This journey takes us to a really particular a part of the watch world: the dandy watch.
A typical dandy watch: the ultra-thin Piaget Altiplano with diamond bezel isn’t just for ladies
What on earth is a dandy watch?
As there is no such thing as a official, universally accepted, or legally binding description of what a dandy watch is – I’m going to coin one.
When you consider it, there are quite a lot of phrases in Swiss watchmaking that we use on a regular basis the place we sort of know what we’re speaking about, however there is no such thing as a basic consensus concerning the actual definition. A terrific instance of that is the ultra-thin watch. Does this time period apply to the encased watch or solely the motion? At which top does skinny turn into ultra-thin? When does a motion go from “common” to “skinny”?
There aren’t any set parameters {that a} watch should meet earlier than it may be known as ultra-thin and even skinny. These make nice matters to speak about with watch-minded buddies over dinner and drinks.
It’s all within the identify: the Chaumet Dandy Arty
The three meanings of the phrase dandy
To find out what a dandy watch is, let’s begin with the phrase dandy itself.
In keeping with numerous dictionaries, there are three meanings of the phrase: surprisingly, one is a nautical time period for a sort of sloop, which we are able to disregard for our functions. The opposite two phrases inform us what a dandy watch could possibly be.
Dandy refers to a person who locations a selected significance on his look. Typically, dandies choose to put on fits, of which they’re very explicit concerning the fashion and reduce, after which combining their aptitude for garments with a aptitude for together with equipment. Dandies solid a eager eye towards mixing colours and textures and are very detail-oriented.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs is an ideal dandy watch
Generally, a dandy doesn’t observe style, however fairly walks to the beat of his personal drum. Which means though elegant and dressed with nice care, a dandy by no means attire in an understated method. He’ll at all times stand out.
This already says fairly a bit about what a dandy watch would possibly seem like: it must be elegant, however not like a traditional gown watch; a dandy watch is a little more extroverted than that. This may be attributable to form, use of colour, or adapting a mode that’s presently not in style. Whereas gown watches usually solely show hours and minutes, some with the addition of seconds and/or a date operate, a dandy watch can simply have further problems.
Like the main points in dandy clothes, the main points in such a watch shouldn’t be overpowering however they are often totally different. Whereas sensible use of those problems is essential, how they’re included into the general look of the watch is much more essential. A dandy watch ought to look a bit flamboyant with out taking it excessive.
Louis Vuitton Escale Spin Time Black & Hearth for Solely Watch 2017: dandy or not?
One other that means of the phrase dandy pertains to one thing being superb or wonderful in its class. That’s one other essential side to include into the definition of a dandy watch. For a dandy, it’s about greater than seems to be alone as the standard of the product issues equally as a lot.
Relating to watches, because of this solely one of the best will do; dandies have a eager eye for craftsmanship and high quality. They’d be conversant in the necessities of the Geneva Seal, but on the similar time insist that the straps of their new watches be product of the identical leather-based as their sneakers.
A dandy dandy watch
In conclusion: a dandy watch is of beautiful high quality, respects the values of conventional watchmaking, but on the similar time incorporates one thing of a flamboyant look.
Cartier Tank à Guichets in platinum on the wrist: a traditional dandy
The dandy watch celebrates individuality and doesn’t at all times respect a traditional design ethos. This watch most of the time is an unusual alternative, because the dandy solely has to please one particular person: the dandy himself.
* This text was first printed on October 9, 2017 at An Introduction: Dandy Watches.
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