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By Sonia Amirat | On Tuesday 5 May 2026
Both a style statement and a symbol of elegance, the watch is being reinvented between heritage and modernity. Minimalist or bold, in leather, sporty or link designs, the trendiest models mark the return of an essential accessory for the wrist. A spotlight on the most iconic watches to absolutely embrace.
Whether adopting a sporty style, featuring a leather strap, resembling a refined piece of jewelry, automatic or quartz, the watch remains an essential accessory. It elegantly complements the look of a gentleman as well as that of a lover of chic objects, adding that final touch that makes all the difference.
Watches with a leather strap
The watch with a leather strap embodies timeless elegance, both understated and confidently assertive. It appeals to those who prefer discreet sophistication over any form of ostentation, to watch enthusiasts who appreciate the harmony between artisanal heritage and contemporary lines.
Leather — whether in a smooth, grained, or subtly patinated finish — gives each watch a unique identity, almost organic, as a natural extension of the wrist.
Paired with a perfectly tailored suit or worn with a more casual look, it effortlessly transcends styles and eras, never losing its presence.
Designed for aesthetes, discerning professionals, and watch enthusiasts, the leather strap watch transcends its basic function of timekeeping. It becomes a personal signature, a style marker, a measured yet assured expression of luxury in its most essential and enduring form.
We particularly appreciate certain iconic pieces, such as the feminine Art Deco creations from Frédérique Constant, enhanced by a petrol blue croco-effect strap with a delicately bold character.
For men, the timeless elegance of an automatic model by Hamilton, mounted on a sleek black leather strap, remains a safe bet, both classic and undeniably contemporary. The pinnacle of sophistication.
The sports watch
The sports watch has become an essential piece of contemporary watchmaking, combining technicality and durability. Designed to withstand the most demanding conditions, it features a often reinforced case, enhanced water resistance, and innovative materials such as titanium, ceramic, or high-performance steel.
Its dial, readable in all conditions, and its movement — whether automatic or precision quartz — reflect a craftsmanship where functionality never compromises refinement, as seen in the women's ceramic quartz watch Novia from Boss, elegant and contemporary, and the Diver Extreme Automatic Alpina, robust and technical, two models designed to complement an active lifestyle without sacrificing a certain sophistication.
The automatic watch
Automatic watches embody a subtle vision of luxury, where technical mastery serves a discreet elegance. Designed for fine watch enthusiasts as well as those seeking an object that is both practical and unique, they appeal to those who appreciate time in its most tangible form.
Their uniqueness lies in their autonomy: lacking a battery, they are powered by the natural movement of the wrist. Inside the case, a rotor oscillates with each gesture, transmitting this energy to the mainspring, thus ensuring the continuous operation of the watch. This mechanism, the result of precise watchmaking expertise, gives each piece an almost living dimension.
Beyond their engineering, automatic watches stand out for their character: they complement both everyday wardrobes and more assertive moments, offering a presence that is both functional and refined, like an automatic leather watch for her by Lip, with its timeless charm, or the Clubmaster Legend in stainless steel for him from Briston, with its distinctive style, making each piece a true personal signature.
The quartz watch
Quartz watches, on the other hand, embody a different idea of refinement: more timeless where performance becomes a form of elegance. They appeal to urban profiles as well as enthusiasts of minimalist designs, catering to those who seek a reliable watch, perfect for everyday wear.
At the heart of their uniqueness lies a remarkably efficient mechanism: powered by a battery, a quartz crystal vibrates under the influence of an electric current, producing a stable frequency that ensures highly accurate timekeeping.
This technology, both discreet and controlled, offers an almost impeccable regularity while requiring minimal maintenance.
Designed to seamlessly fit into everyday life, quartz watches combine precision and modernity, becoming silent allies whose sophistication lies as much in their reliability as in their style, like the quartz watch Sammy from the brand Coach, with its contemporary elegance, or the Vintage Casio Collection from the label Casio, with its unapologetic retro charm. Already iconic!
The jewelry watch
Jewelry-inspired steel link watches stand out as hybrid pieces, bridging the gap between horology and adornment. Designed for those who view their watch as a true style accessory, they captivate elegant silhouettes in search of a luminous detail that can define a look without being over the top.
Their aesthetic is based on intricately designed bracelets, featuring polished or satin links, sometimes accented with rhinestones or decorative details that subtly catch the light. They naturally pair with a refined wardrobe — a flowy shirt, a structured suit, or an evening gown — but also elevate a more minimal look by adding a precious touch.
In this spirit, the Harlowe stainless steel watch with rhinestones from Michael Kors, like the sparkling models from Armani, perfectly illustrate this blend of jewel-like brilliance and quartz precision.
Whether crafted from timeless leather, featuring modern automatic movements, showcasing discreet quartz precision, designed with a sporty flair, or conceived as true pieces of jewelry, watches today are a myriad of expressions of personal style.
Each model resonates with a rhythm, a desire, a way to experience time with accuracy and elegance. Ultimately, more than just a tool, the watch becomes that detail that elevates an outfit in an instant.
The most beautiful watches also available in-store
In the refined world of watchmaking, certain houses skillfully combine aesthetics and precision, giving rise to pieces with strong character. This selection brings together iconic models, also available in-store at Printemps Haussmann, a must-visit destination for Parisian luxury.
Seiko embodies Japanese precision with recognized technical mastery. Its Seiko 5 collection impresses with its reliable automatic movement, durability, and timeless design — a reference that is both accessible and enduring.
At Hamilton, the spirit of adventure meets Swiss precision. The Khaki Field, flagship model, illustrates this balance between military heritage and modernity.
Casio, with its G-Shock line, imposes a bold aesthetic and extreme resilience. Technical watches that have become urban icons.
More classic, Frédérique Constant offers elegant and accessible timepieces, where intricate complications and meticulous finishes reflect a true commitment to tradition.
Finally, Lip celebrates French heritage through reimagined iconic models, blending vintage spirit with contemporary lines.
Where to find Seiko, Hamilton, Casio, Lip, and Frédérique Constant at Printemps : on level -1 of Printemps Homme, in the fine watchmaking space, on the ground floor of Printemps Homme, and on printemps.com.