Blade Runner, Most iconic digital watches, Karl Lagerfeld's Apple Watch

Like tears in rain

Do androids dream electric sheep? We were debating which of the seven versions of Blade Runner is best this week. That veered into a tangent about what watch Deckerd wore in the 1982 film.

Cyberpunk like this could play in several directions: a vintage wind-up; a plastic Swatch; a Apple Watch-style wrist computer. Turns out he wears a no-frills metal digital watch. (We forgot). So if it is good enough for Harrison Ford, maybe a digital could find time on your wrist as a daily beater, or for beating replicants.

The truth is that digital watches do not get enough respect. The quartz crisis is over, and we think they have a place in every watch collection. At this point, many of them are classics. What do you think? Look at this selection of some of The most iconic digital watches ever made. Don’t let them be lost in time.

Apple gave Karl Lagerfeld a custom first-gen, solid gold Apple Watch worth $24k

(And he never set it up)

Last month when we were covering the Cartier Tank that Andy Warhol preferred, he was quoted saying he did not even wind it. Warhol’s Tank in the 1970s had been nearly identical technology for 50 years. The quartz and electronic watch revolution that was happening at the time was a battle between ultra-commodified electronic accuracy and heritage, luxury craftsmanship. Wearing a vintage piece and never winding it expanded that contrast.

Famous fashion mind (and cat-lover) Karl Lagerfeld figured out a way to do what Warhol managed with a classic watch, but with a brand new Apple watch. Lagerfeld’s bodyguard Instagrammed him wearing his recently gifted solid gold Apple Watch in 2015. Eagle-eyed spotters realized that the watch was still on its setup screen. It had never been synced to a phone. The “King of fashion” was basically wearing a digital bracelet.

Lagerfeld did not eschew watches (it is well-known he wore a custom black AP Royal Oak since the 1970s). It is worth noting that both men were flaunting the designed purpose of their watches: keeping time. We think there is some wisdom for today: Keeping time is ubiquitous. Wearing a watch is intentional.

Weekend time

1. It is not about watches, but Karl Lagerfeld has a museum show

This is the reason everyone dressed in Lagerfeld at the Met Gala last month. Now that you know he was a wristwatch maestro, perhaps sample the rest of his oeuvre.

“Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Through July 16.

2. Watch the UEFA Champions League final

There is a chance at a historic upset. Just a chance. In any case, it has been a season to remember for soccer fans. I do wish I was in Istanbul to see it this weekend, but I am settling for NYC. At least it is finally on broadcast TV.

UEFA Champions League Final. Saturday, June 9. 3pm-5pm ET. CBS and Paramount+ streaming.

3. Philips: The New York Watch Auction

If you are in the market for a pre-owned luxury piece, or just window shopping online, you should check out Philip’s Watch auction. Session 1 is Saturday, so there is time to get in your bids.

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT. June 10-11. Philip’s New York and online.