People buy watches for all sorts of reasons, but in an age of smartphones and ubiquitous computers, “keeping time” isn’t necessarily one of those reasons anymore. However, that means that timepieces have been freed from their original use, and can fit into many new, creative categories.
We’re going to be discussing three “power categories” of timepieces that tend to dominate modern watch ownership — “high-tech,” “elegance,” and “authority.” What do those categories mean? Keep reading below!
High-Tech Watches
As the divisions between watches, computers, and smartphones start breaking down, watches become more like the other two categories. The watches we selected in this category represent timepieces that have transcended their original function to become something like a small computer worn on one’s wrist.
For example, the selection from Michele watches, the Cape Hybrid Smartwatch, is a woman’s watch that comes complete with useful functions, such as a fitness tracker, music control, photography, and vibration alerts. All of these useful features can be linked to a woman’s smartphone, thus bringing high technology to the world of high fashion.
Or for a man who wants a cutting-edge piece of technology on his wrist, the M1-1 from SEVENFRIDAY comes standard with 3 customised discs designed to read hours, minutes and seconds. And of course, the watch is powered by a Miyota 8215 engine, and is NFC (near-field communication) compatible with smartphones utilizing the SEVENFRIDAY app.
Elegant Watches
What people wear has always been judged on two axes — “functionality” versus “design.” If watches no longer have their traditional functionality, then why not push them to the extreme at the other end of the spectrum? Make watches as elegant as a piece of jewelry.
The Baume & Mercier Classima model 10216 relies on transforming the classical beauty of men’s watches into something new and breathtaking. The 18-karat red gold utilized in both the case and bezel are a brilliant flash of color, pairing well with the ivory-colored face and black leather band that comes standard with this timepiece.
For women, the selection from Rado watches, the True Thinline model R27742192, is a magnificent compliment to a little black dress. The smooth, high-tech ceramic utilized in the band and case have a matte finish — ideal for the minimalistic black charm of this timepiece.
Authoritative Watches
Watches can also be used to convey presence, leadership, and a sense of “authority.” What goes into making a watch authoritative, though? We think that the traits in people that command attention — refinement, boldness, and unpretentiousness — are key features in an authoritative watch, too. These pieces can both be found at Kevin’s Fine Jewelry, the jewelry store of choice for timepiece shoppers in the Totowa, New Jersey area.
This isn’t limited to men’s watches. the Michael Kors Jaryn collection model MK8504 is a ladies’ watch whose black stainless steel case, band, and bezel all radiate a sense of quiet strength and durability. Along with the understated elegance of the watch’s index number style and the subtle yellow shine of those index marks, this timepiece is made for the businesswoman whose presence demands respect.
The Tag Heuer Heritage Autavia Calibre Heuer-02 adheres to the masculine style of traditional men’s timepieces, but rather than stagnate, Tag Heuer takes “heritage” and reforges it into something brilliant — with a silver sunray brushed dial, 33 jewel movement, domed sapphire crystal treated with double anti-reflective materials, and white lacquer and rhodium plating to decorate the timepiece, there’s no finer option to pair with a bespoke business suit.
Now it’s Your Turn!
Do you think there are more categories of watch in the modern era of timepiece design? If you have any suggestions, contact us on our Facebook or Twitter page and tell us what you think! Also, remember to check out our sister blog, Premiere Jewelry Design, for the latest and greatest in bridal and fine jewelry fashions!