Time Squared Magazine

From Function to Fashion: How Sport Changed Watches - part 1

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:10:34 +0100

TAG Heuer, for example, provided the dashboard timing instruments for the magnificent machines of the first Monte Carlo Rally in 1911. This relationship formed the foundations of a motorsport heritage that continues to this day, and which once brought us the legendary 1969 Monaco chronograph, favoured by adrenaline-fuelled drivers and Steve McQueen alike. TAG Heuer were also the official timekeepers for all three Olympic Games in the 1920s, a mantle they passed to Omega in 1932, whose chronometers are still used at the Summer and Winter Games to this day, while in the world of international yachting, the Rolex Daytona (available in Time² Westfield) is prized by competitors for its unwavering accuracy.

As is clear from the football referees who wear two timepieces during matches (the second one is to work out injury stoppages, in case you were interested), or the elite runners who rely heavily on the information on their wrist while breaking through the pack, sports watches remain vitally important.

However, as well-paid international sportsmen find their private lives and sartorial choices under the 24-hour scrutiny of the world’s media, the role of the watch in sport has slowly shifted from function to fashion. For a professional footballer, a sophisticated chronograph isn’t used as a precise measurement of time, but rather a measurement of status. Adrian Maronneau Head of Buying & Merchandising at Time², explains the role of a timepiece for the modern sportsmen: “The business of watches can be linked to the business of cars. They say a lot about you – not only that you have the money, but that you’ve managed to get hold of one. For this reason, sportsmen now are looking for something quite rare on the market.”

Sportsmen changing the world of watch fashion

By favouring a particular brand or design, stars from the Beautiful Game or the racetrack can influence the purchasing habits of watch collectors all over the world. David Beckham arguably launched Jacob & Co on to the world stage. It didn't take long before the New York jeweller was overwhelmed by demand for their diamond-encrusted collection, once spotted on his much photographed wrist.

Watchmakers, of course, have become wise to the power of getting their products on the wrists of the sporting elite. Thanks to lucrative endorsement deals, it is difficult to pass a high street jeweller without seeing Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button extolling the virtues of TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 range, Tennis champion Roger Federer enjoyed a five-year endorsement deal with the Swiss artisans at Maurice Lacroix up until 2009, at which point he joined fellow racket star Andy Roddick as an ambassador for Rolex, frequently wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-date during trophy presentations. And Hublot has taken the unique approach of sponsoring an entire team, producing the 99-piece limited edition ‘Red Devil II’ to mark their affiliation with Manchester Utd.

Continued next week...

About the author: Ryan Bailey is an award-winning writer and presenter who has worked on websites, magazines, newspapers and TV channels across the world. Currently, Ryan writes about lifestyle and sport for Men’s Health and Yahoo, and he presents a show on The Travel Channel.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Launch Queen of Hearts

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:48:52 +0100

With limited edition gift boxes featuring a branded pack of Marc by Marc Jacobs playing cards, this fun and animated range of watches includes plenty of much loved motifs from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Playful cartoon characters and comic logos abound, along with Marc Jacobs inimitable logo.

1950's Styling - Tissot Visodate & Mad Men

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:00:23 +0100

The latest in a distinguished line of screen representations of a world that combines elegance, romance and witty repartee with casual sexism and racism and a seemingly endless supply of Lucky Strikes – including movies like “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit”, “The Apartment”, and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” – it has been credited single-handedly with reviving everything from the men’s suit to the voluptuous ‘50s silhouette for women’s dresses.

Indeed, designer Michael Kors was so inspired by the series, which debuted in July 2007, that he started offering Mad Men box sets with every purchase over $350 from his 1950s-influenced collection.

Naturally enough, the world of watches has not been immune to Mad Men’s charms. Retro is in, but it is about much more than that. Not so long ago, the theory was that the cellphone was preparing to deal the wrist-watch a killer blow, with young consumers happy to do without a dedicated timepiece.

Not any more: though many young men had already begun to view a beautiful watch as acceptable jewellery, Mad Men has also played its part by prompting a new appreciation for style that has inevitably washed over into wrist-watches, the classic luxury accessory. That the show’s star, Jon Hamm, sports a Rolex Submariner has done the trend no harm at all.

Now Tissot has caught the bug with its own re-imagining of its 1957 Visodate, originally created to celebrate the brand’s centenary and notable at the time for its combination of automatic movement and date window. As a dress watch, the Tissot Heritage Visodate Automatic is as sleek and stylish as Hamm himself.

There are four versions, two with 40mm silver cases in stainless steel, the others with advanced PVD coating. The dials are classically elegant silver or black with a day-and-date window at 3 o’clock. The leather strap comes in crocodile style and with a butterfly clasp. And the back is see-through. As an unexpected bonus, it also features Tissot’s classic ‘50s logo. Whether it comes in the retro or contemporary version, the denizens of Mad Men would love it.

Wedding Watches - On Time & In Style!

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:00:56 +0100

That all said, the watch you choose as a wedding gift can be a rather specific choice in itself. Like all jewellery it’s a matter of personal taste, though I do believe this: like your engagement ring and wedding band, your wedding watch should say something personal about the two of you. After all, it is bought as a reminder of your husband and your marriage as much as it is to please your eye.

In female terms, nothing says I love you better than diamonds. Not only a girl’s best friend, they are so very bridal too. When the question was put to me I chose a Christian Dior La D De Dior diamond watch. Not too glitzy for day time wear yet special enough to step up to the occasion. Anything more and I would have felt restricted to wear it as an evening watch which would have missed the point entirely. Like my ring I wanted to show it off as much and often as I could. Funnily enough, most girls do!

The other point about wearing a diamond watch is for those of you who have a nice little sparkling ring worn on your left hand, this is also the hand that most people sport a watch. Too much jewellery for one hand? Never! But it can 'ruin' your look if you choose the wrong one. Something too masculine, heavy or sporty will take away from your gorgeous ring. Something female, elegant and romantic will enhance your look. This is why a diamond watch will set your engagement ring and thus your 'look' off. Bearing in mind most girls will wear their engagement ring and watch day in, day out, it's not really an option to get it wrong. You want to love it in a way that’s impossible you'll ever tire of it.

As far as diamonds go check out the Gucci G-Class ladies' watch YA055510. It has 11 diamonds as hour markers at 0.11ct, diamonds surrounding the top and bottom parts of the frame, and a date window at 3 o'clock for those of you that can't resist a bit of practicality in the mix. This is a stronger watch in terms of its solid frame yet small enough to keep its femininity.

Now if talk of a lower price tag is more than appealing whilst still maintaining the diamond effect, it’s worth considering crystals. I love the DKNY ladies' watch NY4411. This really is a Wow watch! The all over crystal diagonal link bracelet and crystal framed face gives a beautiful vintage feel to it, so it could easily be worn by day as by night. Undoubtedly the crystals have the same glitzy effect as diamonds without looking like the poor cousin. The DKNY ladies' watch NY4645 is equally as bewitching but has a more modern style with circular crystals forming the bracelet.

Having alluded to the fact that sometimes, for some girls, less is more and only a hint of glimmer is enough I must suggest other crystal watches that will sit more 'gently' with your engagement ring yet like the DKNY watches don't have diamond price tags. For this I recommend the Guess Mini Rock Candy Ladies' watch I952732L1 which is classic, clean and simple in design with a white mother-of-pearl face, surrounded by crystals and a polished steel bracelet to set it off. This really is a smart and rather stylish watch.

However we must remember, one doesn’t' have to don a diamond to be glamorous. Equally many girls may not have chosen a diamond ring and feel that they need a contrasting style. Being understated can also speak volumes in terms of great taste! If money is no problem then take a look at vintage watches.

I adore the ladies' vintage Piaget watch. Its black face oozes confidence set off by the 18carat gold bracelet. This look is reminiscent of old Hollywood and a time where ladies stepped out of chauffer driven cars, immaculately dressed and immersed in confidence. Similar to this but at a more affordable price point and not quite as bold is the Longines Grande Classique Ladies' watch L4.205.2.11.7. The French being French even have an phrase for such timeless elegance - 'BCBG’ (bon chic, bon genre) meaning effortless style. This is a watch that really will last you a life time in terms of both quality and design. Like beautiful rings, you will never tire of it and if anything will make a stunning heirloom. Notably what gives it this edge, like the Piaget Lady, is the yellow gold which has historically been a symbol of wealth and class. If you like this it comes in either a white or gold face, or an all gold bracelet and is a great option for those looking to match yellow gold engagement rings and, or wedding bands. Here the gold bracelet mixed in with steel breaks the look up a little, while the black roman numerals signify old school glamour.

Of course if you really want to rock this look or are looking for something you can pass down the generations (what a lovely idea!), it's really a Rolex you want to invest in. The Vintage Rolex Oyster Quartz comes in a gold and steel bracelet with a champagne face and date window and of course being Rolex, is highly advanced mechanically. It's the daddy of luxury watches, the ultimate buy. I personally totally love the Rolex Lady-Datejust 179171, but I can't help myself with diamonds and melt at the sight of rose gold. Its beautiful steel and everose gold bracelet with a gold dust set with diamonds face let’s people know where your at.

In short there’s very few times in our life whereby we are indulged in such a magnificent way that we almost feel we are owed it, and a wedding is one of them. Entirely guilt free its an event which almost demands splashing out as part of the process. So take advantage, and choose a great gift when its offered to you – and trust me it will be!

Astrid Joss is the Shopping Editor for Brides Magazine

Online Exclusive - Brand New DKNY Watches

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:56:34 +0100

The black dial, rose gold and steel styles (the snappily named unisex NY4989 and men's NY1448) look like they could well have graced your grandad's wrist (that is, if your grandad was Gene Hunt circa 1967), and their lighter-faced steel cased counterparts form the perfect match to this season's heritage look - all for under £150!

Other faves from the collection are the new feminine 'dot-linked' DKNY ladies' watches - available in gold or silver, with two bracelet widths and we can't not mention the black ceramic, rose-gold chronograph. More on ceramic watches another time, but suffice to say - this Autumn DKNY have made matching your style with your mood that much easier - from lush ultra modern ceramic, to no-nonsense 60's cool.

Tag Heuer Look to the Future whilst Celebrating their Past

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:40:17 +0100

There is a handsomely illustrated commemorative book as well as a new “360-degree” museum in the shape of a watch. There are a number of new watches that reassert the commitment to precision timekeeping and rugged good looks that sees the brand associated indelibly with the sport of motor racing. And there is “The Showdown of Champions” which does much the same in pitting MacLaren drivers and Formula 1 world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button against each other in a somewhat bizarre horological face-off.

Then, to cap it all, there is the Odyssey of Pioneers, a link-up with US car company Tesla Motors that takes the car, and an 18-piece collection of TAG Heuer watches, including the new Carrera Calibre 1887, on a seven-month round-the-world roadshow from Geneva to London. The odyssey includes stops in major cities along the way featuring much hoopla and unfeasible numbers of major and minor celebs, and as such looks like a savvy marketing ploy that keeps TAG Heuer in the public eye for most of this year.

For the TAG purist, however, this last publicity stunt might just be a step too far, since at first glance at least it appears to separate TAG Heuer from its most hallowed traditions. After all, when it comes to cars the company is all about the high-octane, gas-guzzling speed of motor-racing. As such, it is resolutely not politically correct, a kind of Jeremy Clarkson of watches. And yet here it is linking up with the Tesla, a California-based electric car company dedicated to the outlandish idea that electric cars can not only salve the conscience but be, in aesthetic and performance terms, “awesome”. As Clarkson might put it “who are they kidding?”

Tesla, however, is not kidding at all. Its TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster is a zero-emission sports car that not only looks great – courtesy of a body by Lotus – it is also capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. “TAG”, it seems, has managed to square that awkward circle combining environmental rectitude with blistering speed. Not a bad start to the next 150 years for this great watchmaker.

The Fine Art of the Dior Watch

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:06:03 +0100

Over the years, couturier Christian Dior has been known more for the first than the second. After the inelegant practicality that characterised women’s clothing through the Second World War, the voluptuous silhouettes of his “New Look” redefined women’s style, and with it the female shape, through the ‘40s and ‘50s. Since then, the house of Dior has become a byword for a recognisably French definition of chic.

That goes for its watch collection as much as the rest of Dior’s now broad palette of products, witness the timepiece released just this month by the Parisian fashion house. Dubbed the “Christal 8” in homage to the couturier’s passion for art and the number ‘8’ that he always considered lucky, this is a wonderfully original design that harks back to the art deco styling of his youth and early manhood

It comes in two models: one, in a very limited edition of just eight pieces, featuring a yellow gold case, a dial in red coral and ivory laquered with mother-of-pearl and gold leaf, and a black python strap, the other with a mother-of-pearl dial and a bezel set with diamonds. Though this is clearly a watch designed more for elegant soirees than early morning swims, it is also water-resistant to 50m.

At the same time, this is a watch that will also appeal to the practical side of watch buyers, its movement – the first “Dior 8 Fuseaux Horaires” calibre, designed by Orny and Girardin – allowing for the display not just of local time, but of the time in eight cities around the world, and of night and day, via a satellite that rotates through 24 hours.

The only question here is just how lucky the number 8 was for Dior, who died at the indecently young age of 52 from a heart attack in a health spa.

Bell & Ross Ceramic Military Chic

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:16:51 +0100

We've also been pretty excited by the classic military styling we've seen coming through for the new AW10 season - there'll be plenty more on this theme featured within the TIME² blog soon - amongst others, Gc and Burberry have got some gorgeous pieces coming through in the next few weeks! But, that's for later - as is the gorgeous new BR03-92 Military Ceramic from Bell & Ross - also soon to be available at TIME².

Part of me thinks old school Action Man, and vague memories of cadets and military fatigues - and the other part of me thinks - yes, this is a man defining watch. Traditionally green's a tricky colour - but given the trend towards vintage leather and earthy colours - matching this'll be a synch!

For more info, see the Bell & Ross website

To register interest in this limited edition piece email contact@time2.co.uk

iPhone Apps for Watch Fans

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:13:58 +0100

Bell & Ross was among the first out of the blocks last year with a simple app that allowed a user to download a small selection of watches, tell the time, and activate the winding mechanism with a shake of the watch.

It’s now up to version 2.1, which also showcases the BR03 Type Aviation. It allows for the use of the chronometer, timer and alarm, and includes technical notes, a 3D clip on the brand, and a localisation function for finding B&R stores worldwide.

Breitling was another early adopter, devoting its iPhone app entirely to the promotion of one watch; its new Chronomat B01. It includes everything you would ever need to know about this high-end chronometer, from technical information to a 360 degree viewing facility, as well as a customisable feature that allows you to play with myriad different versions of a watch available in numerous materials and with 18 different dials.

Piaget's new sports watch – the Piaget Polo 45, a departure for this classic brand in titanium, injected rubber and steel - also gets its own app. Interestingly, it also comes with a novelty feature, a flyback function that allows an iPhone user accurately to measure time while the chronograph is in motion by pushing the reset push-button.

Any number of other brands, from Rado to Dior with the new diving model of its Chiffre Rouge, are piling in behind. It is Jaeger-LeCoultre, though, that has taken this booming new promotional medium to new levels. Its newly released app hosts a watchmaking school where a user can learn all about these spectacular timepieces from the point of view of an apprentice watchmaker.

It features great models of the past, from the Reverso Squadra to the Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 to the Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic, as well as a dictionary of horology and six separate classes for the neophyte. This kind of brilliant novelty might be only the beginning, however.

We are likely to see increasingly innovative apps emerging as time goes by. After all, for the world’s luxury watchmakers, the iPhone app is a no-brainer in terms of cultivating an existing fan base and luring in a new generation of aficionados. As one eager Bell & Ross fan put it on the iTunes website: “Unlikely I’ll ever be able to own a B&R wristwatch. But this app lets me truly feel like I already do.”

Tissot Augmented Reality @Selfridges

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:52:26 +0100

So - is this the next best thing to trying on the real deal? And while the absence of a webcam may cause users something of a problem, with the rapid growth of smart phone camera technology (watch out for forthcoming App article for more on this...), Tissot's use of AR is firmly in line with their cutting-edge advances in technology matched with a lengthy Swiss watch-making heritage.

We'll soon be launching a new range from Tissot here on TIME² - keep up-to-date with the latest news and views by following us on Facebook, Twitter or sign up for the newsletter.

What Does Your Watch Say About You?

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:30:29 +0100

I'm not entirely sure what the contempt was directed at - perhaps it was the bump (did they fear it was contagious?) but I suspect it may have been the watch. It's one I used to wear for running or swimming as it has a heart rate monitor strap, and I'd forgotten that having had a little splash around that morning, I was still wearing it. This, clearly, made me persona non grata in the fashion world - chunky plastic digital displays were sooo last season, darling - and it's probably lucky I wasn't instantly drummed out of town by a baying but terribly well-dressed mob.

Having popped upstairs to look at my jewellery cupboard - some people have boxes, I seem to have a whole cupboard - I've discovered I have no fewer than nine watches. The Nike one, of course, plus it's successor, a whizzy Garmin Forerunner, which looks almost like an ordinary watch but can actually control time and space. Or maybe it's just measure your speed - I get confused by the instructions. Then there is my lovely Marc Jacobs (oh ok, Marc by Marc Jacobs, I'm strictly a diffusion line girl) - a simple pendant watch which reminds me pleasingly of one of those nurse's fob watches, only on a longer chain. If the sports watches say "I'm a geek" I like to think this one redeems me a little in the fashion stakes. It works brilliantly as a pendant, with the added bonus of telling you the time - win-win!

Then there is the beautiful antique bracelet-style watch, a gift from my husband, but which is too precious to be worn everyday. There are far more expensive watches, of course, but this one has to me a sentimental value of approximately the UK's national debt. It's silver, with a tiny mother-of-pearl face and in truth I do have to squint at it to actually make out the time - but knowing what the time is, is SO not the point of this watch.

Ah, next up, there's the embarrassing watch. I think everyone should have an embarrassing watch, if only to share my blushes. Mine is a bright blue, plastic panda-cartoon-covered one bought in Hong Kong airport for about 25p of loose change. Lurid though it is, it does have the benefit of mysteriously NEVER needing a battery change. When this watch is dug up by the archaeologists of the 31st Century, pondering our mysterious lost civilisation, it will still be running. It will also still be hideous. As soon as my daughter is a bit bigger, she is getting this one to play with and wear, as it was clearly designed for someone several decades younger than me, with no awareness of style whatsoever.

Next to it in the drawer is a once-beloved and now rather manky Casio Baby-G that, in my younger days, made it round the world with me three times. It's coped with scuba diving, being bashed on coral and the assault of an amorous turtle who appeared to mistake me for a potential mate - though I don't think I want to consider the implications of that. Despite its faded colour and battered and turtle-chewed strap, I'll never throw it away because of the memories and locations it evokes. Then there is the watch from my parents for a teenage birthday - very plain, very simple, gold casing, with a black leather strap and nice roman numerals on the face. Looking at it now, it's actually rather Calvin Klein-esque, only with a chip in the glass which really needs to be sorted out. What this watch says about me is "really, you ought to take better care of your possessions" - only in a chiding parental tone of voice. Sorry Mum.

Though I've been hunting and can't find it, somewhere in my house is also my very first watch. I forget which birthday it was, but I had spotted it months before in the World Wildlife Fund catalogue (spotting a panda theme yet?) and probably dropped a spectacular number of hints about it. It was plain white, the face had no numbers - probably not a practical design idea for young girls - but it had, yes, a panda on it. I LOVED that watch and wore it for years and years, until the white strap turned grey - I think the Calvin Klein-esque model may even have been an attempt by my parents to smarten up my wrists. But while the last battery has long since ticked it's last, I'll never throw that one away. That watch sums up my panda-obsessed childhood and brings back memories of proudly showing it off in the school playground. I just hope I can find it again. Finally, I have a couple of plain, leather-strapped, elegant but broken watches found in my grandmother's dresser, that I have been meaning to take to be mended for years.

The conclusion I come to is that, to me, watches are like perfume. Some people have a signature scent, which they religiously apply every day, stocking up only when supplies are low. I, however, am less loyal, more of a magpie - I have more perfume bottles even than watches, and what I wear depends on the mood, the weather, the occasion and the outfit. And exactly the same applies to watches. The vintage watch gets worn for special occasions - birthday meals, anniversaries and so on - while the cheapo plastic one is strictly for occasions when time-keeping is essential but I won't be meeting anyone I know. Sports watches are for, well, sport of course. If your watch says something about you, why should you only have one voice talking on your behalf - I, for one, am far too opinionated to think that one watch could possibly say enough about me.

The other conclusion I draw is that I really need a new, stylish, but everyday watch. Now where on earth could I get one of those?

Kate Carter is the Life & Style Editor for Guardian.co.uk

Burberry's New Breed

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:28:02 +0100

Now, though, just over a year after the beginning of this beautiful friendship, she is gone, released from her obligations for reasons still unclear and heading off into the sunset with only an armful of trench coats and a hefty cheque for her trouble. Her replacement is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who, despite a name that speaks impeccably of English toffery stands out like an exotic flower among Burberry’s more pallid cast of spokesmodels and spokesmusicians.

A former Victoria’s Secret model and film starlet – and who among us is not eagerly awaiting the release of Transformers 3? – she may signal a new departure for Burberry which despite a makeover that has taken it some way from its classic origins is still indelibly associated with clean lines and its characteristic plaid.

We wouldn’t bet on it though. At least judging from its watch collection, this is a brand that is still acutely aware of its strengths and of the secret of its enduring appeal.

So, the current collection includes a round sport chronograph that has none of the business of so many chronographs but has a clean look that is classic Burberry. The gold-plated bracelet watch, with the Burberry plaid pattern engraved on case, dial and bracelet also runs true to form. Even the more cutting edge models echo the brand’s defining qualities, witness the sleek black ceramic watches with the legendary Haymarket check links, previewed at our Long Acre event earlier this month and due on this site later this year.

Time to Rewind - The Vintage Trend

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:13:13 +0100

Oversized shear lined collars and luxurious leathers in earthy hues evoked a yearning for all things vintage and this trend deserves only a classic and exquisitely made timepiece to adorn your wrist. The rich alligator straps in Longines Grande Classique collection exude luxury and the authentic vintage Piaget with 18ct gold bracelet will instantly add a touch of classic elegance to any outfit. Embrace the vintage trend by investing in a fine watch that will stand the test of time.

Designer - Burberry Prorsum

Watches featured:

The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing the Perfect Timepiece

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:06:06 +0100

After all, we all know how difficult it is to choose an outfit to wear, never mind having to select just one accessory that goes with nearly everything in your wardrobe! Don’t press that panic button just yet as we are on hand to give you the ultimate guide to purchasing the perfect timepiece.

Tick, tock, tick tock... let’s get started. A professional stylist would first analyse the trends and consider the client’s needs. Are you looking for glamour, function or perhaps heirloom appeal? A watch not only says something about your inner self, but also needs to complement your lifestyle and look good in the process. The four largest trends this season are brights, white, rose gold and black; along with classic silver that always stands the test of time. It’s all about making a statement , whether blatantly or subconsciously. Think larger faces, thicker straps, attention grabbing chronographs and the move to a more masculine size watch.

Trends

Colours: With TOY leading the way and many more brands deciding to follow suit, this trend is popular with all age ranges. It’s become fashionably acceptable to wear a fluro watch (even if you are over 30!) and brands like LTD Watches, Timex and Marc by Marc Jacobs will give you that rainbow colour fix! Don’t be afraid to experiment.

White: If all this fluro talk makes you reach for your designer shades, fear not! Opting for a white watch is slick and sophisticated and can have just as much impact. Keep the bezel white, the strap thick and maybe a sprinkling of diamonds if you want to splash out. The Chanel J12 and Michael Kors have amazing ceramic styles with a modern twist.

Rose Gold and Black: The lust for this trend grows season after season and it’s easy to see why. The popular mix of black rubber and rose gold is a sure-fire winner, along with larger faces, chronographs and extra dial options. A completely different vibe than the other two trends, but with just as much va va voom. Don’t be afraid to pop over to the men’s counter to try one of their styles – make a b-line for Hugo Boss and Gc and you can’t go wrong.

Silver: With the huge growth in the sales of fine and vintage watches we couldn’t leave out the most staple of all colours in the watch market. A re-occurring trend season after season, a silver watch epitomises the little black dress and is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. Updated this season by either being a vintage classic like Baume et Mercier or a sturdy staple like Tag Heuer. Make sure you check out the men’s lines for the larger bezels and chunkier straps. These watches are investment pieces and will last you a life time.

Steal their Style

Just like any other trend we are always on the look out to see what’s popular in the celebrity world of watches and to see whats hot and whats not. The movers and shakers of the watch world more often than not have super glamorous celebrity faces behind their advertising campaigns. Take Cindy Crawford behind Omega and Audrey Hepburn behind Longines. Who wouldn’t want to aspire to wear the same watch as their idol?

Watches in the celebrity world have become status symbols as well as style items, and while they can be classed as a fashion accessory they also carry with them a tag of wealth and importance. The style and brand you wear can say a lot about you. Take a leaf from Whitney Port (from the television reality show The City) seen at the MTV awards wearing a gold and silver vintage Rolex which virtually matches her dress. The result? Cool, stylish and chic. It’s not always about the amount you spend but how and what you wear it with.

Choosing the perfect watch

Now down to the practicalities –how to choose your wrist wear. You need consider your lifestyle, your needs and of course your budget. If you are after a trio of time pieces and are considering day-to-night options your choices are vast. Consider glam evening styles, casual daywear and sports-inspired timepieces. But if like the majority of us, one watch needs to service all your needs then don’t panic there are plenty on the market to suit all.

For an everyday solution that will compliment your wardrobe, opt for white, black or the metals. However if your wardrobe is already a haven of monochrome, consider colour and embellishment to add to your accessory armoury.

Price will determine the brands you look at and is a good starting point in any watch decision. Does it simply need to sit there looking beautiful or do you need the extra functions like waterproof guarantees, date and alarm settings or automatic mechanisms. These are all things that you need to consider, but don’t get too bogged down – remember, the main attribute to having a watch is that you feel fantastic wearing it! After all your watch is probably the only gadget that we have with us at all times so you need to love it.

My golden rules for your final decision would be to take a look at your wardrobe and see what will compliment the majority of it. Spend less on the fashion coloured watches and more on the vintage, silver or rose gold that can easily be mixed and matched with many differing outfits. The reputation of a brand is always something to trust and should influence your decision, and speaking to an expert is worth its weight in watch gold! There’s never been a better time to shop.

Nicole Smallwood is the Fashion Market Editor for Marie Claire

New Video: Take a Tour of our Westfield Store

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:20:04 +0100

Click on the following link for more details regarding our Westfield - The Village luxury watch store.

Bloggers Watch Fashion Preview @Time2

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:27:23 +0100

TIME²'s fashion watch buyer Keira Payne-Gibbs took us on a tour of the hottest trends coming through for AW10 - colour stays HOT from summer into winter, ceramic is the über cool material for those in the know and retro has morphed into both military chic (Burberry Prorsum anyone?) and 50's Hollywood cool for this season's newest ranges. We'll be publishing more posts on each of the ranges in the coming weeks - keep close! twitter facebook

Summer Hues for the Winter Blues

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:29:23 +0100

Tory Burch showed an orange sweater and skirt complete with matching leggings and lipstick. and as the way to wear colour this season is head-to-toe, matching accessories are a must. Brands such as Michael Kors and Nixon have a vibrant array of watches from a sunny yellow acrylic Michael Kors chronograph to a sporty Armani in a juicy pink hue. Not only does colour blocking look striking it’s also the perfect way to brighten up the duller days!

Images:

Halston Autumn/Winter 2010 and Michael Kors 5266
Charles Anastase Autumn/Winter 2010 and Michael Kors 5274
Tory Burch Autumn/Winter 2010 and Juicy Couture 1900613
Brian Reyes Autumn/Winter 2010 and Marc by Marc Jacobs MBM2505
Mark Fast Autumn/Winter 2010 and Emporio Armani AR5880

U-Boat U-42 Lands this Autumn

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:35:11 +0100

Modelled on its gargantuan predecessor – reputedly equipped with the world’s largest sapphire glass – the U-42 at 53mm, is at once more modestly endowed and the more stylish for it. And if it also comes in limited quantities, its 999 pieces makes it a touch less ostentatiously select than the 29-piece U-1942.

Baselworld 2010 featured another U-Boat launch that had the watch world talking in the shape of the U-42. Modelled on its gargantuan predecessor – reputedly equipped with the world’s largest sapphire glass – it is, at 53mm, at once more modestly endowed and the more stylish for it. And if it also comes in limited quantities, its 999 pieces makes it a touch less ostentatiously select than the 29-piece U-1942.

The year 1942 is an iconic one in the U-Boat story, in which Ilvo Fontana was commissioned to design a new watch for Italy’s naval pilots. The watches were never made, but the story goes that Italo Fontana, Ilvo’s grandson, based the first U-Boat models, not to mention the concept for the brand, on the prototypes for that pilot’s watch. The U-42 stands firmly in that tradition.

Its titanium case, bi-directional diver’s bezel and distinctive winding crown – based on a flexible joint that allows it to be swung outwards at 90 degrees for winding and then back into a protected position – give it the look of a piece of submarine hydraulics. Water resistant down to 300m like any good commando watch its rugged looks are completed by a galvanised brass dial finished with a bright enamal coating.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Lady

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:38:36 +0100

The famous revolving square case is now paired with a set of inter-changeable straps, and with the Reverso Squadra Lady available in 2 case sizes, Jaegar-LeCoultre have created a watch that in its smaller scale, perfectly caters to the demands for a feminine classic while the, shall we say – more generously proportioned model - will appeal to those women wishing to sport a more eye-catching style.

Available in a variety of luxurious materials, the Reverso Squadra’s inter-changeable straps really allow the wearer to co-ordinate her outfit in its entirety – and so shift effortlessly from day to evening wear.

For more details and availability email contact@time2.co.uk

Top Fashion Advice in our Long Acre Store

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:55:57 +0100

Uniquely placed to understand the relationship between catwalk fashion and the fashion houses' watch collections, Gianluca highlighted the hot styles causing a stir this summer. Customers were given a guided tour of some of the key pieces from amongst others, Michael Kors, Gucci, U-Boat and Toy Watches. Advising that carefully thought through outfits should be completed by the right watch choice, and that watches not only add the finishing touch but also declare so much about the wearer's personality; Gianluca when asked to pick a favourite, chose to match his classic summer tailoring with a beautiful Tissot Visodate - a modern re-working of a 1957 classic (and coming soon to time2.co.uk)!

For more pictures see our Flickr page.