Think the world of fine watches is a men’s game? For years you would have been right and, while the number of pieces designed for men undoubtedly outweighs their female counterparts, the tide is slowly turning. Nowhere was this more evident than at Baselworld 2017 where, along with the fine jewellery timepieces usually aimed at female watch wearers, women’s diving watches and other highly complicated designs were out in force. Here’s our guide to the best new women’s watches for 2017.
Chanel Mademoiselle J12
Limited to 555 of each colour, Chanel’s newest iteration of the iconic J12 watch features a stylised illustration of Mademoiselle Chanel on the dial with her arms acting as the hour and minute hands. Crafted in highly scratch resistant ceramic and steel, it’s waterproof to 200 metres making it the perfect timepiece for days on board.
Case: Ceramic and steel, 38mm
Strap: Ceramic and steel
Movement: Mechanical self-winding
Waterproof: 200 metres
Limited edition: 555 of each colour
Price: £5,900, chanel.com
Patek Philippe 7130G-014 World Time
Despite the prevalence and popularity in men’s watchmaking, top world time watches are still few and far between for women so Patek Philippe’s new iteration of the 7130G will be warmly welcome by frequently flying females. Previously only available in a muted brown shade, the latest edition comes with a peacock-blue dial showing all 24 time zones surrounded by a diamond set bezel and finished with a matching blue alligator strap.
Case: White gold, 36mm
Strap: Alligator leather
Movement: Calibre 240 HU self-winding mechanical
Waterproof: 30 metres
Price: $51,000, patek.com
Tag Heuer Carrera Lady
If you’re looking for an everyday watch that isn’t overly feminine or need a great ‘starter’ watch for a daughter or granddaughter, Tag Heuer’s freshly updated Carrera Lady is the perfect choice. Available with steel, rose gold or PVD coated cases and sunray, opaline or black dials, each one features a modular construction featuring nine separate parts meaning the possibilities for future customisation are almost endless.
Case: Steel or rose gold, 36mm
Strap: Rubber, leather or alligator
Movement: Quartz
Waterproof: 100 metres
Price: From £1,200, tagheuer.com
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute
Thanks to its mastery of traditional Metiers d’Art craftsmanship, Jaquet Droz’s intricate timepieces have long been a favourite among female watch fans. For 2017 the brand has introduced beautiful new Grand Feu black enamel versions of its popular Petite Heure Minute range, each hand-painted with miniature portraits of pink flamingos, lions or koi carp – symbolic animals from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia inspired by founder Pierre Jaquet-Droz’s love of travel.
Case: 18 karat red gold, 39mm (flamingo and koi carp), 43mm (lion)
Strap: Alligator
Movement: Calibre Jaquet Droz 2653.P self-winding mechanical
Waterproof: 30 metres
Limited edition: 28 of each model
Price: POA, jaquet-droz.com
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase
Prefer your watches big, bold and seriously complicated? Hublot is the brand for you. Forget unassuming materials and dainty dials, Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase is offered in vibrant pink, purple, orange or blue with a 42mm tonneau case in King Gold or titanium and a moonphase complication on a dial finished with sapphires or amethysts. A true show stopper.
Case: King Gold or titanium, 42mm tonneau
Strap: Alligator leather
Movement: HUB 1770 hand-wound
Waterproof: 100 metres
Price: From $20,600, hublot.com