Calvin Klein Watches is a collaboration between the American fashion label and Swatch Group, operating since 1997.
Because they are fashion watches, these timepieces are relatively basic, with lower-cost quartz movements. Hence, they serve as subtle accessories rather than ensemble centerpieces.
The brand’s signature is modern design in an energetic, sexy and casual manner. This same aesthetic is also integral to its Swiss-made watch collections.
A minimal, crisp quality characterizes the visual design of these timepieces, while Swiss-made quartz movements offer good quality and value.
With Swatch Group, Calvin Klein works to coordinate both the watch division and the jewelry division. Hence, operations are run from both Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, and New York.
Images: Calvin Klein
Though offering both men’s and women’s collections, Calvin Klein watches are generally quite unisex in appearance.
While perhaps less appealing to mechanical watch aficionados, this watch brand’s clean, attractive designs have experienced growing popularity.
Simply continue in order to learn about this brand’s history from the start, or follow the links below:
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.
Learn More About Calvin Klein
You can check out this famous fashion label’s current men’s watch offerings here. Furthermore, you can peruse what’s available on Amazon as they’re quite affordable!
Also, find more high-quality brand histories, guides, and reviews on watches in the links below:
- Read through our in-depth watch reviews
- Continue reading about Swatch Group’s brands
- Finally, visit the Bespoke Unit Watch Homepage
"Swiss-quality designer timekeeping! Calvin Klein watches bring the famous fashion label's style to the wrist."Rating: 5.0★★★★★
Watch Content
I love this great discovery of Calvin Klein watches! A fashion watch still having look and feel being a Swiss quality watch. I’m buying for my collection as many as I can of cool trendy designs and also classic/minimalist. On gray market prices incredibly affordable. With mineral crystal makes them even more accessible. Only problem= availability! They keep running out!
Glad that you enjoyed it! Indeed, they’re surprisingly popular!
I have a product of yours, but don’t know if it’s real or fake
I suggest that you contact the brand directly as we’re a blog!
I just purchased the High Noon chronograph watch by Calvin Klein. I was searching for a Swiss Made Chronograph watch that looked minimalistic but it’s truly expensive, eg. Junghan’s Max Bill Chronoscope, a well-known brand w/deep horological history. You can go with Zepplin or Junkers but you’ll run into quartz pieces. Tissot was an option too and less expensive but these are all quartz. If you go automatic with Tissot, it’s above $500 for an automatic chronograph. I’ve seen Tissot chronograph (automatic) under $400.
So, I decided, if you’re going to decide on a chronograph (Swiss), then go with Tissot. …but wait:
Swatch makes CK’s. Still Swiss Made and the CK line of watches are all minimalistic. It’s quite intriguing. I bought the High Noon Chronograph, all black dial and stainless steel , for $59 at Jomashop. It’s classic.
Good to hear that you’re happy with your purchase. Some good research there too so it must be rewarding!
All the best,
CP
I love the appearance of my new ladies’ Calvin Klein watch, but I cannot get it to start keeping time. I have removed the plastic front and back coverings, reset the time and pressed back in the stem–but it doesn’t run! I suppose my next step is to pay for the battery to be replaced, then try to find CK service a use the warranty. I should not be having this problem to deal with!
Hey there,
I hate to hear that your new watch is not keeping time well but I’m not necessarily surprised, most of Calvin Klein’s timepieces are outsourced so it’s likely the brand has no input or oversight on QC. I would definitely go to the vendor who sold you the watch or the brand directly and hopefully, they will make this right. You are absolutely right – these kinds of issues so soon after purchase are unacceptable.
Hope you’re able to get this sorted,
Rafael