With all the aesthetically-pleasing timepieces these brands keep putting out, no wonder we can’t stop collecting them. Here are the under-the-radar watch brands we’re currently kind of obsessed with, and we’re willing to bet that you’ll soon be too.
Komono
(all images: Komono Facebook page)
This Belgian brand has been a longtime favourite, and we count the oversized Winston design one of our watch staples whether with a classic leather strap in a variety of colourways (the Winston Regal), or a more delicate steel mesh wristband (that would be the Winston Royale). While Komono’s definitely good at making minimalist watches, what we like is how they always keep things interesting with interesting prints and textures on their straps, such as on the Wizard Print Series and the Cork Series. By the way: they do really great sunglasses as well.
Available at various stockists including Alcoholiday at #02-01 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard and Rockstar by Soon Lee at G/F 22 Orchard Rd. komono.com
Klasse14
(all images: Klasse14 Facebook page)
This Italy-based brand has a unique selling point: its watch designs aren’t by a dedicated design team, but rather created through collaborations with various designers, artists, celebrities… or basically anyone they think could come up with an interesting watch. What we’re into is the unique conical-shaped dial of the Volare design, made especially sleek in brushed metal and a mesh wristband.
Available at kapok at the National Design Centre, and on littlemoments.com.sg. klasse14.com
South Lane
(all images: South Lane Instagram)
If you’re all about the monochrome when it comes to your wardrobe, this Swedish brand will fit right in. It says its pieces take inspiration from “design and architectural trends found in Stockholm’s artistic Södermalm district”, which is basically one of the chicest places on earth, so these watches are decidedly more fashion-forward. Just see the zippered edge of the black leather strap on the Avant collection to get what we mean.
Available on luisaviaroma.com. south-lane.com
Olivia Burton
(all images: Olivia Burton Facebook page)
London College of Fashion grads Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings saw a gap in the watch market for feminine and fashionable timepieces, and thus Olivia Burton was born in 2012. The designs are unabashedly feminine, but we like how the oversized dials contrast with the thin straps that come in leather, steel mesh or bracelet options. Choose one with animal or floral motifs, if you really want to turn your watch into a fashion accessory.
Available at kapok stores and on justtangy.com. oliviaburton.com
AÃRK Collective
(all images: AÃRK Collective Facebook page)
The name and aesthetic of this brand might imply a Scandinavian background, but AÃRK Collective is actually the brainchild of four Melbourne-based creatives who have proven themselves to be really good at balancing a clean, minimalist aesthetic with unexpectedly fun geometric details. Their watches also show us that we really don’t need numerics on our watch faces.
Available at The Assembly Store and The Design Museum Shop at the Red Dot Design Museum. aarkcollective.com
Main image: aarkcollective.com
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