Watches and fashion are no stranger one to the other. Whereas women were once reluctant to drape their wrist in anything but diamonds, watchmakers have succeeded in conquering their hearts. The devil may well wear Prada, chances are that he (or she) has Omega, Audemars Piguet or De Bethune on their wrist.
The great names of couture, the likes of Chanel, Hermès or Louis Vuitton, were quick to catch on to demand for this type of product and, over time, have created true icons – certain of which were nominated at this year’s Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. Louis Vuitton gave a stellar performance by claiming the top spot in two categories: the Audacity Prize for the Tambour Carpe Diem and the Diver’s Watch Prize for the Tambour Street Diver Skyline Blue.
These two areas of luxury have developed a true mutual interest. Muccia Prada declared that “Fashion is the language of the moment.” Watchmaking, on the other hand, is the language of time. One can be seen as fleeting, the other eternal. Together they form memorable moments.
Off piste
Don’t be afraid to wrap up warm this winter with plenty of layers and padding (at the risk of looking like an on-trend Michelin Man…). Keep the ski slopes and chalet vibe going with a Longines Master, the perfect addition to your après-ski style. The midnight blue strap and starry diamonds are a reminder of winter evenings by the fireside, while the white mother-of-pearl dial shimmers like snowflakes.
Alternatively, choose a Schwarz Etienne and one of the models from its La Chaux-de-Fonds collection which celebrates Swiss expertise and a world-renowned heritage. This three-dimensional watch plays on contrasting textures and colours, while its tourbillon is nothing less than a work of art.
To infinity and beyond
Metallic is another of this season’s hottest trends. Go galactic with a silver coat that smacks of space missions and is sure to get you noticed. Our recommendation for a suitably starry timepiece to match is the DB25 Moon Phase Starry Sky or a DB28XP Meteorite by De Bethune. The dial of the latter is crafted from an authentic fragment of meteorite which, being composed mainly of iron, has been blued like steel before being constellated with a Milky Way.
Saturday night fever
For heading out after dark, why not put some sparkle into 2022. Sequins, glitter, feathers… when it comes to livening up the dancefloor, anything goes. Don’t be shy! We recommend the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon as the perfect match.
Indeed, why choose between a jewellery watch and mechanical complications when you can have both? This is the first Royal Oak Concept and the first flying tourbillon for women from Audemars Piguet. The collection comprises six references, each lavished with different colour combinations of precious stones on the case, dial and even the movement components. And if that isn’t enough to turn heads, there is always the manual-winding Calibre 2951, the spectacular, manual-winding and openworked movement with flying tourbillon.
Red alert
With the holiday season fast approaching, red is a colour that is certain to warm hearts and bring joy. In Italy, it’s traditional for men and women to wear red undergarments on New Year’s Eve to bring them luck, love and prosperity for the twelve months to come. But be warned! It only works if the said undies were given as a gift!
What better way to honour this tradition and make Italians proud than to offer an Omega De Ville Trésor in bold, bright red. It displays all the classic features of the Trésor collection, with its very own treasure of 38 single-cut diamonds along the case sides. Red Roman numerals stand out against the lacquered white dial with more red for the leather strap. The result is elegant and modern: the perfect treasure to uncover on Christmas morning!
