Buxtehude is not Hamburg, and Munich is not Berlin. Cities have their own charm (or lack thereof), as well as their own identity and history, not to mention the countless clichés and half-truths associated with them. You may feel comfortable in London, but Paris may make you squirm. The situation is similar with watches. They bring their own history, style and image, which are often dramatically different from other watches. So why not bring the two groups together and determine the right watch for five of Europe’s great cities?
“Sieben-fünf-drei: Rom kroch aus dem Ei” [Seven-five-three: Rome crawled out of the egg] – this famous German mnemonic from history class fixes the founding date of Rome as 753 BC. But another number plays an almost bigger role for Rome: the number eight!
After all, the focal point of the Octo, introduced by Bulgari in 2012, is undoubtedly its eight corners. This shape is based on designs by Gérald Genta, and the Roman Maxentius basilica, built around 310 AD, is said to have served as inspiration. In addition, the Bulgari Group is also based in the city on the Tiber, so this watch couldn’t possibly be more Roman. So there’s no surprise that our choice for Rome falls on not just the Bulgari Octo but, naturally, the Octo Roma. Perfect for mild summer evenings on the Spanish Steps.
Berlin! When I hear that name, I must laugh all the time.
Can a man appear fat who has but one thin dime?
[Berlin! Hör ich den Namen bloß, da muß vergnügt ich lachen!
Wie kann man da für wenig Moos den Dicken Wilhelm machen!“
– Berliner Luft, Paul Lincke]
The couplet from Paul Lincke’s operetta Berliner Luft is still valid 100 years after it was written. Even if the German metropolis’s cost of living is now sky high, you can still be a fat cat with relatively little scratch. At any rate, Berlin still offers a special promise of freedom and self-realization for people from all over the world.
With its combination of freedom and relatively low cost, the 5 Sports Collection from Seiko is a perfect fit for Berlin. This is a lot of watch for little money, and it offers the freedom to express your own style and taste, whether sporty, elegant or urban. Just like Berlin, this Seiko allows everybody to be happy in their own way.
As one of the world’s fashion capitals, Paris must project an image of utmost elegance, and so too must a Parisian watch. Fortunately, as with Rome, here too we can find a local luxury company with its own watch division.
The Santos de Cartier fits perfectly with the city on the Seine. The watch exudes a simple elegance and is the perfect companion when strolling on the Champs-Élysée or enjoying a Pinot Noir at a café in Marais. And, like Paris, this Cartier has its own interesting history. Over a hundred years ago the aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont complained about the poor legibility of his pocket watch in the cockpit. His friend, Louis Cartier, then created the first modern watch for the wrist: the Santos. If Paris were a watch, it would surely be the Santos de Cartier.
“They’re crazy, the Brits!”
What Obelix already knew has, in this time of Brexit, become abundantly clear to everyone else. Of course you can think what you like about Brexit, but one thing’s for sure: it’s weird. But the islanders with the black sense of humor have always been somewhat special. To wit, no one beyond their insular shores could ever possibly appreciate vinegar-flavored chips. And why are they always driving on the left side of the road?
The vintage quartz Seiko “Goofy” is perfectly in character with the capital of this strange folk. The special feature: The watch runs counterclockwise. Exactly the right thing for a city in which you drive on the wrong side.
Athens owes its name to its patron goddess and protector Athena. As is usual in Greek mythology, Athena is burdened with all kinds of responsibilities. In addition to art and wisdom, she is also associated with handicrafts and skilled labor. This goes perfectly hand in hand with one of the most renowned manufacturers in the watch industry: A. Lange & Söhne.
And what again was the name of the latest watch from A. Lange & Söhne? Oh yeah, that’s right: Odysseus… Case closed!
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