The most romantic time of the year is, of course, spring! It is with her that the wonderful feeling of falling in love is associated, first of all, so strong and bright, so heady that you can even lose your mind ... But we agree: autumn is also good - golden, soft, affectionate. A very accurate name is the velvet season ... And it is very well suited to reinforce the unity of hearts with something material. For example, so that not only two hearts beat in unison, but also a couple of hours. For the velvet season is the time when, contrary to the iconic quote, lovers are already watching the clock...
We show five pairs of watches for lovers.
Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
The American trademark belongs to the polo club of the same name, based in sunny California. Note: the club is already in its second century of history (founded in 1911), and the proposed watch models are aimed at young people. Polo is a very tough game, even traumatic (something like field hockey, but on horseback), nevertheless, the design of the pair of watches we have chosen is exquisitely delicate. Finally, this club is a very fashionable establishment, participation in it requires serious resources, and the hours in question are more than budget.
But, of course, original and attractive. Both in the male version and in the female version, the case is given the shape of an octahedron, extremely popular in haute horlogerie - a bright memory of the brilliant Gerald Genta. The case and bracelet of both models are made of stainless steel and provided with an IP coating. The size of the male version, of course, is larger (42 mm), the female version is smaller (34 mm). The functionality is slightly different: both there and there are two hands, but the male model also has a date window. Well, right, let at least a man follow the calendar!
Both models are quartz, the men's is powered by the Japanese Miyota GM15 caliber, the women's by the no less Japanese Seiko TMI VX50E1S.
The dials are very nice - with a skillful guilloche, with gilded hands, markers and the club's logo.
33 element
Asking about the name of the brand, first of all, of course, we refresh the periodic table in memory. And we find that the number 33 is assigned to ... arsenic in it! But you should not be afraid, the meaning of the name in this case is completely different: in the cultures of many peoples of the world, the number 33 has a mystical connotation, and it symbolizes good luck and, in general, all that is good.
And there is absolutely nothing poisonous in the watches of this brand! And it can’t be, because we have a very solid product under the patronage of the old Swiss watch company Flora, which has been operating since 1848. And 33 Element watches are equipped with Swiss Ronda quartz movements and are assembled at a high-tech production base in Hong Kong.
The pair we have chosen, which is part of the Hextone collection, is also distinguished by its original character. Its main feature is the case material (ceramic with rose gold IP coating) and its shape (this time, a hexagon). The deep blue color of the dial (with gold accents) and silicone strap harmoniously respond to all this. Both models are three-handers, the women's dial (diameter 38 mm) is decorated with Swarovski crystals, and the men's dial is supplemented with a date aperture. It should be noted also the glass: it is in both versions of the highest quality - sapphire.
Continental
This pair is markedly different from the previous two. First, the steel case is a perfect circle, no edges. Secondly, we have a real Swiss Made: Continental was registered in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1924, and the first watch (then pocket) with the trademark Continental Watch Co. issued in the same La Chaux-de-Fonds back in 1881.
In general, a classic, although quartz, on ETA calibers. We also note that in this pair, which belongs to the collection, which is called Pairwatches (“pair watches”), the functionality of both samples is completely the same: three hands and a date. And in everything else, we seem to have two clones in front of us: a bezel with a PVD-coated rose gold color and stylish screw heads, a dial with a Clous de Paris decor, baguette luminous hands and gold accents (including the Roman numeral XII), an integrated bracelet, sapphire crystal .
In general, a touching unity, quite symbolic for our topic. With one difference: the male version is larger (41 mm versus 30 mm for the female).
Titoni
And again Switzerland. The brand is not the most famous, but certainly worthy. In addition, this time we are dealing with traditional mechanics, and in fact many believe that it is she who, albeit less accurate than quartz, is the real soul of the watch. And this is wonderful, because what is love without a soul?!
But that's not all. The birth of the Titoni brand dates back to 1919, that is, it is almost the same age as the Art Deco style. And the first Titoni watches were made in this style. Art Deco influences can also be seen in our chosen pair of modern pieces from the Space Star collection. This is important, since the style implies a minimum of “architectural excesses”, replacing them with precisely found combinations of strict forms and laconic color schemes - which perfectly matches the mood of the velvet season, and the relationship of lovers who have already managed to get to know each other quite well, the inner beauty of each.
And here it is: the circumference of the steel case (40 and 28 mm, respectively) is discreetly but exquisitely framed by a fluted bezel; in perfect harmony with this is the integrated bracelet (respectively, 7- and 5-row); and, of course, the dial, made in a combination of silver and blue, decorated with a soleil pattern, equipped with elegant Roman numerals and the brand's logo - a stylized image of a plum flower.
Both versions are three-pointers with date, the men's model is powered by automatic caliber ETA 2824-2, the women's ETA 2671.
We also note a sapphire crystal and a transparent case back.
Seiko
The plum blossom mentioned just above is more Japanese than Swiss. But the attributes of the Japanese watch giant Seiko are dominated not so much by traditional motifs as by modern, high-tech ones. The Seiko Prospex collection, a couple of models from which we have chosen to complete the review, is addressed specifically to modern people, energetic and active, but at the same time able to combine activity with contemplation. Diving watches - what could be better for a couple in love than a joint dive into the magical worlds of the deep sea?
So, the male model, three-pointer with the date on the automatic caliber 4R35; and a woman's, undated three-hand switch on a V131 movement - quartz, but powered by a solar battery. Full compliance with international diving standard ISO 6425, including 200-meter water resistance of steel (partially PVD-coated) case, unidirectional rotating bezel, extremely effective luminescence on the dial, screw-down crown (at not the most standard 4 o'clock position) and back cover. Plus, a very wear-resistant and at the same time comfortable silicone strap.
