Fashion watches from Italy are pure bellisimmi | The Jewellery Editor

By Rebecca Doulton

If you are fashion conscious and customise your accessories to be in synch with your style, there is no reason why an outmoded watch should ruin your look.

Many of the top haute couture houses are taking watchmaking seriously and have invested heavily in their watchmaking divisions. Just think of Louis Vuitton and Dior, and the beautiful ladies watches they present every year at Baselworld. Made in Switzerland from precious metals and stones with mechanical movements, these high-end luxury watches are a tad on the expensive side and won’t give you the versatility of a fashion watch, which mirrors the most up-to-date trends.

Luckily for us there is a dynamic sector of fashion watches for women, at more accessible prices, from some seriously trendy brands, and who better positioned than the Italians to get their accessories to reflect the latest catwalk trends?

Fendi was originally an Italian furrier and leather goods brand, and the double F logo that adorns so many of Fendi’s products is immediately recognisable to any self-respecting fashionista. The delightfully fun and fluffy My Way collection of Fendi watches was recently launched and feature a combination of luxurious, and detachable, Arctic fox fur in electric blue, black and snowy white - just like the fur used on the Fendi Glamy collars - combined with beautifully crafted hi-tech ceramic bracelets and bezels.

Fendi’s Chameleon watch collection plays with the double F logo to great effect and features a series of models with glossy enamel or white mother-of-pearl dials punctuated by two diamonds at 12 and 6 o’clock. The curvaceous case sits beautifully on the wrist, with the bezel elongated at the bottom to make room for the interlocking F logo, and is available with or without diamonds.

If any brand epitomises overt luxury inspired by elements of Rome’s classical past, it is Versace. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Versace watches at Baselworld this year, the DV-25 collection designed by Donatella Versace was unveiled. The 30 x 30mm yellow gold case of the DV-25 has been lavishly engraved with iconic Versace symbols, including a Greek key design on the bezel and strap stays, and a Medusa head in relief on the crown. The black dial is further enhanced with a Greek key motif on the circle, and four of the hour markers are set with diamonds. A limited edition of 150 watches is given an extra dose of sparkle with a diamond-set inner bezel, although the talking piece of the watch salon was Donatella’s one-off watch, glistening with 28 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel and a full diamond pavé crown.

Gucci’s double Gs are the iconic insignia of this classic Italian fashion house, which started out in the 1920s making equestrian-inspired luggage and accessories. These elegant Gucci watches are a modern take on the interlocking G insignia, with a great minimalist and sophisticated feel to them. The two diamond-set Gs curve in opposite directions around the bezel and offset the glossy black lacquered dial. The stainless steel case measures 37mm and houses a Swiss quartz movement for carefree maintenance, and comes on a black crocodile strap.

Dolce & Gabbana watches have recently launched the seductive Sofia collection, a name that immediately evokes an image of the voluptuous screen actress Sofia Loren. Feminine to the core, the square 24 x 24mm rose gold cases and crown set with a natural ruby, house enamelled dials with the Dolce & Gabbana logo at 6 o’clock. What gives the Sofia collection of ladies watches their unique personality is the sapphire crystal glass protecting the dials. Geometrical facets have been arranged around the outer perimeter to create original light reflections and add a sense of depth. All the Sofia watches are powered by a Swiss quartz movement and are presented on lovely silk satin bracelets to match the dial.

The Fendi My Way watch collection shows how watches can be fashionable and functional at the same time. With its detachable Artic fox fur Glamy collar, the Fendi My Way watch will take you through all the hours of the day in glamorous style.
The Fendi watch from the My Way collection can be worn without its detachable Glamy fur collar. The white lacquered dial and iconic Fendi chain bracelet feature high tech blue ceramic for a great daytime look.
Fendi's Chameleon watch plays with the Italian fashion brand's double F logo to create a striking bezel. The case and bezel are delicately curved and decorated with black lacquer and diamonds.
The Fendi Chameleon diamond watch with a mother-of-pearl dial features a unique gold-plated bezel created by the interlocking F logo of this famous Italian fashion brand.
All five models in Dolce & Gabbana's feminine Sofia collection come in square rose gold cases with enamelled dials and an original faceted sapphire crystal. The Swiss quartz movement powers the hour and minute functions.
Dolce & Gabbana's Sofia ladies watch comes in a square 24 x 24mm rose gold case and features a dusty pink enamelled dial. The crown is set with a natural ruby, and the sapphire glass has been cut with geometrical facets.
Donatella Versace designed the DV-25 watch collection presented earlier this year. The two limited edition models, in black and white, come in square 30 x 30mm yellow gold cases and have an additional row of 64 white diamonds on the inner bezel.
Versace is all about opulence declined with motifs from Rome's classical past. The DV-25 in yellow gold has a Greek key design engraved on the outer bezel and a sculpted Medusa head on the crown. The deep inky black dial has four diamond indices, and the hours and minutes are kept in sync by a Swiss quartz movement.
The Gucci Interlocking G watch collection for women includes this elegant model with a sleek black lacquered dial and the brand's iconic interlocking G logos as the bezel. One of the Gs is set with 45 diamonds. The stainless steel case measures 37mm and comes with a black crocodile strap. (£1830)
The Gucci Interlocking G watch uses the Italian fashion brand's iconic G for the bezel. Two diamond-set Gs circle around the black lacquered dial for a sophisticated and minimal take on luxury.
Fendi's My Way collection of watches come with a detachable Arctic fox fur collar. The Glamy collar gives the watch a glamorous evening touch and was crafted by master artisans in Fendi's fur atelier.