Keeping Time in Style

By Melissa Sorge

While accessory trends come and go, a luxury wristwatch remains ever in fashion. Watches serve the practical purpose of helping us stay on track throughout our busy days and adding a bit of stylish sophistication to our daily ensemble. But when we invest in a watch, we invest in more than a timekeeping accessory. Watches are defining accents that speak to a person’s character and unique personality–providing clues about one’s style and interests. They hint at whether someone is traditional or modern. They let us gauge what type of cars they love and whether they appreciate the bells and whistles of modern technology or prefer to keep things simple. Purchasing a watch is a big decision involving many factors, and these six sophisticated and stylish watches for both men and women provide the perfect mix of elegance and functionality for everyone with a passion for keeping time in style.

Breitling Men’s Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley

The “Bentley” of watches, this exclusive Breitling timepiece represents two of the most luxurious brands in jewelry and automobiles. Created through a partnership with Bentley Motors, this Breitling watch features a green British racing dial in subtle contrast with black second hands as well as dual chronograph counters. The self-winding watch’s lucid caseback ensures all will see the inner workings of the chronograph caliber: Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01. The Premier B01 offers a choice of a green leather strap for a sporty and rugged style or a high-quality stainless steel bracelet for a more refined and elegant look. 

Cartier Ladies’ Ballon Bleu

The Ballon Bleu by Cartier is a distinguished yet delicate 33 MM women’s watch set in yellow gold, encircled by .90 carats of brilliant diamonds. While this watch radiates at first glance, the subtle details apparent upon closer inspection are what truly set it apart. The minute and second hands are shaped as tiny swords of a blue-steel hue, the watch’s crown is fluted and embellished by a sapphire cabochon, and the dial glistens a lacquered opaline topped with bold Roman numerals. The linked bracelet is available in a polished or satin-finish. Symbolic of the Cartier Ballon Bleu collection, this piece floats effortlessly through time.

Patek Philippe Men’s Reference 5930

This self-winding watch from the Patek Philippe collection is the first in its class equipped with a chronograph. The Reference 5930 is a world time watch inspired by a Patek Philippe timepiece from the 1940s. The deep blue leather strap and dial paired with a white gold case and matte white font perfectly showcase the countries that dot the perimeter of this distinguished watch.  Special features of the watch include a chronograph with a 30-minute counter, day and night indication for all 24 time zones, and a 55-hour power reserve. Functional, stylish, and masculine, the Reference is sure to become a classic in the Patek Philippe collection.

Grand Seiko Men’s Spring Drive Limited Edition SBGA384

Part of a limited-edition collection of only 50 pieces by Grand Seiko, this watch is the first model by the maker designed exclusively for the United States. The piece is a blend of innovative style and traditional Grand Seiko designs. The front case is rimmed in a matte rose gold that matches the watch’s hands and Roman numerals. The dial of the watch reflects a Japanese painting technique reminiscent of Kabuki actors. Additionally, the watch is adjusted to caliber 9R15, equipped with water and magnetic resistance, and has a power reserve display. The brown crocodile band further enhances the masculinity of this distinctive limited edition piece. 

Patek Philippe Men’s Rose Gold Silver Dial Watch 5396R

This Patek Phillippe timepiece is a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the famous maker’s exclusive annual calendar watches. Just beneath the company logo, on the watch’s dial, sits an understated double aperture displaying both the day and month. A larger aperture appears towards the bottom of the opaline dial, displaying the phases of the moon. At the very bottom of the dial, at 6 o’clock, a final aperture displays the date. This piece is available in both white and rose gold cases, and is complemented by a sleek brown alligator strap. 

Patek Philippe Ladies’ Diamond Moon Phase 4948R

A complete and glamorous calendar for your wrist, the Diamond Moon Phase watch from the Complications collection from the distinguished watchmakers at Patek Philippe showcases the day of the week, the date, the month, and the phase of the moon on an elegant dial. The watch’s case is a stylish rose gold decorated with 347 diamonds along the upper and side rims. The dial is a white mother-of-pearl hue with gold numerals and small, delicate apertures displaying the days, months, and moon phases. The hand-stitched matte white alligator strap perfectly complements what just might be the most distinctive ladies’ watch on the market. 

All of these watches are available at LaViano Jewelers in Westwood, NJ.