Style: Classic yet simple. The English actor was spotted on the red carpet for the premiere of his new movie Saving Mr. Banks wearing a vintage watch by Audemars Piguet.
Material: Gold and enamel on steel. The watch was first made popular in the 1950s and continued in production until the 1980s.
Look: The 43-year-old actor drew inspiration from the golden era of cinema. He opted for a look that was simple yet classic, making a bold statement with a timeless piece.
The vintage watch that he chose to wear has been a symbol of male rebellion since its inception. Audemars Piguet gained popularity when women started wearing watches after World War II. This accessory was seen as a sign of sophistication.
Many stars wore these bold pieces of jewelry, such as Marjorie Merriweather Post, Barbara Hutton, and Grace Kelly. The style peaked in the 1950s and continued in production until the 1980s.
This timepiece was worn by several notable men, including singer Cliff Richard and politician John F. Kennedy. The designer even made a special limited-edition watch in honor of the politician, featuring a picture of Kennedy on the dial.
After Kennedy’s assassination, Audemars Piguet placed the special watch on sale for charity. The sale raised £18,000 ($29,200) for the Ladybird School for Girls in London. The company also created a bronze plaque in Kennedy’s honor to display on their offices in Paris.
There is a wonderful film tribute to Kennedy that you should see. It is called “The Assassination of John F. Kennedy” and is available on Netflix.
Why Are Women Embracing Watches?
When W.W. I was first created, men wore watches to tell the time. It was seen as unfitting for a lady to wear a man’s accessory.
This attitude started to change in the 1910s as women began to buy their own timepieces. These pieces of jewelry were a novelty at the time, as they were often designed for women by men. However, as the 20th century progressed, more and more macho men started wearing watches, as well.
It wasn’t only men who were opting for this new fashion trend. Women started buying watches too, inspired by the modern-day fashion house Burberry.
The style shifted once again in the 1950s with the introduction of the “power dress.” This was a silhouette which accentuated a woman’s curves by drawing the eye to the shape of the human silhouette. However, it wasn’t only about body-shaming women. Many men started embracing this new style, looking to the future as the new frontier.
With the changing of the time, the style shifted once more. Women started to wear watches to indicate the femininity of the shape of the device. Watches are still associated with femininity, however many men are wearing them now because they prefer a more traditional look.
Style Council
Even today, as timepieces become more technological and digital, the style and fashion house of Audemars Piguet remain a firm believer in keeping things traditional.
The luxury brand celebrated 100 years of invention with a special edition of their classic cavalier pigeon featherweight watch collection. The cavalier pigeon featherweight was first designed and crafted in 1919 and continues to be one of the most popular and iconic models of the brand to this day.
Style consultant and author Vogue Kim summed up this century of invention with a famous quotation: ““Watches should not only tell time; they should enable you to discover the fascinating story behind each watch’s unique creation.”“
This sentiment echoes the spirit of vintage watch discovery, which has seen a boom in popularity this year (2019). People are rediscovering the pleasure of finding out about a watch’s history, taking pride in their unique pieces and the stories which they tell.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or you’re just getting started, there is a piece of design which you should own. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A relatively inexpensive piece like this one will inspire you to delve deeper into the world of vintage watches, ultimately leading to a greater appreciation for design and its mechanical delights.