Face Time: Chic Wrist Watches

Forget about arriving fashionably late. Make a stylish – and punctual – entrance with one of these chic wrist watches.

Contemporary Chic

If you’ve maxed out on summer’s maximalist trend, try the dressed-down delights of this season’s modern minimalism. On the catwalk, contemporary chic was defined by a sleek silhouette and muted palette. Detailing in the form of zips and asymmetric cuts punctuated the unfussy outlines.

Choose a minimal design with pared back detailing. Favouring a restrained look doesn’t mean your watch will be boring, though. Understated colours such as champagne, rose gold and cornflower blue add a subtle point of difference, while delicate detailing such as textured straps add interest.

It’s the finer details that cement our signature style. A well-chosen wristwatch shows a strong attention to detail and an appreciation of good design.

FEMININE

Ornate, delicate and beautifully embellished – these seasonal inspired timepieces will elevate your look to ladylike status. Traditionally masculine leather straps can be reimagined in softer colourways, such as dove grey and sherbet pink, for a more genteel look. Now is the ideal time to indulge in a little bit of bling. Diamonds and pearls have an instantly feminine appeal.

Florals, lace and sheer fabrics made a captivating display on the SS16 runways. To dial down the prettiness a little, opt for a streamlined silhouette.

JEWEL PURPOSE

Chanel’s latest collection of watches (presented at Baselworld 2016) draws on the fashion house’s iconic motif of quilting. One of four designs in this capsule collection, the Signature Diamond Secret Watch, above, uses both sparkling diamonds and precious stones to conceal the watch dial itself (as shown above left). Part timepiece, part elegant cuff, this is definitely haute couture jewellery. Price on request at Chanel, chanel.com.

JUST IN TIME

Wearable tech is becoming the norm, so it’s not surprising that Michael Kors has introduced an u?ber-smart timepiece with touchscreen display, interchangeable faces and wristbands, as well as built-in fitness tracking, social media updates and text and email alerts. ?Why can’t tech accessories be chic and glamorous? They should reflect your personal taste as much as anything else,? says Michael Kors. Starting from €353, the collection is available in store and at michaelkors.com.

SPORTY