Experiencing Rodeo Drive With Westime
As with every trip to sunny California, we have our favorite haunts, and one of them is a mandatory stop at Westime on the famous Rodeo Drive.
There is always something magical about Los Angeles: the sunsets, the streets, and style. As a child, I believed LA was the city of stars. Now, as an adult, I understand the truth behind that childhood belief more and more after every visit. I quickly fell in love with the Beverly Hills neighborhood; the palm trees stole my heart.
After the Beverly Hills sign, the neighborhood’s most iconic place is not the sea of celebrity houses, but Rodeo Drive! And, as you go up the cobblestone street (where there are the most luxurious shops situated in European style houses), you will discover Westime. It’s like it was waiting for your return.
Westime is THE retailer for the West Coast, carrying brands like Blancpain, Breitling, Bulgari, Audemars Piguet, as well as independent watchmakers like Urwerk and De Bethune. There is a watch for everyone. We found the staff to be warm and welcoming. When asked if we would like to see what’s new? We happily responded, yes. Here are a few of our highlight pieces!
The MB&F Legacy Machine Flying T
My love for mechanical watches has never been hidden. My heart has a penchant for art and mechanics, so the MB&F Flying T fits multiple criteria. This elegant and complicated watch is a perfect representation of the MB&F brand signature: three-dimensional art pieces.
The minute it touched my wrist, I fell in love. The round case and elongated lugs are slender and fit my wrist gracefully. The slightly curved dial is set with diamonds taking the shape of the sun, but the most mesmerizing part is the movement mounted in a column at the center of the dial. At 7 o’clock, a white lacquered dial tells you the time in a discreet fashion, like it’s a little secret for the wearer. At the end of the day, on such a luxurious street, this might be the most dazzling watch for the job!
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Ceramic
Bulgari is slowly becoming a master of the Ultra-Thin, and the Octo collection is a successful proof of it. Our eyes turned to the Octo Finissimo Automatic in black ceramic. The Roman watchmaker always brings a bit of class and elegance, which fits with the mood of the pedestrian drive where Westime is located.
The timepiece is comfortable on the wrist, light, and the bracelet will fit the wearer perfectly. Without sacrificing its thinness, the back of the piece is on display thanks to sapphire glass. A note that mechanical watch lovers will appreciate.
Hublot Sang Bleu
Staying on the topic of art inspired watches, we found the Hublot Unico Sang Bleu in blue ceramic that is limited to 200 pieces. It follows the footsteps of the first editions with its mismatched hexagonal bezel, but this time in color case fit for royalty. This 45mm piece hosts an automatic Hublot manufacture movement with a 72-hour power reserve.
This Hublot Sang bleu is a watch for the lovers of art and the tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi. It is remarkably different and will, for sure, start a conversation and attract the curiosity of the people around you. This is what you want, a watch with so many stories to tell and is a real work of art. Maybe the perfect watch for your casual Friday while in Beverly Hills.
Zenith A384 Revival
Looking at something a bit more traditional, Westime Rodeo Drive had in stock the recently launched Zenith El Primero A384. It is probably the most historically accurate re-edition of this timepiece. The case has that art deco look that collectors are crazy about. This retro-futuristic watch is ideal for those who want to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic El Primero.
Easily wearable under a cuff, it is also a great companion when photographing Rodeo Drive. It’s almost as if it is essential to experiencing this iconic cobblestone street. And maybe get some looks from the curious tourists.
Chopard Happy Sport Automatic
Diamonds are a girl's best friends; this is known. Chopard has understood this since 1976 with the Happy Diamonds line. It was a revolution in the watch industry and is still the brand’s best-seller to this day. It is a playful and glamourous way to tell the time.
This precise model is Happy Sports in steel and is a boutique favorite. The 36mm steel case and bezel set with diamonds sparks femininity and has a sporty look to it. Paired with its steel bracelet, it smoothly accompanies ladies on the move. The signature floating diamonds on the dial will make you forget to even look at the time while you playfully move your wrist around to make them sparkle.
Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
The Navitimer collection might be the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the name Breitling. Since 1952, the Navitimer has been the go-to watch for aviators and pilots around the world. It has become a symbol of reliability and performance with its Manufactured calibre Breitling 01 chronograph movement.
The steel Navitimer 43mm we experienced at Westime has a blue sunray dial with a matching blue date wheel. The iconic inner-rotating bezel contrasts a white background against black and red numerals. The black chronograph counters give enough visibility not to get lost on the dial. It's a beautiful re-edition of this historical companion of the skies.
Westime Beverly Hills: How to Visit
Westime’s Rodeo Drive boutique is located at 206 North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. For more information, visit Westime’s website or call 310-879-5546. We’ve also included a handy Google map below for turn-by-turn directions.
(Photography by Watchonista)