Philipp Plein

Philipp Plein founded his label in Munich in 1998, initially designing furniture before moving into fashion. The brand built itself on deliberate excess and has been divisive throughout.

The watches follow suit: heavy gold and black PVD plating, skull motifs, dense crystal setting, and large cases. Movements are quartz. There is no attempt at horological restraint and none is intended.

The brand knows precisely what it is doing and does it without apology, which at least makes it coherent.

Philipp Plein holds 29 models, from £197 to £479. Half cost less than £339, and a quarter less than £297. 12 of 29 are automatic. 13 are stocked by more than one retailer, giving 42 offers in total. Prices are checked nightly against the retailers’ own feeds.

1998

Philipp Plein founds his label in Munich.

2008

The first ready-to-wear collection shows in Milan.

2017

The watch line launches.