In putting together our annual luxury watch and jewellery guide, I was struck by the wealth of heritage and history that has gone into creating the many brands that we feature in Wanted and Wanted Online, on an ongoing basis.
In recognition of the value of this heritage, almost every single watch brand this year rereleased one of their iconic designs from the past — always with a hi-tech update, of course.
Many of us are inclined to some nostalgia at this time of the year, and this is my moment. As we race into a tech-filled future with lots of shiny new tech that daily improve our lifestyles and levels of convenience, let’s not forget that innovation has always been with us, and some of the world’s leading brands have been breaking new ground for longer than any of us have been around.
Patek Philippe is credited as having created the first wristwatch — as a decorative piece of jewellery for a woman. Just think how that changed our lives.
Champagne expert Shaun Anderson says the Champagne region of France has been innovating for the past 200 years — the new modern ice bubblies are not that remarkable, just another step in a constantly evolving industry.
Ninety-three-year-old Hugo Boss has just launched the stunning range of Boss stretch-tailoring suits. The cut is as chic as ever, but now perfectly suited to a modern man needing freedom of movement. 177-year-old Hermès is viewed as having one of the most innovative websites in the world and was one of the first luxury brands to launch an ecommerce site in 2001.
And at the recent watch “Oscars” in Switzerland, Zenith claimed the innovation prize for the Defy Lab — described as the most precise watch in the world and the biggest innovation since 1675!
Here’s to celebrating a new kind of tech — brought to us by the masters.
Jacquie
December issue: Wanted
Ed's Letter | A history of innovation
In putting together our annual luxury watch and jewellery guide, I was struck by the wealth of heritage and history that has gone into creating the many brands that we feature in Wanted and Wanted Online, on an ongoing basis.
In recognition of the value of this heritage, almost every single watch brand this year rereleased one of their iconic designs from the past — always with a hi-tech update, of course.
Many of us are inclined to some nostalgia at this time of the year, and this is my moment. As we race into a tech-filled future with lots of shiny new tech that daily improve our lifestyles and levels of convenience, let’s not forget that innovation has always been with us, and some of the world’s leading brands have been breaking new ground for longer than any of us have been around.
Patek Philippe is credited as having created the first wristwatch — as a decorative piece of jewellery for a woman. Just think how that changed our lives.
Champagne expert Shaun Anderson says the Champagne region of France has been innovating for the past 200 years — the new modern ice bubblies are not that remarkable, just another step in a constantly evolving industry.
Ninety-three-year-old Hugo Boss has just launched the stunning range of Boss stretch-tailoring suits. The cut is as chic as ever, but now perfectly suited to a modern man needing freedom of movement. 177-year-old Hermès is viewed as having one of the most innovative websites in the world and was one of the first luxury brands to launch an ecommerce site in 2001.
And at the recent watch “Oscars” in Switzerland, Zenith claimed the innovation prize for the Defy Lab — described as the most precise watch in the world and the biggest innovation since 1675!
Here’s to celebrating a new kind of tech — brought to us by the masters.
Jacquie