It is funny how the Instagram algorithm immediately picks up on what you like. If you were to analyse my feed, the first thing you would notice would be the endless photos of watches and the second is a secret passion for sneakers. You would also find lots of capybara videos and offers for wall Pilates that promise to change your body by November, but let’s not go there!
So, I was recently scrolling during my break when it dawned on me that some of the current trends in watches and sneakers could make the perfect pairs. So, after some fun researching the latest sneaker trends, here are some suggestions for stylish hands and feet!
These vintage-looking sneakers are the result of a collaboration between Nike, American professional skateboarder Ishod Wair, and British Porsche collector and customizer Magnus Walker. The colouring is inspired by Walker’s 1971 Porsche 911 T 227 which the trio has managed to translate into a really cool limited edition sneaker. The 227 number of the car is even on the heel.
For my choice of watch, I decided to keep with the year 1971 and have found a vintage Zenith El Primero A788 that was sourced, restored, and certified by the Zenith Manufacture. This timepiece features the second generation of the El Primero movement and, at the time of publication, is still available on the brand’s website, so if you like it, get your sneakers on (preferably the ones above) and race over to Zenith Icons.
Silver is definitely a colour for Autumn 2023 with a whole range of silver-coloured sneakers on offer. The Metallic Lazy Runner Sneakers (I just love the name) are among my favourites. The side view could almost be the lines of a sports car or a complicated timepiece.
My watch choice for the Lazy Runners is the Parmigiani Tonda PF Micro-Rotor Full Platinum which offers pure elegance with its polished and satin-finished 40 mm platinum case, signature knurled bezel, and sandblasted platinum dial. There is something about the sheen of platinum that deserves matching metallic shoes, don’t you think?
The Lanvin Curb Chunky Leather Sneakers stand out thanks to their signature oversized patterned laces. This version comes in bright red calf leather with a panelled design, double pull-tab at the opening, flat rubber sole, and large red eyelets for the laces.
To go with these sneakers, I have chosen the Genus Dragon with its guardian creature that indicates the passage of time as it moves around and across the dial. A mix of mechanical engineering, goldsmithing, sculpture, and engraving all come together in this astonishing piece. I think it would look amazing with the Lanvin Curb Chunky Leather Sneakers, but I wonder if we could get dragons on the laces – now that would be really cool!
I think the Chloé Nama sneakers may be my favourite. I love multicoloured shoes and this mix of pastel colours and textures really catches my eye. They come in calf leather with mesh inserts, round toes, overcast seams, grooved soles, and a discreet logo on the heel caps. There is a whole range of colour schemes, but I chose this version as it would be perfect for the Beauregard Lilli Candy.
The name of this watch says it all, as it really has you licking your lips. Housed in a 33 mm rose gold case with diamonds, the Lilli Candy is fitted with this mesmerizing dial crafted from opals, topaz and amethyst. If you are curious about how they do it, see Beauregard’s Fabulous Florals.
These Balmain Unicorn Low-Top futuristic trainers come in neoprene and leather and have really rethought sneaker design. Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t deny that they are pretty cool. Believe it or not, I have actually chosen the most sober of the unicorns. They come in all kinds of colour schemes to get you noticed at your next watch event!
I have paired the Balmain Unicorns with Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Music Edition for the simple reason that the clients of both these sneakers and this watch definitely rock their own style. Why follow the crowd when you can stand out?
For those who want their sneakers to be able to cope with the great outdoors, we also have something for you. How about these unisex Ganni Green Performance sneakers? These high-tops feature a zip fastener in the front and are made from stretchy neoprene and synthetic leather panels. They have a pull tab, a Vibram sole, and a discreet Ganni logo.
If your sense of adventure goes beyond your footwear, then you are going to need to get yourself a Panerai Navy SEALs Luminor, which is actually sold with an invitation to an immersive special operations experience where you can put your new sneakers and your chronograph to the ultimate test!
This popular Adidas model is a classic with its elegant silhouette inspired by indoor sports of the 1970s, and the return of this bright blue gives it a fun twist. The sneakers are crafted using a premium nylon upper that is detailed with suede panels, while the sole comes with a gum rubber outsole, adding lots of retro details.
Now for the De Bethune DB28 XS Starry Seas, which isn’t retro in any sense of the word. Its futuristic polished grade five titanium 39 mm case and random guilloché dial are positioned in a whole different era, but their use of this shade of “Klein” blue somehow unites them in the universe so that they look like they were born together.
The Nike Air Fear of God 1 “Amarillo” marks a collaboration between the sports brand and American fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo. The sneaker’s high-top boot is crafted from bright yellow mesh which is reinforced with a thermoplastic polyurethane cage that allows for different lace configurations, while a zip on the heel provides easy access.
For this watch pairing, there is plenty to choose from in bright yellow this season, but the Bovet Brainstorm Chapter Two is my favourite with its hand-engraved movement, sloped sapphire crystal case, yellow dome-shaped dial, and green SuperLumi-Nova. Like the sneakers, It is a highly technical object that isn’t scared of a splash of colour.
Now for something completely different with the Loro Piana 360 Flexy Walk Leather-Trimmed Knitted Wish Wool Sneakers. Loro Piana footwear has become quite a thing thanks to the adoring support of influencer @Gstaadguy who will wear nothing other than Loro Piana. You should check him out, along with Flexy Walks of course.
To pair such an elegant pair of trainers, I have chosen the Leica ZM2 which has been designed to look and feel like the German company’s famous cameras. The pushers look like camera buttons and the sapphire crystal is domed like a camera lens. Function and elegance create the link for me here. Even the small second hand matches the red line in the rubber sole of the shoes. How sophisticated is that?
These chunky pastel-coloured canvas Gucci Screener sneakers are adorned with the famous GG motif that was originally created by the Italian fashion house back in the 1930s. The logo has now become a hallmark within Gucci’s collections. Other details include fun red and white laces, flat rubber soles, round toes, and a branded heal counter.
To stay on brand, here is one of Gucci’s latest watch releases featuring another favourite motif – the honey bee. Called the G-Timeless, this elegant 32mm timepiece comes in a stainless steel case with a matching three-link bracelet and a turquoise dial buzzing with bees.
These Hogan Midi H222 sneakers come in lilac and silver and have a platform heel to make you look taller! So now you can have the height advantage of high heels with the comfort benefit of sneakers. It is a brilliant idea! The Midi H222s come in a host of colour schemes, so check them out.
Now for the watch pairing, I am not sure the Claude Meylan Ligne Lionne will make you look taller, but it will definitely make you look more elegant with its lilac skeletonized dial and Roman numerals in a ring around the outside of the dial. This version is fitted with a white leather strap, but there is also a rather nice Milanese bracelet.
