“Unlike a great shoe or handbag, a watch is a living device, one that encompasses both history of craftsmanship and the potential of becoming a family heirloom,” said Jeremy Barouh, founder of MICHELE watches.

From the sun-kissed beaches to the vibrant nightlife, epitomizing the different vibes and flavors of Miami and other exotic cultures, MICHELE watches capitalize on the various trends, cultures, from which they were brought forth from. Through these catalysts, the Barouhs create watches of the finest materials. Using stainless steel or 18 K gold for its cases, K-1 mineral crystal, sapphire crystal for its glass, Mother of Pearl dials for some, adorning the dials and or bezels of others with conflict-free diamonds and using 18K gold or stainless steel bracelets and  leather or the hide, skin of exotic animals for its bands, which can be interchanged. The interchangeable straps in some of its watches, means that at any point any watch can receive an upgrade or makeover, instantly becoming a new watch. Thus, it is a watch that keeps up with trends, much like its wearer. It is ideal for young, fashionable people, who are always in sync with the latest in fashion.

MICHELE is a family-run business, based out of Miami, of third-generation watch makers, who have always embraced the trends in fashion to secure a competitive edge. Every watch born into Michele is an amusing anecdote of glee and stages the  brilliance of timeless glamor, playing privy to the contemporary movements in trend. The superlative craftsmanship of MICHELE watches and its success, is derived from its founding family’s, the Barouh’s, understanding of the basic components that go into a watch: individualism and quality.

The essentials of watchmaking, were embedded in Jack Barouh in the 1940′s in Geneva, Switzerland, when his father, Maurice, taught him these essentials-patience and dedication to quality. Combining his knowledge of business and the essentials, with his own flare for design he began crafting his niche in watchmaking.

In 1970 Jack and his wife, Rita, who too grew up in Geneva, relocated to Panama to help the family business and begin their very own family. Jack’s designs soon garnered attention in Latin America because of their flare and innovative design.

Several years later, the couple moved to Miami with their two young children, Jeremy and Michele. They began MICHELE watches,  named after their daughter. Their first model, Diamond CSX, which contained about a 100 count diamonds, bezel adorning its round case and surrounding a mother of pearl dial, received great acclaim. It was the first of many that would come from the collection.

Jack’s understanding of the mechanics of the watch, aided him in the construction and design. He focused on quality, while not forgetting individuality. Interest in watch design was not forgotten with the children, who too actively engage in the watch business and credit the success of MICHELE watches to their parents’ perseverance and enthusiasm. “Patience lies in the craft of making the watch, in allowing the brand to develop, and in caring fro the product,” Michelle said.

The designs benefit from the individualism and creativity of each member of the family. The children, who have now graduated college, traveled and become their own, contribute their own sense of uniqueness to the design and business. The family has always loved to travel, and is fascinated with the beauties of fashion abroad, particularly the islands. Each year the Barouhs take a trip to some exotic location. Embracing these cultures, the family brings an exotic vibe to the watches’ design, which  spices up the look, while embracing their parent cultures. Thus, like the watches themselves, who compliment the uniqueness of the individual, MICHELE watches, themselves, were designed by the individuals of the Barouh family.

Today, the company is a part of the Fossil Group, a decision made by Jack in 2004. He hoped to benefit from Fossil’s standings among its competitor’s and its reputation as a quality brand, while aggregating its own global standing. Today,  MICHELE watches is also a $50 million dollar business and a leader in its industry. Its limited edition pieces are sought out by classic watch collectors and enigmatic fashion gurus. Its designs are inspired by the Barouh family, mainly Michelle, who is the most mindful of current fashion trends. It is still a family business, with its design and business decisions made by the Barouh family in partnership with the Fossil Group.

DISTINCT FEATURES: BEYOND THE STANDARD

MICHELE watches appeal to young fashionable, trend-setters.  They contain Swiss movements. Cases are made of 316-L stainless steel (surgical grade), 18 K yellow gold or rose gold plating. Glass is made of K-1 mineral, similar to sapphire and sapphire crystals. After diamonds, sapphires are the most durable crystals, and are very scratch resistant. All dials are made of the finest materials: mother-of-pearl, hardened enamel finishes or metallic guilloche, and integrate color and balance of these materials in its design. Diamonds used are  conflict-free of S1 clarity and H-I in color, which appear colorless to the naked eye. Each diamond is set by an expert diamond-setter in a three-pronged setting, hence wearers don’t need to fret about their diamonds falling out. Back case are engraved with the model number, serial number and diamond count, if applicable, of the watch. Each watch has a signature red enamel crown, with the reflective M logo. This elegant and visible detail protects the watch from dust and water penetration.  Thus because of their quality, MICHELE watches are as beautiful as they are sound.

Each watch comes with a 2-year warranty. The warranty covers defects in the watch, but it does not cover the straps or neglect. Wearers must be cautious about the sorts of straps they choose and be mindful of their intended purpose.

INTERCHANGEABLE STRAPS: COMPLIMENT EVERY WARDROBE

MICHELE’s most notorious time-honored hallmark is its collection of  interchangeable watch straps and bracelets that fuse style with versatility. Bands come in a variety of materials form python and alligator skin to genuine leather. Bracelets are either 18 K gold/rose gold and or stainless steel. Bracelets are also available in two-tone.  Bands and bracelets come in different sizes, effortlessly complimenting the smallest to the largest wrist.The myriad of options gives its wearers many ways to update their look and style, while expressing themselves freely through fashion and individuality.

Straps are easily changed with MICHELE’s “presto” system. Through the “presto” system for watches with bands, wearers with short nails can take the watch, flip it over and press the silver button down on each side of the band. The band will pop out.  Then wearers choose a new band, press down these buttons, slide it in place, release, tug on bands to make sure their secure. For the bracelets, they too can be removed and put in in the same manner, except wearers press down on two button located on each side of the bracelet.

Each strap compliments each of the pieces of MICHELE’s collections: Caber, Ceramic (including Tahitian), CSX, Deco, Extreme, Milou, Sports Sail, Jetway and Urban. These watches compliment contemporary fashion and romanticism. Their diversity and beauty appreciate the richness of the Miami and exotic cultures it is inspired by.

MICHELE COLLECTIONS: ENDLESS COMBINATIONS, A MYRIAD OF LOOKS

The original baby of the Barouh family, the CSX was the first of MICHELE to add the glamor of diamonds to daytime wear. Adorned with colorless diamonds to the naked eyes, these lavish timepieces revolutionized the industry by pioneering a trend in luxury, without limitations. For a more clean cut look, the CSX is available without a diamond bezel. MICHELE designed the line for those who seek luxury in their devotion to stylish living.

Kissing the shores of the beaches, MICHELE remembers Miami. DECO is the second introduction of watches from MICHELE, and it best epitomizes the vibrant flavors of Miami city living at its finest. Inspired by Art Deco design, these watches have a modern mechanic that is blended with geometric shapes and clean lines, resulting in a distinct design, which has received international acclaim. Always remembering its muse, the DECO has a rectangular case. Some have mother-of-pearl dials, guilloche or hardened enamel. For functionality, chronographs with a date window is also used in some. Deco watches come in mini, standard or oversized cases. For a touch of glitz, some of its watches come with diamond adorned bezels. The most feminine of the line, the Coquette, epitomizes all the charisma of the feminine fatale in its design and elegance. Its rounded pillow case shaped case is adorned with diamond bezels, which surround a guilloche enamel. It truly flirts with contemporary trends and romanticism, to perfectly adorn the most petite of wrists.  In its most fierce collection, the Deco Safari incorporated the basic of the Deco with animal prints in its bezel, with diamonds, or in its hardened enamel dial, which too has diamond accents. Thus MICHELE’s Deco collection is the paradigm of Miami modern design for those who really embrace of the flavors of the vibrant city and its artful architecture.

Waving goodbye to the vibrancy and Latin flare of Miami, MICHELE succumbs to the hypnotic trance of the city that never sleeps: New York City. Channeling the beat of the Big Apple in its design, the Urban collection is in sync with the New York City’s beat. European design elements, like the retro-shaped case, are apparent throughout the collection. Fusing the industrial feel of New York City, the U.S. city for manufacturing,  in its sleek metal design with the beauty of its case, which surrounds a black patterned guilloche case in some of its models. Functionality compliments beauty and mirrors the basics of industry, with its second sweeping sub dial. Glitz, drawing attention to the city of lights, which never sleeps, enchants wears as some of its watches are adorned with diamond bezels and or diamond markers. The Urban is available in standard size and in mini to reflect the city in any size. These MICHELE designs embrace boldness of the cosmopolitan confidence , while accurately capturing a New York minutes LITERALLY and metaphorically in the most fashionable sense.

For those who go big and live grand, MICHELE introduces the oversized Extreme Couture watch. With sparkling diamonds set in its stainless steel case, which also features a chic quilted design adorned with 51 count diamonds, surrounding its mother-of-pearl dial, it is meant for the runway. A chronograph and date window adds functionality, while its signature MICHELE crown accentuates the elegance of its design. It truly is the watch of presumptuous, aristocratic-lusted living.

Never forgetting the basics, Caber is the most classically styled collection of watches from MICHELE, incorporating diamonds into daily wear. Each of its bezels are adorned diamonds, surrounding either its round case or rounded pillow case shaped case. Each watch features Roman numerals on its dials, only collection from MICHELE to do so, distinctive rolled T-bar lugs and the signature MICHELE crown. The watch is ideal for wearers looking for a time pieces that is fashionable from sunrise to moonlight.

For those with an edgier life and an enthusiast of sports, MICHELE’s Sports Sail collection embraces their active lifestyle. With its Swiss chronograph movements, streamlined silhouette and glittering diamond inset ring around some of its dial, it adds functionality to fashion. The watch also comes with an oversized face, which features a larger date window. Color embraces sports, in that in some of its models, the enamel is available in turquoise or hot pink. It is ideal for those wishing to add the aesthetics of sports to their classic attire.

Further embracing the sportier edge, MICHELE introduced Jetway. Blending the basics of the Caber and the Sports Sail, the collection embellishes the glitz of the Caber in its design with diamonds. Its bezel adorned with 114 count diamonds adds opulence to the design. It is the watch for those who embrace sport, but love the classic beauty of luminance of diamonds.

Leaving behind city life and the states, packing sunscreen and bikinis, MICHELE escapes into the paradises of the seas. Embracing the palette of colors in its flowers and the exuberance of island fashion.

Because of a deserted island, well less-inhabited than Miami or New York anyway, but richer in color and tropical life, Michele introduces exuberant colors in its collection. Inspired by the vibrancy of these pearls of the South Pacific, Ceramic collection is a fresh interpretations of the exotics colors and blends of MICHELE’s timeless style, while beautifying  some of its most classic timepieces in neutral colors. Some of its pieces glitter in the sunlight, enchant in the sunlight, with their diamond adorned bezels.The Tahitian Ceramic are the most popular of the collection, with their vibrant colors, they truly capture the liveliness of the Pacific. These watches are truly MICHELE, with their signature crown and Swiss movement chronograph. The colors and vibrancy perfectly compliments a myriad of colorful characters.

MICHELE’s Tahitian Jellybeans fuse the mechanics of a classic time piece with colors, adding a playful nature of luxury to any wardrobe. Inspired by its Tahitian Ceramic sister and available in a myriad of bright colors, MICHELE’s Tahitian Jellybeans have a stainless steel or 18 K yellow gold case and chronograph,  surrounded by silicon straps. Further identifying its brand other than the signature crown, the name MICHELE adorns the bezel of the watch.

Exit Tahiti; MICHELE visits the West Indies. Inspired by the exotic blends of Pinte Milou in the French West Indies, the Milou collection is a treasure in an ocean of luxury timepieces. This gem is adorned with 74 count dazzling diamonds on its bezel, the elegant MICHELE signature crown and mother-of-pearl dials. Functionality meets beauty with its date window. Like the Ceramics, it too is superb for colorful characters, desiring to add a touch of exotic to their mundane reality.

CAROUSEL: A CARNIVAL OF COLOR SPLASHES THE DIAL

Going to the most wondrous adventure land around, MICHELE goes to the carnival. For a more playful approach to a classic look, MICHELE introduces the Carousel dial. Vibrant splashes of color paint beautiful numbers on their hardened enamel dials, while in some colored stones of topaz adorn the bezel. Available in some of the CSX and Deco models, the Carousel dial, set in hardened enamel, recalls the most jovial of childhood memories, while adding a splash of color to any wardrobe.

Chocolate Collection: Sinfully Sweet, Deliciously Stylish

Visiting the sweets booth at the carnival, MICHELE takes the richest of its sweets, chocolate, and dips some of its most popular watch models in it, bringing us the chocolate collection. Available in its ceramic collection and in some of its Deco models, these chocolate-colored watches are quite rich, without any of the calories. Indulgences goes a step further, since some its rose gold bezels are adorned in diamonds, adding even more richness to the design, without any of the guilt. Thus, wearers can indulge in the sweetness of chocolate and add class to any wardrobe, guilt-free, with MICHELE.

Nior Collection: Black, Bold, Beautiful

Crossing over to the dark side and embracing the lux of black, MICHELE introduces its Nior models, beautifully bold and entirely black watches. For a glitzier look, some of its watches come with black diamond adorned bezels. While it is swings at the opposite pendulum from the Carousel collection, the Nior collection adds a more serious, yet glamorous detail to any wardrobe.

Whether setting sail to Tahiti or jiving in to the Latin beats on Miami’s beaches, MICHELE has a watch that counts the minutes of your escapades. Family run, based out of Miami, the Barouhs maintain the essentials of watch making- patience and a dedication to quality-in the design of of their timepieces. Each watch born into the MICHELE family blends romanticism with the essence of contemporary, while flirting with the latest in fashion in its design. Each watch is made of the finest materials, stainless steel and 18k gold (cases), conflict-free diamonds for its bezels (some of its models) and mother-of-pearl or hardened enamel for its dial. Each watch further keeps up with the trends, in that its bands (exotic materials) and bracelets (finest metals) are interchangeable, through the “presto system.” Watches are water resistant. Thus, a watch from MICHELE is of the finest timepiece that enchants onlookers, and captivates trend setters.

“The world is becoming smaller and smaller,” said Jack Barouh, founder of MICHELE. “I hope that future generations of Michelle Watches continue to reach out and be inspired by it.”

-Kathleen Rodriguez