The
earliest form of timekeeping relied on the sun to cast a shadow on a numbered dial
situated in a perfectly calculated position outdoors. Fast-forward a couple thousand years when mechanical
clocks were invented, and the aesthetics of the timepiece changed. Time was portable now. Small watches used
for timekeeping were carried on a fob in one’s trouser pocket and pendant clocks strung on chains were tucked
into a shirt or blouse. Throughout the years, timekeeping evolved. Today, watches are not hiding in or
underneath garments, but worn in plain view on the wrist. More importantly, people are now buying watches not
only for their functionality,
but to show off and collect.
Like clothing and jewellery, watches go through trends — and this season is all about
colour. Lots of colour. The knowledgeable staff at Calgary Jewellery are dedicated to helping customers find
the perfect watch with their impeccable, cultivated collection of timepieces and one-of-a-kind
jewellery.
This family business, founded 56 years ago, represents
more than 20 fine name-brand timepieces, including Ulysse Nardin, Zenith, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, Baume et
Mercier,
Tiffany &
Co.,
Ebel and Chanel.
Breguet, one of the flagship luxury watch brands carried at
Calgary Jewellery, is one of the world’s oldest existing watch-making manufacturers and is known for its
handmade timepieces dating back to the 18th century, the era of Napoleon I. In fact, Napoleon Bonaparte owned
a Breguet creation as did Queen Marie Antoinette and Tsar
Alexander I of Russia. Bernard Florence, owner of Calgary Jewellery, says some of the most elegant — and most
complicated — watches, and the revolutionary “Tourbillon” movement, were invented by
Breguet.
Florence notes that watches are no longer used only for
telling time, but also form a part of one’s wardrobe, and increasingly, watch aficionados are acquiring more
than one timepiece for their personal collection. Watches are not an accessory, he says, but symbols of
significance that are often passed down from generation to generation as a family
heirloom.
“Many of those watches represent a time, place or something special that is important in
that person’s life. If a watch is well maintained, one will generally pass that watch to the next
generation,” Florence says. “A watch is like a piece of art — it is to be cherished and
enjoyed.”
From simple to rare and complicated, a good timepiece
depends on its craftsmanship and uniqueness, Florence says. He also believes it is one that comes from a
well-respected and knowledgeable manufacturer.
Chic tock
To keep up-to-date with timepiece styles, each year Florence attends
Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewellery fair in
Basel, Switzerland.
“There, I am honoured to be invited to view the newest and some of the rarest timepieces
that will be created for the world. Many are limited editions and in some cases as rare as one or two
timepieces manufactured for the whole world,” he says.
According to Florence, the trend in timepieces for the 2011-12 season is “a touch of
colour” commonly found in, but not restricted to, the timepiece’s dial. While black and white dials are still
popular, he saw manufacturers at Baselworld branch out with other colours such as grey and
different shades of blue, with added textures that enhanced the feel of the colour and made the timepiece
that much more exciting.
» calgaryjewellery.com •
Photo Courtesy: Calgary Jewellery
