Last Updated on May 14, 2023 by swisswatchreview
Anne Klein is a fashion brand that is better known for its clothing, shoes and handbags. However, the brand also produces a stylish range of watches that are geared primarily to women. At first glance, these look like high-end fashion watches. However, the price point is surprisingly affordable. This disparity deserves a closer examination to discover what Anne Klein watches are really all about.
History of the Brand
Anne Klein is a fashion brand that got its start in 1968. It was the creation of American designer Anne Klein and investor Gunther Oppenheim. By the time Klein opened her company, she was already an established presence in the fashion world. She trained at Traphagen School of Fashion in the 1930s, and she quickly found work sketching dresses for major fashion firms. After marrying a clothing manufacturer named Ben Klein, she helped launch her first brand, Junior Sophisticates. The marriage ended, but Klein’s career did not. She continued to expand her fashion presence, opening various shops and winning numerous awards across the industry.
As a brand, Anne Klein gained traction quickly. Within a decade of its founding, the brand was being sold in 750 stores across the country. When Klein passed away from cancer in 1974, the design direction was taken over by Donna Karan and Louis Dell’olio. As of 2019, the company is owned by WHP Global and is privately held.
Although Klein’s elite sense of design is still pervasive at the company, it is worth noting that she had no influence on the watch line. Anne Klein did not start selling watches until years after its founder’s untimely death. That being said, it is clear that Klein’s strong sense of fashion is still prevalent in the design and marketing of its current watches.
An Eye to Fashion
Anne Klein is a designer fashion brand. Understanding this background will tell you a lot about what to expect from the styling of these watches. Overall, these pieces are designed like jewelry, and they often rely on minimalistic elements with sleek flourishes for dramatic effect. Some models are more casual for everyday wear, but others feature a bit more opulence for elegant occasions.
To suit a range of fashion needs, the brand currently carries more than 200 models. That means there are a lot of options to consider to complement any wardrobe or personal preference. As you peruse the offerings, you will note that the selection varies widely in terms of color and material. Some options feature gold and silver plating on the bands. Others are enhanced with adjustable leather straps.
The choice of faces is equally diverse. There are some models with streamlined notches to denote the time. Others have bolder numerals to mark the hour. Some even come adorned with crystal markers for a little added flair. It is worth noting that all of the models are analog in nature. Anne Klein does not currently offer any digital watches in its collection.
The variety is designed to match every shopper with their dream watch. In reality, many shoppers will be enticed to buy more than one. Anne Klein watches are definitely designed with the ambiance of jewelry, and if you like to accessorize, then you will find plenty of options to meet your needs. Anne Klein even carries some watches with real diamonds. At this price point, the availability of real diamonds is an impressive feat.
Looking Ahead with Care and Maintenance
Overall, these watches require little maintenance. This is the advantage of standard quartz construction. Typically, the only maintenance required on Anne Klein watches is battery replacement. This may be needed every few years.
One particular limitation of these watches is their water resistance. Some are rated for minimal water resistance, but these ratings should be taken with caution. Anne Klein watches do not perform well around water. For the best performance, Anne Klein watches should be treated like jewelry. Avoid extreme weather conditions, and store these watches in cool, dry areas.
One of the most impressive parts of the watches from Anne Klein is the warranty. Most watches are sold with a two-year warranty. Even luxury brands like Rolex come with a standard two-year warranty. However, Anne Klein watches have a lifetime limited warranty. If there are defects with the craftsmanship or the materials, you can contact Anne Klein about a replacement.
The Question of Cost
Anne Klein has all the trappings of a designer label. Therefore, you may be surprised when you see the price point on these watches. Anne Klein watches are moderately priced. The cheaper models can be found for $100. The most expensive models may be $400.
The reason for this price point can be traced to a few factors. First, these are not horological masterpieces. Anne Klein watches offer standard performance and construction. The brand has made no attempt to dabble in high-end watchmaking. This allows the brand to keep costs lower.
Moreover, Anne Klein does not always use high-end materials. These watches look exquisite, but most of them are only plated with gold. Although some of them do feature crystals or diamonds, these finishes tend to be small. The diamond watches from Anne Klein are the most expensive in its collection. The elevated price point is clearly linked to the presence of real stones.
With this price point, Anne Klein sells its watches mostly at department stores. However, its full collection is always available online for your shopping convenience.
A Final Assessment
Anne Klein is an excellent choice for an affordable designer watch. Although the brand does not invest much in its horological design, it does create dependable watches that look amazing. This is not a brand for elite watchmaking. However, if you are interested in fashionable watches without breaking your budget, Anne Klein might be the right option for you.
Anne Klein Women’s Diamond-Accented Bracelet Watch
Model number: AK/1362RGRG
Display Type: Analog (No numerical labels)
Wrist size: 7 inches (removable links but no extra links included)
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Case Material: Metal, Rose gold with a polished finish
Case Diameter: 32 mm
Band type: Metal bracelet links, 16mm width
Clasp Type: Jewelry clasp and extender
With a classic rose-gold tone, this watch matches practically any accessories. Its design accentuated by that solitaire diamond pulls off a professional yet not ostentatious look.
AK/362RGRG is made with durability in mind for its water-resistant and scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens—perfect for everyday use. But just like anything water-resistant, avoid getting it submerged in water.
At 34mm, the case is slightly larger than the standard. Making it easy to read even for users who do not have a normal visual acuity. It does not tend to roll like other watches because the bigger size helps it fit the wrist snugly.
The metal band is stainless steel, which contains nickel. Females who are hypoallergenic should consider buying other models that do not have a metal band. They can opt for a ceramic or leather band.
Anne Klein Dress Watch
Model number: AK/1018BKBK
Display Type: Analog (No numerical labels)
Wrist size: 6.75 inches (removable links but no extra links included)
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Case Material: Brass Bezel, Mineral crystal lens
Case Diameter: 30 mm
Band type: Ceramic bracelet links, 16mm width
Clasp Type: Push-and-slide clasp
Black goes with everything, especially with the right complementary features. This AK dress watch has a glossy black dial, gold-tone hands, and markers. The contrasting colors, along with its diamond accent, finish the look with an opulent vibe.
Since the band is ceramic, users with hypoallergenic skin do not have to worry about skin reactions. AK/1018BKBK is also scratch-resistant and water-resistant that can handle splashes of water. Its medium weight combines comfort and versatility.
Ceramics are brittle, not recommended for manual workers. Replacing the ceramic band could cost double the price of the watch. Moreover, ladies that have already ordered this have complained about the size of the band. A wrist size over 6 ½ will have to purchase additional links. It has two links included, so women who have a small size need only remove those.
Anne Klein Women’s Genuine Diamond Dial Bangle Watch
Model number: AK/1980BKGB
Display Type: Analog (No numerical labels)
Wrist size: 6.75 inches (removable links but no extra links included)
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Case Material: Metal, Mineral crystal lens
Case Diameter: 28 mm
Band type: Metal gold-tone bangle, 10mm width
Clasp Type: Push-and-slide clasp
Dainty watches with a bangle band are best for women with small to medium wrist sizes. This AK diamond bangle watch has an opposing black and gold color scheme, including the dial, making it easier to read.
The black enamel-filled gold-tone bangle adds to the modern-classy feel of this timepiece. AK/1980BKGB small design makes it lighter and perfect for casual and dressy attire. Reviewers have denoted that the material could cause irritation for sensitive-skinned individuals and would only fit sizes 6 ½ and below.
The mechanism is still Japanese quartz. Therefore, it’s long-lasting and reliable. In addition, the dial is on the small side, not suited for shoppers who have eye issues.
Overall, the watch is a great value for the price.
