as emphasized by Lacey. The diversity in stacking styles—whether combining high-end pieces with more accessible ones or mixing various textures and colors—demonstrates that watch stacking is as much about individual expression as it is about following fashion trends.
