Bigger isn't better

Small is beautiful. Especially when it comes to the timekeeper on your wrist. With precision to detail and classic style, these creations promise to add a touch of elegance to any look – male or female, avers Saloni Arora

As soon as people taste success, everything gets bigger – the house, TV, gadgets, cars and so on. Men, especially, swear by everything big – big steaks, big offices, big screens and a big mug of beer. We all know bigger is better. While it
satiates the need of many who are obsessed with sizes, it also indicates the success of an individual.

When everything around us transformed into their bigger versions, the wristwatch industry moved backwards in time. Back to the age of classy and refined timepieces. But the change wasn’t drastic. What started out as the age of big style pieces and oversized bezels is now a world raving about the slimmer watch versions, breaking innumerable size stereotypes. One would think the size-zero phenomenon is being taken too far, but these thinner timekeepers have caught the attention of many, and are here to stay. With precision to detail and classic style, these creations promise to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any look.

Slim is in

The transition, though, hasn’t been a smooth one. The creative wristwatch
industry started out with slim watches, moved on to chunky times and is now back to the slim age. The nostalgic 70’s saw a slim timepiece adorn every wrist. From celebrities to fashion icons, business honchos to homemakers, everyone sported the slim trend.

During this neo-retro era, the slim watches were a fascinating and simplistic way of adding style and elegance to their lives. Then came the period of the bold wristwatches that ruled the 80’s and 90’s. Men, especially, adored this trend, as it was a stamp of their masculinity. Bold, sporty timepieces became the order of the day.

As the world chanced upon newer tastes, so did the wristwatch industry. Cashing in on the love for all things slim, they took watch-lovers back to the era of class and sophistication with slimmer timepieces. An aftermath of complicated timepieces stealing the show for too long, slim wristwatches fascinated many who loved simplicity.

Thanks to big brands like Piaget, Emporio Armani, Skagen, Omega, Daniel Wellington and many others, the world enjoyed the pleasures of aesthetic, yet appealing timepieces. With the focus on an understated, yet chic look, these timepieces keep in line with the minimalistic feel, yet cater to the need of being modern. A slender watch can make a more subtle, stylish statement than a larger one for those who might see a larger timepiece as an immodest way of flaunting affluence.

Not that simple

A slim silhouette is as much an aesthetic aspiration as a mechanical challenge. While these watches render a clean and sophisticated look, they are anything but simple to build. If you thought slimming down your body was tough, think again. The slimming-down effect of wristwatches is one of the most difficult to achieve in the watchmaking world. One of the greatest challenges is to retain the accuracy of operation, while reducing the thickness of the timepiece. Skill, dexterity, patience, precision are all it takes to assemble miniscule components and find the right balance between precision and sturdiness in order to make a coveted timepiece.

Slimmer watches are available in interesting and versatile variations. Making them more appealing are quirky dials, varied raw materials (quartz, diamond), and comfortable and durable straps (leather, silicon and metal). Men can effortlessly make a strong impression with the slim watches; they can be sported at office or for a night out with friends. The versatility of these watches gives one the power to dress differently.

Take the sleek route to work by donning a crisp shirt, slim suit, and a classic big dial slim watch. And to make a stunning first impression, clock in style with a multi-functional feature timepiece. While many men prefer the classic leather and metallic look when it comes to their watches, a few experimental watch aficionados play with ceramic, silicon and textured straps to get that edgy look.
When men are experimenting with varied slim wristwatches, women are not too far behind. They too have taken to the sheer beauty of the slimmer models.

The beautiful creations on their dainty wrists highlight the intricate craftsmanship that goes into making these stunning timepieces. What more, these enduring symbols of timeless elegance fit perfectly well under a business suit and silently highlight your confidence in a festive attire. Women can opt for interesting variations that range from simplistic designs to embellished ones. The crystal-studded dials can satisfy the love for bling. Fitting in perfectly with the slim model, the eloquent dials are complemented with classic straps as well as textured and printed straps.

Adhering to the high-street fashion, the slim watch is discretion at its finest. So, it’s time to opt for a sleek wristwatch this season and add a trendy dimension to your personality.

(The author is marketing manager, Fossil Group)