While it is often said you should look at a man’s shoes as a gauge of style, we believe it’s truly revealed on his wrist. A watch is a companion to the wearer. A trusty right-hand man (depending on which wrist you wear it on of course). No accessory can disclose a man’s character quite as a watch can. A ring may reveal marital status and a talisman necklace could be a display of his beliefs, a watch gives you an insight into what he values. This accessory isn’t often bought on a whim and much thought goes into its purchase, its contribution to a collection and what it says about the wearer.
Watches need to match a man’s lifestyle. In a world of smartwatches that can measure every metric the human body produces, a man that favours an analogue watch for everyday wear is a man who understands the value of a quality timepiece. He values the years, decades and centuries of fine-tuning that watch-making has gone through in order to produce arguably the most popular piece of men’s luxury jewelry. He values a piece that will last him a lifetime. As does Tateossian.
The motivators behind Tateossian’s watches are the same as any other piece we produce: quality, individuality and wearability. But the in-house ranges of watches were designed with another attribute in mind: cohesiveness. Every style of watch complements a pair of cufflinks. This style guide, as well as Tateossian, take the guesswork out of this crucial piece of luxury accessories. Just watch and see.
Choosing the right watch
Model and proud owner of a Tateossian watch Adam Cowie’s said it best when he gave the advice to choose a watch that looks equally good with a t-shirt, a shirt and a suit. While cufflinks and shirt sets are occasion-based wear, a watch doesn’t need to adhere to those parameters. A high-quality timepiece can and should freely transition from one area of your life to the next.
When purchasing a watch, consider your own style and needs firstly above anything else. If you have a fondness for the Midas touch, don’t invest in a silver piece. Your preference for modern vs classic styles, minimalism vs ornate should not be ignored. In truth, your watch should reflect your personality more so than any other piece you own. Tateossian offers four distinct styles of watches, each offering its own unique contribution to the collection. No matter what you value in terms of style, there’s a watch waiting for you.
Esposto
Wristwatches were not always the gentlemen’s timepiece. Originally, they were marketed as a form of delicate wristwear for women while men preferred a pocket watch. The idea for strapped watches had previously been toyed with before, it was the second Boer War in South Africa that helped increase the popularity of wristwatches. The convenience that a flick of the wrist had over fiddling in your pocket could not be argued.
The Esposto pays homage to the pre-war design with a universally admired fashion. This watch deserves the time to be looked at because at first glance you would miss all the small details that have gone into its design. It takes a more maximalist approach and encourages the wearer to gaze beyond the surface into its inner workings. The outer rim of the watch face bears the recognisable pattern of carbon fibre which adds a new-age spin on a classic design. Separating the outer rim of carbon fibre with the inner circle of exposed skeleton gears are the date markers. The multiple components do not overwhelm the design of the watch, rather they create a layered appearance. It is a watch to impress the masses.
The best companion to the watch that lets you see beneath the surface is a pair of cufflinks that make art out of the same mechanism. Tateossian’s signature gear watch cufflinks have the same charm and appeal as the Esposto watch. It’s the balance between rugged design paired with the intricate workings that are to be admired. Plainly: they are just too interesting to ignore. And if the watch is impressive on its own then, when paired with the cufflinks, this is one duo that cannot be denied its dues.
Rotondo
A watch can be more than just an accessory and we don’t have better proof of that than the Rotondo. This accessory is a small fusion of function, workmanship and a statement of personal style that rests on your wrist. The Rotondo may, at first glance, appear to be your typical Italian leather watch. But Tateossian has never been satisfied with ‘typical’. On closer inspection, you will notice that the surface of the watch face bears the repeating Guilloché pattern that has adorned architecture and art since the ancient days of Rome and Greece. It’s not only an attractive piece but also a history lesson. The Rotondo is your reliable choice, its sleek style and sturdy design is appealing as it is agreeable. This watch took a classic and beloved iteration then enhanced it.
More is more with this design because the only way to highlight the classic pattern of Guilloché is to pair it with itself. The Rotondo Guilloché cufflinks are not a true match. They have a slight difference that makes it a partner to supplement the design rather than a replication. Whereas the watch face is straightforward with its implementation of the pattern, the cufflinks add another element. The surface of the cufflinks is inlaid with Mother of Pearl which is then decorated with the Guilloché pattern. This creates a pattern within a pattern that has an iridescent gleam that you cannot help but marvel at. Every time these cufflinks catch the light, it’s a spectacle on its own. Then coupled with the watch is pure artistry.
Prezioso
The classic Italian and pre-war styles of the other watches have an antique charm about them. An incontestable appeal that most find attractive. But for the person who prefers minimalistic luxury and simplistic style, the Prezioso is the modern classic. This watch bears the Tateossian emblem at the 12-hour mark and a thin off-centre circle, leaving the polished face of semi-precious stone unobstructed. It would be a pity to hide what is the crowning feature of this watch. The natural texture of the stone gives depth and movement as well as a unisex appearance that anyone can wear. It’s the ideal watch for someone who doesn’t want to worry about cluttering their outfit. Coupled with the sleek design, the slim and lightweight construction means that it is an ideal everyday watch.
If you feel like time is running away from you, keep it even closer with a pair of lapis Prezioso watch cufflinks in stainless steel. There is no better pair of cufflinks than that which mirrors the construction and appeal of the watch. They are a unique blend of a quirky design with a contemporary style, making them a refined interest piece.
Sometimes you want more than an everyday accessory. You want a watch that will define you. Something you will be known for, perhaps even admired for. If you are a man that appreciates a true classic, who may be satisfied with his current watch but isn’t afraid to stand out, a pocket watch is calling to you. Thanks to the chain trends of the 90s and early 2000s, pocket watches have entered the modern age leaving behind their delicate casings and wispy mechanisms. This pocket watch with black IP plating shows how contemporary the style has become. And truly a piece it is. Much like the Esposto, this watch allows you to look at the skeleton gears. The all-black design transforms what could be considered outlandish in 2021 into a modern fancy. The hints of gold and silver breathe life into the otherwise monochromatic design and allow you to truly appreciate what ticks below the surface.
While this watch may not be the most convenient for everyday wear (you will come to understand why the Boer War soldiers started to favour straps), this is a legacy piece. Something you take care of. You will come to appreciate the winding process as this watch needs to be manually adjusted. It could even become an honoured heirloom.
How to style a watch
Styling men’s luxury jewelry is a matter of preference and need, the same applies to a watch. But there is some timeless advice that you can follow. Think of the watch as three sections that contribute to the whole: the case, the face and the strap (the standard anatomy). These three components may each have their own colours and textures like a leather strap with a gold case. Tateossian watches are designed to have a cohesive appearance even when juggling multiple attributes. So each component should be considered as well as the appearance as a whole.
The first thing to consider is to be consistent with your colour palette. As advised, you should select a metal that you favour. Pair gold with gold, so on and so forth. Although some watches, namely the pocket watch, have inclusions of other metals, this is done with artistic intention and careful contemplation of the balance among the elements. To pair a gold piece, be it a ring or necklace, with a silver piece would be to detract from both. The same is true when styling the Prezioso which bears a semi-precious stone face or the Rotondo with its Guilloché pattern. To sum it up: pair like with like. This includes colours, semi-precious stones and textures.