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The perfect watch for you
WTDNJul09_FeatureWatches
The perfect watch for you
Time has a long history
People have always wanted to know the time, whether it was a caveman noticing his shadow or an astronaut checking his superbly accurate chronometer.
Knowing the time once depended on observing the movement of the sun, the moon and the stars across the sky. Today, we rely on the release of tension from a wound-up spring or the vibrations of a quartz crystal.
Almost all watches tick off the seconds, and most show the date. Beyond these basics, any add-on is called a “complication.”
For the most accurate timekeeping, say the experts, go for a quartz movement; for a touch of class and historic value, you’ll prefer a spring-operated wristwatch.
Basic to fancy
Watches come in a wide price range, from less than $100 to $170,000 and more. You’ll find all the top brands and limited-edition timepieces, including brand names such as Rolex, Breitling, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget.
Rudi Steinlechner, resident watch expert at upscale John Bull on Bay Street, explains that watches have evolved over the years to a very high degree of sophistication. Indeed, “The trend in watches today is mechanical complication,” says the Austrian transplant, who has a master’s degree in watchmaking.
The John Bull store carries some of the most luxurious lines, including Rolex (for which John Bull is the exclusive dealer in The Bahamas), and Bulgari, but they aren’t the only stars. Lined up in the display cases are top-of-the-line timepieces such as Panerai (an Italian brand produced in limited numbers); the well-known Swiss-made Omega; Tag Heuer; and others such as Gucci, Raymond Weil and Movado. As you might expect, the prices range from affordable to stratospheric.
John Bull also features one of the most prestigious lines of luxury goods in the world at their Cartier Boutique. This well known trade name is synonymous with elegant creations of quality and style. Although Cartier is perhaps best known for fine jewellery, their timepieces have become increasingly collectable. Louis Cartier is credited with creating the first bracelet watch in 1904—the Santos.
Celebrity watches
When it comes to offering name-brand watches at an affordable price, Carlo Milano and Chopard Boutique co-owner Sylvia Chee-A-Tow says her stores are second to none.
“We treat everyone like a star and we believe in putting out the red carpet for everyone,” she says. At Carlo Milano’s two locations—Bay Street and Marina Village at Atlantis—you’ll find the latest timepieces from Hublot, Dolce & Gabbana and Breil.
“The Hublot Big Bang are beautiful watches for men and for ladies, known for their fusion of rose gold, ceramic and rubber. They fit like a glove, and they are the biggest, hottest, newest thing right now on the high end,” says Chee-A-Tow.
Hublot sells for $10,000 and up, but for something “more reasonable” ask to see the Dolce & Gabbana watches, which range from $200-$300 and Breil (an Italian line), for $300 to $400. Also popular is the sporty, water- resistant Technomarine with its fun colours and designs, retailing from $200 to $6,000.
Chopard—a boutique located in the Atlantis Royal Towers on Paradise Island—is in a class by itself, says Chee-A-Tow.
“Chopard offers the jewels and the watches that stars wear going down the red carpet.” Chopard’s Mille Miglia line, reflecting the spirit of racing, is very hot this season.
Available in men’s and ladies and crafted in durable stainless steel or precious solid gold, the Mille Miglia line is exceptionally versatile. These automatic (self-winding) timepieces feature chronograph, dual time zone GMT and power reserve indicators in the guise of a fuel gauge. Certain models are available with rubber straps designed as racing car tire treads.
“We sell the finest quality at the lowest prices guaranteed. If you can find it anywhere in the world for less, we will not only meet the price, we will beat the price,” says Chee-A-Tow.
Limited-edition models
The Quantum Duty Free store, located at 240 Bay Street opposite the former Straw Market site, specializes in watches, carrying some of the finest handcrafted and limited-edition timepieces available. They sell name brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, the International Watch Company (IWC), Piaget, Blancpain, Montblanc, Baume & Mercier, Dior and Bedat & Co.
According to Quantum manager Dilip Wadhwani, each brand has its own identity. IWC has a reputation for making great sport and high-end watches, while Piaget (a luxury jeweller and watchmaker) is known for its timepieces with ultra-thin cases and Dior for its Christal line.
The 176-year-old Jaeger-LeCoultre brand is best known for its Reverso and high-complication Master watches. Reversos are rectangular, with cases that can be flipped to show either finished side.
Vacheron Constantin has been around even longer than Jaeger-LeCoultre, but it’s more of a traditional watchmaker, known for timepieces that are beautiful inside and out. “They give a lot of detail to the inside of the watch as well as outside aesthetics,” says Wadhwani.
Porcelain and diamonds
Although Fendi is best known for its Italian designer collection of handbags and leather goods, its watches are also becoming quite popular, says Bay Street store manager June Hall.
Fendi’s timepieces include the Baby Fendi, Bussola, Seleria, Pyramid, Bangle, Logo 4010, Logo 4050, Classico, Giro, Quadro, Zucco, and Stella. Fendi watches start at $295.
“The most unusual ones right now are what they call ceramic watches, and they come in white and black. We have some with diamonds … very stunning watches,” says Hall.
Most of the diamond watches at Fendi retail around $1,400-$1,500. Prices vary due to the bling factor—the number of diamonds they carry.
From trendy to formal, sporty to luxurious, large to small, there are watches for everyone in the stores of Nassau and Paradise Island. Whether you’re searching for your first watch or your umpteenth, you’re sure to find one to suit your fancy.
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