Style Voyeur talks to Daniel Hatch from The West Australian about watches.
Page 30 of the ‘EPICUREAN’ Section in yesterday’s West Australian Newspaper.
The Q&A below:
Why should business people wear watches? Time is Money.
Are they still part of the power dresser’s armoury? Definitely. If someone has a watch on they are more likely to be taken seriously. I think the wearer also feels more “official” – this applies to both men and women. The “dress for success” mantra applies.
Can you spot a cheap watch? Yes. There is nothing worse. If you are style conscious and use a watch every day, there is no excuse for a cheap watch. It almost says you don’t respect yourself. A good watch can be passed on for generations. If you think of it that way, a $5000 watch can last a lifetime but will only be $1 per wear if worn for around 14 years. It’s a bargain.
What does a cheap or imitation watch say about a person? It says you don’t take yourself seriously enough. Can you get away with a diving watch? Probably not for the office, however there is a big sports trend in fashion at the moment and I love the idea of wearing a diving watch for everyday, outside of the water. Anything aquatic-themed is chic at the moment, if worn deliberately out of context. Again, not for the office, but for the girls go for a neoprene (wetsuit fabric) type “bodycon” dress with a chunky zip in an acid hue and a sporty diving watch – it’s very on trend. (I did this interview about 4 months ago even though it was printed today but I think it still applies on the ‘sportswear out of context front.’)
Silver or gold? Definitely silver. I am not opposed to silver with some gold in it and rose gold could be quite nice and maybe work for women in some contexts.
What about leather or fabric? Neither. Fabric watches are hideous and I don’t like leather wrist watches. If you have to have a leather one, go for a tan Hermes or choose Tom Ford. They are both incredibly chic, exclusive labels and there is definitely no risk of looking tacky. If you are on a budget, at completely the opposite end of the scale, Nixon do some in rubber. These are super casual and not appropriate for the office but could be used as an accessory when colour blocking (they have some great, really colourful ones) or if you are not a corporate person and want a pop of colour for every day. I also quite like white ceramic watches. Chanel does them and they look super clean and chic.
What styles are on trend for men and women at the moment? It doesn’t change all that much. For men I would have to say that the vintage look on a new watch always looks best. I also appreciate the attention to detail in some of the more exclusive designs, however a simple face is preferable. For women the absolute ultimate is a chunky, oversized, borrowed-from-the-boys, silver watch. Think of a woman in a crisp Tommy Hilfiger shirt with bed hair, maybe some pearls and a loose fitting, men’s style wristwatch. There is something very sexy about that. Michael Kors do some nice ones.
Is there a brand or particular make of watch destined to impress? Obviously Chopard, Mont Blanc, a Cartier timepiece or a Rolex is destined to impress. If we are talking a limitless budget, Breguet or Patek Phillipe. I really like the vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer for men.
Is there an “it” watch everyone wants at the moment? Again classic is best and no one does it better than Patek Phillipe for men and I like Chanel or Michael Kors for women.
Wear it loose or wear it fitted? For men it should always fit well. For women, wearing a watch a bit looser is chic and gives the versatility of a bracelet.
Wear it facing up or down? Everyone has an individual preference, either is fine.
xxx SV xxx
