Fashion: The Superwatch

As fashions grow minier, accessories are waxing maxier. Witness the popularity of superwatches—huge, outsize timekeepers that measure 3 in. across and come with round, square and octagonal faces. They are not just plain old white faces either. Colors can be bright orange, chartreuse, yellow or red; Britain’s Old England Watches decorates one watch face with a simulated Union Jack, another with swirling psychedelic petals that spell out “Flower Power.”

Inexpensive ($12 to $25) and frankly for show, they are worn on the wrist with wide vinyl bands in vivid electric colors, dangle from necklaces or belts, even come as adjustable rings to be worn on the finger. Nor is their appeal only to the young. Rose Kennedy, Carol Channing, Oveta Gulp Hobby and Mary Lasker all sport them. Lord Snowdon owns several, including a big black one to harmonize with his evening clothes. The Beatles’ Ringo Starr threads his on a velvet ribbon and drapes it around his neck.