After enjoying stellar mainstream acceptance for decades, the Swiss watchmaking industry was brought to its knees by the Quartz Watch Crisis that lasted from 1970 to 1983. Towards the tail end of the crisis saw the birth of a new category of watches — fashion watches. Led by Swatch, makers of inexpensive plastic watches in 1983, and Fossil and Guess after, these wrist trinkets dominated the scene with colourful designs that became personal style statements. Owning a dresser full of fashion watches was not a foreign idea either, as it did not burn a hole in pockets.
Swatch’s collaboration with Kiki Picasso in 1984 and Andy Warhol’s protégé Keith Haring in 1986 amplified the appeal of fashion watches, which caught the eyes of luxury fashion houses. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Fendi were amongst the vanguard that led the charge in 1987, 1988 and 1989, respectively and produced their range of wristwatches. In roughly those years, the Swiss watchmaking industry had recovered and managed to get back on its own two feet.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of MEN 'S FOLIO Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Performance Meets Sophistication
Meet the dynamic duo of Porsche 911 and 718 that prove jaw-dropping power can harmoniously coexist with sleek sophistication.
The Expanse of Water
On the banks of the Thames River, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa proposes itself a contemporary oasis, and as a sanctuary where respite arrives in a suite approach to hospitality.
Infinite Layers of Flavour
Suntory Global Spirits Global Ambassador of Scotch & Irish Teddy Joseph shares there is more than meets the eye with Bowmore.
Spirit of Oak
The Macallan unveils the fourth instalment of its Harmony collection headlined by The Macallan Harmony Vibrant Oak.
A Platinum Jubilee
Men's Folio spoke to Franck Muller Genève CEO Nicholas Rudaz about the special Sincere Fine Watches' 70th anniversary edition and Franck Muller's relationship with the luxury watch retailer.
Timeless Icon
Jake Gyllenhaal emanates spirit, style, and ambition, the enduring qualities of the Cartier Santos.
A Daring Spirit
The Tudor Black Bay exemplifies Tudor's Born to Dare spirit and is crafted for life's boldest adventures.
Square Root
It has been 25 years since Patek Philippe unveiled a new collection. The protracted wait is over with the Cubitus joining the Genevan manufacture’s lineup.
Poised To Remember
The first-ever re-release of a Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance - A Piece of Me (APOM) as a gender-neutral creation prompts a candid conversation with the master creative of the namesake perfume house. In an exclusive interview, Francis Kurkdjian talks to Men's Folio about what fragrance means to him, what inspires him, and what the horizon of the fragrance industry looks like in the years to come.
SOS
What can one turn to in the times of distress? When it comes to the skin, there's no better option than to sit back and let a select few hero products do the work. Soothing, gentle and reliable, these skin-saving failsafes have got the back of even the most sensitive and reactive of skins.
