For Phoebe Tonkin, Time is the Ultimate Luxury

For Phoebe Tonkin, a life on the go is always in style. Just back from a trip to Italy, the New York-based actress recalls her early and enduring appreciation for travel. “My parents worked in the business, and getting my passport stamped is still one of the best sounds ever,” she muses. It makes sense then that Tonkin’s personal style reflects the movement and care she brings from every destination — and the experiences connected to them.

But no matter where she is in the world, Tonkin firmly believes the most special pieces transcend aesthetics. “I think the chicest part about style as you get older is the stories that come with what you wear. ‘This is a shirt I bought on a girls trip to Jamaica’ or ‘This was a gift from my husband.’ The coolest people I meet always have great stories behind what they wear. You have to live a full life to collect those stories — and build that wardrobe.”

These days, Tonkin’s wardrobe is a study in modern elegance with tailored staples — think blazers, polo shirts, baggy trousers, and loafers — that carry her through every New York minute. “Living in New York, you have to dress not knowing necessarily where your day will take you,” she adds. “I love that what you wear can be both an armor and also an expression of where you are in your life and how you’re feeling.” To that end, a classic watch is also an essential part of her everyday ensemble. “Watches are chosen thoughtfully and always have a memory attached,” Tonkin explains. “I have two vintage sweaters that my mum wore when she was pregnant with me. Wearing one of those sweaters with freshly washed hair, a bit of lip tint, and a beautiful watch — like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas — is the epitome of classic, cozy, and elegant.”

It’s one thing to view time as a luxury, but it’s another thing to wear it — and with a timeless watch, Tonkin continues to tell an enduring story: You don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function. “It’s a perfect blend of masculine and feminine, sexy but also functional,” she says when asked about adorning the looks featured here with the Overseas. “It elevated each outfit, and was also so comfortable on my wrist that I almost left with it still on.”

Sartorial choices aside, Tonkin also brings a high level of discernment to her creative endeavors. Growing up in her native Australia, Tonkin’s parents enrolled her in an acting class to help overcome her shyness. She quickly grew to love the community and explored various workshops in acting and musical theatre. What began as an after-school hobby has now blossomed into a flourishing career — one where style always has a role to play in her process. “I love incorporating a watch into my character’s costume,” she notes. “It says a lot about a person and carries a rich history. That sort of story building helps shape a character.”

While Tonkin’s professional schedule is ramping up come fall, that hasn’t stopped her from embracing what’s left of summer in the city. “You really can live eight lifetimes in a single day, especially this season and when you get up early.” In that vein, you’ll likely spot the off-duty actress traversing the boroughs with the same passion that characterizes her work: whether perusing the shelves at her favorite bookstore or enjoying a walk in the park — all while wearing her heart on her sleeve and a timeless watch on her wrist.