It's Charm Time: John Isaac Watches

Combining the quality of a Rolex and the whimsical color palette of a Swatch, John Isaac watches are poised to become the next blockbuster accessory. The brand was born out of family tradition: Isaac's grandfather was a renowned watch repairman in Geneva; after Isaac inherited the family atelier, he decided to make use of it, rather than abandoning the storied space. Just this year, John Isaac launched his eponymous line, which is produced in the same studio using meticulous old-world, Swiss watchmaking techniques.

While the watches may be classic in their construction and shape, they're anything but old-fashioned. The watchfaces are hand-painted with kitschy symbols such as skulls, cannabis and butterflies (which can be either engraved or enameled), and the leather straps come in a wide array of cheery colors. Fittingly, Isaac's fun-loving take on luxury has already sparked major interest. Maxfields in LA, Isetan in Japan, Bergdorf Goodman in New York and Montaigne Market in Paris have all snapped them up, as well as Hollywood starlets Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman and Lindsay Lohan. Get in on the trend asap, as the company is limiting production to just 2,000 timepieces this year.

—Robert Cordero