Editor's Pick: 5 Pieces Perfect for the Dark Elegance Trend

As we head deeper into the autumn months, the dark elegance trend is taking the world by storm. From runways to interior design, dark elegance is all about moody hues, bold shadows, and angular silhouettes. You will see rich, saturated tones like deep eggplant, hunter green, and midnight blue. Of course, black, charcoal, and onyx are at the forefront. While these colors might be dark and subtle, they are anything but boring. Embrace the dark elegance trend by playing with textures and materials: Think matte with velvet, silky sheens, and floaty mesh.

Dark elegance is the perfect accompaniment for spooky season, but this is not your childhood Halloween. Ditch jack-o-lanterns and Frankenstein monsters in favor of a fashion-forward, in vogue holiday season. On our dark elegance mood board, you will find Old Hollywood dresses with blood-red nails, delicate details and black lace. Breathe in the smells of jammy berries, tobacco, bonfires, and amber. The taste? A gin martini with a twist. This is where mystery and fashion meet, where sophistication reigns supreme and intrigue is your friend.

In honor of Halloween and the burgeoning dark elegance aesthetic, we are going to spotlight five of our favorite luxury watches that are perfect for this look. From vintage finds to avant-garde creations, discover the smoky styles that suit you best.

Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille is known for his sporty timepieces and innovative, avant garde creations. His impressive roster of celebrity and athlete partnerships does not hurt either, underscoring the ability of these timepieces to withstand even the most challenging conditions. Despite their initial appearance, however, Richard Mille timepieces are so much more than just sports watches. The incredible artistry and intricate details that undergird every piece of these watches ups the ante, elevating them to a level of luxury that is hard to match.

Take a look at the eye-catching RM 72-01 Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph pictured above, for instance. Crafted from black TPZ ceramic and 18K rose gold, this piece is ready to accompany you on any adventure. The exposed screws on the iconic tonneau-shaped bezel add an element of ruggedness juxtaposed against the smooth, sleek texture of the case and comfortable rubber bracelet, closed by a titanium clasp. But the true showstopper is the skeletonized dial, which gives the wearer a glimpse of this watch’s inner workings. You might just be transfixed on this immaculate display and all of its dials, gears, and digits. One thing is for sure: This watch will start countless conversations.

As you work on styling your dark elegance aesthetic, remember that dark does not have to mean black. Deep jewel tones are also a core part of the dark elegance trend. Think of colors like navy blue, plum, forest green, and wine red. This exquisite Audemars Piguet timepiece is the perfect example. Hailing from the much-loved Royal Oak line, this watch combines warm and inviting rose gold with a deep, saturated indigo on the bracelet and alligator leather strap. Index hour markers complete the look, keeping the dial understated and elegant without disrupting the dark core of the piece.

With a 41 mm case, this gorgeous piece is an ideal size for wearers of either gender: For women who prefer a more substantial watch or those trying to harness the “boyfriend watch” trend, and on the flip side, for men who like a more midsize silhouette. It also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak line, which was initially introduced way back in the early 1970s. In the five decades since, the Royal Oak has retained its memorable octagonal bezel. With its exposed screws and brushed finish, the bezel is meant to evoke a diver’s helmet. For those channeling dark elegance, this deep navy watch is sure to strike a chord.

Take one look at Rolex’s catalog, and you will see that you have countless black and dark-hued options to choose from. You can even find watches with a black bracelet and a black dial if you are going for a monochromatic look. So, you might be asking yourself, why did we choose not to highlight a black-on-black look from the world’s best-known watchmaker? Dark elegance is about more than just color. It is also about craftsmanship, delicate features, and intricate designs. Often, the dark elegance aesthetic introduces a splash of vintage flair, even highlighting effervescent gemstones like opals or pearls that catch the light in mysterious ways.

With that in mind, there is no Rolex better suited to this look than this iconic mother-of-pearl timepiece. Hailing from the iconic Datejust line, this watch boasts an 18K yellow gold case and a black leather strap. The dial speaks for itself, showcasing ethereal mother-of-pearl and stunning dial hour markers. Generally speaking, we find that yellow gold lends itself to more of a vintage look, and the cushion-shaped case that integrates with the bracelet is the cherry on top of this timeless style. The date display at the 3 o’clock position is made more legible by Rolex’s classic cyclops lens, adding functionality to a mesmerizing piece. A statement of Rolex’s enduring sophistication and heritage, this magnetic timepiece is certain to trap you in its thrall.

We are a sucker for a vintage-inspired timepiece, and the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection hits that mark and then some. Although the line was launched in just 1999, its iconic rectangular silhouettes and integrated bracelets make these watches feel like a blast from the past. The Twenty~4 collection was initially created as Patek Philippe’s first women-specific watch line, but as gender-bending watch styles continue to gain popularity, we think it is safe to say that this is a watch fit for wearers of any genders.

This elegant model showcases a 30 mm case that is lined with diamonds on either side, adding a touch of charm and sparkle. The 18K rose gold body and bracelet perfectly complement the deep, eggplant-colored face, which cements its place as an ideal fit for anyone trying to channel the dark elegance look. This Twenty~4 watch looks like it could have been passed down for generations (and once you get your hands on it, that might well be the case). With its delicate details and age-old charm, we have to wonder if it carries with it the spirit of someone special.

Speaking of vintage timepieces, there is something undeniably intriguing and unique about the look of this Audemars Piguet Millenary watch. With its deep coffee leather strap and hammered brown dial, its saturated hues are ideal for the dark elegance aesthetic. The frosted effect on the 18K rose gold case adds to the overall intrigue and artistry behind this unique piece. But the thing that truly catches your eye with this watch is its elliptical dial, which adds contemporary flair juxtaposed against the more traditional finishing styles.

The Millenary line was introduced in 1995, and its name speaks to the promise of the new millennium. But even as we zoom toward the future, relics of the past remain in style. The Millenary embodies that balance between the bespoke artistry of vintage looks and the cool, contemporary sleekness of avant garde styles and innovative silhouettes. When you strap this watch around your wrist, you might just be transported to another realm entirely. At Avi & Co., you can shop the Millenary collection as well as our other Audemars Piguet lines, which showcase a wide range of exceptional timepieces ready to go home with you today.

If the dark elegance aesthetic strikes your fancy, we are here to help. In our three boutiques (you can find us in New York City, Aspen, and Miami), our talented customer service team has curated a truly exceptional inventory of timepieces. Our prestigious watch collection includes timepieces from globally renowned brands like Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex. Plus, we recently introduced our very own lines of Avi & Co. watches as well as a collection of fine diamond jewelry that has been making waves across Manhattan and beyond. The only question left is, which piece will you choose?

Ready to up the ante on your watch and jewelry collection? Avi & Co. is the place to turn. Make an appointment today to shop with us in person