High Street Horology- Versace Watches

At the tender age of 15 I was whisked to London by my arts college* to see my first exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum. It was 2002 and The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace was the first V&A exhibition to future a retrospective of work from only one fashion designer.

All I knew of Versace at that time was Princess Diana and some woman who wore some safety pins on her dress. With hundreds of garments in display, the day was truly overwhelming and has stuck with me for the last 11 (god, eleven!) years.

I’d never wear Versace myself, I don’t ooze enough ostentatious glamour or look that good in spandex and safety pins, but the look of the collections taught me a lot about creating a signature style and catering to a very specific look. The joy of a Versace dress is you know it’s a Versace dress. Very few brands can claim such immediate recognisability.**

It was in Basel this year that  I first noticed the Versace watch range and was once again impressed by the brands ability to so thoroughly stamp it’s style onto an item. The range, which has been going since 1996, is bursting with vibrant colours, glossy leathers, jewels, studs and enough gold to sink the Cutty Sark.  

 The Vanitas

All Swiss Made, the attention to detail if wonderful.  The studded quilt and flora swirl design of the Vanitas dials, the floral design on the Mystic Foulard, the grecian architectural style  details on the Thea. All re-imagined in enough colourways to coordinate with your pedicure.  

 The Mystic Foulard

The ad images are also lovely featuring collections clustered together on beds of jewels, fruit and flowers. A raw contrast of gold and jewels against nature and earth. It’s all a little bit delicious.

Like any good watch brand, Versace watches have picked a winning formula and run with it, producing a range with a very clear and obvious DNA. This is Versace, obvious is what they do best.

For more details on the watches, check out the brands website here. Make sure you have an hour to spare though, it's difficult not to get sucked in. That spandex is looking all the more appealing...

* Check out Inkberrow Design Centre in the Worcestershire. A hub of creative talent.

**I am aware that recognisability isn't really a word. Whatever, grammar geeks.