Recently I came across a case of watches in a jewelry store on St. Thomas that made me stop dead in my tracks. I'm really lucky to live in Saint Thomas, which is a very strange little epicenter of the craziest luxury brands from around the world. Downtown Saint Thomas is like Rodeo Drive, only louder, more boisterous, and built of old brick Danish ware houses that are from the 1600's. Let's just say it's got soul and is a luxury buff's dreamscape.So what were these visions of coolness before me? Three little letters that I had to investigate: B.R.M.
Turns out Bernard Richards Manufacture is a sexy little watch company that makes works of art in extremely limited quantities (adding extra sexiness to the brand right there). I'm talking 200 watches produced a month here, people. If you own one of these bad boys call me, because you're cool and I want to go out for tapas and ride a motorcycle with you.
Obviously, Bernard Richards loves car and motorcycle racing, and if you can't see the artistic influence in the watch to the left, you need to get some excitement in your life and go to a motor cross event. Do something heart pounding. Better yet, find a B.R.M. retailer and try one on. Then, provided you're single, throw on a leather jacket and go out immediately. These watches are such showstoppers that you won't even need a puppy to draw in the ladies and have a conversation starter. Imposing cases with fantastic checkerboard detailing, dazzling dials featuring the movements in the watch in perfect harmony with the analog displays. Unlike some watch brands that boast exhibition backs so the wearer seems "oh so cool" when they take of their watch and flip it around for their buddies, these watches somehow put that front and center while not detracting at all from the overall aesthetic of the watch. They're JUST COOL. For the record, I have nothing against exhibition backs. I just think it's refreshing to see someone flip it front and center and make it look hot.
Oh, did I mention B.R.M. is the only french manufacturer of watches? Ooohh la la.
Coming to St. Thomas? That glorious little case of B.R.M.'s is at Jewels on Main St. Jewels also has a very cool web site: http://www.jewelsonline.com/. Find out more about B.R.M. at: http://www.brm-manufacture.com/. You can view it in French or English.
