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The retro look has been reimagined for adults. If you're into childhood nostalgia (🙋), prepare yourself: Timex has created a series of watches featuring the Peanuts gang and we cannot. get. enough. The partnership reintroduces a series of character watches featuring the likenesses of Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, and of course, everyone's favorite beagle, Snoopy. The very first Timex Peanuts watches were released back in the early '70s and enjoyed a strong re-sale market: Search for them on eBay now and you'll find old-school options still in their original boxes, and with an original price tag of $17, going for $145.  Chances you, you probably definitely spend too much time on your phone and/or tablet and/or laptop (you're reading this on something of the sort right now). And while that's just a fact of life, sometimes it's nice to stop checking emails on 17,000 various gadgets and get back to basics. These 11 streamlined watches are eye-catching in their simplicity. (And tell time just as well as your smartphone.)   This fall, buying a luxury watch just might make you a do-gooder. The biennial Only Watch charity auction takes place in Geneva on November 11th, and each of the 49 timepieces up for grabs was created especially for the event. Proceeds help fund research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes muscles to gradually waste away.
And even if you're not in the market to do some serious spending, there's no harm in looking, right? Keep scrolling to see 9 of the most dazzling watches for sale: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/g10318155/only-watch-charity-auction/ The New York-based space offers an incredible look at the history of watchmaking.  In describing his brand's signature aesthetic, Larry Pettinelli, U.S. President of Patek Philippe says simply, "We're an understated watch. You don't buy it to be showy or for conspicuous consumption." However, starting this week, the otherwise discrete brand is presenting itself quite publicly in a new pop-up museum in Manhattan. "The Art of Watches Grand Exhibition," to be held at New York's Cipriani 42nd Street location from July 13-23, is a throwback to the days of World's Fairs that introduced new advancements in technology and ground-breaking products—except this time, it's for fans of fine watchmaking. It's the equivalent of Willy Wonka opening the gates to his illustrious chocolate factory, and it's free to the public. http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/news/a56273/patek-philippe-new-york-museum-history/ The Ref.5522A brings a contemporary American sensibility to the traditional pilots' watch: The original 56mm case has been reduced to a more wrist-friendly 42mm and paired with a rugged brown strap, arabic numerals and baton-style hands also recall the original models, and a new navy blue dial matches the color of fighter planes from the same period.  In the works for over two years, it's shoppable now.  Louis Vuitton, a brand known for its luxury suitcases, bags, and accessories, entered the world of high-tech technology earlier this week with a new wristwatch called the Tambour Horizon. The launch of the smartwatch celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the Tambour Watch collection that is marked by a sense of global connectivity, and it certainly stays true to its travel roots. "With its Tambour case made in Switzerland and components assembled in Silicon Valley, the Tambour Horizon successfully combines the very latest in advanced technology with the demands of traditional watchmaking," says Hamdi Chatti, VP of Watches at Jewelry at the brand. http://www.elle.com/fashion/accessories/news/a46566/louis-vuitton-smartwatch-tambour/  Here's your first look—plus some handy travel advice from Geller himself.  Robert Geller has been to Japan 40 times over the last decade. It makes sense, considering the NYC-based designer's namesake clothing line is produced there. And it's why, when it came time for him to create the very first G-Steel collaboration with Casio, he looked to the land of the rising sun for inspiration for his limited-edition G-Shock x Robert Geller timepiece. Based on multiple trips to Tokyo to work on his men's fashion collections, Geller's input adds his contemporary sense of style to "the toughest watch of all time." Tokyo's magic hour—the time just before sunrise—plays a very significant role in his G-Steel collaboration, Geller explains. "My favorite time in Tokyo is walking through the city in the middle of the night when its impossible to sleep because of the jet-lag. This idea of walking late at night when it starts to quiet down a little bit: You still have the smells from the Japanese barbecue and the trees and the neon lights are still on, but it's got this magical, almost serene feeling." http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/a56165/g-shock-robert-gellar-g-steel/  See the vintage ads to prove it.  When a design is strong enough, it stands the test of time and can feel as modern today as it did a hundred years ago. Case in point: These luxury watch ads from the past century prove elegance is always en vogue—you can still buy a version of what they're selling. Here, 9 of the most striking vintage ads that have been released over the years, and the modern versions of the brand's watches today. http://www.elle.com/fashion/accessories/g30008/vintage-watch-ads/  Your horoscope can predict more than just lucky-in-love days. It can also help guide you to the perfect investment piece. So whether you're a fiery Aries or a Taurus with your feet planted firmly on the ground, your zodiac sign will determine what *look* is meant for you. Click through to find astrology-approved timepieces that suit your sign.  It's a collaboration between Bremont and Norton Motorcycles, and it's totally badass. On a small charming island off the coast of England, tourists and townsfolk gather in the early summer—not for a relaxing seaside getaway, but to witness a yearly motorcycle competition known as the world's deadliest race. Each year since 1907, The International Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (also known as "TT") takes place: It's a traditional time trial race in which speeding motorcycles careen down a 37-mile course made of narrow, winding country lanes. The bragging rights of participating in the race, never mind winning, surely pale in comparison to merely surviving.  On the heels of the Jackie Kennedy Cartier Tank watch auction announcement comes a second blockbuster iconic watch reveal, Paul Newman's actual "Paul Newman" Rolex Daytona. Watch historian and writer Michael Clerizo got all the scoop on the iconic watch and its recent whereabouts and reported it all in this morning's WSJ Magazine. A charming story of an encounter with Paul Newman as a child, and a second chance meeting with a woman going by the name Nell Potts at college in Maine some years later, is how current watch owner James Cox finds himself entwined in this story. Nell was actually Nell Newman, daughter of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. James spent time vacationing with her family in Connecticut, and Paul gave him the watch as a gift for repairing a beloved treehouse on the property. It is well known that Joanne Woodward had purchased the watch for her husband at Tiffany. A Rolex Chronograph perfect for timing laps was, after all, the perfect timepiece to complement her husband's love of auto racing. Adding to the Rolex's astounding appeal, the watch's caseback comes engraved with the phrase "Drive Carefully Me," as any worried wife might lovingly and thoughtfully add.  Classic style affairs between Liz and Bulgari, Grace and Rolex. Take it from these extremely stylish women: The key to looking timeless is a classic timepiece. Iconic watches like the Rolex Datejust look as contemporary today as they did decades ago, underscoring the impressive staying power of a good time-teller. Below, Hollywood legends and stylish royals who have come to be associated with a classic watch. Each offers visual proof that sleek lines with a touch of glamour are always chic (a few styles included here are more than 100 years old).   It is said that in August of 1851, upon watching the schooner "America" win the Royal Yacht Squadron 100 Pound Cup at the America's Cup, Queen Victoria inquired as to which boat came in second place—to which the reply was simply, "Your Majesty, there is no second." And so the demand for excellence began, inspiring tycoons, corporations, luxury goods companies, and world-class athletes to compete for top honors—and the oldest and most prestigious trophy in international sports    "Fine watchmaking" might bring to mind old, bespectacled men fussing with tiny gears in a dusty workshop. Fact: While fine watchmaking does have a rich history, it's anything but outdated. Modern craftsmen are in lockstep with avant-garde fashion designers, pushing boundaries to create fresh proportions, new materials, and never-before-seen functionality—yes, quite a bit like the edgiest looks from the runway. (And, in some cases, watches mimic their ready-to-wear big siblings with eye-watering haute couture pricing, too.)   ALESSANDRO MICHELE EXTENDS HIS MAGIC TO THE LATEST COLLECTION OF GUCCI WATCHES - HarpersBazaar.com4/28/2017
 After teasing the pieces with a semi-sardonic (and controversial) social media campaign of timepiece-themed memes, Gucci unveiled a collection of watches totally worthy of Insta-fame, reflecting all the wit, humor, and creativity endemic to the fashion house. In short: You're going to want them all. The statement-making accessories adapt popular iconography from the Gucci archives beloved by fashion fans and collectors (think the signature tri-color stripes, animal logos, and Renaissance elements), paired with modern touches, like current-day graffiti art. Our favorite—pictured below—features the brand's emblematic cat head cast in bright yellow resin and a colorful, vintage-style woven strap. The result is a perfectly flashy, of-the-moment watch that plays nice with loud prints and crisp neutrals alike...and looks like it time-traveled straight out of a Rainbow Bright episode from the '80s.  They're designed for deep-sea diving — but certainly merit everyday wear. A nod to the heroism of the Royal Italian Navy, the grit of the long-distance channel swimmer, and even Jacques Cousteau’s spirit of exploration, dive watches manage to be inherently inspiring. In their first iterations in the 1920s, dive watches marked an important milestone. Advancements in water resistance helped popularize the use of the wristwatch (vs. the more typical pocket watch) by making them much more durable and practical for everyday wear. In the 1950s, when scuba diving was gaining popularity as a recreational sport, the dive watch became a truly necessary tool for keeping track of time while descending deep underwater, particularly when worn in tandem with a depth gauge. And as advancements in diving equipment and technology allowed for deeper dives, the watch industry kept pace with greater and greater ingenuity.  Introducing the Ressence Type 1H limited edition for Hodinkee.  few months back, we suggested keeping your credit line free and clear for a potential surprise launch of a heart-stopping limited edition timepiece requiring your immediate financial attention. Horological catnip to watch fans and collectors, these panic-inducing online flash sales create a buy-it-now frenzy that produces amazing results in remarkably short amounts of time. Well, fire up that Black Card, the next day of reckoning has arrived. Online watch magazine Hodinkee has done it again, this time with an unexpected collaboration with the avant-garde Belgian watchmaker Ressence, known for creating innovative watches that completely reinvent how you read the time—the hour, minutes, and seconds become a series of concentric circles each turning independently inside one another. The 20-piece Type 1H limited edition for Hodinkee accentuates this orbital system even further by skeletonizing—cutting away—sections of the discs, making the fascinating inner workings entirely visible through the German silver dial.  A sartorial report straight from Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie and Baselworld.  Here's the thing about investing in a watch: You want your purchase to look exquisite, but it should also hold up, keeping time for decades, if not generations. At the 2017 Swiss watch fairs, Geneva-based Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie and the more recent Baselworld, many of the women's pieces highlighted a classic elegance, but they also included impressive mechanics. So while a lack of bling was notable—the offerings leaned toward a simple, wearable vibe instead—it was the use of high-tech materials and new textures that proved particularly impressive.
Aesthetically, it's also an exciting time to add a watch to your jewelry drawer. Pink is making a welcome comeback and offering an attractive femininity, and a handful of monochromatic styles are the pinnacle of chic. Even better, a few styles are known for holding their value, helping to justify the expenditure. http://www.elle.com/fashion/accessories/g29735/ladies-watches-basel/  There's something of a revolution happening in the watch world. With a whole generation of potential customers who can't even wrap their heads around the idea wearing a high-end mechanical timepiece, something has to give. And at this year's most important industry event, important clues to its survival started to emerge.
Unlike the fashion industry—which can reflect the changing times by turning on a dime—the careful watch world works at a slightly slower pace. At Baselworld 2017, it became clear that the industry now has a greater understanding of consumers' shifting priorities and a willingness to look thoughtfully and respond their desires. This year's winning timepieces showcase the distinguished history of watchmaking while incorporating ingenious modern updates as well as wild advances in materials, manufacturing, and technology. They're also achingly beautiful. From the "holy grail" pieces featuring major complications that each serve a unique purpose to affordable knock-around weekend watches, here's a roundup of the most memorable timepieces, straight from the fair. Each offers vital proof that while your phone may do a perfectly serviceable job of telling you the time, watches still matter. http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/news/g3288/baselworld-watches-2017/ 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/  We Tracked Down the Real Star of La La Land: Ryan Gosling's Covetable Watch - Esquire.com2/27/2017
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/   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.  |
AuthorStephen Watson is a freelance stylist and watch editor. Archives
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