The Italian Way

By John P Stevens

Switzerland has always been the leader in watch making. The Swiss watch making history is centuries long, and has given them enough experience to be the pioneers in the business. Other countries are now joining this industry. Japan made the first break through, when it started manufacturing watches that were not very good in quality, but cheaper in price. This price factor helped Japan cover some of the market shares of Switzerland. Now the Italian watchmakers are spreading their wings, and the Swiss have to look out for them.

Italians are making watches for centuries, but their watches had not gained as much attention as the Swiss ones in the past. They were copying the Swiss styles instead of coming up with their own individual styles and techniques. They have started doing so now, and are thus experiencing a surge in popularity of Italian style watches. In fact, some people now prefer to buy Italian watches, as they find them to be far more stylish as compared to Swiss watches.

Italians watches can be categorised according to their designs.

Wristwatches These are the most popular type of Italian watches. The most common wristwatches with an Italian design include a studded interface that is laced with crystals or pearls. The main dial is mostly of round shape with two hands, one for minutes, and the other for hours. Some newer models also include the hand for seconds, but most people prefer the older style. The basic design of these watches is quite simple, and does not include any excessive and ostentatious display. The focus is on simplicity yet elegance.

Wrist watches are the most sold Italian watches. One of the most common designs they use is a studded interface covered with either crystals or pearls. The main dial is usually round, and has the minute and the hour hand. The newer models have started including the hand for seconds as well, but the old design is more in demand. These watches usually have simple designs and do not feature pretentious outlook. The idea is to keep it simple and classy.

Wristwatches for women are different from those for men. They are finer in texture, and usage of precious stones like diamonds, pearls, rubies, topaz, and others, is more common. These stones are skillfully put together to form mesmerising designs every time. The whole watch making process is done by hand, as such complexity cannot be achieved by machines.

Table/pocket watches

Table/pocket watches are normally kept as bedside clocks, or kept in pockets to be carried around. Some of the more enthusiasts even get lockets to carry these watches in. The structure for these watches include a bigger dial mostly inscribed with paintings from the Italian art collection that the world has appreciated for centuries now. However, these are the expensive versions, and the more common versions are simpler, and more affordable by common clients.

The main purpose for table/pocket watches is either to be kept as table clock or carried around in a pocket, although some people also like to insert them in a locket to be worn around the neck. The dial for these watches is bigger in size and usually has some piece of art, paintings or interrelated metal design, from the rich Italian heritage drawn on it. Other kinds of table//pocket watches are more basic, and this makes them cheaper in price, and bigger customer base. There are so many different varieties of Italian watches, and yet they all have a unique style of design and cater to a separate income group. Wristwatches are more popular but table//pocket watches have their own admirers. - 29871

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