WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
March 30, 2015
SWAROVSKI | Chic Men's Collection, Perfect for Business, Finally Arrives
SWAROVSKI
Chic enough for the office!
A Sophisticated Men's Collection is Finally Here
Three years have passed since Swarovski's watch collection debuted at the 2009 Baselworld. This year, their first men's-exclusive collection, featuring chic designs suitable for business settings, has arrived at an accessible price point.
Reporting and text by Yasuhito Shibuya
Collection Expands in its Third Year
Swarovski, the Austrian company that has taken the world by storm with its unparalleled crystal manufacturing and processing technology, is a comprehensive crystal glass manufacturer. Its products range from glass jewelry and accessories, figurines, chandeliers, tableware, and stationery to optical instruments. It is also known as the supplier of "Crystallized-Swarovski Elements," commonly called Swarovski Crystals, which are crystal glass parts used not only in fashion items like jewelry and accessories but also in architecture. It was three years ago, at Baselworld in 2009, that the company made a splash with the dazzling announcement of its own brand of watches. Since then, it has developed collections that leverage its unique crystal glass technology to create watches with a special brilliance, offering sports watches andJewelry Watchesthat can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of gender. It has become a must-have watch brand, especially for women.
In 2011, the third year since the collection's inception, numerous captivating new models were unveiled, led by the "Octea Sport" series, which features crystals on both the bezel and rubber strap for a glamorous, sporty look. Particularly noteworthy are the collection'sChronographmodels, new faceted crystal colors, three-hand models with ceramic bezels, and the highly anticipated mini size of the avant-garde square "Rock n' Light" model.
First Men's & Mechanical Collection Launched
And this year, the most exciting news for OPENERS readers is the arrival of "Piazza Grande," the first men's collection. This round, three-hand calendar watch, with an automatic movement in a 43mm case and a quartz movement in a 42mm case, will be available in two lines and a total of six versions, with a先行発売 (pre-release) starting in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and Middle Eastern countries this September.
Unlike the unisex models seen so far, which emphasize the brilliance of crystals, this collection features a refined appearance that blends sophistication with just the right amount of glamour, perfect for business settings. The faceted ceramic crown and matching crown guard are eye-catching, subtly yet clearly asserting their Swarovski identity.
All dials feature a fine sunray pattern engraving. The quartz models combine bar indices set with Swarovski crystals with simple hands. The automatic models feature broader, luminous-tipped skeleton hands paired with Arabic numerals and bar indices. Of course, some versions include indices set with clear crystals. Furthermore, the automatic models cleverly incorporate blue, a trending color in the watch world, with a blue second hand on black dials and blue indices on silver dials, showcasing excellent design integration. The automatic models also feature a blue second hand on black dials and blue indices on silver dials, showcasing excellent design integration.
With a price point in the 100,000 yen range, these watches are an accessible and versatile standard timepiece, perfect for everything from business to parties and off-duty wear. They are a must-have addition to any collection.
Piazza Grande Automatic
Swarovski's First Men's & Mechanical Model
This year, marking the third year of its entry into the watch market, Swarovski proudly presents its flagship mechanical (automatic) model from its first men's collection. The asymmetrical design, featuring a faceted crown and crown guard crafted with Swarovski's unique technology on the right side of the case, appears simple at first glance but reveals a deep and captivating allure upon closer inspection. The movement is the Swiss ETA Caliber 2824-2, a widely used three-hand automatic movement with a calendar function. The rotor, visible through the see-through case back, is adorned with Côtes de Genève finishing and Swarovski engraving. The sapphire crystal is also treated with an anti-scratch coating and an anti-reflective coating to enhance visibility. There are six variations available.
Automatic, 43mm stainless steel case, stainless steel bracelet or crocodile-embossed calfskin strap, see-through back, 10 ATM water resistance. ¥190,050 (stainless steel bracelet specification), ¥169,050 (calfskin strap specification). Scheduled for release in September.
Swarovski Japan Consumer Goods Division
Tel. 03-6419-3732
www.swarovski.co.jp
