Designer Watches

Designer watches are about aesthetics and engineering, in equal measure. Ranging from the modestly priced Gucci collections to the extravagances of Corum, the venerated traditions of Girard-Perregaux to the bold new innovations of Bedat, designer watches offer something to captivate, excite, and satisfy all discerning clientele. And while you can use the Internet to browse and get some ideas, many of the best designers do not sell their watches online, so you are encouraged to go to a fine jewelry store or designer's showroom to feel, touch, and see these works of art and science for yourself.

If you are looking for a traditional watch, some of the best designers are Girard-Perregaux, Vacheron Constantin, Bvlgari, Tag Heuer, Omega, and Ebel. These companies make watches for men who may not wear any jewelry, but want a watch that reflects their refinement, taste, and class. While no man necessarily needs a watch with a gold tourbillion that took a Swiss master craftsman a year to finesse, many men take satisfaction in the knowledge that they can wear something so special on their wrist.

Designer Watches from the Conservative to the Experimental

There are a few designers out there pushing the envelope in design for men's watches. Some of these experiments will introduce bold color or interesting materials and textures to an otherwise traditional style--the Tag Heuer F1 Microtimer, or the Vacheron Constantin Essentielles collection have bold shapes and futuristic faces, but the overall design is still minimalist and sophisticated. Others, like Raymond Weil, are producing dramatic contemporary pieces that play with color, texture, and design all at once.

Designers of women's watches are typically more free to experiment with all of the design elements in combination. Of course, most designers still make beautiful watches with timeless techniques and modest adornments, even if they offer more adventurous fare as well. But if you want something bold, fun, feminine, and unique, you should look at designer watches by Corum, Bedat, Chopard, and Gucci as well as the more conservative standards by brands like Omega, Ebel, Tag Heuer, and Gerard-Perregeaux.