The hottest accessory for this sizzling season is watches, after all, with warm weather comes multiple backyard parties, picnics, and beach excursions you don’t want to be late for. From classic and simplistic to statement timepieces with bold design, we’ve gathered up our favourite watches for spring/summer 2012.

Silicone/Rubber


These silicone watches are anything but phony! Generally found in fluorescent colors, which allow you to add a splash of fun into your spring and summer jewelry wardrobe, those who don’t do spunky casual (i.e. wouldn’t leave the house without at least mascara on), adding a touch bling to these bendy timepieces can turn this low key watch design into a statement piece to flash around.

Brands: ToyWatch, Uniform Wares

Antique

Out with the new, in with the old! Antique-inspired watches are a preferred trend this season. Popular styles include mother-of-pearl faces, aged gold accented by petite leather bands, rose gold bands, as well as vintage patterned cloth bands. With such variety to chose from, it’s easy to match old-fashioned sensibilities with contemporary style.

Brands: Timex at J.Crew, Kate Spade

Menswear-Inspired


For some time now, we’ve seen women’s apparel inspired by menswear, mainly in it’s oversized fit. From jeans to accessories such as sunglasses, necklaces and of course, watches, the “boyfriend fit” is a trend that has lasting power. With a plethora of oversized watches on the market, we prefer the models marked by large faces and chunky stainless steel bands. With this design, the cleaner the face, the more you preserve your feminine fashion sense, while a more detailed face lends a truly masculine undertone to your look.

Brands: Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Wrap-Style


Step outside of the box; instead of picking up a traditional watch, go for a wrap-style band that is more of an accessory than a watch. With the fashion benefits of the ultimate bracelet and the functionality of a watch, you can’t go wrong when opting for a bracelet or tie up timepiece this season.

Brands: La Mer Collections, Michael Kors

Digital


Geek chic is in when it comes to men’s accessories. From glasses to bowties the new geek on the block is watches. Think back to your childhood when those glow-in-the-dark digital watches were as “cool” as having the latest Nintendo game. Put away your big boy watch for one of these playful numbers when out of the office and live your own version of Big.

Brands: Casio, BOSS Orange

Stainless Steel


Yes, stainless steel watches are always in style. Typically seen in subtle colors such as gold, silver, charcoal and brown, but this season we will see this family of watches receive a pop of colour, infusing a traditional look with a vibrant new perspective on fashion.

Brands: Citizen, Tissot

Black on Black


Watches are becoming less about telling time and more about making a statement. Black on black accessories, specifically watches, have become more popular over the years. With the sophisticated design of these watches, it wont matter if you can read time, style demands you arrive fashionably late!

Brands: TW Steel, Nixon

Square-Shaped


Be bold and add a add a modern twist on the classic circular watch by going square. The change in shape is sure to separate you from the pack and dash your look with a bit of edge. As Huey Lewis once said, “It’s hip to be square.”

Brands: Diesel, Tag Heuer