In time, fashionably

IN STORE

Armani, Diesel, DKNY, Burberry — the names spell style, luxury, glamour. Starting out as high-fashion clothing brands, these have, over the years, forayed into a wide range of fashion accessories like leather goods, jewellery, perfumes — and watches.

These last might not be the very epitome of horology but they look good and have attitude. And with a lot of people that matters a lot. Best of all, they’re expensive, but don’t cost an arm and a leg like the Swiss models. Here are a few recent launches.

Italian panache

To start with the biggest name — Armani. The legendary Italian brand launched its Spring Summer 2008 watch collection in India recently. Stainless steel cases, black leather straps, a hint of silver and enamel are the hallmark of the men’s range, all the better to convey elegance and sophistication.

The women’s range, on the other hand, has more than a hint of bling — dials in rose gold or black mother of pearl, and so on. Available at Lifestyle and other premium watch retail stores, these are priced at between Rs 9,495-35,495.

For the man of the city

As a brand, DKNY peps itself up on having the attributes of the city whose acronym forms a part of its name — New York. So the recent DKNY launches are modern and sophisticated, with a dash of flair.

Shades of grey, black and brown dominate the colour palate of the watches, with vibrant variations including rich champagne, gold, white and orange thrown in, while the aluminum, ceramic and steel finishing used take off on the city’s urban architectural vocabulary.
Price: Rs 7,495-12,295.

New age designs

Unlike the two before, hoary tradition or cool sophistication does not animate the brand Diesel, but youth and young styles. So, expect a wide range of colours with combinations in metal, leather and crystal.

Look at the Timeframes collection launched in India, which has a variety of diamond textured bracelet designs, stylish protective grills and mineral crystal dials. It’s got a line, drawn on the Wild West, of tough watches blended in stainless steel dials with black rubber straps.

Look at the one with the digital display divided into quadrants which creates a clean futuristic look.
Price Rs 5,495-Rs 12,495.