Vintage fashion has been trending for decades, but recently, there has been an increase in people buying second-hand luxury pieces, especially designer handbags and pre-loved jewelry. Why? However, I believe there are several reasons. First, the number of resale sites we have that make it easy to sell and buy secondhand, including Vinted, Depop, Vestiaire and eBay, have made finding retro designer pieces more accessible than ever. Then, there’s the added appeal of owning a rare gem, especially in a world of fast fashion and algorithm-driven ads, where everyone in your feed can wear the same £30 during each other’s days.
Vintage accessories can also be more affordable than buying new designer jewelry, especially since the prices of gold, silver and diamonds have recently increased. In addition, vintage designer pieces are often of better quality than their modern counterparts; some luxury brands have abandoned the use of high-quality metals in favor of composite alternatives to reduce production costs, although that may not be reflected in the higher price tag. In fact, quite the opposite…
Ahead of the curve, Gucci has tapped into this demand for classic designer jewelry and re-released a timeless piece from the ’80s archives, but with a modern twist. Enter the Gucci Play Watch.
What is the Gucci Play Watch?
Playing on word and nature, it has a changing face, a unique design feature to encourage self-expression and creativity. The Gucci Play Watch has taken the original ’80s Bezel Play Watch concept and reimagined it through a modern lens. In other words, it has had few design changes in the last 40 years, and a £2000 price increase.
How do I know this? However, my kind mother gave me her first gift, which my father bought her one Christmas in the early ’80s for less than £200. Suffice it to say, it’s almost impossible to find a luxury designer watch for that price now, even on resale sites.
What’s the Difference Between the 2026 Gucci Play Watch and the Original ’80s Design?
The new generation Gucci Play Watch honors the original creation. It features a bangle-like strap, round face and interchangeable bezels, reminiscent of the ’80s classic. However, there is a subtle difference. The new version has a larger 28mm face, thicker strap with hinges to make it easier to slip on the wrist, while the original has a slimline fixed bracelet. The fastening has also been changed; A click-ball back replaces the classic hook closure.
The gold plated stainless steel watch still has a rotating bezel face. However, the story is refined; it is now made of stronger ceramic than the previous featherlight—but fragile—acrylic. The new face has a slightly pearlescent sheen, while the original bezels have a bright opaque color.
While we’re on the topic of faces, the new iteration of the Gucci Play Watch has fewer bezels (seven instead of the original’s 11). For mom’s safety, I know the original included white, black, lilac, deep purple, light blue, navy blue, burgundy, yellow, pink and red, and Gucci’s signature shiny red. The new version includes only the signature blue-red stripe, as well as blue, red, black, white, lilac and navy blue.
History of the Gucci Play Watch
My mother, Pauline, coordinated all the outfits with the bezel face on her watch in the ’80s.
Fast forward 40 years since the original launch, and Gucci officially re-released the Play Watch in November 2025, due to increased demand for its original. The watch was designed to be soft and playful, and the bezels were in different colors. This unique feature made the watch a popular design of its time, and still is, decades later. The hybrid design also covered the tradition, as the bangle band resembles a bracelet, blurring the lines between function and style, although this multi-functionality is a major trend in jewelry.
Will the Gucci Play Watch be trendy in 2026?
I inherited my mom’s first Gucci Play Watch, and it matches the whole outfit perfectly.
And, predictably, since its relaunch, the Gucci Play Watch has sold out online at several retailers. In case you need more proof that it’s trendy right now, just look at social media. Content creators, including Mina Hasan, Gloria1211__ and Candice Brathwaite, are leading the way in showcasing their vintage timepieces and the exciting stories behind them, as well as their mission to protect retro history and the stories of hunting down the lost bezel face to complete the set.
Also, a few reliable and trusted sellers, such as eBay, Vinted and DePop, as well as vintage jewelery markets, sell ’80s originals for high prices of around £450 minimum. If you want to get into the new version, buy it below.
Buy a Gucci Play watch:
Change the face of the bezel to match your mood, the weather or your clothes.
Shop more Gucci jewelry pieces:
Gucci
GG Marmont Charm Chain Bracelet
’80s-inspired chain bracelets are also making a comeback in Gucci’s stylebook.
What looks more extreme than a brooch? Pin it to your lapel, cinch it to a shirt or basic white headband, or tie a neck scarf instead of tying it.
Signet rings were traditionally considered heirlooms engraved with the family crest. So, if the Gucci Play Watch revival has inspired you to pay homage to historic jewelry, then this is a timeless trend to get into.
Gucci
Crest Pendant Necklace
Wear on its own or layer with other necklaces.
Gucci
Crystal Staffa Earrings
It gives… awards season.
Gucci
Mobile Pearl Necklace
Keep the retro theme going with a modern twist on a nostalgic pearl necklace.
Gucci
Blondie Crystal Mini Earrings
Gucci’s creative designs never fail to impress, and this is another two-in-one design. Get a glimpse of the side profile, and you’ll see the house’s GG logo.
Gucci
Blondie Pearl Drop Necklace
There is something so beautiful about a V-plunge neckline paired with a lariat necklace.
Gucci
Horseshoe bracelet
Wear yours like this for extra style points.
Gucci
Bamboo Choker Necklace
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: Gucci designs are intuitive, playful and thoughtful. The bamboo design is a nod to other Gucci icons, and we appreciate this collaboration.
Gucci
Bracelet With Gucci Bamboo 1947 Charm
Charm bracelets are back, as they were in the ’50s and ’60s.
Of course, we can’t miss the opportunity to personalize our beautiful bracelets or pendants with Gucci’s Princetown Horsebit Loafers.
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