Watch it

Watches are not only functional; they make a definite fashion statement. If you?re a sporty person, you?ll likely go for a timepiece that?s sturdy and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. If you are a girly-girl, you?d go for something very feminine and dainty. Trendy people want their watches to be of the moment as well. Tell us what your watch is and we will tell you who you are. Here are some brands worth watching:

U-Boat

Tom Cruise, David and Victoria Beckham and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are only some of the A-listers who wear U-Boat, which is originally from Italy.

U-Boat consists of large-faced watches, which are all the rage these days.

U-Boat luxury timepieces utilize impeccable 21st century craftsmanship and Swiss movement and are made from precious materials like titanium line and sapphire glass, which makes each watch scratch-free.

?Whatever the lighting condition, telling time won?t be a problem. The watch?s face also has a left hand crown protected by a screw cap,? says brand manager Carla Arguelles.

Each U-Boat design is inspired by classic sketches from the 1940s. U-Boat also boasts the biggest dimensions to offer in the timepiece market.

?U-Boat consists of big watches for big names,? says Jason Soong, director of U-Boat Watches Philippines.

The Flightdeck Series is energy on the wrist. It is a watch that keeps up with anyone who leads an active lifestyle. The MBG?s black steel casing offers a timeless appeal while the MSG?s classic silver sheen redefines casual elegance.

On the other hand, the Classico series offer a new dimension on aesthetics. The A925 is a daring and strong piece that highlights a stark, sterling silver case reflective of the enduring elegance that only a U-Boat watch can offer.

U-Boat is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Its ?Bout Time Inc. For information, visit the ground floor of Enzo Building, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, or call 897-8888.

Cherie Paris

Cherie Paris is for the girl who?s always on the go. The timepieces come in varying face shapes, multi-color snakeskin leather straps and two-tone metal bracelets.

Cherie Paris watches are available at all SM Department Store branches and the Urban Time flagship store in SM North Edsa annex.

MC Marie Claire

Made for the girl with flair, MC Marie Claire takes inspiration from the glossy pages of a fashion magazine. The watches also offer a surprise as each one has the signature exchangeable bezel that double as pendants.

MC Marie Claire has a wide range of dials, strap colors and cute bezel shapes such as butterflies, stars, hearts and clouds that can be re-used as neckwear. MC Marie Claire also has multi-colored bangles and Swarovski-studded multifunction watches.

Lulu Castagnette

Lulu Castagnette?s French-inspired watches mix naughtiness with playful innocence. The brand?s designs range from dainty flower palettes to those with metallic faces.

Kids Watch Central

It?s never too early to teach children to tell time. If children can learn the concept of time?beginning with the simple knowledge of what 8 o?clock looks like or that the fast-moving thin hand requires a full circle to form a minute?they will know why they have to wake up so early for school or why homework has to be done first before they can watch TV or play on the computer.

Kids Watch Central helps children learn about the concept of time with a wide variety of designs including favorites such as Batman, Little Mermaid, Barbie and Superman.

?Watches that incorporate the practicality of time-telling with the kiddie appeal of toys and characters help parents teach kids the concept of time in a fun way,? says Linfred Yap, marketing manager of Kids Watch Central.

Kids Watch Central stalls are in SM Department Stores. ? Dinna Chan Vasquez