I’ll be honest here. I’m not much of a Valentine’s Day person. The whole thing with hearts and flowers and chocolates — not really for me. In fact, when I told my friends I was writing a Valentine’s Day article, they wasted no time in informing me that it was a terrible idea, and about as appropriate as Obelix writing an article on dining etiquette. Actually, that’s not strictly true, because they first wasted about five minutes laughing hysterically before moving on to crack jokes at my expense. (“Like Shrek writing an article on the latest men’s fashions” was a particularly incisive one.)
Though far be it from me to issue advice in areas in which I have little to no expertise, I am nevertheless fairly knowledgeable about how a wristwatch can complement and improve an evening out. One of my favourite mental exercises when getting to know a watch for the first time is to imagine the watch as a person, and think about where I would take it on a first date. I find that this helps me contextualise a watch in a lifestyle sense and bring clarity to how I ultimately feel about a watch, in a way that isn’t influenced by my objective and professional assessment of its design and mechanical merits. Permit me therefore, my dear WorldTempus family, to offer some suggestions for an evening out celebrating love, based on Omega’s new Mini Trésor models.
An Evening of Passion
This is perhaps the most conventionally “St Valentine” watch of them all. Rose-gold case asymmetrically set with diamonds, red hour markers, a double-tour watch strap in crimson alligator leather. If there was ever a watch made for candlelit dinners, this would be it. One thing that particularly stands out to me, however, is the matt finish on the strap. If it was a glossy finish, I’d suggest a traditional romantic dinner with all the clichés — champagne, oysters, all that stuff. But the matt finish tells me to go in a more contemporary direction: the latest high-concept fine dining sensation in town, perhaps. The asymmetrical diamond setting says “I’m classy, but also fun,” so feel free to work in a touch of adventure, just as long as you don’t have to sacrifice the high heels for running shoes.
A Walk on The Wild Side
If you think this watch brings more or less the same vibe as the previous one, think again. Take this stainless-steel watch with double-tour patent finish quilted black strap on a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, and you won’t be getting a second date. Black glossy leather says, style-conscious, doesn’t mind being the focus of attention. Double-tour strap says, comfortable with excess, maybe even extravagance. Quilted strap motif says, appreciates quality and detail, so leave your budget-date ideas at home. Steel with diamonds says, tougher than you think. The perfect date for this watch: a private gallery/studio viewing of the latest collection by the young new artist/designer everyone’s raving about, in a hip but still gritty part of town.
Cinematic Splendour
Monochrome doesn’t mean boring. Say it again, with me: monochrome doesn’t mean boring. On the contrary, the white-and-grey palette of this deceptively minimalist steel model obliges you to focus on the design of the watch itself — the fluid curves of the case, the slim lines of the bezel, the subtle metallic shimmer of the strap, the purity of its white grand feu enamel dial. The old-school glamour and timeless beauty of this model make it the Grace Kelly of this collection: regally elegant and unforgettable. Take this watch to an outdoor screening of classic romantic movies, with extra blankets to cuddle up under and plenty of champagne to keep you warm.
Just the Two of Us
With its tone-on-tone dial and rose-gold case, this watch unites two seemingly paradoxical traits: discretion and luxury. Its silk-textured dial and satin strap indicate an affinity towards refinement, requiring a closer look to discover the full effect. That means that while you don’t have to go all out and empty your bank account with your date night concept, you definitely need to pay attention to the details. Don’t go anywhere big and flashy, and avoid crowded venues — this is a watch that calls for something intimate, but still suitably sumptuous. A Michelin-star dinner served in-room at a boutique hotel, and it goes without saying that you’ve personally chosen the room that comes with the best view.
From the Heart
The most down-to-earth model in this collection, a simple steel watch with white enamel dial and brown calf leather strap. The double-tour format of the strap, however, tells us that this is a watch that appreciates it when you go the extra mile. Effort is what counts here, not how much you spend, so make this a home-cooked meal — and I don’t mean two-for-the-price-of-one microwave dinners from your local supermarket, or your nearest pizza takeaway. Put some time into it; come up with a nice three-course menu, practice the stuff you haven’t made before, and choose a nice wine that would go with everything. The watch may be simple, but don’t be a basic date.
