Phil Oh
These watches take both analog and digital formats to the next level.
There’s something about wearing a timepiece on one’s wrist that evokes an enduring sense of elegance and utility. That tangible, tactile object remains one’s marker of an otherwise abstract concept, from analog, fully mechanical timepieces to the latest, most updated smartwatch.
Perhaps that is why luxury fashion brands like Hermès or Louis Vuitton continue to produce their time-tellers, even if some have shifted to accommodate screens and sensors. The market for watches, save for a blip during the height of the pandemic in 2020, has been on a consistent rise, especially with more varieties these days for more varied audiences.
Leading watchmakers like Vacheron Constantin have tapped into the market for women, who are looking for more thoughtful design. Omega, on the other hand, has stayed in tune with its pop culture relevance, releasing limited edition James Bond watches, being the brand 007s have favored throughout the years.
Similar to other accessories, like rings or pendants, watches also carry a sentimental weight to them that can signify a myriad of things, from love to gratitude. As the season of giving quickly approaches, here are five luxury timepieces to add to your wishlists:
The Women’s Automatic
According to industry leaders, more and more women are looking for investment timepieces like automatic watches, which used to be a men-only market. Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is widely considered one of the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watch manufacturers. As one of the oldest standing watch manufacturers in the world, its enduring designs combine tailormade timelessness with updated glamour.
Their Égérie collection, which was originally unveiled in 2020, is an ode to inspiring women, as well as a blend of Haute Couture and Haute Horlogerie. features a darker model inspired by Burano lace, detailed with fine gold lace threads and over four carats of diamonds, and a rose gold moon phase model features a window that shows a mother-of-pearl moon beneath translucent sapphire clouds. This is the perfect model for those looking for an elegant timepiece with more feminine flair.
The Dive Watch
Sport watches, particularly dive watches, have been gaining traction this year as a reliable and stylish watch of choice. A staple for the US and Britain’s armies during World War II and later for NASA astronauts in the Apollo 11 mission, the Swiss brand Omega has long stood for durability and quality with a distinct utilitarian masculinity. Omega is also known as the official timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932 and as the favorite brand of fictional debonnaire secret service agent James Bond.
For fans of 007 that want to capture his dapper aura, Omega released a special edition of Bond’s trademark Seamaster watch for the 60th anniversary of the spy film. The piece features a mesh-style bracelet and an anodized aluminum bezel and dial. The highlight of the design is its case back, which features the signature end to the film’s title sequence, a Bond silhouette in the middle of a spinning barrel pattern.
The Bracelet Watch
Fashionable bands are a great way to blend your timepiece with the rest of your jewelry. Founded in 1983 by Philippe Charriol, the luxury accessories brand popularized the use of twisted steel cables for their watch bracelets and jewelry. To update its signature design, the brand released a Charriol x Apple Watch, which melds its stainless steel and gold St. Tropez band with the Apple Series 3 through 8. The design is a balanced blend of old and new, resulting in a fresh and unique style for the most fashionable tastes.
The Autumnal Classic
Classic watches in fall shades have been all the rage with luxury brands as of late. In 2002, French fashion brand Louis Vuitton broke into the world of luxury watchmaking with an innovative and unfailing design; the Tambour. It made use of an unusual and easily distinguishable shape, which became the model’s trademark feature.
Bold iterations have since been released, such as the Spin Time and Moon Dual Time, as well as other variations like the daintier Slim. For its 20th anniversary this 2022, the brand went back to its roots with a limited version of the original that includes new features like a brown brushed sundial and long yellow glide hands. The Tambour Twenty has a 22-carat gold rotor, 50 hours of power reserve, and is water resistant to 100 meters. This is the perfect piece for the gentleman in your life who wants a special timepiece that can be passed on for generations.
The Modern-Classic Collaboration
Design collaborations have been setting the tone for 2022. Hermès was one of the first designers to collaborate with Apple after the first release of their smartwatch in 2014. The 185-year-old French luxury brand proved why it have endured for this long by releasing its own range of contemporary leather bracelets that are compatible with the Apple Watch just a year later.
The collection includes a variety of colors, from neutrals to bright pinks and their signature orange. Hermès also offers a range of clasps, from classic buckles to the Single Tour Deployment Buckle. This is a great unisex option for anyone who wants to add a little pizzazz to their outfit, on both formal and casual occasions.
