These 7 Fashion Designers Are Now Watch Designers, Too
Wristwatches have always been a style statement on their own. But now, thanks to a recent slate of collaborations between watch brands and the world’s top designers, watches are now more closely linked to the world of fashion than ever before. These releases are just a taste of what’s possible when watch brands and fashion labels put their heads together.
Jeff Staple x BWD x TAG Heuer
When a legendary streetwear designer gets together with a high-level watch customizer, they’re bound to come up with something unique. This was definitely the case for veteran sneaker designer Jeff Staple and Bamford Watch Department (BWD) when they combined their skills to create this TAG Heuer Carrera with a black titanium coated case and Staple’s trademark pigeon at 6 o’clock.
£6,500 GBP
Todd Snyder x Q Timex
New York-based menswear designer Todd Snyder is known for his stylish and modern approach to classic American clothes, which makes him a perfect fit to collaborate with Timex, the Connecticut-based brand founded in the mid-1800s. The latest in their ongoing partnership is this update to a 1970s model featuring an integrated bracelet, a movable bezel and an acrylic crystal.
$230
Braun x Paul Smith Limited Edition BN0032
While not historically a watch specialist, Braun’s BN0032 is beloved for its sleek, Bauhaus-inspired lines and simple functionality. A recent partnership saw British designer Paul Smith add his signature whimsy to the watch (as well as an alarm clock and a wall clock) with a colourful ‘Artist Stripe’ second hand.
£180 GBP
Hublot Big Bang Unico Camo Yohji Yamamoto
Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto – one of the few master tailors – is beloved for his monochrome palette and drapey silhouettes. His collab with Hublot reimagines their Big Bang Unico with a matte black ceramic case and sapphire dial featuring superimposed outlines of the camouflage motif, which also extends onto the strap.
$28,500
Chopard L.U.C XP Il Sarto Kiton
Swiss watchmaking meets Italian tailoring at the highest level in this first-ever collab between Chopard and Italian suit maker Kiton. To give their LUX XP a touch of sprezzatura, Chopard added a houndstooth strap in Kiton fabric and a matching dial featuring the tailor’s red button logo.
$14,300
Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Outerknown
Kelly Slater is known more for his dominance on a surfboard than his fashion design, but his brand Outerknown has nonetheless attracted a loyal following thanks to its versatile pieces and commitment to sustainability. Among its fans are the top brass at Breitling, who have worked with Slater and Outerknown on a number of new products, including this limited-edition Superocean Heritage ’57. In addition to contributing to the design of the watch, Outerknown also provided straps made out of Econyl, which is woven from recycled fishing nets.
$6,075
Louis Vuitton Tambour Damier Graphite Race Chronograph
Virgil Abloh’s influence at Louis Vuitton has been far reaching during his tenure at the storied French fashion house, and this watch suggests he’s been mastering horology as well. Kitted out in the same graphite and lime green seen in Abloh’s collections, it is the perfect complement to a streetwear-meets-haute-couture wardrobe.
$10,300
