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05 September 2024

Article in partnership with Marie Claire

It's no secret that luxury watches have recently spiked in popularity. Thanks to celebrities and influencers caught on camera subtly flexing their timepieces, the luxury watch has evolved from a wear-on-special-occasions accessory into one that's worn daily. But historically, a good watch has always been a must-have addition to an elevated wardrobe, no matter how you wear it. I recently chatted with Marie Claire editor in chief Nikki Ogunnaike about this coveted adornment.

If you scroll through Ogunnaike's social media, you'll see that she's always been an advocate of investment watches, and there's one brand she's waxed poetic about more than once: Audemars Piguet. Keep scrolling to see my interview with Ogunnaike about her love for Audemars Piguet and discover how luxury watches are defining modern fashion.

Anneliese Henderson: What advice would you give someone looking to invest in their first luxury watch?

Nikki Ogunnaike: Take your time finding "the one." It shouldn't be an impulse purchase, but it should speak to that gut feeling, like, I have to have this one. Do your research, and try a bunch of different watches on. Consider your lifestyle and how you envision wearing the watch. For example, do you plan on wearing it every day and have more of a sport vibe? Are you precious with your pieces? Ask yourself those sorts of questions before you take the plunge. Audemars Piguet has always been the holy grail of watches. I've always wanted to own one but wasn't sure I'd ever be able to afford it. When I saw a vintage AP watch on Fashionphile in the spring of 2023, I thought it was too good to be true and texted my most knowledgeable watch friend to confirm this was indeed a style AP used to make. I love to buy vintage watches with a history because it ensures that not as many people will have them and gives me a bit of a story to tell. I immediately bought it because I knew it would fly off the virtual shelf, and I smile every time I look at it.

AH: Why did you start adding watches into your everyday looks?

NO: The great thing about watches is that they can serve as an exclamation point to your outfit. They're functional, of course, but can also take a look to the next level. The thing I love the most about my Audemars Piguet is that while it's pretty discrete, there's an IYKYK vibe that I absolutely love.

AH: What trends do you see emerging in watches?

NO: As a proud member of the dainty-wrist gang, I'm so excited to see smaller faces come back in style. Mini but mighty is totally my vibe, something that AP is championing with its latest launch and has done many times in its history. Size doesn't matter anymore. When it comes to style, everyone borrows from everyone, and no one group owns a certain watch style or size. That's the most exciting thing about style these days. You can go big one day and small the next. I love the idea of being able to play around with sizing.

 

AH: What makes all-gold watches so classic?

NO: All-gold watches epitomize luxury to me. There's something indescribably chic about them, especially one from Audemars Piguet. Every outfit you wear will look so elevated with an all-gold watch. The Royal Oak Mini Frosted Gold Quartz is a good contrast to my normally minimal, traditionally more masculine style of dressing. Though it's sparkly, it's sophisticated and wearable on the daily. It feels like a glamorous exclamation point to every outfit it's paired with. It adds a dash of sparkle to my button-down and trousers and really pops against my skin tone.

AH: We've been seeing mixed metals rise in popularity. How do you see the trend evolving?

NO: I predict more people will embrace mixed metals, as the trend is incredibly versatile. The two-tone trend feels so easy to mix with all my jewelry, which is an assortment of yellow gold, silver, diamonds, white gold, and friendship bracelets from my niece. I don't change my daytime jewelry often, so a two-toned watch fits well into that mix. My AP is two-toned with a gray face, and I love stacking it with other bracelets and bangles. I highly recommend a two-toned watch if you love to mix metals in your day-to-day jewelry.