Calvin Klein Watches Brand Review & History: American Styles, Swiss Dials –

An International Partnership Begins

Calvin Klein started his fashion label in 1968 in New York, which would become iconic for its jeans and underwear.

Throughout the years, aside from Klein himself, many other distinguished fashion designers worked with the brand. These included, for instance, Italo Zucchelli, Francisco Costa, Amy Mellen and Raf Simons.

In the 1990s, the brand was looking to expand its offerings, and so diversified into watches and jewelry. The fashion house and Swatch Group came together in 1997 to create the first Calvin Klein watch collections.

Though Calvin Klein works with Vendome Yamada to make and sell jewelry, Swatch Group sells the jewelry outside of Japan.

Since 2002, American fashion conglomerate Phillips-Van Heusen owns the Calvin Klein brand.

Working With The Swatch Model

While not prominent as a watchmaker as a part of Swatch Group, Calvin Klein Watches has access to Swatch’s resources. Because of the Swatch emphasis on vertical integration, these fashion watches benefit from other Swatch brands’ quality and expertise.

For example, ETA quartz movements tick inside these timepieces, and the watch assembly occurs in Switzerland. This puts the brand on a similar level to Swatch brands such as Tissot, or fellow fashion house Balmain.

Calvin Klein watches come in a variety of clean, minimal designs, typically with either a stainless steel or PVD finish. PVD coatings are comparatively more durable than other precious metal plating methods.

PVD coatings give a matte black or rose gold exterior to the cases, while mineral glass serves as the crystal.

Generally, stick hands tell time over an unassuming dial, giving a dressier appearance to these watches. Chronographs are also available; usually, these also go for minimalist visuals.

New Direction: Raf Simons Designs

In 2016, Raf Simons became the label’s new Creative Director, so new reimagined collections were soon to come.

This Belgian fashion designer’s signature look is youthfully relaxed, often with hip-hop sensibilities. In general, works with music subcultures; besides hip hop, these include electronic music and post-punk.

Raf Simons’ watch lines shoot for a classic, casual American aesthetic, therefore, denim, chrome and leather feature prominently.

Steel mesh bracelets and large CK logos are also common in these new collections.