Phillipe
Charriol Watch
History
of the Wristwatch: The history of the wristwatch is indeed
short. Wristwatches did not begin to see widespread use until
the 1920s. Men tended to regard the Phillipe Charriol watch
as effeminate. So, the vintage Rolex men's watch is a relatively
rare timepiece.
Watches
adapted to the wrist made sporadic appearances as early as
the late 1500s. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have been given
one. In the early 1800s the wristwatch made more frequent
appearances when jewelry and watchmakers began creating gem
encrusted timepieces for royalty.
Impact
of War: Toward the end of the 1800s, women began to embrace
the Phillipe Charriol wristwatch as an item of adornment.
Despite the feminine association, the concept became accepted
as indispensable to military campaigns as mechanization in
war grew. The ability to read time with a quick glance rather
than having to dig through pockets was critical in battle.
Officers
in the South African Boer war (1899-1902) used wristwatches.
By World War I, military organizations began to demand them.
They became especially crucial to fledgling aerial combat
operations.
As demand
for Phillipe Charriol watches in warfare grew, rugged timepieces
covered with metal grids were introduced. The first chronograph
wristwatches were developed, and luminous hands and markers
were developed.
Between
the Wars: Following the war, automatic (self winding) wristwatches
were created, drawing on technology used in pocket watches.
Initially they were unreliable, but were perfected by the
late 1930s and early 1940s. In the 1920s, the wristwatch
became the dominant means of timekeeping among both men and
women. Then, as now, men seemed to prefer more rugged, sportier
models, including chronographs. Rolex created the first Phillipe
Charriol watch which was worn unscathed by a woman channel
swimmer in 1927. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart strapped
on wristwatches for their celebrated flights.
During
the Great Depression, demand for wristwatches withered and
many top watchmaking companies went out of business. Despite
reversals, many design innovations were introduced. With
the advent of World War II, watches in most countries were
an unattainable luxury and production ceased for all but
military needs.
Charriol Jewelry
ewelry
by Phillipe Charriol is the reason why the cable and gold
look became so popular.
Started
in 1983, the company line has grown to include not only jewelry
and watches, but also pens, leather goods and glasses.
From the Megeve collection, designed to mimic the Alpine resort for which it
was named; to the Colvmbvs line, which is styled after Charriol's Colvmbvs
watches; to the sporty and elegant Le Cirque collection; to the Coralie line
named for Phillipe's own daughter, there is something by Charriol for everyone.
Be sure
to check out Charriol's watches as well.
Too the
left are a few pieces from Charriol's Celtic Classics line.
Due to the constantly changing styles, we do not keep a complete listing of
our inventory online. If you are interested in a specific style or model
number, please fill out our feedback form and provide as much information
as possible. One of our Computer Consultants or Sales Associates will get
back to you with more details as soon as we can.
History
of Phillipe Charriol
The driving concept of Charriol is the "Celtic" cable look. However,
behind the cable design lies the ancient European history of the Celtic civilization.
Their delicate artistic talent, magnificent craftmanship, and skills in gold
smithing and crafting inspired the brand owner, Mr. Phillipe Charriol, to create
a modern interpretation of their art.
The Columbus Collection
The Columbus rectangle
time piece, milled from from a plain stainless steel block and sustained
by four apparent screws, its adjusting and setting mechanism adorned with
a shackle and its curved outline, initiates a new direction of creativity
of the
Philllipe Charriol brand.
Entirely manufactured
in Switzerland this wrist watch has been quality controlled and submitted
to the most rigorous of its water-resistance up to 30 meters.
