SWATCH
Established: 1983, Switzerland
Best known for: Bold and funky plastic watches at entry-level prices.
The label is also big on artist collaborations with names such as Italian comic book creator Hugo Pratt in 2007 and Italian artist Norma Jeane last year. Its latest tie-up with Indian designer Manish Arora will be launched next month.
Designs per year: 75 each spring/summer as well as fall/winter seasons
Price range: $69 to $369
All-time bestseller: Unknown. Designs are one-off and the shelf life of each design is usually very short and thus hard to track, says its spokesman.
Latest hot buy: Swatch Chrono Plastic watches ($159 each) available in fuchsia (picture 1), red, turquoise, grey and dark blue.
Each boasts a rugged plastic watch face and sporty-looking silicone strap, making it perfect for land sports.
Best buy under $150: The Street Club (picture 2, $139), a fun, graffiti-inspired piece designed together with French street artist Grems.
It is the first to incorporate glass decoration, a technique that allows the artist to carve the inside surface of the watch glass to give drawings depth.
Sold at: Swatch boutiques |
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FOSSIL
Established: 1984, the United States
Best known for: Its diverse designs that range from classic to funky, with a huge fun factor.
Case in point: Each design comes in a quirky tin box with a retro graphic. It also roped in famed minimalist French product designer Philippe Starck in 2001 for his own line.
Designs per year: Between 800 and 1,000
Price range: $140 to $395
All-time bestseller: The men’s Dual-Time watch (picture 1, $235) that features two dial displays in one watch face set on a handsome, vintage-looking leather strap.
Latest hot buy: The 2009 edition of the Water Watch (picture 2, $175 to $195), a lava lamp-inspired design launched in 1989 as Fossil’s first water-resistant model, now re-released as part of the brand’s 25th anniversary. Available with a leather or steel bracelet strap.
Best buy under $150: The Watch Bar range where you get to customise your own timepiece. Watch faces (picture 3) are priced from $95 to $135 while leather straps (picture 4) cost from $45 to $55.
Available only at Fossil stores.
Sold at: Major department stores and Fossil stores |
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CASIO
Established: 1957, Japan
Best known for: Its G-Shock watch that was created in 1983 and said to be break-proof – American and other Nato special forces reportedly swear by it. A smaller, more trendy-looking design called Baby-G was introduced later to target teens.
Designs per year: Between 400 and 500
Price range: $43 to $740
All-time bestseller: The dive-friendly Master Of G Frogman model (picture 1) that comes with a thick rubber shielding and titanium screw-back case.
Updated once a year in limited numbers, the version launched last October for G-Shock’s 25th anniversary cost $480.
Latest hot buy: The all-black Frogman (picture 2) launched this month and plated entirely – buttons included – using the ion plating method for longer lasting colour. Costs $588.
Best buy under $150: The slim and compact G-Shock G-Lide (picture 3, $128) that is designed to hug surfers’ wrists.
The high-gloss finish means it has street cred too.
Sold at: Casio G-Force Factory |
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FRENCH CONNECTION TIME
Established: 2008, Britain
Best known for: Its modern, understated designs that make them instant classics. Its women’s watches often feature quirky, baguette-shaped crystals, a brand signature.
Designs per year: At least 160
Price range: $145 to $348
All-time bestseller: The bling-tastic FC1012B watch (picture 2, $195) which features a crystal-encrusted oversized round face with the letters “FCUK” in crystal in the centre.
Latest hot buy: The statement-making FC1019 women’s watch (picture 1, $208) that has a face cut to resemble a gem.
Best buy under $150: The minimalist FC1025 (picture 3, $145), a rectangular watch face with baguette crystals at the 12 and 6 o’clock marks and leather straps.
Classic and versatile.
Sold at: Major department stores and Gallery |
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PUMA
Established: 2006, Germany
Best known for: Its funky yet functional designs that come equipped with the likes of touchscreens and are good for sports.
Designs per year: At least 90
Price range: $115 to $278
All-time bestseller: The 2008 pink Stardust women’s watch (picture 1, $188) that comes with a square face surrounded by crystals.
Latest hot buy: The Shine (picture 2, $155 to $165), which features a jagged watch face on a wide leather strap with a metallic sheen.
Best buy under $150: Check out the latest Blockbuster touchscreen collection (picture 3, $125), which has design details such as a black face against a red rubber strap and functions including dual time, timer and alarm.
Sold at: Major department stores and Gallery |
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ADIDAS
Established: 2006, Germany
Best known for: Its Candy range, a basic sports watch that comes in delectable pop colours such as fuchsia, aqua, lemon yellow and purple.
Designs also tend to have a vintage vibe.
Designs per year: Between 1,000 and 1,200
Price range: $68 to $435
All-time bestseller: The Candy range (picture 1, $108 to $118). Launched in 2006, it has been available in over 100 colours.
Latest hot buy: The Peach Tree (picture 2, $235 to $275), a sporty unisex timepiece with a face said to be
inspired by a computer.
Best buy under $150: The Wooster (picture 3, $115 to $125), an updated version of the Candy with a round face.
Currently available in white, black and red with black stainless steel or gold-plated hardware.
Sold at: Major department stores |
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ESPRIT
Established: 1994, the United States
Best known for: Its classy, bejewelled designs that double as accessories.
Designs per year: About 300
Price range: $135 to $278 this season
All-time bestseller: The 2006 Houston women’s collection (picture 1, $135 to $219) that has a minimalist-looking watch dial on a quartz bracelet. Strap versions this year are in silicone rubber and leather.
Latest hot buy: The uber-chic Square Button (picture 2, $175 to $195) that comes with a wide half-leather, half-metal bangle strap.
Best buy under $150: The ultra-slim and elegant Tender Obsession (picture 3) comes with two rows of zirconia, a white crystal. The patent leather strap versions cost $145.
Sold at: Major department stores and Gallery |
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