The Gucci U-Play Kit Small White Leather Ladies Watch Case YFA50034 comes with a beautiful white bezel and fashionable green and red striped band. The interchangeable parts of the U-Play series are perfect for women who love to mix and match accessories. (Image from: www.endless.com, retrieved January 29, 2012)

By: Lindsay Karzon

Let’s face it, ladies. It’s hard to find one timepiece that will match perfectly with everything in your wardrobe. Do you have difficulty deciding what watch to buy because there are so many different color and style options?  The Gucci U-Play watch series gives you multiple fashion options to coordinate with your clothes. While some women might purchase multiple watches, the Gucci YFA50034 U-Play Kit Small White Leather Watch Case is an amazing solution. With this one $195 purchase, you will have a case, bezel, and band that will fit any U-play watch.

The U-Play Series: How is it possible? The Gucci U-Play series is unique because the watch comes with three interchangeable parts designed to fit any U-play timepiece with a small size case. Change the straps, bezels, or bangles to suit any occasion. Quick and easy to change the parts, simply unscrew the bezel, remove the two bracelet elements, and insert a new bracelet or bezel. The interchangeable design ensures you will have the accessories for whatever you choose to wear. Featured specially in this review are a white leather bezel and a soft calfskin strap with white edges showing the iconic vertical green and red Gucci stripes secured with a buckle and clasp. Displaying a symbol of Swiss precision and accuracy, the Gucci horsebit icon is on the straps and clasps. Gucci claims that the U-play timepiece allows clientele to express their individuality, and the new U-Play series design certainly does just that.

Mix and Match Accessories: However, one drawback of this series is that the case featured in this review does not come with a watch. Purchasing a Gucci U-Play watch can cost up to $650. In order to mix and match your accessory choices, you must purchase more cases from the U-Play series that won’t come with your initial purchase. At $195 per case, you could consider simply buying an entirely different watch. However, the interchangeability allows you to keep the same top-notch reputable Gucci watch while changing the style and color of the band. The U-Play series bands come in a plethora of colors such as pistachio, Gucci brown, black, white, mauve, silver and gold. From rubber to satin, to Guccissima leather, you also have many options for band materials as well.

Sizing: It’s also important to consider that the band size featured in this review is small. If you don’t have a petite wrist, the Gucci YFA50033 U-Play Kit Medium White Leather Watch Case might be more appropriate for you. It’s the same style, but slightly larger. Unfortunately, if you have a wide wrist, the Gucci U-Play series is probably not the best fit for you. However, if you are a woman with a small wrist and are looking for a high-quality watch series that will allow you to mix and match your accessories, the Gucci YFA50034 U-Play Kit Small White Leather Watch Case just might be your next purchase.

Pros:

• Mix and match accessories
• U-Play series has a variety of band colors
• U-Play series has a variety of band styles

Cons:

• Watch is sold separately
• Accessory cases are expensive

There seems to be an i- for everything these days. From pods, books, and tunes, there is no end to what can not have an i put in front of it and it suddenly becomes a whole lot better. I think that is part of the reasoning behind the i-Gucci collection of watches, and hopefully it is every bit as i as other products that bare the coveted letter. The Gucci I-Gucci Women’s Watch YA114401 is the type of watch you would expect to see from something jumping on the tech bandwagon of i products that the world has seemed to claw and hurdle over each other to claim. It features a rubber bracelet for comfort and gives it a very “geek chic” vibe with its less than metallic quality and emphasis on function over aesthetics. But it is still a Gucci product, rubber bracelet or not and it still looks very good.

The black dial with the black bracelet is a very cool and tech savvy look as well. This motif is further emphasized by the digital display of the watch. Furthermore, the watch features Swiss quartz movement so you know it is good because the Swiss obviously know their stuff. But back tot he digital display. We got numbers all over this thing, and you may be wondering what happened to the time and when did it require calculations. Fear not, because in this crazy world this watch has a display that is going to tell you everything you need, that is, just as soon as you figure out what it is trying to say at all with its multiple displays. But what would an i product be if it didn’t have multiple digital displays?

The watch is also scratch resistant and water resistant to 30 meters so you won’t break it typing at your computer. I think this watch is best described as for trendy geeks who are looking to keep it Gucci while still staying true to their computer roots.  If you are looking for some real Gucci swag, this probably isn’t the show stopper you are looking for. However, if you just love i products and want to show your a tech savvy mofo who also knows how to keep it styling, then this is the piece for you.

The Gucci U-Play YFA50033 is a beautiful piece from Gucci’s U-Play collection that is both elegant and sport, as the name of the collection suggests. This timepiece is as luxurious as the name it bears and is sure to be a great addition to your collection. It really is more of a sporty watch, but paired correctly, this watch can be very versatile and is accommodating to a multitude of outfits. The white leather bezel is a very modern design that brightens up the watch considerably over a stainless steel or other more earthy tone. There is even more color coming from the nylon strap with stripes of green red and white. However, the silver framing of this watch as well as the sun-brushed dial, which features a very sleek interlocking “G,” helps bring everything together and create a sense of class.

The greatest thing about this particular watch is the interchangeability of the watches. The YFA50033 is just one of the many kits you can buy and use with this awesome timepiece. Changing out bezels or straps or both is easy and quick, and makes this a very versatile and economical piece to own. Because of the classic design of the dial, the Swiss quartz movement, and the scratch proof sapphire case, the watch itself is easy to use and can easily be paired with the many kits that Gucci offers.

I think this is a novel piece because it is like owning a whole bunch of watches in one. Because you only have to buy different kits to pair it with, you get a quality Gucci watch that goes with everything because it can be changed to match anything. This is a quality piece that offers a lot of possibilities. Looking at the U-Play collection you get the idea that this watch is for almost anyone as you just switch out the bracelet to match your needs. I think this concept makes it an especially good buy if it is your first Gucci timepiece, because if you do not like the style, you can simply switch it up with one of the other kits. This additionally makes it an excellent gift, because of the versatility offered.

If you are looking for a watch with  great versatility, luxury, sportiness, and style, all the while bearing the Gucci name. then this is the watch for you.

If you do not want a piece with a classic dial like this one, then avoid it because all the kits in the world can’t change the face.

In all honesty, the Gucci i-Gucci Women’s Watch YA114404 isn’t the prettiest of timepieces. Its grey face and boxy-looking numbers leave a lot to be desired in the fashion department. However, beauty isn’t everything and what this watch lacks in looks; it makes up for it in smarts.

One of the most interesting things about this watch is its ability to display the time for two different time zones. So for example, if you’ve got an international conference call that starts at three o’clock in the afternoon in London, you can set the YA114404 to both local and Greenwich Mean Time so you’ll be sure to make it to the phone on time. This function is made possible with its Swiss digital dual time movement.

Earlier, when I said that this timepiece isn’t very pretty, I wasn’t calling it ugly in a nice way. Because, even though this watch isn’t the best looking, it still has charm and a nerdy cuteness about it that makes it pretty lovable. Compared to other digital watches, Gucci makes this model smaller, sleeker and more polished, and as a result achieves a very modern feel. This is truly a digital watch for the twenty-first century gal.

This timepiece also features:
• A round stainless steel case with a 40 mm diameter
• Pink silicone rubber strap with deployment buckle
• Sapphire crystal
• Water resistance up to 100 feet, or 30 meters
• Indiglo dial

So, now for the important question—is this the watch for you? It could be, especially if you like:
• Digital watches instead of analog ones
• The Gucci brand
• Brand-name items that don’t have logos and the name of the brand featured obnoxiously on them—the most branding you get on this watch is the diamond pattern of double G’s on the bracelet.
• Watches with unique features, such as a dual time zone display

I wouldn’t recommend this watch for you if you’re the kind of person who:
• Likes their watches packed full of features—this watch is pretty basic as it only displays the two times and their distinguishing cities.
• Prefers an analog watch
• Doesn’t have over $1,000 to spend

To break down the important stuff, this selection from the i-Gucci collection might be just what you’re looking for if modern-looking digital watches are more your taste. You should probably look elsewhere if you prefer a watch boasting a long list of features, or have a smaller budget. Either way, the YA114404 is definitely one of a kind.

Although the Gucci I-Gucci YA114212 Men’s watch offers brand name bragging rights and superior Swiss construction, it’s a hideous eyesore that fails to capture either of the markets between which it lives in aesthetic and pragmatic purgatory. Whoever was Gucci targeting when they came up with this rugged, rubber, ruin?!?! On the one hand, for the serious diver that is more pragmatic than brand conscious, the Gucci Men’s I-Gucci YA114212 only remains water-resistant up to 330 feet down under and thus pales in comparison with the price-wise comparable Invicta Men’s 6555 Subaqua Noma IV Collection Chronograph Stainless Steel watch which is far sportier and takes men to 1650 foot ocean depths in style. On the other end of the spectrum, this Gucci I-Gucci YA114212 Men’s watch watch errs far too heavily on the sporty side to ever attract the traditional Gucci clientele, most of whom enjoy jewelry-esque bling and flair. Furthermore, it is too pricey for the bargain-shopping low-risk aquatic who would likely be just as satisfied with an Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Quartz at $275, keeping them in the shallow end of their wallet while taking them reasonably deep into the ocean abyss with support for twice the depth at 660 feet of water-resistance. Worst of all, the watch is pink which simply does not work aesthetically.

If you must purchase this watch, I beg of you that you at least consider the Gucci Men’s YA114207 I-Gucci Watch instead, at a couple hundred dollars more. The Gucci Men’s YA114207 offers a grey palette that fares better with its most likely intended purpose as an athletic companion. Quite frankly, I can’t imagine paying the $700 (online discounted priced), much less the retail of $1350 for the Gucci I-Gucci YA114212 Men’s watch and certainly not above $1000 for either of these I-Gucci watches. In short, the Gucci I-Gucci YA114212 Men’s watch is not worth your money. It’s no wonder you can find this pastel faux pas online at nearly half the retail price. Believe it or not, I am a big Gucci lover which is why I happily selected the GUCCI Women’s YA121505 121 Marina Chain Quartz Watch for myself and the GUCCI Men’s YA126222 G-Timeless Brown Chronograph G Dial Watch for my husband in a similar price range. For the water athletes in my life, I am sticking with the Invicta Men’s 6555 Subaqua Noma IV Collection Chronograph Stainless Steel watch. In this case, Gucci simply got it wrong. Simply Put: This I-Gucci watch is stylistically homeless in the world of fashion. I urge you to help Gucci redeem their good name: Close your wallet, put this eyesore out of its misery, and keep on shopping!

Gucci G-Frame YA127506 with 18k yellow gold.

Written By: Jean Flint

If you’re looking for streamlined elegance, the simple and slim G-Frame collection from Gucci offers the stunning Gucci G-Frame Rectangular Black and Gold Women’s Watch YA127506 which features three round-cut diamonds on its lacquered dial.

The slender rectangular case of the G-Frame YA127506 is done in 18k yellow gold plate with a glossy black picture frame edge around the dial. At only 34 by 14 millimeters (1.34 by .55 inches) it will sit daintily across your wrist, held in place by a slim 7 inch fabric wristband with a black satin surface and yellow gold ardillion buckle. The timepiece has Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement and anti-reflective scratch-resistant crystal that keep it both running and looking smooth.

A golden Gucci logo and 3 round-cut diamonds mark the hours on the YA127506’s glossy black dial.

Petit gold hour and minute hands take center stage on the black lacquered dial. The only hour markers are the golden Gucci name at 12 o’clock and 3 round-cut diamonds with 57 shining facets each at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. This is what really makes the jewelry aspect of the timepiece shine.

Since the G-Frame YA127506 does have a very simple and decorative design, it doesn’t have certain helpful features such as luminescent hands or a date display – you’re on your own for that. Typical of jewelry style watches, the G-Frame YA127506 also has the water resistance of 30 meters (98 feet), which means you should really try to avoid getting it wet. The cloth wristband won’t take well to moisture either. If you’re looking for something a bit more durable there are models with stainless steel wristbands such as the G-Frame YA127504, which doesn’t have the yellow gold accents of the YA127506.

The lack of more hour markers on the long face make it hard to read with any great precision. If you’re looking for something with a more compact dial, the G-Frame YA128505 has the same color scheme and 3 diamond decoration but on a square dial, making the unmarked hours and minutes easier to approximate. Other variations in the G-Frame theme are available with bracelets of stainless steel links, rigid metal, leather, or differently colored cloth.

Because of the rich materials, the retail price of the G-Frame YA127506 is $3450. It can be found for several hundred dollars less online but the gold and diamonds definitely make it a rich, if mainly decorative, luxury item. If elegant form over practical function suits your needs, then the Gucci G-Frame Rectangular Black and Gold Women’s Watch YA127506 would make a beautiful choice.

The Gucci U-Play Muave Rubber Watch Kit is unique in its fresh, stylish, feminine color and its comfortable yet durable rubber strap

Ladies, we know it’s in our blood to accessorize, especially with color. Whether it’s your coat, your shoes, your jewelry or your iPod or cell phone, everything has now become color-customizable. So why not your watch? Now, with the Gucci U-Play Watch Kit, it is possible. Even better, it’s the color you’ve been waiting for: the Gucci U-Play Medium Mauve Rubber Watch Kit YFA50009.

A beautiful light pastel mauve (not too pink, not too purple, but just right), Gucci’s U-Play Medium Mauve Rubber Watch Kit allows women to show their style and femininity. Instead of the standard business colors of black, brown, beige, white and silver, you can now customize your watch to instantly pop with a fresh color. The rubber wristband is also a great alternative for those who do not want to be too ostentatious with their silver bracelet bands, or dislike always feeling the cold metallic touch of their stainless steel bands. Or, perhaps you just want to coordinate your watch with your outfit for a springtime air. Whatever the reason, now it’s easy as 1-2-3 to change your watch’s appearance to match your mood or attire.

Gucci’s U-Play Mauve Kit includes three interchangeable pieces that fit any U-play watch with a medium case size.

Its features at a glance:

• Stainless steel case
• Mauve rubber bezel
• Two mauve rubber straps with stainless steel ardillon buckle (19 mm band width)
• Gucci’s iconic “GG” interlocking horsebit pattern on straps
• Durable yet soft rubber
• Made in Switzerland
• Easy to attach and detach (see embedded video below)
• Retails for $150.00

The U-Play Collection is known allowing the modern woman to convey her individuality through its ingenious design, streamlined look, and wide array of interchangeable colors and materials. The interchangeable sets feature different bezels, straps, and bangles available in Gucci brown, pistachio, silver, gray, slate, beige, slate blue, white, dark brown, and black, in ostrich or lizard skin, satin, patent or Guccissima leather, rubber, or stainless steel.

The mauve set is the only pinkish color in the U-Play line, and thus stands out as a unique offering. The only other Gucci watch with a similarly colored wristband is the  Gucci I-Gucci Digital Pink Rubber Strap Watch YA114404, but of course it is a digital watch, not interchangeable in its band, and not as elegant as the U-Play.

One downside is that this mauve kit seems only available in a medium case size, and I have not been able to find a small size for this color. And of course, you have to buy the watch itself first, which ranges from a $520 to a $650 price.

However, if you are lucky enough to wear a medium-size watch, then this may be the kit for you. Beautiful, yet understated, the Gucci U-Play Mauve Rubber Watch Kit gives you the essence of demure, stylish femininity.

Elegance in time and fashion

Written by Lindsey Cook

The Gucci Marina Chain YA121504 watch is more than just a way to tell time.  This creative accessory combines within itself a quality bracelet and a stylish timepiece.

Forget your typical watch, the Gucci Marina Chain YA121504 is one in a long line of watches fashioned unlike any other.  Among the fine line of quality watches that Gucci has long been known and adored for, this timepiece is a particularly unique accessory, an elegant bracelet as well as a watch that subtly displays the time of day in its serene oval face.  The bracelet is polished stainless steel with a chain link appearance, fastening neatly into a buckle clasp at the back for added security.  The polished stainless steel case provides the home for a mother-of-pearl dial that creates a stark contrast to the black hands moving steadily around the oval face.   A glittering diamond marks each of the three, six and nine hour positions, a round and brilliant gem with 57 facets, as are all diamonds used by Gucci.  Anti-reflective sapphire crystal over the dial’s window creates a surface that is even more scratch resistant than a more typically used mineral surface.

Although the sapphire surface is 3 times less likely to permit scratching than a mineral surface, the sharper edges this material creates on the watch are at risk of chipping if they are hit at exactly the right angle, which concerned some customers.  Other users loved the look of this watch but wished that it were a little smaller.  Overall owners of this delicate timepiece raved about the excellent quality, and agree that this bracelet watch is the perfect piece of jewelry on the cusp of style and efficiency.

Favorite Features:

• Doubles as jewelry
• Analog display
• Water resistant to a depth of 99 feet
• Buckle clasp simple with safety latch for added security
• Fits up to a 7-inch wrist

Things to Consider:

• Some consider too big
• Sapphire protection has potential to chip

The Gucci Marina Chain YA121504 watch seems to truly be the perfect blend between a classy bracelet and a favorite timepiece.  If you like your accessories to be elegant and sleek, this cutting edge fashion aesthetic is just as much a bracelet and ever the perfect complement to everyday casual clothes as well as formal dress.  In our days of overwhelming technology, a watch is no longer the necessity it once was.  Yet for those who can appreciate a stylish accessory that returns to the classic tradition of carrying a timepiece and relying on it, this watch priced at around $500 could be the perfect blend of jewelry and time.

Gucci G-Frame YA127504 Women's Watch

Written by: Camille Ong

A classic timepiece by Gucci, the YA127504 G-frame Women’s Watch makes a subtle statement of romantic elegance.

The face of this watch is perhaps the most impressive aspect, with a rectangle frame draped with a black backdrop. Featuring an analog clock without any markers, save that of the Gucci logo at the 12, and small diamonds each at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock mark, this piece says “subtle luxury.” And with a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window, you can ensure that your watch stays luxurious and safe from the wear and tear of everyday use. Not only that, but the watch is also waterproof for up to 30 meters deep. Practical while still maintaining its refinery, this is truly a notable watch. The contrast of the black and silver, paired with the minimal crystals gives off a sleek air of mystique, perfect to dress up or dress down.

The band is a linked stainless-steel bracelet in silver. At 9 mm wide, this band is slender to maintain the look of sophistication and elegance. The clasp is a typical deployment clasp that allows for easy use.

Ranging in price online from $442 to its retail price of $895, for a timepiece from Gucci, this is a reasonable amount that comes backed with a 24 month warranty. Not only does it carry the name of Gucci, but since it’s Swiss made, you can be sure it is of the highest quality.

Gucci G-Frame YA127504 offers a captivating sense of style and class.

There are a few variations of this watch in the Gucci G-Frame collection. If you’re looking for something with a slightly different shape, the Gucci G-Frame YA128507 Women’s Watch is the same basic design except it boasts a square frame instead of a rectangle. This piece sells at a retail price of $875. If you are looking for a simpler version of the rectangle-shaped G-Frame watch, the Gucci G-Frame YA127501 piece provides the same rectangle shape, but does not have any diamonds and has a brown backdrop instead of black. Without the added crystals, this watch goes for around $750.

The Gucci Women’s YA127504 G-Frame watch adds class and style to any ensemble, and with the name of Gucci, you wouldn’t expect anything less. For those ladies who want a simple luxury item that tastefully draws the eye, this timepiece offers that without being overwhelming and overshadowing the classy lady underneath.

Gucci G-Frame YA127503 Women's Watch

Written by: Camille Ong

Elegantly simple, Gucci’s G-Frame Women’s Quartz Watch Style YA127503 is a timepiece that reminisces on a simpler time and brings a new edge of “classy” to this generation.

With satin straps and a stainless steel case, this watch looks and feels elegant. Protecting the face is a sapphire scratch resistant and anti-reflective crystal that maintains this watch’s quiet beauty. Not only that, but this watch is also waterproof for up to 99 ft (30 m) deep. Sporting a blue dial and simple blue satin band, the YA127503 Gucci G-Frame Watch provides a versatility for all occasions thanks to its sleek look. The blue shade gives a nice youthful feel to this classic design. With its slim band and 7 in (17.8 cm) length, this watch is more of a subtle piece that helps add to, rather than acts as the focus of, an ensemble. And if you are one who relishes in having designer pieces, this particular watch will help present one overall statement of elegance, rather than overshadowing the rest of your look.

At a retail price of $695 with a 24 month warranty, the YA127503 G-Frame Quartz Women’s Watch is truly a high-end piece, with high-end guaranteed quality–after all, with a name like Gucci, it has to be quality.

The Gucci G-Frame is a timeless collection from a timeless brand.

Main features:

• sleek and elegant look
• blue face and band
• stainless steel frame
• sapphire scratch-resistant and anti-reflective crystal
• waterproof up to 30 ft deep
• band length: 7 in
• $695 retail price
• 24 month warranty

Not at all flashy, this watch would not be recommended for those who want their timepieces to sparkle, or make a big statement. For those who would prefer a diamond-encrusted watch with all the fixins’, the Gucci G-Gucci Series YA125506 would be a more luxurious piece for your collection.

If you like the classic style of the YA127503 Gucci G-Frame Quartz Women’s Watch, but would like something with a silver chain rather than satin, then the Gucci G-Frame Women’s YA127501 would be a nice alternative. Much of the G-frame rectangle collection boasts this sleek and classy style, but with slight variations. For a little more oomph, the YA127508 comes with a stainless steel bracelet and a brown mirror dial with 42 diamonds neatly neatly framing the case. Of course with the extra diamonds, this watch is going to sell for much more, at about $2,150.

Personally, the simple blue of the Gucci YA127503 adds a youthfulness to a classic looking watch that gives it the right amount of versatility to wear on a work-day or night at the theater. And for most, versatility is a priority for us modern-day girls.