Time may be of the essence, but I rarely wear a watch for fear of the consequences. What will my garish, diamond-encrusted chronograph say about me? And do I really want people asking me for the time?
I’ve concluded that the issue isn’t wearing a watch per se, but rather how it’s worn. Does it connect to your overall look? More importantly, is it easy to read? Here, some innovative timepieces pushing watch fashion forward.
Toy Watch
By incorporating innovative material, and exploring playful designs, Toy Watch Canada is paving the way for novel timepieces. Take a look at their Plasteramic range – it offers the charm of an expensive ceramic watch, but with a more durable plastic band. Jeweltone black pulls off the shine – without looking cheap and flimsy – while the stainless steel and black bezel offer a more conservative finish. The watch face is easy to read, with a date window to keep you on track during your busiest months.
Those looking for something a little less subdued should check out the Mavi Ceramic range, which boasts a similar sheen, but with precious gems accenting the watch face.
Every Toy Watch is driven by precision quartz movement, water resistant, and features tritium-trimmed hands for night visibility. They’re built to stand up to the elements, unlike that Timex which broke two weeks into summer camp.
Find a retailer here.
Tread 1 by Devon
Tech geeks and early adopters will love the Tread 1 (pictured above) by Devon. Inspired by industrial conveyor belts, Devon has patented an unparalleled interwoven belt system to represent hours, minutes and seconds.
Skeptical? Don’t be. A proprietary optical recognition system is constantly keeping track of each belt – you’ll never miss a meeting again because your watch gave out at the wrong moment. Devon enlisted aerospace engineers to bring the design up to the highest possible standards, and to ensure the watch would stand unmatched by anything on the market. It’s the kind of watch that makes non-watch-wearing folk (like me) want to get back in the time game.
Devon is testing the Canadian markets, so it won’t be long before you can sport a sci-fi timepiece of your own.
‘Woody’ by PlastiChic
Italian watchmaker PlastiChic has a reputation for dressing the rich and fashionable, counting Richard Branson among its fans. Riding the success of their 01 silicon rubber watch, PlastiChic recently launched their “Back to Nature” campaign highlighting a sustainable collection made from – you guessed it – wood.
A wood timepiece may sound unusual, but PlastiChic pulls it off without looking too rugged or clunky. The light toned options stand out, showcasing the features of the wood, without the tacky varnish – this isn’t a coffee table from Ikea. The light tone brings out the wood’s raw quality, which makes the face easy to read, and keeps the aesthetic minimal.
Plastichic is edging into the Canadian market after the success of 01. Prepare to have all of your wooden accessory needs met (they’re even making wooden glasses) in the coming months.
Find a retailer here.
