Watches and fashion...
"Put on a watch" "Put on clothes"
Both are a series of movements, and they both have something in common in that they are worn on the body.
If this interpretation,
"People wear watches to dress up according to their sense of beauty."
It could also be said that.
Andy Warhol , a pop artist and leading figure in the art world, used to wear a Cartier Tank. To borrow his own words, he said the following:
“I wear a Tank because it’s the watch I wear,”
It's difficult to translate directly into Japanese, but "The reason we wear Tanks is because they are watches to be worn."
Will this be the case?
A common story about Warhol and watches is that for him, watches were not "something to tell the time, but something to be seen by others as a part of fashion." For this reason, it is said that he never wound the crown.
Of course, wristwatches were created as a way to tell time , but like Warhol , why not choose a watch from the perspective of something to dress up with ?
There are many luxury watches available, from gorgeous and luxurious models that adorn the wrist to art pieces that highlight the craftsmanship of the craftsman.
So, this time, among the various watches available, we will introduce "dial decoration techniques" and "recommended models with beautiful decorations." Please enjoy until the end.
Dial decoration
Guilloche engraving "Clou de Paris" and "Soleil"
Guilloché engraving, which is not only beautiful to look at, but also has the effect of reducing light reflection and improving visibility, was invented by the genius watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet in the 18th century. In modern times, even luxury watch brands often use machines or embossing to create their watches, but ultra-luxury watch brands such as Breguet, Patek Philippe, and A. Lange & Söhne still have skilled craftsmen using traditional tools to finish each watch by hand.
There are various motifs in guilleche carving , and the expression changes depending on the pattern carved in. The most well-known patterns are "Clou de Paris" and "Soleil" .
■ "Clue de Paris"
Breguet Classic Twin Barrel Power Reserve 18KWG Ref.5907BB/12/984
If you look closely at the dial, you will see a pattern of sharp pyramid-like rivets arranged in a regular pattern called "Clou de Paris," which means "Claws of Paris" in French.
It is a technique with a very long tradition dating back to its inventor, Breguet, and is used in the bezels of the Patek Philippe Calatrava.
■ "Soleil"
Patek Philippe World Time 18KWG Ref.5130/1G-011
"Soleil" is characterized by a pattern that spreads out radially like sunlight. The name means "sun" in French.
The delicate, regular carving of bumps and grooves gives the watch a neat appearance and exudes beauty.
Enamelling "Cloisonné"
Enameling is a craft technique with over 3,500 years of history that is used not only on watches but also on various works of art. It has a luster like ceramic and a beautiful finish like fine arts and crafts. To complete the process, a glaze is applied to the surface of a metal plate and then fired at high temperatures, but this is a technique that can only be achieved by skilled craftsmen.
■ "Cloisonné"
Patek Philippe World Time Cloisonné 18KRG Ref.5131R-011
Cloisonné , a coloring technique using enamel, is a highly advanced technique in the field of enameling. In Japanese, it is also called wire cloisonné.
It is a delicate, painting-like decoration that uses 0.7mm gold wire, thinner than a human hair, and pours enamel into the outline to create a pattern. Also, since each color requires multiple firings, only a few brands use it. Its luxury and beauty, which can be seen at a glance, are still admired and talked about by watch enthusiasts around the world.
Processing of natural stones "Shell" "Meteorite"
This is a processing technique that uses natural materials such as natural stones and shells on the dial. It is a traditional decorative technique that uses the colors and textures of natural objects to create a unique personality and charm.
■ Shell
https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/rolex/daytona-615-3/
Shell dials, which show different expressions depending on the angle of the light, are a technique used to process shells. Because they are made from natural shells, no two are exactly alike. They are used by a variety of brands because of their elegance and refined charm.
When you think of "shell dials," many people think of Rolex. White and pink dials made from white mother-of-pearl are popular, but black shell dials made from black mother-of-pearl are also very popular.
■ Meteorite
Meteorite is a material extracted from meteorites that have traveled through the solar system, accidentally entered the orbit of a planet, and then been pulled by gravity to fall to Earth.
This epic journey has made meteorite rare, with extremely unusual metallic patterns forming, making it the most sought-after stone by Rolex, who uses it in some of their most prestigious models.
Embossed "Royal Oak" and "Aquanaut"
Embossing is characterized by its block pattern. It is a processing technique that uses a special press to push up the back surface and make it stand out.
Also known as "tapestry," it creates a three-dimensional effect on the dial and creates a classical element. It is said to be suitable for mass production, but it is a time-honored decoration that is also used in ultra-luxury watch brands such as Audemars Piguet's "Royal Oak" and Patek Philippe's "Aquanaut ."
■ Royal Oak
https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/royal-oak-194/
It features a pattern called "Grande Tapisserie," and when combined with the Royal Oak's iconic octagonal bezel, its dial stands out for its beauty and has earned overwhelming popularity for its high level of design.
■Aquanote
https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/aquanaut-61/
The "horizontal embossing" applied to the Aquanote is also famous. It is one of the essential elements of the Aquanote, which combines a sophisticated sporty look with elegance. This "horizontal embossing" creates a three-dimensional design and also contributes to the visibility of the index.
Recommended models with beautiful decorations
Patek Philippe World Time 18KRG "Ref.5110R-001"
Guilloche engraving highlights the craftsmanship of the master
The "World Time" features an opaline dial with delicate guilloche engraving. This model has a long-standing popularity due to the different shape of the hands from its successor, the "Ref. 5130". The 18KRG (rose gold) case is equipped with the world time movement "Cal. 240/188" that displays the time in 24 major cities around the world. By pressing the push button at the 10 o'clock position on the side of the case, you can immediately check the current time in 24 major cities around the world.
Sales price: 3,289,000 yen (tax included)
Rolex Daytona 18KWG "Ref.116509"
Highly popular black shell dial
The Daytona "Ref.116509" is made of 18KWG (white gold) and features a black shell. Shell dials tend to be more commonly used on dress watches, but by using it on a high-prestige model, it has been established as a luxury sports watch and shines with a unique brilliance.
Sales price: 5,995,000 yen (tax included)
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 18KRG "Ref.5167R-001"
Enchanting chocolate brown x embossed
The last model we will introduce is the "Aquanaut" Ref. 5167R-001, which features a chic color scheme and horizontal embossed pattern. The pattern of the tropical band that is characteristic of this model has also been updated, and the dial design has been changed to match the new image. The 18KRG (rose gold) case and chocolate brown dial go well together, giving off a soft atmosphere while still being sporty.
Sales price: 6,985,000 yen (tax included)
summary
That's all, what do you think?
A wristwatch with beautiful decorations and finishes is truly a luxury item that deserves to be called an item of luxury. It requires the high skill and effort of a craftsman and uses precious materials, giving it a deep charm that can only be found in a luxury watch.
If you just want to know the time, a smartphone is enough, but why not enjoy the added bliss of wearing a luxury watch at the same time?
In terms of fashion, it goes without saying that men who wear luxury watches will get more attention from those around them than those who wear expensive accessories. If you have a luxury watch, I personally think it's cool to wear it ostentatiously.
Once again, I hope this article will help you choose your favorite one.