I must confess that I don’t normally wear watches. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a quirky, free-spirited type or if it’s just one of those odd idiosyncracies, but something about them makes me feel restrained, like I’m being sucked into the matrix and shackled by this little device (this blasé attitude towards wristwatches is probably the main reason why I’m always running a bit late, but that’s another story altogether! lol). So if I do wear a watch, it has to be a dramatic, bold piece, something so artful that I can trick myself into believing it’s just another kind of bracelet.
That’s why I’m so infatuated by this pastel-hued watch from Nixon’s 2008 LTD collection. The one-of-a-kind piece features artwork by actress Joy Bryant (from Get Rich Or Die Tryin’). And no, she didn’t just lend her name to this product and allow some other chump to do all the heavy lifting. Bryant actually used paint pens to create her designs on hard rock maple panels, which were then inlaid into the watch’s band. If you look closely, you’ll see that she incorporated a ticket to a Radiohead concert (guess she’s a fan!) into her design. The engraved case’s back features her name, along with a serial number (oh, and it comes with a certificate of authenticity so you know it’s totally legit!)
The watch is part of Nixon’s fifth LTD collection, an initiative that allows music and film icons to design custom pieces, with proceeds going to charity. Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Pink and Anthony Kiedis have all joined the cause in the past.
For 2008, Nixon brass recruited such celebrities as Fall Out Boy, Latin rockers Ozomatli, comedian Jack Black, Angels and Airwaves, Motley Crue’s Nikki Six, former Beatle Ringo Starr and Tristan Pettyman to serve as guest designers. The proceeds from the sale of these watches will go to two charities: the Grammy Association’s MusiCares MAP Fund and the Tony Hawk Foundation.
The collection hits stores in mid August, so mark your calendars! When it comes to copping these, time really is of the essence!
Nixon’s 2008 LTD collection will be available at Barneys locations in New York, San Francisco and Las Vegas, as well as at boutiques like Colette and Beams. Prices range from $350 to $3500. Visit NixonNow.com for more information.
