The art of watchmaking encompasses both artful and technical aspects. A complicated tourbillon is a respected ingenuity while guilloché work is a technical tapestry of artistic mastery. Yet, it’s no doubt that every great face should come with a beautiful body. We rounded up our favourite timepieces with their dressier counterpart — the bracelet.
BAUME & MERCIER
Arriving in colourful Summer hues that are reflective of surf, sand and sea, the latest collection from Baume & Mercier presents an interchangeable wardrobe for your wrist. The limited edition Linea Collection features three new interchangeable leather straps in gold, pink, and blue. Crafted from alligator and calfskin leather or brushed satin, the slim straps are a perfect accompaniment with their 27mm Linea watches.
HUBLOT
From Berluti and Hublot comes The Classic Fusion, a creative collaboration of emblematic leather and Swiss hological innovation. In celebration of the French shoemaker’s 120th birthday, The Classic Fusion is an exquisite showmanship of Berluti’s handicraft. Still bearing the signature bezel design of Hublot, the leather dial and accompanying watch strap takes centre stage. Available in two models, the Classic Fusion Berluti All Black and Classic Fusion Berluti Scritto, the tanned Venezia leather is expertly crafted with engraved calligraphy and incision details.
HERMÈS
We know — this one isn’t exactly a watch strap, but we can’t resist this framed leather timepiece. Named The Pocket plein cuir, this new pocket watch from the House of Hermès exhibits its crafting skills with an unusual leather sheath. The white gold watch case is encased in several layers of cowhide whilst kept together with leather stitching, and finally covered with dyed alligator leather on either side. Available in blue, burgundy and grey, it is accompanied with a white gold chain for that contemporary finish.
DIOR
Inspired by Christian Dior’s colourful childhood in his family home of Granville, Dior debuts the Granville Joaillerie and Horlogerie Collection. Filled with colourful gemstones from pink tourmalines to twinkling tanzanites, the jewelled watches are a popping sea of colour put together. The fashion house opts for patent leather straps in neon and bright colours that shake up the colour palette. Our choice? The pink gold 38mm La D de Dior model with a turquoise enamel dial against a strap that is just pretty-in-pink.
CHANEL
If Angelina Jolie is wearing it, why aren’t you? Marketed as an accessory “with a masculine charm just for women”, the Boyfriend watch is a bold yet dainty piece. Borrowed from men and worn better by women, the tweed, made famous by Chanel, triggers the revival of the historical fashion trend. Presented in an all-steel entirety, the tweed-patterned bracelet complements the minimalistic dial with its slight octagonal edges. Available in small and medium versions.
