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Emporio Armani Three-Hand Black Steel Mens Watch
Ref. AX2701
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The Cayde collection is Armani Exchange's case for restraint — no numerals, no contrast stitching, nothing to interrupt the all-black surface. At 8mm thick, the case sits closer to a dress watch in profile than anything the bracelet's weight might suggest, and at 42mm it fills the wrist without pressing at the edges of a shirt cuff. The sunray dial catches directional light in a way a flat matte finish never would, giving the watch a quiet depth despite the absence of any text or index numerals. At 115 grams the bracelet has enough presence to feel considered rather than incidental, and the push-button deployant makes daily fastening cleaner than a standard fold-over.
- Reference
- AX2701
- Brand
- Emporio Armani
- Collection
- Cayde
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case thickness
- 8mm
- Lug width
- 20mm
- Case material
- Black PVD
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Quartz
- Water resistance
- 50m
- Bracelet / strap
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Deployant clasp
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Learn more about Emporio Armani
Giorgio Armani launched Emporio Armani in 1981 as a younger, more accessible line beneath the main label. Watches followed under licence, and since 2000 they have been produced by Fossil Group, which holds the manufacturing and distribution rights.
The watches are fashion accessories rather than horological objects, and the house does not claim otherwise. Movements are bought-in quartz and Japanese automatic calibres, cased in designs that follow the clothing line's aesthetic: muted palettes, clean dials, and a preference for restraint over ornament.
That restraint is the appeal. Where much of the licensed-fashion category reaches for size and shine, Emporio Armani generally does not, and the better references in the line are quietly proportioned watches at prices well under the Swiss entry point.
- 1975
- Giorgio Armani founds his fashion house in Milan.
- 1981
- Emporio Armani launches as a diffusion line.
- 2000
- Fossil Group takes over watch production under licence.
Also in 2 collections
This watch appears in Stainless Steel Watches (2,652) and All Black Watches (254).
Manufacturer’s guarantee
What the specifications mean
Strengths
- 8mm is unusually slim for a 42mm case
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
Worth knowing
- 50m suits rain and handwashing, not swimming
Emporio Armani Three-Hand Black Steel alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | AX2701 | MK3492 | 1710728 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £169 | £169 | £169 |
| Case size | 42mm | 42mm | 42mm |
| Water resistance | 50m | 50m | 50m |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| This watch | Closely matched | Closely matched |
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Showering yes, swimming no. 50m covers splashes and brief immersion, but a swimming stroke generates well above the pressure that figure describes.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
Yes. It is quartz, so expect a battery change every two to three years at a jeweller.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedWhat size strap does it take?
20mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.
Is it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
Cheapest place to buy
Goldsmiths is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.
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