Archtober Watches: The Best Watches for Architects

Have you heard of “Archtober,” the celebration of architecture and design that occurs every year in New York City? Whether you are an avid follower of the Big Apple’s ever-changing urban landscape or you are new to the architecture scene, there is much to love happening in NYC come October. This year, the Avi & Co. team is joining in the fun by recommending some of our favorite watches for architects – or any design enthusiasts, for that matter.

In our minds, New York City’s iconic architectural masterpieces and the luxury watches you will find in our showroom have a lot in common. Sounds crazy, right? But ultimately, the designs of buildings and timepieces boil down to the same considerations: functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Whether you prefer an avant-garde look or a modern take on a timeless classic, there are luxe watches to pair with every style.

In honor of Archtober, let’s explore some of New York City’s most famous buildings… and the watches that match their aesthetics.

Are you in love with the art deco skyscrapers that are among some of Manhattan’s most iconic buildings? If so, you are not alone. The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and 30 Rockefeller Center are all considered hallmarks of the art deco style that was all the rage in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These three buildings were completed within just a few years of each other, marking a significant period in New York’s architectural history.

While the Empire State Building may be New York City’s best-known skyscraper, many consider the Chrysler Building one of its loveliest. Designed by renowned architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building is known for its terraced crown, which boasts a striking sunburst pattern. Both of these buildings, as well as 30 Rock, are revered throughout the architectural world for their lasting beauty and iconic statuses.

If you love the art deco stylings of these three towers, a Patek Philippe watch might be a good fit for you. This heritage Swiss brand has been around since 1839 – nearly 100 years before the construction of the Empire State Building – but their styles have been in vogue in every chapter of history since. The perfect Patek Philippe watch for you? Might we suggest the Patek Philippe Gondolo…

The modern rendition of the Patek Philippe Gondolo collection was introduced in 1993, and many of its pieces pay tribute to the art deco style that influenced the construction of some of Manhattan’s most iconic buildings. These watches typically showcase strong lines and geometric simplicity as well as unusual case shapes, such as barrel, cushion, square, or rectangular tonneau.

One of our current favorites? This 18K rose gold Patek Philippe Gondolo with a substantial 51 mm case in a distinctive rectangular tonneau shape. The Gondolo collection is also thought to have influenced Patek Philippe’s Twenty~4 collection, which is tailored to women’s wrists.

Both of these watches are ideal choices for any wearer who appreciates the art deco style that has dominated the Manhattan skyline for years.

The Beaux Arts architectural style draws from the principles of French neoclassicism combined with elements of Renaissance and Baroque inspiration – and it is present in some of our favorite New York City buildings. Most notably, both the New York City Public Library and Grand Central Station are considered masterpieces of the Beaux Arts look. With the perfect combination of new and old, these iconic places draw in those who appreciate classic style paired with some decorative and opulent elements.

In other words, if you are crushing on the New York City Public Library or Grand Central Station, look no further than an Audemars Piguet watch. In particular, we think you will love one of Audemars Piguet’s classic lines, the Royal Oak collection, which brings age-old luxury into the modern day with top-quality construction and timeless beauty.

Fall head over heels for this Audemars Piguet masterpiece, the Royal Oak. This striking timepiece is crafted from the highest quality 18K rose gold and boasts a silver index dial with a 41 mm case. The versatile size, classic look, and timeless effervescence of this luxurious timepiece signals that you care about style – but you prefer the beauty of quiet luxury that gives off an old-money aesthetic.

Many people do not realize that New York’s iconic Flatiron building was around well before the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building entered the mix. Construction began in 1902 and finished in 1908, yielding a 20-story structure that was one the tallest in Manhattan at the time. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, this building was touted as a “vertical Renaissance palazzo with Beaux Arts styling.”

If Burnham’s Flatiron Building is one of your favorite spots in New York City, it’s clear you have good taste. While the skyline has long left the Flatiron behind in terms of height, there is no doubt that this building remains one of the most iconic facades in the world, let alone Manhattan itself. Those who appreciate the classic stylings of this architectural masterpiece are sure to also fall in love with the timeless aesthetics and opulence of a Rolex watch.

If you are looking to add a Rolex watch to your collection, you might not know where to begin. Luckily, our team at Avi & Co. is here to help. Rolex watches are the ultimate symbol of luxury, class, and taste. Whenever you sport one on your wrist, you are sure to turn heads. But with numerous models to choose from, which one best reflects your style?

Going back to the classics is always a good idea – and the Rolex Submariner “Small Crown James Bond” edition, which features no date window, is one of the most coveted Rolex watches on the market.

For those who value classic, simple, and timeless pieces, you cannot go wrong with any Rolex Submariner model. This one in particular offers a versatile 37 mm case that is perfect for dressing up or down. The black bezel and dial, which is sleekly outfitted with understated markers, add a level of elegance and opulence to this watch’s look. Explore our entire collection of top-tier Rolex watches at Avi & Co. today.

When we talk about sleek, modern designs in New York City, there is no looking past One World Trade Center, which was completed in 2014 and is 104 stories high. At 1,776 feet, it stands as the tallest building in the city. The glass prism, which glimmers with its simple symmetries and isosceles triangles, is a hallmark of the Manhattan skyline and a daily reminder of the strength inherent to New York City.

In terms of technology, it is also a marvel. It was one of the first buildings created with a three-dimensional “building information model” and it is reinforced by a new-age carbon and steel structure. For those who appreciate the sleek structure and high-tech trappings of One World Trade, a Richard Mille watch might be the perfect fit.

Like One World Trade itself, Richard Mille watches are known for their innovative materials, intense durability to withstand even the most extreme wear, their technological advancements, and their modern silhouettes. For example, consider the RM 67-01, an ultra-thin watch crafted from some of the most new-age materials on the market today.

With a water resistance of 50 meters (165 feet), a lightweight titanium case, and an exquisite gem-set bezel, this Richard Mille timepiece perfectly marries style and functionality. It is a testament to the brand’s mastery of ultra-thin watch creation. The skeletonized dial is a classic Richard Mille feature that showcases the watch’s intricate automatic movement just behind its transparent face. For any modern architecture enthusiast, a Richard Mille watch is the perfect complement to the buildings you love – and at Avi & Co. we are proud to give our customers access to one of the biggest Richard Mille watch collections for sale in New York.

This October, pay tribute to your favorite NYC buildings with a luxury watch that matches the architectural designs of your dreams. By perfectly marrying form and function, the upscale timepieces we offer at Avi & Co. are like nothing else you will find on the market. Visiting Manhattan to enjoy crisp autumn days and jaw-dropping architecture? Don’t forget to stop into our Avi & Co. Manhattan showroom.

Book an appointment with us today.