Continental Chic

Wear a piece of European refinement on your wrist with Aigner’s latest watch collections.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Wear a piece of European refinement on your wrist with Aigner’s latest watch collections.

My Reading Room

The horseshoe motif cleverly styled in the shape of an A is one many would readily recognise as the logo of Aigner. A little less known is how the brand evolved from a luxury handbag brand to an international cult label offering sporty yet elegant and luxurious apparel, accessories and, of course, impeccably made timepieces.

Founded by Etienne Aigner, the Hungarian-born fashion designer caused a sensation with the 1950 launch of his travel-oriented leather handbag creations in New York. It was a time that saw the blossoming of the commercial flight industry and the birth of a new social class of jet-setters, and his creations fit right in this new glamorous lifestyle. Shortly after, in 1965, the brand was officially born in Munich after the designer joined forces with German textile businessman Heiner H. Rankl.

The partnership to launch Aigner couldn’t have come at a better time: Munich in the ’60s and ’70s was a youthful, energetic and swinging city that was not just geographically close to Italy, but highly in tune with its la dolce vita spirit and long heritage of traditional craftsmanship. Also deeply inspiring to Aigner was the Europeans’ love of horses, the countryside and the races—leading the brand to adopt the horseshoe, universally accepted as a good-luck symbol, as its logo.

These remarkable influences built the aesthetics and philosophy behind Aigner, which has come to symbolise quality workmanship, sporty elegance, and the brilliant combination of German standards and Tuscan tradition. Today, 51 years on, the brand continues to appeal to the discerning crowd known for their refinement, cool sensibilities and strong sense of individuality.

Introduced in 1982, Aigner’s timepieces are designed and crafted with the same principles for the modern trendsetter. Flaunting the prestige and precision of Swiss watch manufacturing and the vibrant effervescence of Italian styling, all the various Aigner offerings are highly collectible, wearable and versatile for any occasion.

For the stylish city slicker who likes a watch that can take them from boardroom to bar, the Andria collection featuring warm hues, the A-logo bezel with a timeless dial and luscious croc-print leather straps, is perfect. Those who prefer a bit more bling will adore Messina collection, which brandishes a mother-of-pearl dial crystal hour-markers. For a stronger statement, the striking Acerra collection offers bold bezel aesthetics, large Arabic numerals on the dial, and alligator-print leather straps.

Representing the epitome of femininity is the Arte collection, which is dainty in size but big on glamour with a shimmering mother-of-pearl dial accentuated with a stylised A-logo buckle, and a selection of colourful straps. Another equally dressy collection is the Vittoria range, which possesses a whimsical charm with its jewel-like tones, seductive curves, and spherical stud accents on a silvery logomonogrammed dial.

Ladies who favour large, sporty timepieces will find their dream watch in the Viareggio collection, which combines a stylised A-logo and a small seconds display with a textured dial into a smart yet luxurious 40mm, gold-plated stainless steel package.

From top: Steel Acerra watch, $479; PVD gold steel Acerra watch, $539 Opposite: An Aigner watch adds a touch of European sensibility to any outfit.
From top: Steel Acerra watch, $479; PVD gold steel Acerra watch, $539 Opposite: An Aigner watch adds a touch of European sensibility to any outfit.