Another week, another watch

As the post title would suggest there has been another new arrival in my collection of watches. This time I was lucky enough to be sent a unisex style from Kartel Watches at WatchShop*, a brand that was entirely unknown to me but have won me over in an instant.
I was given free reign of the range to pick from and opted for the LEWIS style as I was charmed by the classic design, enhanced of course by a bit of rose gold.

I think the idea of a line of unisex watches is brilliant. Designed to perfectly suit both men and women there is something to suit all tastes and at a reasonable price point too (between £55.00 and £95.00 depending on the model). I admit that the design I chose was more on the feminine style, a deliberate decision on my part as I didn’t want to run the risk of Ben wandering off with my new baby…if the boot was on the other foot however, I’d likely have no qualms! I was a little worried that a unisex design would mean the watch would be quite big and chunky but actually it strikes the balance between dainty and bold very well and the size is perfect on my wrists. This watch has become my go-to for a work day as it adds a chic yet smart accessory to an office outfit without compromising on the style.

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Orla Kiely at WatchShop.com

If there’s one thing I love it’s a good watch and despite only being able to wear one at a time I have quite a vast collection of them. Still, there’s always room for one or two more and when I was offered the chance to pick a new timepiece from watchshop.com and noticed a rather stunning range of watches by the ubiquitous Orla Kiely I was powerless to resist.

Watch c/o watchshop.com (this one) | Roll Neck Top c/o Long Tall Sally | Skirt: Urban Outfitters

The packaging alone is enough to make me want to own even more Orla Kiely watches, with her signature print adorning both the outer and inner box this is something you’ll proudly want to display. When it came to the watches themselves, well there’s a rather vast selection from metal with embellished dials to more classic leather straps and prints galore but it was the retro feeling “Poppy” that stole my heart in the prettiest of pale pinks with rose gold metalware.
There aren’t enough adjectives in the world to describe how much I love this watch and the feeling isn’t exclusive to me as my non-watch wearing mother is determined to have it from me at some point! Despite my many watches this has instantly become my go-to for it’s delicate size and subtle statement making skills- must have for any fan of Orla Kiely.
Who are some of your favourite watch designers? I didn’t even know Orla Kiely did watches and now I fear it might be a very dangerous (read costly) discovery although with prices from £75 through to £165 her timepieces are thankfully more affordable than some!

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Win an Armani Exchange Watch with Babla’s Jewellers*

I love an excuse to hold a giveaway on the blog and being the watch enthusiast that I am when Babla’s Jewellers got in touch offering up the Jullietta Watch by Armani Exchange to one of my readers I jumped at the chance.
Both Babla’s Jewellers and Armani Exchange are new ones on me; I’d heard of both but never really took much of a detailed browse. Clearly I’ve been living in ignorance as Babla’s stock a huge selection of Armani Exchange watches which offer designer style at an affordable price.
I really love this tan and silver watch and I won’t lie, I’d love to fix it to win my own giveaway (but obviously that would be very, very wrong!). If you’re equally as taken with it as I am then follow the easy steps below and get your chance!

Giveaway open for two weeks from today. Winner will be contacted within 24 hours by myself to arrange your prize. Open to UK readers of this little blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Latest Watch Trends*

For several years, the number of watches sold fell as people switched from looking at their wrist to find out the time to checking their mobile instead. However, in 2015, the watch is definitely back. People are once again accessorising with watches.

The industry has come up with some incredible watches, and clever marketing is boosting sales.
The use of new materials

Watchmakers are taking new materials and using them to create some great looking watches. They are borrowing from industry and turning alloys like titanium into fantastic looking and durable timepieces. Ceramic watches are also proving popular and are now available at a price point that most people can afford.

The last time watch manufacturers tried out new materials to this extent was the 80s when Swatch started the trend for plastic watches. People still want something new and different, so watches made from these new materials are selling well.

New Tech

Smart watches have been available for several years, but, so far, sales have been slow. In 2015, the Apple Watch was launched and that seems to have ignited the market.

Lower priced smart watches are selling especially well. The Asus Zen Watch is relatively inexpensive and the fact that it looks more like a traditional watch has helped too.

Fashion and Luxury Watches

Luxury watches are also proving popular. The fact that people have a little more money in their pockets is definitely helping the sales of both luxury and fashion watches.

Both men and women are taking the plunge and investing in a timeless high price piece. They are opting mostly for watches with classic looks to ensure that they do not end up looking dated.
Bold jewellery is back, which is why sales of fashion watches have been strong for 2015. Black and gold are proving particularly popular, but there is also a thirst for bling, so stone encrusted watch faces and straps are sought after too.

Back in time

In 2015, some of the bigger watchmakers have gone back to their roots. Retro is definitely back.
Watch manufacturers from across the world have decided to rework and re-launch some of their classic designs. A great example is the Cartier Tank watch. This classic oblong shaped watch was first launched in the early 20s, and the new digital version is proving popular with modern consumers.

The Glashütte Original Sixties is another example of a watch that is selling well in 2015. The legendary Spezimatic watch was a best seller in the 60s and is appealing to modern consumers too.

Used Watches

The trend for retro style watches also has more people digging out family heirlooms and getting them restored. Jewellers and watchmakers are finding that there is a lot of demand for their watch cleaning and repair services. Others are having new straps fitted and batteries replaced to give older watches a new lease of life.

Whether people are looking for watch servicing in Bishops Stortford, London or New York they are searching out good jewellers with experience of looking after watches. Once again people are willing to invest money in good watches and this is reflected in the types of watches they are buying and how they are taking care of them.

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Win My Watch with Caravelle

After my post last week where I styled up my new watch from Caravelle I’m really excited to announce that you now have the chance to win the exact same watch for yourself!
One lucky reader of A Daisy Chain Dream will win the watch shown above (well, a brand new one in it’s box) thanks to the team at Caravelle New York. Details for entry are below, good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted shortly after the giveaway ends by me. Open to UK residents only. Winner will also be promoted across twitter and instagram.
Good Luck!

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