TREND WATCH The latest from the world of watches and this season’s finest

KEEPING WATCH

From environmental initiatives to semi-precious materials, new timepieces should tell a story, writes Oonagh Turner

After a year off from the party season, many will be looking to dazzle their peers at Christmas events with a work of art on their wrists. Bertrand Savary, president of English watchmaker Arnold & Son says that this year there is a strong emphasis on unique pieces made with natural and interesting material. “At Arnold & Son, we source semi-precious stones, often never used in watchmaking before, such as the verdite on the dial of Ultrathin Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix or the white marble to compose the 3D moon of Luna Magna.”

At luxury diamond watch company Backes and Strauss, head of design, Anna Vasiunyk has also noticed interest has piqued in the materials used. “Bi-colour watches incorporating stainless steel and rose gold have been very popular especially with a classic white dial accentuated with a diamond bezel. Both variations of our classic round cased Piccadilly and oval shaped Regent are proving equally desirable.” The Piccadilly 37 Bicolour is proving to be one of Backes & Strauss’ most popular. “Bold and timeless, the Piccadilly stainless steel with a 37mm dial is a classic timepiece whatever the occasion. The circular shape of the case heralds the iconic architecture of London’s epicentre, Piccadilly Circus.” (£12,000)

Vasiunyk has also observed clients looking to past decades for inspiration. “We’ve seen an increase in popularity for colourful cocktail watches, inspired by elegant 1930s designs but modernised with bright, fresh colours.” The throwback to the 1930s is symbolic of the need to celebrate and embrace the end of the pandemic: “Clients are enjoying going out and celebrating again and our Miss Victoria collection is a beautiful special occasion watch.”

LUNAR ECLIPSE Above: Arnold & Son presents a three-dimensional moon on the Luna Magna watch, made of marble and aventurine. Showcased on an aventurine glass dial, the moon changes with astronomical precision, £36,400, arnoldandson.com

This particular watch is inspired by the effervescent spirit of youth and exudes a distinguished grace for a modern young lady,” says Vasiunyk. “The natural beauty of the mother of pearl dial is complemented by scintillating diamonds set in an 18kt white gold case.” (from £19,380)

Demand for vintage watches also shows no sign of slowing down, says David Silver of The Vintage Watch Company. “The focus has centred around sport models in particular. Vintage Daytona, Submariner and GMT master watches have increased significantly in value and desirability along with the now famous “Stella” pieces made in many hues of vibrant colours. The trend for women to wear mens larger size watches has continued. The Stella dial watches are collected by women and men alike and the quest to find ever rarer tones of colour is an addiction albeit a good one!”

The big colour for dials this year has been green. The Piccadilly Earl of Strauss is one of Backes and Strauss’ most popular. “We are being asked for the green variation more than ever. The Earl of Strauss also has some complications, a power reserve, visible balance wheel and date retrograde so it seems to be doubly interesting,” says Vasiunyk. CEO and co-founder of Christopher Ward, Mike France, agrees. “Green remains the colour du jour – and green as in sustainability. With the critically important COP26 taking place in Glasgow in November, it is good to see a number of watch brands bringing attention to the climate crisis by using recycled materials in their models. “Oris with their multicoloured reclaimed plastic dial of the newly released Aquis Date Upcycle and our own C60 #tide watch and #tide straps using converted ocean bound plastic fished out of the sea by incentivised local fishermen are two prime examples. And with mechanical watches being among the most environmentally friendly objects humankind has ever produced, maybe their growing use is the most important trend of all,” says France. L

HIS AND HERS Above: The Miss Victoria is inspired by the spirit of youth. The mother-of-pearl dial and scinti llati ng diamonds are set in an 18kt rose gold case.£19,380, backesandstrauss.com Below: C63 Sealander Elite watch, £1,150, christopherward.com