Calling all fashionistas! If you’re the type of person who buys Balmain or collects Chanel, you may want to look to a completely different sector of the fashion industry for the next big trend. From the way things are turning out, the new It item will be on your hand, and it’s not going to be a handbag. Hold on to your Hermes because it looks like the next big thing in fashion will be luxury watches.

Now, expensive designer watches are by no means a novel item. Just like how Gucci or Louis Vuitton are establishments in clothing, Seiko watches and Omega timepieces are the major players in the world of watches – and they’ve been around for decades. But high-end watches have been enjoying quite a renaissance of late, especially as consumers try to look for items whose value will weather the economic straits – a description that premium watches fit well.

But if you’ve been keeping close tabs on the fashion industry, you’d know that luxury timepieces and prestigious fashion labels have been coming together quite frequently lately. The partnerships and the new ventures have all resulted in a whole new wave of watches that combine the modern ideals of fashion and the classic elegance of premium timepieces. Even now you can find Gucci creations being sold side by side with Seiko watches in premium watch stores.

Numerous illustrious names in the fashion industry have jumped on this timepiece trend. Fashion houses like Gucci, Versace and Louis Vuitton have all been amping up their existing timepiece lines. Renowned designer names Zac Posen, Badgley Mischka and John Galliano, on the other hand, have each teamed up with watchmakers like Morellato to release their own collection of watches. The lineup of new designer watches is reminiscent of Bryant Park’s offerings during Fashion Week.

Your Birkins and Prada pumps had better be ready for some competition. Designer watches have arrived, and they’ve got the whole fashion world firmly by the wrist.