The Best Men's Watches for Spring 2012
If you are thinking about purchasing a new watch, you will have plenty from which to choose in the best men’s watches for Spring 2012. Whether you are looking for a luxurious, high-end timepiece or some fun, funky wrist wear that’s a bit more on the affordable side, there is a trend and price point that is sure to appeal to you this season. Watch designs are moving away from the overwrought and blinged-out and in a more classic, easy-to-wear direction. Although some styles are still going strong from last year, the big trend twist for spring is the addition of colors beyond the basic black or brown.
Cartier
If you’re looking for a timeless timepiece that you can pass onto future generations (and money is no object), then you’ll definitely want to have a look at some of the latest pieces from Cartier. Illustrating the trend towards classic pieces with a vintage feel, the iconic Tank watch, first launched in 1922, gets a bit of an upgrade in a new larger model, although the smaller model is in keeping with the move towards slimmer, sleeker styles. As if the 18-karat gold case and alligator skin strap weren’t luxurious enough, the Tank also features a shot of one of this season’s favorite colors, bold blue, in the sword-shaped steel hands and sapphire cabochan.
Jaeger LeCoultre
Another example of vintage-inspired luxury design meeting subtle hints of color can be found in the latest watches from Jaeger LeCoultre, many of which recall iconic models from several decades past. The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 boasts stunning indigo hands, particularly on the limited edition rose gold version, but the stainless steel version is worthy of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the flip-case design as well. Another watch to watch, the Master Memovex, also available in rose gold with blue second hand, was the first automatic watch with an alarm and originally introduced in 1956.
Panerai
Sleek and chic, all black ceramic watches remain a non-stop horological trend, as in the matte Tuttonero Luminor from Panerai. Those whose tastes tend towards vintage styles will drool over the Radiomir S.L.C. 3 Days, a reissue based on the design from a rare Panerai dial circa 1936. With a clean, uncluttered face that speaks to stylish simplicity, the only true embellishment on this beauty is the slow-speed tornado engraved in relief on the face as a tribute to the Siluro a Lento Corsa (S.L.C.) for which it is named.
Michael Kors
If spending well into the thousands on a watch seems like a nice idea but is not quite in your budget, perhaps you should look into some of the on-trend styles from Michael Kors. Check out the rose gold mid-size Bradshaw Chronograph with a chic navy face, or the gunmetal Dylan Chronograph for another hot trend in watch colors, gray. Love the Tuttonero Luminor but can’t afford the hefty price tag? Try Kors’ Blackout Glitz watch for a similar look at a fraction of the cost.
Adidas
If even spending in the hundreds is too rich for you, do not despair. Digital watches a la the '80s are back with a vengeance. Mix “geek chic” with a little “street” in Adidas’ Peachtree watch in white or black, which sells for only around 50 bucks, or step it up a notch with their digital Seoul watch in gunmetal polyurethane with navy details and black with gold-tone details for about 15 dollars more.
