Reading Time at HSNY: Exploring the Bag Trend — Horological Society of New York
Keyring and keychain watches, especially the tire watch—a miniature rubber tire housing a movement, dial, and cover—have a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Their popularity surged in the 1950s and 1960s when dozens of brands produced versions for car enthusiasts, allowing owners to attach a themed timepiece to their keys. Over time, the concept evolved as women repurposed carabiners and bag charms to signal personal identity and sexuality, linking modern accessories to historic symbols like the chatelaine. Recent decades have seen a revival of bag charms across diverse groups, with influences ranging from Neolithic amulets to Japanese kawaii culture, and the integration of luxury watch collaborations such as Audemars Piguet and Swatch’s Royal Pop collection, which reimagines watch designs as fashionable bag charms.
Buying Time Analysis: This story highlights the cultural evolution of bag charms—from early tire watches and chatelaine symbols to modern luxury collaborations—illustrating how personal accessories serve as a lens for broader social and fashion trends.
