In a world of fast fashion, traditional artisanal workmanship stands out like a beacon in the night. Watchmaker JEANRICHARD has been around since 1681, creating timepieces that combine functional beauty with the absolute best of Swiss watchmaking ingenuity. Touting themselves as a brand that is selected by 'independent minded, creative individuals, they selected Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger III (the pilot who safely brought an airplane full of passengers to a crashlanding on the Hudson River in 2009) as their brand ambassador for the spring 2013 collection.
The reception at Le Bain was a smash from the word go. Greeted at the door with trays of Old Fashions and The aptly named 'Terrascope Blackthorn' (vodka, rosemary, blackberry cordial, and prosecco) was delicious, thank you so much for asking. Lounge music played in the background as tout le monde of the blogosphere wandered around viewing the 1681 and Terrascope models that were displayed in lucite cases. The dramatic lighting picked out the details of the beautiful watchfaces, each one so perfect that you were almost mesmerized by them.
It's strange to say that about a watch, right? But it's true.
After cocktails, we were shepherded downstairs to the High Line Room for an elegant sit-down dinner. It was gorgeous. There are times in fashion when you're running around like a headless chicke covering stories, researching trends, and trying to stay ahead of the crowd to bring the freshest, juiciest style morsels to the table. This was one of those times when the fabulousness of the industry, especially from well-established brands like JEANRICHARD, just bubbles to the surface.
As we were served course after course of absolutely delicious food, trays of Terrascope and 1681 watches were brought around for everyone to try on. I absolutely fell in love with mine. It was a 1681 model with a thick calfskin strap. I've never been one for large watches, but it felt and looked wonderful to me. The weight of the watch, and the softness of the strap, the large numbers- it all worked. I suddenly realized that what I want and need most in the world...was this watch. I loved the simplicity of it. And who wouldn't want a watch worn by heroes like Captain Sullenberger?
If you're more of a tech-head, the blue lacquered dial of the Terrascope with a steel bracelet has a dashing, modern, masculine air. All of the watches are constructed to absorb accidental impact (if you get your arm caught in the subway door, the watch might save you), and the folding buckle on the strap stops it from unfastening by itself. The watches retail from $3,500 for the Terrascope collection and $6,400 for the 1681 models.
To get a look at the spring collection and find out more about the JEANRICHARD brand, stop by their website, www.jeanrichard.com.
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