Complicated men’s watches may have dominated the haute horology world for decades but, with increasing numbers of women investing in fine timepieces and mechanical movements, the range of ladies watches available has been steadily rising. This was in clear evidence at Baselworld 2019 where the new launches for women went far beyond simply scaling down a men’s timepiece and adding a few diamonds. From practical diving watches to stunning fine jewellery timepieces, here are some of the best…
Chanel Sautoir Mademoiselle Prive Coromandel
A continuation of the Coromandel timepieces inspired by the screens found in Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment, this unusual design sees a timepiece set within an intricately designed dial integrated into a sautoir necklace. A true fine jewellery piece, the unique watch features an 18k beige gold case set with diamonds and hangs from an onyx and diamonds chain. It can also be worn on the reverse to display an onyx caseback inlaid with a brilliant cut diamond.
Graff yellow diamond watches
A true master of the high jewellery watch, Graff used the occasion of Baselworld 2019 to unveil two new exquisite yellow diamond watches. Each of the two timepieces is set entirely with handpicked Fancy Vivid Yellow diamonds – the rarest and most valuable of the yellow diamond family – with the first featuring an oval dial and set with 204 diamonds totalling more than 32 carats. The second watch is very similar in design but instead has a round dial with a magnificent halo of pear-shaped yellow diamonds which have been carefully colour matched to ensure seamless brilliance.
Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Scubatec Lady
Not a fan of the frills that so many fine watchmakers are tempted to add to their women’s timepieces? The latest ladies launch from Carl F. Bucherer is for you. This sporty watch features a bold wave-patterned dial with ceramic bezel and easy-to-read LumiNova hands and indices – all hallmarks shared by the men’s Scubatec diving watch line. The watch is available with four ocean-inspired strap colours: Ocean (blue), Sunset (orange), Sand (beige) and Palm (green) and, at 36.5mm, also provides an attractive option for men who prefer a smaller case size.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Haute Joaillerie
If, on the other hand, precious stones and materials are your thing, Patek Philippe’s beautiful new haute joaillerie watch offers cocktail hour glamour without compromising on a mechanical movement. Powered by a calibre 40 ultra-thin self-winding movement, the white gold case and pin buckle are set with diamonds and sapphires while the dial features sculpted mother of pearl with even more diamonds and sapphires and a sapphire caseback.
Bvlgari Diva’s Dream Peacock
Bvlgari may be synonymous with the serpent but for 2019 it’s turned its attention to a different animal with the Diva’s Dream Peacock. While its 18k rose gold case set with diamonds and alligator strap are undoubtedly gorgeous, it’s the unique dial of this watch which sets it apart. Each one is formed from a natural peacock feather, which has been specially preserved to prevent erosion, meaning every single timepiece is unique. Bvlgari hasn't scrimped on the technical watchmaking either with an in-house calibre 191 automatic movement providing the power behind this elegant timepiece.