HEAVY METAL

To conclude our foray into the world of bracelets, here are eight of the most popular types, with a special note for one grand new entry

- ASHOK SOMAN

In our Spring issue, we dedicated a copious number of pages to the oft-neglected bracelet, but we are actually not done yet. While issue #56 was filled with lots of independent notes about the unfolding situation in the broader world of watches, and then of course the pandemic, it still did not quite have enough space for the entire bracelets story.

While this part was crafted as the finisher, we do have to wonder if our own jokes about hand-washing were semiprescient at that point. It is pretty clear now that both personal hygiene and personal space will morph rapidly as the world responds to the challenge of the pandemic, and then the aftermath. We may not be there yet, but it seems pretty evident to us that the bracelet is the style of the future, as far as the watchband goes. Exposing leather straps to frequent washing with soap is a bad idea, as you will no doubt not need a reminder about.

That said, the watch bracelet also links our present with the history of watchmaking, given that bracelets were the speciality of companies that made their names producing chain links for pocket watches. Look no further than Gay Freres for proof - speaking of which, we should move to the meat of this piece.