The Officine Panerai men's watch was designed to be readable under water by the Italian navy's demolition teams. Its face, in steel or titanium, is larger than usual. There's a metal clamp over the winding crown to keep it in position and to keep moisture away from the mechanism–in case you have to take a dive. The price: $3,650 to $7,000. Available at Liljenquist & Beckstead (Tysons Galleria, 703-448-6731; liljenquist.com).
Women's watches have also hit the big time with embellished watch faces, fabric straps, and jewels: TAG Heuer's Formula 1 chronograph watch has diamonds around the face and a grosgrain strap. Think pink–it's a hot watch color this year. The TAG Heuer goes for $1,895 and is available at Boone & Sons (5550 The Hills Plaza, Chevy Chase, 301-657-2144; 1025 Connecticut Ave., NW, 202-785-4653; booneandsons.com).
Washingtonian staffers contributing to this section were Cristina Abello, Susan Baer, Susan Davidson, Ken DeCell, Rebecca Dreilinger, Kim Isaac Eisler, Mary Clare Fleury, Kimberly Forrest, Brooke Lea Foster, Garrett M. Graff, Cynthia Hacinli, Thomas Head, Todd Kliman, Ann Limpert, Chad Lorenz, Leslie Milk, Aparna Nancherla, William O'Sullivan, Cindy Rich, and Chris Wilson. Also contributing were Cathy Alter, Ann Cochran, and Matthew Graham.
