As the London Collections Men show commences for the third year in a row, it is clear that the appetite for men’s fashion is stronger than ever.

The London Collections Men show was first launched in 2012 after the male-specific day that took place as part of London Fashion Week grew too large to be squeezed into just one day. The London Fashion Council realised the potential that men’s fashion had and made the intelligent decision to dedicate a full week towards exclusive men’s designer clothes and accessories. Since then, Paris, Milan and most recently New York have followed suit by presenting their own men’s fashion week every summer. While it is unlikely that menswear will eclipse womenswear as the dominating gender of the industry anytime soon, the idea that men now have such influence in not only one, but four, influential cities certainly shows just how far the industry has come.

Among the exquisitely tailored suits, bespoke prints and the eccentric silken ties lies a special accessory that is even more coveted in the world of designer menswear than the luxurious garments themselves - this item is of course, the one and only, watch.

Watches have been a symbol of power, status and wealth for hundreds of years. Prestigious brands like Rolex captured the imagination of male consumers by creating an efficient timepiece worn on the wrists of brave explorers, champions and the famous elite. Rolex helped to transform watches from a practical item whose purpose was to tell the time and date, to a stylish accessory that men all over the world were compelled to add to their collections.

Nowadays, there is a plethora of luxury watch designers crafting sublime timepieces, but nevertheless Rolex still remains one of the most powerful names in the horological industry. Here at William May, we share a passion for classic watches, which is why we have a variety of classic pre-owned watches available in our collection, including renowned designs from Rotary and Rolex, suitable for all sorts of styles and occasions.

Substance and style

If you are searching for a truly show-stopping watch, then look no further than the Rolex Diamond Dot DateJust. This stunning timepiece is created from white gold and steel, with a luxurious silver dial and diamond gemstones. While this watch would be ideal for a sophisticated formal affair, with water resistance of up to 100m and an automatic movement, you’ll be well prepared for any kind of adventure you land yourself in.

Another stylish and pragmatic timepiece is this gentlemen’s Rotary Bracelet watch. A stainless steel bracelet and case wrapped around a jet black face with Roman steel numerals exudes sophistication and class. It may be the perfect accompaniment to your dinner suit, but its versatile style means that it will add charm to any attire.

This Rolex White Gold Daytona Strap Watch exudes all of the qualities Rolex is famous for. The strong black leather strap is the ultimate symbol of power and true style, while the bezel is made from the finest white gold. The mystery of the black dial makes the white gold batons stand out and the entire watch has a timeless feel that many other brands would struggle to replicate with such class.