The annual 12 Jewelry Trends for 2014 list aims to serve as a guideline for store purchases in the new year, highlighting pieces and materials trending now, based on the clothing, color, red carpet, and real-life influences at work in the market. Watches are the 11th trend on the list; here’s why jewelers should pay extra attention to them this year.

Watches. Spring fashion celebrates a pared-down aesthetic complete with menswear-influenced styles that require accessorizing, and watches fit the bill. Chic, price-point-friendly watches offered by names such as Michael Kors appeal to entry-level shoppers, while diamond-encrusted pieces from Bedat speak to high-end shoppers. Some retailers told JCK that watches were among their best sellers during the holiday season. And, talk about the Apple smartwatch could inadvertently inspire chatter about (and purchases of?) fine or fun watches. Options for the latter are below.

GA310 Series analog-digital watch features large Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock, a high-brightness LED and a multidimensional face design for easier reading, is shock resistant and water resistant to 200 meters, $150; G-Shock for Casio

Peacock quartz watch from the Lush collection has a 47 mm case, silicone strap, unique hands and screw crowns, and Swarovski details in the crown and dial, $455; Mulco

Holiday collection of natural frequency technology watches for women feature single and dual time zones, diamond-accented dials, and colorful straps, retail prices start at $575; Philip Stein

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JCK