High Street Horology- La Mer Collections

At first glance I thought uber-luxury skin care brand Crème DeLa Mer had ventured into watch retail. Fortunately, La Mer is actually an American watch company that specialise in wrap around and stack-style timepieces that are hand made in the States. The brand is the brainchild of Martine Llana who initially started tinkering with watch strap construction for a design degree project, after a gap year out spent travelling across Africa and Asia.

 Martine's Ann Arbor workshop, Michigan

The brand name literally means ‘The Ocean’ and it’s clear from the vibrant colours, textures and motifs used throughout the collection that Martine has been heavily influenced by the natural world encountered on her travels: South Africa's colourful markets, Bali's lush flowers, Italy's gorgeous leathers and Thailand's clear blue ocean.

  Puerto Vallaria, Mexico

Ko Samui, Thailand

 Nepalese markets

The watches themselves come in a variety of platings: 14K gold, rose-gold, silver or gun-metal and all contain a Japanese movement. Leathers are sourced from Italy so quality is assured. The unique part of La Mer’s offering is the option to customise your own watch. From a choice of 7 watch heads, 29 leathers and over 15 charm it is possible to create a look to suit your individual style which is an interesting USP if ever I’ve seen one. 

 Labradorite Stones By The Yard Watch, $250

 

 Neutral Tye Dye Gold Black Dial Soho Wrap Watch, $90

For my fictional design I chose the round gold case, dark grey leather wrap-strap and colour-mix chains. Nice.

My only bug bear is that all different watch heads, whether gold plated or stainless steel silver, all still cost the same when surely the stainless steel should be cheaper. Although I suppose holding such a large variety of options in stock must be an expensive undertaking for the business. Cash flow issues often puts the kibosh on any form of personal customisation for low-medium price point items so good on them for having the option.

The La Mer website itself is full of beautiful images, exploring the brand’s themes and inspiration. A lovely one to browse in such a cold and windy Friday. 

Watches start at $68 and goes up to $285. There's studs, chains, ombre, charms, every trend box has been ticked here.You can even but a watch storage box for $58. That’s another one for my Christmas list.

Despite the loops of charms, chains and leathers delivering a busy aesthetic, La Mer’s mission statement is rooted in simplicity: “In this day and age, with all the technology surrounding us…all we truly need on our wrist is a watch that tells time”. I couldn’t agree more.