Now that our smart phones tell us so much, including the time here and anyplace in the world, I was wondering if watches might become the dinosaurs of the jewelry world. After a quick tour around some the shops and boutiques of the Hamptons it became clear that we do not have to worry about the demise of the watch. In fact, the selection is staggering, as are some of the prices. I also began observing the wrists of smartly dressed people on the party circuit. No worry there either. The overwhelming majority wears watches. The watch it seems will remain securely in the pantheon of luxury goods.
Doing a little online research I even came across a site called Watchonista—one of many watch sites it turns out—that bills itself as the ultimate online community dedicated to the world of watches. One of brands I was curious about is Berthoud & Pouzait, a name I had come across on the wrists of a chic young couple I was chatting with at the Watermill Center benefit. A relatively new brand based in Switzerland, it was started by Sven Ley, whose parents created the Escada brand of clothing. As a result, he seems to have luxury goods retailing in his DNA. It is just beginning distribution in this country and with its cachet of being rare and expensive, my sense is we’ll be seeing more of Berthoud & Pouzait in the Hamptons.