Story Highlight
– Gucci prioritizes femininity and playfulness in watch designs.
– G-Timeless collection features iconic horsebit and bamboo motifs.
– Horsebit watches come in polished steel and leather options.
– Bamboo timepieces showcase unique chain link and bamboo designs.
– Métiers d’Art watches highlight nature with intricate artisan crafts.
Full Story
Gucci has brought a refreshing shift to the predominantly male-oriented watch market, showcasing its unique femininity and playful spirit. During the recent Geneva Watch Week, the luxury brand opted to focus exclusively on its haute horology G-Timeless line, leaving out new male-centric models entirely.
Central to the everyday wear collection is the distinctive horsebit motif, a signature element frequently seen in Gucci’s accessories like belts and handbags, which has now been integrated into the watch cases. Additionally, the brand’s iconic bamboo design has been utilized for the links of the watch bracelets.
While Gucci has a history of innovative timepiece designs, recent years have seen it steering clear of unconventional case shapes, a trend that has been successfully embraced by competitors such as Cartier. With the introduction of the Horsebit collection, this trend is set to change. The new collection features elegant two-hand watches with a polished steel finish, measuring 27mm x 23mm, designed to be worn casually like bracelets while maintaining a subtle function.
These watches are available in a variety of styles, including those with polished steel and equestrian-themed bracelets, alongside options featuring soft leather straps. The dials come in classic shades of black, white, and burgundy, with a standout model showcasing a gold-plated case, hands, and crown. Prices for this range are set between £1,310 and £1,660.
In addition, the Bamboo collection presents even more compact timepieces with rectangular cases measuring 22mm x 17mm, some adorned with gold plating. The unique link design of the bamboo bands is reminiscent of the brand’s handbag straps, with options available in bamboo or steel links designed to mimic the bamboo look. Similar to the Horsebit collection, these watches are powered by quartz movements and are priced from £1,310 to £1,750.
Moreover, Gucci’s Métiers d’Art division is dedicated to reviving traditional craftsmanship in watchmaking. The latest offerings include four new models, all housed in 40mm cases of either white or rose gold, many featuring diamond embellishments. Among these are two exquisite pieces showcasing birds through a feather inlay technique created by French artist Nelly Saunier.
The intricate designs feature white grand feu enamel dials serving as canvases for stunning representations of a toucan and a crane, composed of mother of pearl inlays, gemstones, and real feathers. Another model boasts a precise miniaturisation of the brand’s beloved Flora pattern, originally designed by Vittorio Accornero in 1966. This watch captures the florals through methods like micro-painting and hand engraving, enhanced with luminous stones on black onyx.
The fourth model draws inspiration from the tiger imagery found in the Animalia scarf prints of the late 1970s. This piece utilises hand painting and mother of pearl inlays to depict an evocative scene of the Asian jungle. All watch models from the Métiers d’Art collection feature sophisticated automatic movements, with tourbillons prominently displayed at 12 o’clock.
Pricing for these exclusive timepieces is available upon inquiry, reflecting their bespoke craftsmanship and luxury appeal.
