Sleek 'n sexy timepieces

Successful companies often force even their most talented employees to toil anonymously, a depressing existence reflected in their John Hancock: "Inspected by 9". Bucking that trend, Issey Miyake Watches, now at Propeller

A subdivision of the Miyake fashion empire, IMW puts out a wildly varied, sleekly industrial line of timepieces designed by four top-of-their-field men, each given creative control and maximum credit by the big Miyake. Spring begins minimal: the urethane/leather banded "Twelve" drops numbers in favor of a 12-sided black steel case, while "To" looks sculpted from a hunk of metal, and keeps the hour with hands notched into concentric discs (which makes it look like a lock, so beware of strangers bearing keys). More conceptual pieces include the motorsports-inspired "Trapezoid" (bold colorways, multi dial, raised angular case, and speed-tracking tachymeter bezel), and the edgeless "Ovo": water resistant up to 10 bars (roughly 300ft), its spherical case and luminous dial will attract smitten deep-sea creatures out to win your hand in marriage

Many styles fall in between, like the rectangular, dual-dialed "Vakio", or the "Insetto", whose case, head, and stem're modeled after the legs, head, and antennae of an insect -- but still sharp enough that you'll stand out from your fellow drones.