Times are changing and so are the styles of the instrument that tells you the time. Yes, watches have undergone a total metamorphosis in terms of styling, designs and utility as well. Some of the premium watch brands include the likes of Omega, Longines, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Maurice Lacroix, Hublot, Jaeger le coulter, Jacquet Droz and Breguet. What sets the high-end watches apart from others are the materials used in the making of these watches and accessories. The case and dial are made of special materials, like Gold (18K), ceramic, combination of gold and ceramic and titanium. "If the strap is in leather, then it is ‘Alligator’ leather, if it is steel, then it is 316 NL steel which is generally used in the making of hi-complication surgical instruments. If it is rubber, then it is Vulcanized rubber, if it is gold, then it is 18k gold," explains P Rajendran, General Manager, Ethos Swiss Watch Studios. The precious stones used for studding the dial, case and bracelet are diamonds, generally Top wesselton colour and VVS clarity, rubies, sapphire and emerald, all these studded watches are accompanied by a certificate stating the number, caratage, cut and clarity. Features include chronograph and day, date, month and moon phase. There is a power reserve indicator in automatic and manual winding watches and a perpetual calendar with the date function pre set up to the year 2010, taking care of 28, 30 and 31 day months.

Glamour and glitter
Despite their comparatively young history, Montblanc's watches are already counted as one of the established and successful brands in the world of exclusive watches. One of the many reasons is the traditional method of production in accordance with the high standards of Swiss watch precision. With experienced hands, a passion for detail and the most modern micro technologies, the master craftsmen at Montblanc Montre S.A. in Le Locle produce uncompromisingly special timepieces in a factory that makes complex products with a first class design. The timepieces with the white star, produced in the Swiss location of Le Locle by Montblanc Montre S.A., stand for high, traditional craftsmanship in contemporary design. The fascinating ‘Montblanc MiniStar Automatic Diamonds’ has an eye-catching dial with large, femininely styled diamond numerals, while the ‘Montblanc Star Lady Moonphase Automatic’ attracts attention with its diamond-studded lunette and date display, as well as the ‘Montblanc Diamond’.

Swatch Irony Chrono Retrograde adds a wry, ironic touch to the latest trend of the grunge look' in men's fashion.  Intelligence and ingenuity combine with extraordinary clarity of design, and give this collection an understated elegance this season.  Two pushers and the crown are placed as expected on the right side of the case and the dials, at first glance, appear to fall within the range of traditional Irony Chronos, offering hour and minute hands, three sub-dials in the usual positions and a central second's hand.

A class apart
Rado, the leading Swiss watch manufacturer, has introduced the very expressive and elegant Integral Chronograph Jubilé. The combination of functionality, brilliant precious stones and a strong, yet feminine design creates a refined timepiece for the modern self-assured woman, who wants a watch that is both stylish and functional with a beauty that outlasts time itself. The 24 snow-white diamonds make a glamourous, emphatic statement as they nestle into the new Rado Integral Chronograph Jubilé's distinctly profiled, platinum-finish case. Explains Roland Streule, President Rado Watch Co., Switzerland, "this is the ideal accessory for the self-assured woman with a passion for both sophistication and durability. This will convince you down to the last detail and fulfill every dream of functionality in a precious, timeless design."  Edged with white diamonds and enhanced with platinum-finish Arabic numerals, the square case subtly marries elegance with activity. "I would love to think that some of Rado's qualities best describe me and my career. I have had a fairly long career for someone who is a model and I also do not consider myself mainstream. I have also made several innovative and non-conformist choices in my career. You can evoke strong reaction among people only when you are strong minded and strong willed," says Lisa Ray on Rado. And the price? A cool Rs. 1.66 lakh!

Digital MP4 watch
If you're a tech geek, this one is for you. Computer Kitchen, a premiere Technology Marketer of Digital Lifestyle Products, has recently launched a unique Digital MP4 Wrist Watch. This watch is loaded with cutting edge features such as an MTV Movie Player with video conversion software, a Photo Viewer that supports JPEG format and photo-slide viewing and a 65K colour TFT display that also makes for viewing of lyrics.
So what are you waiting for? The time is right and the time is now!