THE CHALLENGE

Timepieces bridge art and design, technology and human interactivity. As the foundation of Temescal Creative’s development and inception, La Mer Collections was created by Principal Martine Ilana, out of her passion for form & function. She set out to become the largest 100% woman-owned watch brand founded in the USA. The intention of this brand was to be ‘Inspired by the Color of Travel’ and bring a handcrafted aesthetic paired with a very high quality timepiece, assembled in the USA.

'La Mer' means 'The Ocean, or The Water' in French and the brand’s design inspiration comes from the concept of free spirited adventures by the water. The intention of each watch’s design is to capture those adventurous moments. When one glances down at their colorful La Mer Watches wrapped around their wrists, they are inspired and remember sweet memories from their travel and lives.

“A watch is a private piece of art. Not only does it embody the skill of the artisan who created it, but it is an expression of the owner’s style. In this day and age, with all the technology surrounding us, all we truly need on our wrist is a watch that tells time. Often less is more when it comes to a timepiece’s design and wearing a watch allows you to appreciate esthetic qualities as well as function and technical reliability.”

I have a tactile relationship with my watches and I appreciate the elegant faces and quality leather straps. Timepieces set the rhythm of my life, but they remain above all, pieces of jewelry with which I develop a genuine connection. I wear a watch because it is an object that conveys some of my most precious values; the connection between art and technology.” - Martine Ilana

Every watch has been designed within the company’s California Head Quarters. This design includes the case shape and finish, crown design, dial textures, the hand designs, along with the case-back engravings (often including secret positive messages kept close to the customer’s wrists hidden from view).

Every watch contains 3 distinct parts: Watch Cases, Straps and Jewelry Details.

Watch Cases: Each watch case is made from nickel-free 14k Gold, Rose Gold, IP Silver or IP Gunmetal Plated metal finishes, manufactured and imported from Asia.

Straps: Hides of leather were hand chosen and processed within Los Angeles, to then create spools of colorful, high quality Italian leather straps.

Jewelry Details: Hand picked natural stones are then crafted into beautiful bracelet styles.

All components then are assembled together within the company’s Los Angeles Design Studio and factories.

La Lune, a capsule diamond collection, expanded the line by presenting a diamond infused luxury timepiece collection. With a dark and earth tone palette, the diamond accents made each timepiece sparkle like the moon over the deep midnight blue ocean. Black diamonds are inset into La Mer Collections’ watch faces, and each timepiece is designed with La Mer Collections’ signature jewelry details.

The unexpected way in which La Mer Collections presents each design allows for women to experience a new and personal way to wear luxurious timepieces and jewelry.