Philipp Plein The Skull PWAAA1221 Men's Watch, Gold Dial, Silicone Strap

The $kull PWAAA1221: gold dial, set with stones, and white strap

The Philipp Plein The $kull PWAAA1221 watch is the most luminous version in the collection. Its 44 mm round case in steel receives a yellow gold IP treatment, and its gold dial is fully set with crystals, with a crystal-paved skull at the centre. The whole is mounted on a white silicone strap with a moulded skull, a striking contrast that immediately sets this Philipp Plein skull watch apart from its black-strapped siblings. It clearly aims for impact: this is a piece you wear to be seen.

• Case: round, 44 mm, steel with yellow gold IP, 15 mm thick.
• Lug width: 22 mm.
• Dial: gold, fully set with crystals, pavé skull at the centre.
• Movement: quartz, hours, minutes and seconds, no date.
• Strap: white silicone with moulded skull, pin buckle.
• Glass and water resistance: mineral, 50 m (5 ATM).
• Warranty: 2 years, new and authentic watch.

White and gold or black and gold: PWAAA1221 versus PWAAA1321

The two crystal-set Skulls in our selection share the same dimensions: 44 mm diameter, 15 mm thickness, 22 mm lug width, quartz with no date. They differ, however, across the whole palette. The PWAAA1221 goes for full light, with a fully set gold dial and a white strap; the PWAAA1321 reverses the approach with a black case, a black dial and gold crystals concentrated on the skull. The PWAAA0221, meanwhile, keeps yellow gold but on a black dial without stone setting.

• PWAAA1221: for summer, light outfits and evenings when the watch becomes the main piece of jewellery.
• PWAAA1321: for a more nocturnal style, where the gold only shows in touches.
• PWAAA0221: for yellow gold with a restrained dial, without crystals.

Wearing a 44 x 15 mm gold case day to day

With 15 mm thickness, the PWAAA1221 is best worn with short sleeves, rolled-up sleeves or a shirt with a wide cuff; under a fitted cuff, it does not sit comfortably. From a 17 cm wrist circumference, the 44 mm diameter remains well proportioned. The white strap lights up the wrist, especially on tanned skin, and echoes the gold case like a piece of fashion jewellery.

• Summer outfit: linen, white shirt, beige trousers; the white strap extends the outfit.
• Evening: all black, the watch becomes the only point of light in the silhouette.
• To avoid: new raw denim against the strap, as its indigo can stain the white silicone.
• Spare strap: the 22 mm lug width accepts a wide range of straps available commercially, should you ever want to switch to black.

Caring for set crystals and white silicone

A fully set dial and a white strap require a little more attention than a classic watch. Crystals lose their brilliance as soon as a film of sebum or cream settles on the glass, and white silicone shows even the slightest mark. A few regular habits are enough to keep the watch looking like new.

• Glass and case: wipe dry with a microfibre cloth each evening to restore the sparkle of the settings.
• White strap: warm soapy water once a week, rinse, dry flat.
• Dye stains: act quickly with soapy water; avoid alcohol and bleach, which yellow the silicone.
• Perfume: spray before putting the watch on, never on the wrist wearing it.
• Battery: replacement by a watchmaker, with seal check.

The watch is delivered new, authentic and with a 2-year warranty. For a memorable gift, the Skull version makes the most impact when the box is opened, especially for a watch enthusiast who likes to stand out.