The Watches To Wear With Your FW22 Wardrobe
Looking to invest in a fine timepiece for fall? CHARLIE BOYD discovers the cult novelties and classic designs that will complement this season’s leading runway trends
Partners in time
This fall signals the official return of post-pandemic work staples, with ready-to-wear designers referencing ’80s- and ’90s-style oversized tailoring. Indeed, offering a new wave of neutral-toned suits, this season promises pieces that will add instant polish and deliver a dose of put-together confidence for Monday-morning meetings. Cartier’s ‘Coussin de Cartier’ timepiece is the perfect watch to complement a sharp suit – its inverse-set diamonds add instant intrigue, while a nude satin strap provides a luxurious contrast to suiting and shirting fabrics. This is a timepiece whose gravitas will ensure it is a talking point in boardrooms and opulent ballrooms, so wear it from the office to dinner to dance floor with equal panache.
Laid-back luxury
You might be relieved to hear that one of this fall’s go-to looks relies on an outfit you’ve probably already mastered: the humble white tank top paired with wide-leg jeans. The tank top, a headline act of ’90s minimalism, has been revived on the runways by Prada, Chloé, Loewe and Bottega Veneta, among others – with power brands adding potent logos to turn this capsule basic into a keystone of your FW wardrobe. With an all-American look pitched for downtime, only a super-sized timepiece will do – and Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘Master Control Date’ has a punchy 40mm silhouette. Its ergonomic steel case, which contrasts with a sunray-brushed blue dial and navy leather strap, makes it the perfect companion for denim, too.
In the pink
There’s a return to romance for FW22, with fuchsia and pink pervading runway collections – think the eye-catching lines of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Pink PP Pantone color for Valentino. Those brave enough will wear hot, hot pink from head to toe. However, if you’re not quite ready to step out of your monochrome comfort zone, consider using pink as a highlight shade instead, picking an accessory, piece of jewelry or a timepiece to subtly embrace the trend. Vacheron Constantin’s pink ‘Patrimony’ is perhaps the most romantic timepiece on the market right now, with an ombré-shaded dial, blush leather strap and rose-gold case that continues to speak to an ultra-feminine theme. Echo its delicate tones with pale-pink eveningwear, or use it to create a clash with a bright-red knit.
Winter warmers
Knitwear is an inevitability for fall, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Lightweight sweaters in bold, block colors are an easy way to pump some vibrancy into your winter wardrobe, and guaranteed to lift spirits on gray days. Your choice of watch can be equally uplifting – and the right timepiece can be worn over your sweater sleeve for extra style credits, too. Hermès Timepieces’ ‘Heure H’ is newly released in a bewitching shade of emerald green, and its malachite dial and matching leather strap are expertly color-matched. The strap on the ‘Heure H’ can also be changed with a couple of simple clicks, much like the maison’s ‘Cape Cod’ timepiece, which is available in a plethora of colorways. From the brand’s signature orange to understated neutrals, choose your favorite hue or select a directional double-tour style that circles twice around the wrist.
Statement style
A statement coat can instantly take your outfit up a notch. A trench is perhaps the ultimate trans-seasonal option – effortlessly chic while keeping out the elements, you can layer it over knitwear once temperatures drop. Burberry, Sacai, Proenza Schouler and The Row all showcased trench coats with statement details for FW22 – any of which would be seamlessly complemented by IWC Schaffhausen’s ‘Portofino’. Its nude leather strap will pair perfectly with a trench in shades of tan, ocher and taupe, or provide a neutral contrast to classic cream or black, while its diamond hour markers add a touch of everyday indulgence.
Back to black
For FW22, it seems we’re rediscovering our palette-cleansing love of black. It’s a refreshing shift, calling upon leather, lace and gloss to add shadow and shine, with Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga reimagining their signature all-black looks. A steel timepiece is an obvious choice here, as its silver-hued sheen will gleam more brightly against a black canvas. The perfect partner? Piaget’s ‘Polo’ – a genderless hero of the 1980s that remains much-loved for its cushion-shaped, curved case. Its sports-watch sensibilities make it a practical choice for everyday wear, while its diamond-set bezel gives a solid dose of scintillation. Despite its chunky silhouette, every detail feels ultra-precious.