IN 1997, American designer Calvin Klein – famed for his minimalist, contemporary fashion – and Swiss company the Swatch Group merged their formidable talents to create ck Calvin Klein Watch.

The clean, graphic lines of ck Calvin Klein Watch designs struck a chord with the public and the new, inimitable “watch as a fashion accessory” trend was born.

The brand’s initial geometric concept has gradually given way to more fluid and organic lines, and there are more sensual and integrated curves. Its timepiece collections such as ck gravitation and ck gloss, among others, reflect the more recent evolution in style.

Reflecting its growing status, ck Calvin Klein is delving into jewellery that adopts the same striking yet simple philosophy as the watches.

To give selected Malaysian media a better idea of what ck Calvin Klein Watch and Jewellery has in store, a preview of its Spring/Summer collections was held in Tokyo, Japan recently.

Amidst a stark white backdrop, models paraded the latest designs to a room packed with journalists and buyers, all ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the accessories.

“Calvin Klein is an attitude and has a larger-than-life character that, in many ways, reflect Tokyo,” explained Arlette-Elsa Emch, the president of ck Watch & Jewellery, on the choice of Tokyo as the launch pad for its latest collection.

“These designs are youthful, confident and totally fashionable, suitable for the younger generation and the young at heart.”

She added, however, that the brand’s targeted clientele is diverse.

“Our customer can be anyone who loves the brand and style. We design for a modern, trendy, cosmopolitan person who lives in a large city.

The consumer is so varied because we are a worldwide company. It could be a young Japanese man or an old French woman. The Calvin Klein brand is well-known around the world; people are buying both the brand name and the watch.”

The general consensus, said Emch, is that customers are looking for intriguing designs they haven’t seen before as well as interesting colours, shapes and value for their money.

According to Emch, inspiration is drawn from the world we live in.

“It can be anything, from the touch of a stone to a flexible fabric, modern architecture or a Calvin Klein bag. All can be transformed and worn on the wrist.”

ck gravitation

This line of watches is inspired by the detail and precision of a compass and early 20th century watches. The oversized silver dial features a big second hand in blue and completed with sapphire glass. The Swiss-made timepiece displays hours, minutes and seconds (as well as chronograph functions), and is enclosed in a brushed and polished stainless steel case. The thick masculine strap is in brown or black leather with buckle closure.

ck gloss

With its delicate lines and characteristic simplicity, it houses a graceful movement in a polished stainless steel case with a lustrous white or black dial. Finished in sapphire glass and nickel polished hands with white luminova detailing, and set on a white or black enamel grip open bangle.

Besides the timepiece range, jewellery pieces – influenced by the late 1960s with a modern edge – are executed in polished stainless steel. A circular pendant is strikingly paired with a black natural satin cord. There are also open cuff-style and closed enamel grip bangles, open hoop earrings and chunky, graphic rings with smooth curves.

ck fly

Inspired by sleek curves and the simplicity of the open design of a bird cage, this watch features a modern, circular face juxtaposed with stainless steel arches. The sculptural bangle has a buckle closure accented by a sun-brushed silver dial and nickel polished hands finished in mineral glass. This water-resistant timepiece (up to 30m) is available in three sizes.

ck conversion

Architecturally designed and available in stainless steel with a black leather strap with buckle closure. The dial is offered in silver or black, and both styles are finished with mineral glass and nickel polished hands.

ck mound

Inspired by undulating sand dunes, ck mound possesses a sleek, reflective face on a slim black leather. It comes in an arched case in polished stainless steel or polished gold, as well as a black dial with a diamond at 6 o’clock. -The Star/ANN