Tom Ford – the incredibly popular American fashion designer and film director– has recently unveiled a new addition to his range of clothing and accessories. Introducing watches is a first for Ford, who has previously concentrated on eyewear, fragrances, menswear, and dressing celebrities such as Beyoncé, Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway for red carpet events. He is notable for designing Daniel Craig’s suits for his role as James Bond in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, and he also designed a gown worn by Michelle Obama to Buckingham Palace in 2011.
His designs are notorious for being ‘high end’ and rather expensive, with his jackets retailing at around $7,000, and a Tom Ford briefcase made from alligator leather could set you back $42,000! With this in mind, you would think that his watches are set to be pretty expensive, perhaps rivalling the big names like Rolex and IWC Shaffhausen, who offer certain new models for over $20,000. In fact, Tom Ford’s new watches are priced at around $2,000 due to Ford’s respect and love for the classics.
Homage to Cartier
Tom Ford’s new timepiece design is called the Tom Ford 001. It has a rectangular shape similar to the ever-popular Cartier Tank, and also echoes the look with sapphire blue hands and a similar crown. Rather than the Roman numerals found on the Cartier design, Ford has opted for the Arabic numerals we are all so familiar with, which follow the straight edges of the dial and are meant to be reminiscent of something from the dashboard of a classic car.
Tom Ford himself has said that the unisex styles of Rolex and Cartier were inspirations for his design, and that he does not see his watches as being either masculine or feminine. This will appeal to many watch-fans, as some of the most timeless and famous watches are worn by men and women alike. The Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Datejust are two examples of this trend.
Watches as Fashion
Tom Ford sees his watches as a fashionable accessory, as well as a highly accurate tool. Having worked with Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent on their watch designs before he started creating under his own name, Ford has plenty of experience under his belt and knew exactly what he wanted to achieve.
In order to make his watches more wearable as a fashion accessory, he designed them to have interchangeable straps which simply weave through the watch itself like a belt. This is something that anyone can do and it does not require special tools, which is appealing to many. Owners of Tom Ford watches can buy a range of leather straps to help their timepiece blend with any occasion. The omission of metallic straps further ensures the Tom Ford 001 is not stepping on any toes in the classic watch world, thus creating its own place for itself as a high-end fashion icon.
Tom Ford’s Personal Watch Collection
In an interview with the New York Times, Ford said, “I don’t know that I would buy a $20,000 watch from Tom Ford. If I am going to spend that kind of money, I would buy a different watch…but would I spend $2,700 for a really great watch in steel with a black face and interchangeable bands…? Yes.”
Ford’s admiration for the classics and how this has influenced his prices is a well-considered move from a business perspective, and one which inspires respect from watch lovers and enthusiasts around the world. His personal watch collection began with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual which he received as a gift at just 16 years-old, and of course his first watch purchase was a Cartier Tank – the watch that has inspired much of his new design. He also owns models by IWC Shaffhausen and Patek Philippe, both of which have been very popular on the red carpet this season.
Mixing up your collection with a selection of fashion watches as well as classic designs is something many watch fans are opting to do. The cost of pre-loved, vintage timepieces tends to be much lower than brand new offerings from the big names, making them much easier on the budget. Check out our basic do’s and don’ts when looking for a classic watch below:
Buying a Classic Watch – Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Shop around
Even if you have a specific model in mind, it’s always a good idea to shop around to ensure you’re getting the very best price and best condition for your budget.
- Consider your usual style
If you only wear gold jewellery and accessories, a platinum or steel watch may not go with your usual wardrobe and vice versa. Consider this when shopping around.
- Follow your gut
Many of our customers have an idea of the kind of watch they want before they begin looking, which can sometimes stop them from considering watches they may prefer. Keep an open mind, and always follow your gut instinct.
Don’t:
- Be caught out by a fake
Due to their value and popularity, high-end classic watches are often copied, sometimes very convincingly. Reputable sellers should be able to guarantee watch authenticity via serial numbers and/or original paperwork, which have been checked against the original manufacturer’s records.
- Be blinded by a name
Some high-end watch brands are more universally known than others, and it can be tempting to go for a Rolex or Omega watch due to their wide appeal. You may find you prefer the designs of a manufacturer that you hadn’t heard of before, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not the right watch for you.
- Forget to have it serviced
When purchasing any watch from us, we can advise when best to have it serviced and how to do so. Servicing classic watches regularly throughout their lives is paramount to ensure good working order and a good re-sale value.
No matter your style, HandT - Shop Online is bound to have something which catches your eye in our vast collection of preowned high-end timepieces. All watches on offer have been authenticated by our experts, and come with an internationally recognised certificate of authenticity so you can shop with full peace of mind.Check out our full collection today.
