Watch This
Major fashion designers resurrect the timepiece with new watch collections
Because every cellphone comes equipped with a clock, there was a time not too long ago when it seemed like the wristwatch was headed for oblivion. But timepieces are making a comeback — as a fashion statement. Two of fashion's biggest names are entering the fray, with eye-catching watches headed for stores this fall.
Oscar de la Renta is teaming up with Detroit-based watchmaker Shinola on a limited-edition, hand-numbered timepiece called The Lattice. It features a faceted sapphire crystal, white mother-of-pearl dial and signature mosaic crown.
Only 1,000 will be produced in three styles: a face inset with 68 full-cut diamonds and black alligator strap ($2,700), a polished stainless steel case with red alligator strap ($1,400), and a polished gold PVD plated case with blue alligator strap ($1,600). A hardcover book created exclusively for the collaboration will be included with the timepiece, offering an in-depth look at de la Renta and his work.
The watch will be available in October at Neiman Marcus, Oscar de la Renta boutiques, and online at Oscardelarenta.com and Shinola.com.
Tory Burch is partnering with Fossil to launch her first watch collection, also due out in October. "It was something that we knew that we wanted to do because I love watches," Burch told Women's Wear Daily. "It was a natural extension."
The collection will consists of nine styles, including the Tory watch, with a classic chain-link design and round face; the Buddy, with a rectangular face and a thin leather strap; and the Izzie, featuring a square Lucite frame around the face. Most of the watches will retail from $350 to $695. There will also be two limited-edition styles: the Sawyer, a gold cuff inspired by an old bracelet of Burch's grandmother ($895), and the Robinson, a gold bangle with blue lapis around the face frame ($995).
The collection will be sold exclusively at Nordstrom, Tory Burch stores and online at Toryburch.com.