Watch This

By Anne Grant

A luxury watch (e.g. Blancpain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe) remains a classic and chic fashion symbol embodying the power of appearances. A wardrobe essential for all men who have about them an air of style, sophistication and strength, the high-end timepiece becomes a fundamental means by which to communicate power to one’s contemporaries. Once a man reaches a certain level of success in his life, a high-end watch communicates that not only has he reached the upper echelon of achievement, but also that he looked pretty damn sexy on the way up. Although men’s fashion has evolved greatly in recent years, opportunity for self-expression in this realm remains limited in comparison to the varied and eclectic options available to women. While the latter slip into red soles or out of silk tights—of which colors and styles are inexhaustible—on their way to the top, the former are presented a far more restricted selection for self-expression. In this sense, a vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre (pictured) becomes both a wardrobe staple and a symbol of identity and elegance—as basic as an impeccably tailored power suit and as emblematic as an offshore bank account. Quite simply, the high-end timepiece denotes authority, strength and timeless sophistication.