There is no such thing as an inherently precious watch, nor is there one that is by definition sporty-chic, elegant or traditional – since there are in fact as many perceptions as there are personalities. Every individual will attribute to their timepiece a fragment of their own temperament, in addition to the one instilled by the brand with its character and its history. It is therefore sometimes advisable to wear a watch that "goes against the grain" in order to see it express a different vibe. In this respect, Arije offers a few gems that well deserve to be viewed from less conventional perspectives.
A woman of action
Take the new Yacht-Master 42 from Rolex. Its rubber strap gives it a sporty spirit, backed by its Cerachrom bezel and its Superlative movement (COSC + Rolex certification). A mean machine that could perfectly suit a woman. Betokening an assertive personality, the Yacht-Master 42 would then reveal the multiple reflections of its yellow gold case, the elegance of its dial featuring an absolute black worthy of Chanel. Yes, the Yacht-Master 42 can be a modern-day jewelry watch! The toughest part will probably be to find one...
Transcending gender
Speaking of Chanel, the Maison is undeniably perceived as feminine. Its Boy-Friend creation was designed to break this perception wide open and demonstrate the relevance of its design to a male audience. So, was it a failure or a success? Both, actually. A failure in that Boy-Friend did not really appeal to men, yet a success in that it definitely has what it takes, as the Boy-Friend is fact the sexiest unisex watch on the market. Whether wearing a dress suit or a pantsuit, jeans and sneakers or in red carpet mode, it is important to go beyond the boundaries of gender, as long as it is done with class and elegance. That is exactly what the Boy-Friend does to perfection, especially in its splendid skeleton version.
Breguet: last call before closing!
One must nonetheless prove capable of seizing opportunities – just as Breguet as done. There are credible rumors that the Type XXI collection will be renewed within the next few months: an in-depth project that the Maison has been working on for several years. This means the current models will gradually vanish, so there is not much time left to buy a Reference 3810, whose chocolate brown dial (matching the strap) houses a self-winding split-seconds flyback chronograph. This exceptionally technical watch recalls the glory days of aviation, in which Breguet played a key role for over a century.
Girard-Perregaux: A Forgotten Opportunity
There is no point these days in looking for the Nautilus or Royal Oak: these references still exist yet waiting times can stretch several years. Collectors are therefore gradually turning to another legendary reference that gets less exposure yet is no less deserving: the Laureato by Girard-Perregaux. It seems that finding a specific model is already proving tricky, as supplies are shrinking and demand is exploding. It's the perfect time to treat yourself to a fabled reference (and investment), especially in a tourbillon version. Since Girard-Perregaux has become a 100% independent company again in the last few months after leaving the Kering fold, there is a certain urgency to benefit from the models currently in stock, before seeing the future of the venerable Maison take shape this coming fall.
Bulgari, without breaking the bank
Octo Finissimo, Serpenti: these two collections have become so powerful at Bulgari that they almost seem to sum up the entire watch collections from the Italian house. Not only is this not the case, but it is also possible to afford the DNA of the Manufacture for a fraction of the price of these two prestigious collections, thanks to Bulgari Bulgari Solotempo. This date and three-hand model in a full black version is fitted with a mesh bracelet: sleek, dark and with a beautiful Italian elegance, it also offers the advantage of rarity. An affordable timepiece that generally flies under the radar.
Cartier, one of a kind
Finally, what makes a retailer like Arije unique is its ability to offer exclusive models of the kind that manufacturers supply only to their preferred retailers. Such is the case for Cartier, which offers the very rare Panther Watch at Arije. This amazing creation needs no introduction, with its panther motif composed of microbeads that are randomly scattered on the dial... yet miraculously recomposed to form a panther when the watch is put back straight on the wrist to read the time. Mesmerizing, playful, unique – and most importantly, available from Arije, which is perhaps the rarest aspect of all!
