It remains a little known fact that the humble wristwatch was designed, created, and developed exclusively for women, and like all good jewellery origin stories, this is very much a Royal tale. Although there is some debate about exactly when and where the first was manufactured, the records show that in the late 1500s Robert Dudley, the 1st Earl of Leicester, who had long been a suitor for the hand of the imperious and infamous Queen Elizabeth I, presented her with a bracelet with a working clock as part of the design. Sadly, although he remained a firm favourite in her court, he was ultimately unsuccessful in his amorous pursuits. Winding the hands forward over 200 years takes us to the Parisian watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet who was commissioned to make a ‘Repeater watch for a bracelet’ for the Queen of Naples in 1810. Reportedly crafted from hair and golden thread, this timepiece was the beginning of a worldwide love affair with the wristwatch for women over the next two centuries.
The Top Ten Luxury Watches for Women
Styles, designs, trends, and complications have all seen some giant leaps forward during this time with some exceptionally beautiful watches being made for the luxury watch market. Let’s take a look at the current top ten luxury watches for women.
Hermès Arceau Petite Lune
The design of this exquisitely eye-catching timepiece is said to be inspired by the eternal movement and beauty of the heavens, and looking at the incredible halo of white diamonds that surrounds the face you would have to agree. The original Hermès Arceau case, created in 1978, has been reimagined for the 21st Century to house aventurine, aragonite, opal, and mother-of-pearl details upon the face that depict a stellar scene of the moon in orbit against a deep blue sky. The effect is akin to carrying an immaculate artwork around with you every day.
Longines Master Collection
This wonderful 34mm watch is the perfect example of a modern style aligned with a sporty and functional aesthetic. Longines are well-known for their exceptional steel timepieces, and it is the choice of colour ways to compliment the craftsmanship that really sets the Master Collection apart. The thrilling sunray effect dials are set against a choice of natural and calming Forest Green, or the bright and warming orange presents a slightly bolder option. For an everyday classic, it is difficult to see past the stainless steel model, however.
Jaeger – LeCoultre
The Jaeger–LeCoultre stands in a prestigious line of watches that have been created as the result of a particular set of circumstances and commissions. This represents the ultimate solution for female polo players who wanted a sleek crystal face design that was robust enough not to shatter during the frenetic events of a game. The angular case simply slides out of the frame and is reversed so that the metal caseback is exposed to protect the face. This is perfection with a purpose.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
In the world of luxury watches, there is one brand name that will always be on most people’s lips and wrists. Rolex has been synonymous with wealth and status for the last part of fifty years since the boom of the 1980s. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual signifies a much more energetic and exciting feel than the rest of the Rolex roster with a striking sky blue face and ‘Celebration’ motif of pink, orange, and green circles on the face. It is already proving to be a big hit and claiming one may prove difficult, so if you do want to get it, then the clock is already ticking.
Cartier Baignoire
There are only a few luxury watch designs that have proved to be classics of timeless style, enduring across two centuries of trends to remain coveted and popular. The Cartier Baignoire is one of the finest examples with its inimitable oval face, and simple and slender profile making it as popular today as it was at the time of its creation in 1957. It may be relatively less well known than the Cartier Tank model, but that only seems to add to its allure.
Chanel Première Originale
In 2022, the famous French fashion house, Chanel, decided to revitalise and reintroduce a new version of their iconic first watch, produced in the 1980s. It takes its visual design cues from the stopper on the legendary bottle of Chanel No 5 perfume with the strap interlace of chain and leather also adding a tribute to the classic Chanel handbag. It’s always difficult to improve on a classic but the Première Edition Originale manages to bring a touch of modernity to this 20th Century masterpiece.
Patek Philipe Aquanaut Luce
It is impossible to consider a list of luxury watches for women without mentioning the immaculate work of the Patek Philippe brand. The Aquanaut Luce is the trailblazing watchmaker’s departure into a slightly less formal and more casual model that evokes luxury and class to be worn every day. With a stunning rose gold dial and accented hands contrasted against the blue tyre design strap, it combines the two worlds of opulence and functionality into one remarkable timepiece.
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Infiniti
It has been 75 years since Bulgari introduced the elegant and innovative serpent motif that has adorned some of its most famous designs. The Serpenti Tubogas Infiniti watch pays tribute to this with rose gold coils that snake around the wrist, with diamond scales studding their length. This is a limited edition with luxury at its core that is destined to appear as a talking point at the most exclusive events and parties throughout the rest of the year.
Dior La Mini D
Every great watch should tell a story as well as the time and the Dior La Mini D has one of the very best. This is a reinterpretation of the classic La D de Dior that proved to be a hit over 20 years ago, but it is the unmistakable signature cannage pattern that really sets it apart in the market of luxury watches for women. The design is based on the chairs at Christian Dior’s Avenue Montaigne flagship store that was so influential in the development of the modern fashion world. The Dior La Mini D is a part of history that you can take with you wherever you go while looking incredible too.
Harry Winston Avenue Collection
If you are looking for precious jewellery watches then you must always begin your search with the New York’s King of Diamonds brand of Harry Winston. The Avenue collection celebrates the Big Apple with a sparkling design informed by the world-famous Fifth Avenue architecture of its flagship store, complete with Art Deco stylings and tributes. Created with 18k white gold and diamonds, this timepiece is every bit as exciting and attractive as the Empire State itself.
There is no better time to treat yourself to one of these top 10 luxury watches for women. With a wealth of design options, influences, and incredible models to choose from it may take you a moment to pick your personal favourite, but it is definitely a good way to while away a few hours as you do.
