The always-busy world we are living in today has made the necessity for a wristwatch almost obsolete.  Cell phones have taken its place instead, transforming wristwatches into something completely different.  Today they are seen more as a fashion statement, and in the case of vintage timepieces, more as family inheritances to be passed down from one generation to the next as a symbol of a shared history and family pride. Over the past few years modern watches have become supersized, exaggerated accessories, that in some cases make the simply task of reading the time almost impossible.

In reaction to this phenomenon many people have turned to vintage watches for their refined, feminine-chic look or at least to get that retro look that never goes out of style.  My pick of the day is naturally a beautiful example of the basic vintage wristwatch every woman should own.

Zeno - watch Basel Basic Retro

The dainty Zeno watch Basel Basic Retro Day Date has a vintage look and feel, obvious at first sight from its chocolate and cream color palette. Zeno Watch Basel has been manufacturing Swiss watches independently since 1922. They are specialists in mechanical pilot watches and oversized watches, for what the Basic Retro watch belongs in the “small” category with a modest case of 37mm. it is officially a unisex watch, but personally, I feel it would suit better on a woman’s wrist. Comfortable leather strap, cream colored dial with numbers and markers in a shiny bronze shade, and a stainless steel case. This timepiece is stunning to look at from every angle, specially the back part. There you can clearly appreciate the movement, the mechanical parts and the twenty-five jewels altogether working in perfect synergy. This is 100% haute horlogerie at a very affordable price.

Zeno - watch Basel Basic Retro -Back

Adidas Cambridge Chrono XL Red ADH2620

The Adidas Cambridge Chrono XL is an unisex watch but with the strawberry/raspberry red color I think it’s more suitable for a woman. The color is the reason why I picked this watch, it’s fun and fruity and that makes it a perfect watch for the summer. Usually people wear light colors during summer like white and pastels and this watch is a really cool accessory to jump out the light background. But also with a totally black outfit this watch will jump out so it’s something you can wear all seasons. Even when you’re not into colors like this, the Adidas Cambridge Chrono is also available in basic colors.
http://www.mastersintime.com/adidas-cambridge-chrono-xl-red-adh2620.htm

We are very glad to tell you that we are now official dealer of A.b.art Swiss Made watches! A.b.art is different and authentic, it’s not about glitter and glamour but all about sophisticated beauty, low-key shapes and materials and high Swiss quality. A.b.art is the expression of passion and care which watches are being produced in this Swiss company every day. A.b.art – authentic and basic art.

http://www.mastersintime.com/watches/a-b-art/

Fromanteel Watches, a Dutch brand full of historic features.
We are proud to inform you that we are now official dealer of Fromanteel Watches!
Fromanteel is named after the 17th century watchmaker’s family from Amsterdam. The family started
about 400 years ago – on the Dam – to produce a revolutionary series of clocks. Clocks that could measure seconds instead of minutes, which was far ahead of their time.
The Fromanteel watch label brings a piece of lost glory from Dutch history. Fromanteel produces watches with a story, the watches of the brand are built on tradition, timeless timepieces released in limited editions for an affordable price. Take a look at Fromanteel watches at http://www.mastersintime.com/watches/fromanteel/

The NATO-Style watch is probably one of the hottest trends this year, one trend I’ve been obsessing about for quite some time as well. I truly believe every gentleman should have at least one timepiece that has the option to be infinitely customized with a good old fashion NATO strap.  Put shortly, NATO straps are based upon the standard watch strap issued by the British Ministry of Defense. The name NATO derives from the strap NSN or NATO stock number that identifies this type of strap. Military background aside, NATO straps are also known as Bond straps ever since a fine looking Sean Connery playing James Bond in Goldfinger was seen wearing his Rolex Submariner 6538 with complimenting nylon strap, about fifty years ago.

Simple as they look, these straps will sure make a solid style statement. They have made a successful comeback and have actually become all the rage now. The reason is quite clear: the bright and bold mix of colors make them suitable for work and play. Besides that, NATO straps are light, have a perfect fit, and are breathable and forever tough. NATO straps are a cheap way to give a new life to an old watch or at least emulate James Bond timeless and elegant look. Either way, a win-win situation.

Choosing a good NATO-style watch was a though choice, since every fashion watch company has follow the trend, so there is plenty of models to choose from.  I ended up with three watches: for the ladies, the gorgeous Gucci U-play watch. This beauty comes with an interchangeable Green Red Green Nylon strap and offers a lot of versatility and functionality since allows you to switch the bezel and watch strap to suit your mood.

Gucci U-play Watch

For the gents out there, I picked two options. Since I couldn’t decide which one I love more. The first one is the Glycine Combat Stealth Sub, which has a decidedly military look that is fitting to the name “Stealth”. Very masculine and strong but equally sophisticated. My second pick is the  CITIZEN Sport Aviator Eco Drive. Down to earth, reliable and simply adorable. It is the kind of watch I would totally borrow from my husband when I’m feeling like doing the whole boyfriend look.

Glycine Combat Stealth Sub Watch

CITIZEN Sport Aviator Eco Drive

So there you have it. My pick although narrow, should definitely give a head start on your search for this must have fashion accessory. Just remember that variety is key here and that’s the beauty of it. With so many strap options available to customize your watch, I sincerely encourage you to mix it up and find YOUR style, and, off course have fun while you’re at it!

The warm and sunny summer weather has come back to Holland since last week and with the promise of a much hotter weekend, logic dictates that I should be picking watches suitable for the occasion right? As always I’m up for the challenge and that’s why I’ve been researching to bring you my pick of the week, the ideal timepiece to wear by the pool  while having a much needed sunbathe… a trend that may be aptly named “poolside chic”’

Poolside chic as the name suggests is all about looking glamorous by choosing the right accessories that not only complete the summer look but will also provide convenience and comfort. Rip Curl watches will help you accomplish this task easily and fashionably, and with a wide range of watches to choose from, it was only natural that I would pick two models this time.

For the ladies who prefer smaller sizes the Rip Curl Cortez is the best option. It has a medium size (case width 34mm) and it is made from 316L Stainless Steel which is the highest grade of stainless steel for waterproofing, strength and non-corrosion in marine environments. A pearled blue-grey dial with contrasting numbers and hands give this watch a laid-back, beach like look and feel.

Rip Curl Detroit Watch

My second pick and personal favorite is the Detroit model. It is ideal for girls who prefer big and bold watches. I immediately feel in love with the mother of pearl dial (from abalone shell as stated on Rip Curl’s website) in a lovely salmon pink hue that screams summer to me. The contrasting hands and details in a bright tangerine orange seal the deal, making this watch an eye-catcher must-wear while relaxing at the poolside. All 316L stainless steel, depth tested to 100 meters and absolutely gorgeous…the only thing left is the pool and a refreshing piña colada and you’re all set!

Two weeks after my visit, I am still dreaming about Paris and all the opulence and grandiosity that you can witness and breathe while you try not to get lost in this magnificent city. The richness and elaborate ornamentation I saw in every old construction reminded me when I was at school, learning about the Renaissance, the baroque and the rococo…And right there I understood why these styles are the source of inspiration for one of the biggest trends for this Fall: The Baroque trend.

Baroque designs with the characteristic embroidery and luxurious quality are the stars shining in the runways of every prominent designer and therefore you can anticipate the trend will be the best way to stand out in the coming season. Simply put, baroque is all about opulence, drama and exuberance. Gold is the first color that comes to mind when you think about it. As with every other trend, the wearer has the control to decide how far this should be taken; so if baroque clothing is not for you, you can do the next best thing and go with the accessories!  to help you with that I bring to you my pick of the day: The opulent Michael Kors Ritz Tricolor watch.

Michael Kors Ritz Tricolor watch

The sophisticated style of this watch makes it a must have accessory to mix in with the baroque trend. A Tricolor stainless steel bracelet, textured bezel and sparkling accents on the white mother-of-pearl dial add luxury to this elegant timepiece. The shiny espresso finish in the case and bracelet mix in beautifully with the rose goldtone and silvertone, and the convenient 37mm case size makes this watch a delight to wear and display. Follow the baroque trend with the Michael Kors Tricolor watch and remember: mix, don’t match!

During my visit to Paris last week, I couldn’t help to fall in love again with The City of Lights: the architecture, the cuisine…The city. It’s definitely the place to let go and just simply enjoy the simple things in life. My pick of the day therefore is a little homage to all things French, for what the French brand LIP is just the right choice.

The over 145 years old French watch brand Lip has been producing some of the most innovative and amazing wristwatches the world has seen.  In recent years the reintroduced some of their most popular wristwatches; a series from the early 1970s that remain as futuristic today as they did when first introduced four decades ago. These timepieces were created from a group of European industrial, architectural, interior and graphic designers that were given carte blanche by LIP to create some of the most original watches ever produced.

LIP Fridge Black Suede

The true to the original style LIP Fridge was originally designed by Roger Tallon in 1975 (who is also the creative mastermind behind the high-speed French TGV trains and other important contributions of the era) and most recently updated by designer Prisca Briquet. The timepiece was not surprisingly one of the most popular ever produced by the company. Tallon’s design for this watch is unquestionably futuristic and Avant-garde (and totally mimics a retro fridge door in my view) and regardless of being vintage, it manages to remain current with the time and trends. I find the black suede strap a delight to wear, but my personal favorite are the golden accents in the dial particularly the little lightning bolt detail…so retro!

LIP Fridge Wristwatch

Someone once said that looking back is the best way to look forward, and I truly believe this watch is a clear illustration of this words. Retro chic and born in France: pure ♥ at first sight!