“Time Driven”
Lalique’s Newest Addition – Watches Inspired by the Motor
Car
by Melissa Maynard
In the 30’s men adorned their precious Rolls Royce’s with
Lalique’s infamous mascots. Today men can adorn their wrist
with watches inspired by the 1920’s motor car – the “Mascot”
and the “Starter”. Every intricate
detail was tapped upon during the design process of the “Mascot”,
from the bezel (the screws echo the mechanical spirit of automobile
speedometers), to the layout of the dial (modeled after spokes of
a wheel), to the shape of the crown (inspired by the hub of a wheel).
One of the challenges was to create a watch that
the world hasn’t seen. The other challenge was to create a
watch that made a statement saying, “Here’s a Lalique”.
The “Mascot” is the vision of sophistication and luxury,
capturing the very essence of what René Lalique adored most
– cars.
The “Mascot” is featured in two different
sizes, 34mm Mascot Lady (available for ladies or men with small
wrists) and the 42mm.
| “Mascot”
and “Starter” take us back to the golden age of
motoring and its magnificent vintage cars, right down to their
finest detail. The winder, date window and dial are a whitty
tribute to that lifestyle, though offset by subtle touches of
pure modern “Lalique”. |
The “Starter”
watch is for those that appreciate superior craftsmanship. The major
inspiration for this watch was to head to the beginning of the 20th
century to the roads of Sicily.
| “21st
Century gentleman drivers will find the “Starter”
instantly irresistible. Its elegant, solid power recalls the
“seat-of-the-pants” exploits of racing legends such
as Juan Manuel Fangio and Enzo Ferrari. Their passion for motoring
is present in its every curve. An aesthetic and mechanical masterpiece,
whether in its chronograph or “running time” versions,
the Starter is a watch for every challenge!” |
The crown of this watch
is taken from the automobile’s illustrious past. The shape
of the bezel resembles the notches on a radiator cap. The oscillating
weight is “snailed” like an engine part and the running
board of the legendary cars becomes the unfolding buckle. Was the
“Starter” made for the racetrack, or does it just appear
that way?
The "Mascot" and "Starter" are available at
Lalique on 900 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Enjoy amenities such
as gift-wrapping and gift registry for all occasions. Parking is
$10 for three hours with a validation from the boutique. Store hours
are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday
from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Lalique Chicago
Tel: +(1) 312.867.1787
Fax: +(1) 312.867.1788
chicago@lalique.com
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