Van Cleef & Arpels has a long history of dreaming up amazing creations, and at this year's Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, two new dazzling timepieces were unveiled along with an equally stunning collection of unique pieces from the esteemed Parisian jeweler's archives. Each of the new releases—an incredible Automate Fée Ondine Table Clock and the wearable Lady Arpels Papillon Automate Watch—come to life during certain times of day, illustrating jaw-dropping animated scenes right out of an enchanted fairy tale.
Introducing the Fossil Q x Cory Richards smartwatch. Checking the hour after his recent SXSW keynote speech, Cory Richards looks over his jam-packed schedule and realizes the day is slipping by faster than he imagined. Living life on the edge provides Cory with unprecedented clarity, a unique perspective much wiser than his youthful 35 years might suggest. After inspiring a massive crowds at the Austin Convention Center, the extreme mountain climber and Nat-Geo photojournalist is quickly able to settle down and explain his ongoing relationship with the passage of time, the watch brand Fossil, and his very first Fossil Q smartwatch collaboration.
http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/news/a53873/cory-richards-fossil-smartwatch/ Plus, a look at some of his previous on-screen timepieces. In a world where "look at me" red carpet style reigns, you might think a grand gesture would create the biggest impact. But as it turns out, the smallest details make the man—especially when it comes to being the best dressed. And even though La La Land didn't actually win best picture last night (resulting in one of the most memorable Oscar moments we've ever seen), Ryan Gosling has proven himself to be a solid menswear style-setter time and time again. One remarkably effective tool in his arsenal: a fantastic wristwatch. This tiny detail, seemingly small and insignificant, is an area where Gosling ultimately excels. Throughout his career, some pretty fabulous watches have appeared in both Ryan's films and real life—intelligent choices revealing an important facet of his character's personality or quietly respecting the dignity of a formal occasion.
http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/news/a53451/ryan-gosling-la-la-land-watch/ The Vagabondage III, by F.P. Journe, features a never-before-seen watch function: seconds markers that "jump."
There is nothing like hearing the word "no" to inflame the passions and desire of a collector, and few understand that concept better than Geneva-based independent watchmaker F.P.Journe. In the world of high-end watchmaking, quality, scarcity, and availability (often the lack thereof) are vital parts of the equation. Journe utilized these brilliant tactics with the January release of the third (and final) part of a three-part series of watches: the Vagabondage III. Introducing The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Limited Edition for Hodinkee.
An immediate product drop following a surprise social media attack has become common practice for an overstimulated fashion industry desperate to stir up excitement (and some much-needed sales). With instant-gratification, snooze-you-lose tactics used by everyone from Supreme to H&M, the surprise announcement has proven to be this season's more-successful pop-up store. And in what might be considered the most surprising flash sale yet, online watch magazine Hodinkee teamed up with venerable Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin to launch a limited edition stainless steel watch on a Thursday morning at 11:30 am—right in the middle of winter storm Niko, no less. http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/news/a53061/vacheron-constantin-hodinkee-cornes-de-vache/ These timekeepers look traditional, but they're packed with an array of smart features and advanced technology.
Important lessons learned from the first generations of smartwatches have brought about a new wave of wearable technology: the hybrid, analog-connected watch. These have all the cool, connected features and the fashionable good looks of a classic wristwatch, which means they'll have longevity even after the novelty of those smart features may wear off. Instead of trying hard to take the place of your phone, these watches work in perfect harmony with the rest of your devices. The timepiece trade show did not disappoint.
The past year hasn't been terribly kind to the luxury watch market. Business news sources continue to report a grim future, but a recent trip to Geneva's Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) painted a very different picture. The invitation-only trade show, presented by luxury goods company Richemont, not only showcased the latest creations from top watch brands but also presented innovative collections from courageous, independent watchmakers. For admirers of exquisitely beautiful timepieces, this was a banner year. A preppy staple, straight from France. According to The Official Preppy Handbook, there are ten critical fashion principles of proper prep style for both men and women. Is it possible for a classic wristwatch from a storied high fashion French luxury goods house to address all these important all-American rules? You bet your Top-Siders it is. Behold, the Hermès Cape Cod. The deceptively simple Cape Cod watch designed in 1991 and quickly proved to be a master class of these all-important prep dress codes. A few of these core principals? Neatness, practicality, and quality: Check, check, check. Excellent materials, heritage, humor? Most definitely, check. http://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/jewelry-and-watches/a9199/hermes-cape-cod-watch/ Say hello to the #SpeedyTuesday Speedmaster.
Just how important is social media to the wristwatch industry? You might want to ask Swiss timekeeper Omega. Back in 2012, Fratello Watches founder Robert-Jan Broer tagged an Omega Instagram photo #speedytuesday. Like most viral sensations, there wasn't much in the way of forethought or design—he was simply posting the Omega Speedmaster image on a Tuesday. February Esquire '17
Timepiece innovations are often the result of tweaking decades-old mechanical inventions, so when a watch comes on to the scene that completely reinvents the game - check out the oil-filled dome!- we notice. |
AuthorStephen Watson is a freelance stylist and watch editor. Archives
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