Design Within Reach for Wristwear
January 11, 2010 11:22 AM Subscribe
What in the equivalent of Design Within Reach for buying a new watch? Bonus points for stores I can visit in the SF Bay Area.
I need a new watch. Probably analog, probably not a leather band, definitely something with a high style quotient. Clean lines, interesting details, unexpected colors - anything with a good design foundation. Also, I'm a lady with a small wrist so smaller watch faces are preferred. My budget is less than $150. So far, I've found a few watches by Alessi that I like. Tondo (the current front-runner). Arc (too expensive). Both those websites seem to be targeted to those with a design sensibility - are there others out there? I don't want to made through a million Fossils and Anne Klein's. I'd also be happy if there was any place in the Bay Area to visit that I could try them on.
I need a new watch. Probably analog, probably not a leather band, definitely something with a high style quotient. Clean lines, interesting details, unexpected colors - anything with a good design foundation. Also, I'm a lady with a small wrist so smaller watch faces are preferred. My budget is less than $150. So far, I've found a few watches by Alessi that I like. Tondo (the current front-runner). Arc (too expensive). Both those websites seem to be targeted to those with a design sensibility - are there others out there? I don't want to made through a million Fossils and Anne Klein's. I'd also be happy if there was any place in the Bay Area to visit that I could try them on.
In particular, you might like the Spree in pink or turquoise.
posted by etc. at 11:30 AM on January 11, 2010
posted by etc. at 11:30 AM on January 11, 2010
one word of caution with nixon watches. i recently purchased one online and ended up returning it because it was comically large. none of the photos on their site provide scale. on the plus side it was easy to return.
posted by phil at 11:33 AM on January 11, 2010
posted by phil at 11:33 AM on January 11, 2010
I'm a fan of Boccia titanium watches. I am small woman with a small wrist and currently have something in their 300 line that I am quite happy with. Bonus point - their watches are hypoallergenic.
posted by gudrun at 11:35 AM on January 11, 2010
posted by gudrun at 11:35 AM on January 11, 2010
Ah, hit post too fast. Here is a link for Boccia titanium watches.
posted by gudrun at 11:36 AM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by gudrun at 11:36 AM on January 11, 2010 [1 favorite]
Skagen, definitely. Bonus: not that this reflects on their quality or desirability at all, but they are often available on clearance at various sites (Overstock, Amazon, etc.). I got a beautiful one for my partner for only 50 bucks, and it still works great and garners many compliments.
posted by Madamina at 11:55 AM on January 11, 2010
posted by Madamina at 11:55 AM on January 11, 2010
For clean lines, I'll definitely second Skagen. Their mesh bands are great. On their site you can filter search by case size, so you don't get something ridiculously huge. (I was going to specifically recommend the women's version of this, which I have for my skinny guy wrists, but it doesn't seem to be on their site. :( )
posted by dorque at 11:57 AM on January 11, 2010
posted by dorque at 11:57 AM on January 11, 2010
Response by poster: I guess I'm not looking as much for specific watch recommendations but for websites that specialize in interesting, design-y accessories including watches.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 12:00 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by otherwordlyglow at 12:00 PM on January 11, 2010
Rare Device has beautiful accessories, including some wicked watches. These PXRs are nice and clean looking. And...I saw this watch yesterday at JCrew and thought it was actually quite nice looking.
posted by barnone at 12:04 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by barnone at 12:04 PM on January 11, 2010
Velocity Art & Design
UnicaHome (including Alessi watches)
posted by barnone at 12:10 PM on January 11, 2010
UnicaHome (including Alessi watches)
posted by barnone at 12:10 PM on January 11, 2010
Watchismo has some options, but can be pretty pricey.
Also have a look at Kenmar Watches.
Both of these have a great selection, but you have to sift through to find something in your price range.
posted by cubby at 12:42 PM on January 11, 2010
Also have a look at Kenmar Watches.
Both of these have a great selection, but you have to sift through to find something in your price range.
posted by cubby at 12:42 PM on January 11, 2010
Seconding Rare Device, and also the SFMOMA gift store.
posted by judith at 1:27 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by judith at 1:27 PM on January 11, 2010
Check out the Affordable Watches forum at WatchuSeek for ideas.
posted by dzot at 1:38 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by dzot at 1:38 PM on January 11, 2010
Uncommon Goods always has neat jewelry, including watches, but I don't know if any of those are in your taste. It might tend more to quirky over stylish.
posted by clerestory at 2:25 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by clerestory at 2:25 PM on January 11, 2010
You might want to check out Zinc Details (on Fillmore) and Scandinavian Details (Hayes Valley). Both sell various things in this design genre and I'm 99.9% sure I've seen watches at both
posted by grapesaresour at 7:10 PM on January 11, 2010
posted by grapesaresour at 7:10 PM on January 11, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by etc. at 11:24 AM on January 11, 2010