Retro vs. Modern Luxury Watch Design
When it comes to luxury watch design, the fashion world has very contrasting views on what is hot and what is not. Some fashion designers prefer modern watch designs with sleek angles and smooth curves. Others prefer more classic square cases with Roman numeral dials. Classic watches such as Rolex and Cartier tend to fall along more traditional watch design formats. Blunt right angles, bulky cases with symmetrical features and silver-gold bracelets are characteristic of this style.
Modern-design watches such as Omega, Tag Heuer and Gucci incorporate asymmetrical, ergonomic angle schemes which challenge traditional visual aesthetics. The Gucci 103 collection for example, has a case which looks like an abstract oval. Its dials vary from champagne gold with flower patterns, to silver-diamond dials on a Mother Of Pearl background. Omega design commemorative watches for the Olympics, James Bond movies, and the legendary Moon Watch, which was the only watch ever worn on the moon. Their time pieces have bulky cases, yet curved edges with innovative bracelet styles. The Tag Heuer Carerra watch has one of the most contemporary outlines, and modern dials. The chronograph version has a dial which mirrors a racing car’s dashboard and a variety of straps with spherical carvings.
More classic watches such as the Cartier Santos 100 have traditional leather straps, with deployment buckles. Their case is almost perfectly square, and a Roman numeral dial is standard on all collections. Rolex watches also incorporate Roman numeral dials for many of their models. Classic watches are also a better option when attending sophisticated social gatherings or business meetings. They portray class, taste and most importantly distinction.
Whichever design suits you best, keep in mind, not all watches should be worn in any circumstance. Some classic designs are appropriate at a cocktail gathering, while other more modern ones are a better fashion statement at social meetings.