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| April 2004
Timepieces/News Spring Debuts: Color & Function New timepieces are attractive and fulfill the desire for sporty utility Early debuts from Switzerland this year emphasize function over glitz. While diamond dials and bezels undoubtedly are a major feature on many of the debuts, several companies focus on case shape and color to attract buyers. Most watch companies hold off until later in April to unveil their finery, so the utilitarian nature of these early debuts may be a nod to a lower “wow” factor inherent in their release now, before the major watch shows in Basel and Geneva, Switzerland. But it’s still valuable to note the trends:
Unusual Cases & Straps That’s not to say there’s no focus on fashion. Color is a major motivator at many sales counters this year, and watch retailers are likely to see this in straps. Advancing that agenda is a wider use of galuchat (sting ray) straps. Leonard and De Grisogono pioneered the look; others notably followed suit at the JA International Jewelry Show in New York City in January. Made in polished and rough varieties, these straps have been spotted on timepieces by Lancaster, Sven Anderson, Michele and Bill Blass. Case shapes are taking on more fluid edges and wider dimensions. The new Hermès Berenia emphasizes a soft (and slightly wider) leather strap that loops the modified square case. Alfex doubles up its popular Bango model with two elliptical faces on colorful bangles. – by Michael Thompson
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