FeatureNail The ‘Corpcore’ Look With These Watches

For a long time, the corporate world has been synonymous with structured silhouettes, muted tones, and clean lines, often corresponding to professionalism. However, in the last few years—especially post-pandemic—the introduction of hybrid and work-from-home cultures have drastically changed the way professionals function, or even dress. Today, workspaces are seeing more people (read Gen-Z) opt for fusion clothing, giving way to a new norm… Introducing corpcore, a trendier take on the conventional nine-to-five dress code. Think deconstructed blazers, flared trousers, vibrant pantsuits, oversized handbags, jewelled pointed-toe heels, and sporty-chic wristwatches.

So when it comes to timekeeping, the pieces that align with the corpcore trend need to exude a sporty yet classic vibe. For instance, the Gerald Charles Masterlink Blue watch that is equal parts elegant and edgy. Its distinct asymmetrical case is crafted with stainless steel and features a ‘smile’ at six o’clock giving it a sturdy look, whereas its double-layered, sunburst dial with vertical stripes in blue lends it an elegant touch. It is driven by the self-winding calibre GCA 5401, with a power reserve of 50 hours.

The Gerald Charles Masterlink Blue watch is equal parts elegant and edgy

₹27,80,000

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Its distinct asymmetrical case is crafted with stainless steel and features a ‘smile’ at six o’clock giving it a sturdy look

₹27,80,000

Check Our Selling Price

It is driven by the self-winding calibre GCA 5401, with a power reserve of 50 hours

₹27,80,000

Check Our Selling Price

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Another fine example is the luxury sports watch, the Laureato 42mm by Girard-Perregaux. Featuring a raised octagonal bezel, a sleek integrated bracelet, and a blue dial adorned with the Clous de Paris pattern, it is an ideal pick for someone who works hard and parties harder. Other collections that align with the corpcore philosophy are the Baume & Mercier Riviera, Breitling Chronomat, and Bulgari Octo, to name a few. But before we get into the details, let’s understand the reasons behind the rise of corpcore in 2024.

Another fine example is the luxury sports watch, the Laureato 42mm by Girard-Perregaux

₹15,30,000

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It features a raised octagonal bezel, a sleek integrated bracelet, and a blue dial adorned with the Clous de Paris pattern

₹15,30,000

Check Our Selling Price

It is an ideal pick for someone who works hard and parties harder

₹15,30,000

Check Our Selling Price

01

The Beginnings Of The Corpcore Trend

Corpcore as an aesthetic isn’t entirely new… It takes references from the ‘90s relaxed fits, librariancore, and power dressing. However, its popularity has soared recently, thanks to the ‘it girls’–the likes of supermodel Bella Hadid and actor Zendaya—and social media influencers. Designers, too, have a significant role here and earlier this year, high-end fashion labels such as Boss, Givenchy, Jil Sander, and Peter Do made their models strut down the runway in elevated workwear, featuring asymmetrical hemlines and exaggerated volumes. Also, Pinterest reported that there has been a 950 percent surge in searches for ‘corporate chic’ and 870 percent for ‘geek chic,’ along with a rising interest in ‘pinstriped pants’, ‘vest and skirt’ and ‘batik blazer’, thus cementing the trend further.

While watches with stainless steel cases are ideal for the corpcore look, a two-tone or a bronze timepiece with a high-quality leather strap can work just as well

While watches with stainless steel cases are ideal for the corpcore look, a two-tone or a bronze timepiece with a high-quality leather or fabric strap can work just as well. Here are some of the watch elements one can keep in mind before making the right choice.

Watch Elements Aligning With The Corpcore Aesthetic

Although there is no rulebook for making the selection, the watch should look and feel sporty with a touch of sophistication. In terms of case materials, the timepiece can either be in stainless steel, stainless steel and gold, or bronze. For example, this stainless steel and rose-gold plated Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC, with a date aperture at three o’clock is a good example of a watch in alignment with corpcore. Its matte-finish dial comes with a globe pattern embossed in the centre, making it all the more attractive.

In terms of case materials, the timepiece can either be in stainless steel, stainless steel and gold, or bronze. For example, this stainless steel and rose-gold plated Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC

₹2,27,500

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It features a date aperture at three o’clock

₹2,27,500

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Its matte-finish dial comes with a globe pattern embossed in the centre, making it all the more attractive

₹2,27,500

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Also, the impressive 42mm TAG Heuer Autavia in a bronze case fitted with a bi-directional rotating bezel and a date aperture at six o’clock, is another good example of a timepiece that works perfectly well with the trend. Its green dial with a matching strap and bezel accords it a distinguished look.

The impressive 42mm TAG Heuer Autavia in a bronze case fitted with a bi-directional rotating bezel and a date aperture at six o’clock, is another good example of a timepiece that works perfectly well with the trend

Just like the case material, there are no rules when it comes to the case size. Having said that, a watch on the bigger side with a commanding allure may be preferred over a dainty piece. This beautiful 40mm Bulgari Octo Finissimo watch in an octagonal stainless steel case and matching bracelet with a grey dial fits the bill perfectly. It is also an ideal size for both men and women.

For many years, a hefty watch with a minimalistic design code has been equated to a professional piece. However, with time, watches equipped with fun elements like coloured dials began entering the workspace, thus revamping the standard. Take for instance these Baume & Mercier Riviera Quartz models with bright-hued dials in shades of blue. They don’t just look professional, but also add a pop of colour to one’s wrist. Their silver dial edition is equally stunning and fares well with the desired aesthetic. Another good example is the model from The Longines Master collection, featuring a dial in the trending salmon hue.

The timepieces suiting the corpcore look can also feature dial decorations such as guilloche, enamelling, and Clous de Paris—offering a dash of eccentricity. Featured here is the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 with a mesmerising scarlet dial inspired by the Mount Iwate bathing in the sun’s red morning light. It brilliantly expresses the sun rays falling on the peak, which can be seen from the brand’s studio in Shizukuishi, Japan. This marvel is run by the automatic calibre 9S85 with a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, and is perfect for anyone who wants to make an impression at the workplace.

Featured here is the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 with a mesmerising scarlet dial inspired by the Mount Iwate bathing in the sun’s red morning light

₹6,50,000

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It brilliantly expresses the sun rays falling on the peak, which can be seen from the brand’s studio in Shizukuishi, Japan

₹6,50,000

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This marvel is run by the automatic calibre 9S85 with a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, and is perfect for anyone who wants to make an impression at the workplace

₹6,50,000

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Lastly, the watches should not feature dizzying complications on their dials. However, a date aperture or a small seconds sub-dial is always welcome. For instance, the Nomos Glashutte Club Sport Neomatik Petrol with a petrol green dial featuring a small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock is perfect for the modern professional.

The watches should not feature dizzying complications on their dials. However, a date aperture or a small seconds sub-dial is always welcome

₹3,25,000

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For instance, the Nomos Glashutte Club Sport Neomatik Petrol with a petrol green dial

₹3,25,000

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It features a small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock and is perfect for the modern professional

₹3,25,000

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Also, the watches should either feature a bracelet or a high-quality leather strap; a rubber or a textile strap can work as well. Featured here are the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Co-Axial Master Chronometer 41mm presented on a blue rubber strap, and the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral BigDate available in options of a stainless steel bracelet or a beige textile strap.

While the norms of workwear might evolve with changing trends and styles, these watches with timeless designs are here to stay.