The Face in Time Paradis Tropical Collection

The world of microbrands often focuses on technical features: who offers the best water resistance, the brightest lume, or the most exotic mechanism at an affordable price.

In this race, the emotional and artistic aspects of watchmaking often remain in the shadows, as it is rare for an independent brand to have a philosophy entirely built around art and a female audience. This is what makes the The Face in Time Paradis Tropical collection such a unique discovery for those seeking something unconventional in the women's watch segment.

Brand Creation and Inspiration

The brand's founder, Ashley Lowe-Smith, an accountant by education and later a watchmaker, launched the brand in 2021, drawing on her roots in Zimbabwe and family history. Her grandfather was an experienced international importer, but the true source of inspiration was her grandmother, who instilled in her a love for exquisite fabrics and intricate patterns honed by years of tailoring expertise. Noticing a lack of creative approach in the luxury women's Swiss watch segment, Lowe-Smith decided to carve her own path, leading to the creation of the Paradis Tropical collection.

Instead of the standard "shrink it and pink it" approach (reducing a men's watch case and adding a pastel or mother-of-pearl dial), The Face in Time developed a rich collection of four models, divided by metal and archetype. La Banane (Mother) and La Marchande (Queen) are crafted in warm golden tones, symbolizing care and vision. The cool silver variants - La Noix de Coco (Mystic) and the vibrant Le Toucan Rouge (Huntress) - embody intuition and independence.

Case: A Balance Between Art and Engineering

When working with such visually expressive and intricate dials, the case must find a fine balance: to highlight the artwork without distracting attention, while maintaining impeccable finishing, appreciated by fans of both classic proportions and high watchmaking engineering.

The designers at The Face in Time created an octagonal sculptural case inspired by the silhouette of a ring with an octagonal diamond, crafted from stainless steel with a PVD coating. The shape is not random: the number eight is a subtle nod to Lowe-Smith's Chinese heritage (she is three-eighths Chinese) and a tribute to her birth year - 1988. In models with a diamond bezel, each of the eight facets is adorned with eight stones (a total of 64), a hidden tribute to her mother's birth year - 1964.

Particularly noteworthy is the Asscher-cut glass over the dial. Raised and multi-faceted, it resembles a diamond made from sapphire crystal, capturing and refracting light.

The Paradis Tropical cases, with a diameter of 38.1 mm, are available in gold and silver finishes with a polished surface. Their depth - 4.95 mm - provides a tangible weight characteristic of serious luxury watches, while the case remains thin enough to wear comfortably under a blouse cuff. All watches are assembled at the watchmaking center in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Dial: Traditional Craftsmanship and Unique Technique

While many microbrands use stamped brass dials with applied indices, The Face in Time chose a more traditional and labor-intensive route. The dials of the Paradis Tropical collection are crafted using a technique inspired by cloisonné, which involves forming intricate patterns from the thinnest gold or silver wires, then manually filling the cells with kiln-fired enamel to create depth and color richness. Due to the complexity of the process, creating one dial takes an average of 21 days.

This meticulousness is evident in each of the four archetypes. In the La Banane and La Marchande models, a warm wire frame highlights the bright fruits and deep textured shades of tropical leaves. La Noix de Coco stands out with a cool palette and an image of a coconut resting in a woman's palm. Le Toucan Rouge takes enamelwork to a new level, accurately conveying the voluminous red plumage of the toucan. In each model, the artistic design literally comes to life on the wrist.

Movement: Reliability and Practicality

Inside these artful Paradis Tropical watches is a reliable Swiss quartz movement. For a boutique watchmaking endeavor emphasizing traditional handmade dial craftsmanship, this is a sensible choice: it provides stability and ease of use, allowing the owner to enjoy the aesthetics without worrying about technical nuances. These watches are perfect for those who prefer variety in their collection and do not want to compromise on reliability.

Strap: Comfort and Versatility

Understanding that watches are a personal expression, The Face in Time paid special attention to the strap. Leather bracelets provide comfort and good breathability without the long "breaking in" period typical of thick and stiff straps. The elegant taper and classic black color make them versatile and stylish. Additionally, the straps are easily replaceable thanks to quick-release pins, allowing the watch's look to be changed for different occasions, such as choosing a more neutral tone for a business meeting.

Conclusion: Combining Art and Functionality

The Face in Time Paradis Tropical watches are not suitable for every occasion, but they are an excellent conversation piece offering female collectors a rare combination of technical mastery and artistic expression. It's not every day you see a toucan on your wrist, and this adds a special freshness to the collection. The brand proves that high art and Swiss quality can be combined without compromise. These watches are an example of how technical specifications and soul can coexist harmoniously.

Prices and Availability of The Face in Time Paradis Tropical Collection

The Paradis Tropical watches are made to order and available for reservation on the official The Face in Time website.

Price: from 15,200 to 24,820 USD (with diamonds)