As usual, wristwatch trend this year will be defined by two important events in Switzerland: SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) 2010 which has been run in Geneva, 18th – 22nd of January 2010, and Baselworld 2010 which will be held on 18th – 25th of March 2010 in Basel. After all, trend has been a secondary focus in this year’s topics ever since the global financial crisis in 2008.
Watch sales has been declining due to the global monetary crisis. Rec
ent data shows that Swiss watch export has drop from 19 million units (2008) to 14 million units (2009) during period of January – September. For instance, the most demanded brand, ROLEX, underwent an export fall of 42.3 percent in 2009, to become only US $3 million.
Moreover, Rolex retail price since 2006 has escalated 13 – 20 percent, which significantly lowered the buying power of middle income consumers. For example, ROLEX STEEL MARINER which happens to be the best selling timepiece is offered US $6,000 from the prior price of US $1,000.
Rolex Submariner Date 40 mm (image by www.rolex.com)
However, the second world’s biggest market after USA – Asia is predicted to start recovering from the crisis this year. With Hong Kong as the epicenter, the continent has imported 30 percent of its watch need from Switzerland. Not to mention, Shanghai and Singapore which will encounter a major growth this 2010.
ROLEX, a brand which is counterfeited the most, constantly focus on Asia as its main and biggest market. To do so, the Swiss luxury wristwatch manufacturer comes with one of its innovations: the oversized dial; it is widened from the conventional size of below 40 mm in diameter into 41 mm.
“The era of oversize has just begun and lots of products engage this trend, including Rolex,” said PIETER SANTOSO, the wristwatch expert. According to him, the trend will last for such a long period. The dial is over 40 up to 50 mm in diameter; in fact, for ladies it could take more than 50 mm. Officine PANERAI – the Italian brand of watches presents watch whose dial is 52 mm in diameter.
Panerai Luminor 1950 Watch PAM 127 as worn by Orlando Bloom incorporates vigorous 47-mm-case
Why is it the Oversized Watch? One of the reason said that it could be worn by male or female whose wrist is small, medium, or even big. With an amazing overall design, an oversized wristwatch will give macho look.
The overall design may include black or grey or white color on the dial, an interchangeable strap: leather, rubber, or metal bracelet, Roman or Arabic numbers, not-too-busy dial, calendar / date display and automatic movement. “Just remember, watch with quartz (rather than an automatic one) is more demanded if it has Grande complications or sophisticated machine,” added Pieter.
In other words, full appearance of the watch represents the elements of simplicity as well as robustness. You don’t need to worry to look odd wearing an oversized watch even if your wrist is small. Yet, a big wrist of yours will emphasize the macho look. As maxim said, “Size is everything”.
“Well, it doesn’t mean small-dial or medium-dial-watch is off the trend today. A lot of men don’t like the oversized-dial watches. On the contrary, most women from ev
ery segments love them,” said Pieter. This unisex character makes ladies look more elegant wearing gent’s watch like the 42-mm-Panerai.
Panerai Radiomir GMT 42 mm (image courtesy www.panerai.com)
Apparently, large watches are simply associated with Panerai Watch. It is no wonder as in its early beginning, the Italian watchmaker are the official supplier of the Royal Italian Navy. In fact, its RADIOMIR and LUMINOR series is notable for their use by Italian commando frogmen, who relied upon their Panerai wristwatches to execute the sinking of Allied naval vessels in World War II. Since five years ago, PANERAI has been the pioneer of oversized wristwatch. The model is so popular so that it often disappears from the market; and the price goes sky-high.
Panerai has released some variants based on two models: Luminor and Radiomir. Revolutionary fashion changes and Panerai’s success marketing large watches has also led other companies to introduce larger watches such as classic brand ROLEX, OMEGA or TAG HEUER; not to mention contemporary me-too brand like U-BOAT (Italy) and SINN U2 (Germany).
U-Boat Watch - U1942, oversized watch; 64 mm in diameter
(photo from ww.ablogtoread.com)
Those two brands have hallmarks of high-end technologies, specifically for diving. U-BOAT claims that its watches have been the choices of Navy all around the world; while U2 Watch bezel is made out of German submarine steel that is guaranteed to be corrosion-proof, as well as impervious to salt water. It is almost scratch-proof due to a process called “Tegiment” which causes steel to get reinforced to ceramic levels.
Sinn U2 Watch - oversized Germany timepiece
There are thousands of watch brand available in the market today with “Swiss Made” certificate for high quality. Their prices vary from hundred to thousand dollars. And if you have to make a choice, you’d better follow the best practice to always notice your budget. After all, the original and main function of a timepiece is to show you the time.
| source: Kompas Newspaper, 21 February 2010, article by Budiarto Shambazy |
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