Tag: Cartier

Azure Bet: Magnificent Sapphires

Ever since the intrepid Etruscans first happened upon sapphires back some time around 700 BC, these lustrous blue-hued stones have been, for many, the most precious of jewels. Throughout history, various cultures have been convinced these dazzling gems possess qualities of a mystical nature. The Ancient Romans, for instance, sported them as a means of warding off evil, while the medieval Europeans swore by them as a way of curing eye maladies and even as a means of preserving chastity. 

(Peonia Starlight ring and necklace; Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 Heart necklace; Hirsh London bracelet; Roberto Coin Princess Flower bracelet)

Derived from corundum – the world’s second hardest mineral after diamond – they take their name from the Latin word for blue: “saphirus”. This, though, despite being seemingly apt, is actually something of a misnomer, as although they are most frequently associated with that particular pastel, they can be found in a wide variety of colours depending on the specific combination of impurities within the mineral. Traces of iron, for instance, can render the stone yellow or green, while a combination of iron and titanium results in more of an azure hue. Interestingly, rubies are also a corundum varietal, with their red bodies directly down to flecks of chromium in the corundum. 

(Cartier [Sur]Naturel High Jewellery Sinopé necklace and earrings; Cartier Destinée ring; Graff sapphire and diamond earrings and bracelet)

Today, sapphires remain at the heart of many of the most celebrated jewellery items. Both versatile and breathtaking, they shine in Cartier’s [Sur]Naturel High Jewellery Sinopé elegant diamond-and-sapphire combination, yet manage to retain an aura of understated sophistication in haute joaillerie maison Graff’s bracelet-and-earring set.

Femme Appeal: Dazzling ladies’ watches for every occasion

For centuries, the world’s leading haute horology labels have been churning out stunning wristwatches solely for male consumers. Over the past decade, though, a wind of chance has swept through the industry, driven by a surge in female buyers searching for equally precision-engineered timepieces. Such has been the impact of this growth that many watch manufactures have had to rethink their approach to create a new slew of high-end chronograms to meet this demand. In fact, their insatiable appetite for horological products even led Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer to declare 2018 as being ‘the year of the woman’. With so many prime statement timepieces now on the market, it’s no stretch to say there’s something out there for every modern woman, for any occasion, as the examples below aptly demonstrate. 

Women's wristwatch for every occasion gafencu magazine cartier tank Asymétrique watch extra-large model

Everyday Watch: Cartier Tank Asymétrique

Those in search of a watch for daily use need look no further than the new Cartier Tank Asymétrique. Affording its wearer a subtle elegance with just a hint of the avant-garde, this timepieces breaks away from traditional circular dials in favour of a strong diamond-shaped face, a design inspired by the original rectangular design of its Tank predecessor.Women's wristwatch for every occasion gafencu magazine omega tresir timepiece

Evening Watch: OMEGA Trésor

To add a little sparkle to your evening look, check out the latest addition to Swiss manufacture OMEGA’s much-lauded Trésor collection. Refusing to shy away from larger-sized female timepieces, OMEGA’s new timepiece in stainless steel measure some 40mm in diameter. Enhanced with a beautiful gradient blue dial ringed with a diamond-set bezel, this is truly a sleek accessory for the sophisticated woman. 

Women's wristwatch for every occasion gafencu magazine Bremont hawking limited collection (2)

Party Watch: Bremont Hawking Quantum

Raising the attention-grabbing bar to a new level is the Bremont Hawking Quantum, the brand’s first-ever ladies’ watch in its new Stephen Hawking-inspired collection. Measuring 34mm in diameter, this limited-edition timepiece features diamonds inset into the bezel as well as the index markers on its dial. Underneath its beautifully decorated fascia lies a mechanical movement that offers a 42-hour power reserve.

Women's wristwatch for every occasion gafencu magazine piaget wings of light

Gala Watch: Piaget Secret Cenote Cuff Watch

Nothing serves a high-society lady at an evening soiree better than jewels – unless, of course, it is a jewel-studded timepiece adorning one’s wrist. Just one such statement timepiece is the Piaget 18k Secret Cenote Cuff Watch, luxuriously set with 151 baguette-cut sapphires, 71 baguette-cut diamonds,100 brilliant-cut diamonds. A unique and imaginative creation inspired by the flight of exotic tropical birds, the dazzling aesthetic of this wrist accessory is sure to wow any crowd. 

 

Feature image: Omega Tresor

Gifting Made Easy: Gafencu’s 2020 Christmas Gift Guide

With Christmas just around the corner and the requisite gift-giving season soon to be upon us, have you ticked off all the items on your shopping list? If not, don’t worry, because the Gafencu team has curated an expansive Christmas gift guide with fantastic gift ideas for your loved ones. Read on to discover more… 

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine montblanc muses marilyn monroe meisterstuck le petit prince the planet

For the sophisticated writer

Meisterstück Le Petit Prince & The Planet and Marilyn Monroe by Montblanc

For the writer in your life, Montblanc has added its third and final Meisterstück Le Petit Prince writing instrument to its collection, a three-part series inspired by one of the most read works of literature beloved by adults and children alike, Le Petit Prince. The German luxury goods manufacturer also has introduced a new Montblanc Muses Edition inspired by the forever iconic cultural icon, Marilyn Monroe.

2020 Christmas gift guide gafencu magazine rolex sea dweller deepsea dive watch

For the watch lover

Rolex Sea-dweller

One of this year’s must-have item to include onto every watch aficionado’s Christmas shopping list is the Rolex Sea-Dweller. An ultra-resistant divers’ watches engineered for deep-sea exploration, the 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel enables divers to precisely and safely monitor their dive and decompression times.  Designed to endure depths of up to 4,000 feet, this impressive for self-winding timepiece is a legend among dive watches and reflects the Swiss watchmaker’s decades of collaboration with diving professionals. 

2020 Christmas gift guide gafencu magazine cartier [Sur]Naturale The Hemis

For the jewellery lover

Cartier’s [Sur] Naturel collection 

For high-end jewellery maison Cartier, the creation of exceptional savoir-fair is in the connection between creativity and technique, as evidenced in its latest [Sur] Naturel Collection. Taking inspiration from nature and the supernatural, the Hemis necklace – one of the highlights of this new line – is the French luxury brand’s reinterpretation of panther fur around a lattice in kunzite, opals and diamonds. An alluring mastery of gem-setting and jewellery making indeed. 

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine OSIM udream

For the massage aficionado

uDream massage chair from OSIM

Spoil a loved one with some much-needed relaxation right in the comforts of their own home with the uDream massage chair by OSIM. With the design inspired by the metamorphosis of a butterfly, users will come out of this ‘cocoon’ with revitalised and rejuvenated. With its 5-sense stress relief programmes aim to relieve the tired body and mind, the massage chair monitors body tension through biosensors and a tracking feature accessible via uDream App records the long-term trend of body tension. The chair also features a light installation that emulates the colours of the northern lights. Built-in with speakers and an aromatherapy device, this chair will truly bring cheer this festive season.

2020 Christmas gift guide gafencu magazine ORCHIDÉE DECANTER lalique

For the oenophile

Orchidée decanter by Lalique

Raise the Christmas spirits of that special wine lover in your life with the Orchidée decanter by Lalique. Designed with wine collectors and  connoisseurs in mind, its form is designed to enhance the flavours of the finest vintages. Made from French handcrafted crystal, a set of crystal orchid flowers bloom atop the stopper of the satin-finished carafe add a touch of luxury for the discerning vino lover.

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine bang & olfsen

For the music enthusiast

Beosound A1 2nd Gen speakers by Bang & Olfsen

A compact music box for any music enthusiast is the upgraded Beosound A1 2nd Gen by luxury audio technology company, Bang & Olfsen. The CNY special-edition item comes with a darker, more polished maroon exterior than its predecessors, replete with and leather straps. The portable speakers plays up to 18 hours on a full charge, and is truly one for the audiophile on the go. If that weren’t enough, it also boasts speakerphone functionality and a fully waterproof design that is also dust- and sand-resistant. 

2020 christmas gift guide gafencu magazine roche bobois designed by Joana Vasconcelos bombom collection

For the budding interior decorator

Bombom Sofas by Roche Bobois

For ample comfort and a touch of art, the Bombom Collection from French furniture brand, Roche Bobois in collaboration with Portugese designer Joana Vasconcelos, known for her large-scale quirky and flamboyant art installations, offers a flagship collection of sofas in vividly contrasting shapes and colours to decorate your living space. Designed to be part of a modular system, each piece is available in small, medium and large sizes, and can be merged with other pieces and flexibly rearranged in various forms to suit your comfort. 

Drop Down Gorgeous: Dangling designs that enhance your décolleté

It’s no secret that choosing the right pair of earrings can enhance or detract from your overall style. There is one particular category of these gem-studded jewellery, though, whose versatility and dazzling nature have been embraced for its ability to elevate pretty much any look – dangling earrings. 
 

Gucci Hortus Deliciarum earrings; Bulgari Serpenti earrings; Buccellati Cocktail Collection earrings; Chaumet Perspectives de Chaumet earrings; Peonia Gala Collection earrings; niin Vida amazonite drop pendant earrings; David Yurman Novella Chandelier earrings; Boucheron Plume de Jour earrings

Thanks to their elongated appeal, these flowing designs are known for their ability to create the illusion of a slimmer face and enhance the neckline. Embracing this inherent flexibility, a plethora of the world’s leading haute joaillerie maisons have served up a staggering array of these designs to suit any occasion. 

Cartier [Sur] Naturel High Jewellery Liliale earrings; Chopard Red Carpet Collection drop earrings; Graff multi-coloured diamond earrings; Boucheron Bleu Inifini earrings; Sarah Zhuang Mermaid earrings; Harry Winston The New York Collection earrings; Piaget earrings

If you’re seeking to add a subtle flourish to your daytime outfit, you could do far worse than don the sleek Bleu Infini earrings from French luxury label Boucheron. If a monochrome outfit is more your style, the multi-coloured aesthetic of Graff’s diamond-studded design is just the ticket to add a splash of colour. Finally, for the perfect statement piece to round out your glam gala look, opt for larger, bejewelled creations, such as Cartier’s [Sur] Naturel Liliale earrings or the gorgeous sapphire-and-diamond Harry Winston danglers.

 
 

Luxury Choice: The stuff dreams are made of

From elegant adornments to high-tech vehicles, these luxury choices deliver the utmost elegance and sophistication that any man and woman would dream of. Living the best life possible with the best things money can buy.
 

Luxury choice for women:

 
1. Cartier Feline Essence

The newly launched limited edition fragrance, La Panthère Parfum Collection, by Cartier is distinctively marked by an innovative feline-floral accord born out of pure, mesmerizing gardenia and sensual notes of musk. 

2. Bee Ornaments

Chaumet has unveiled its latest Bee My Love collection bannered by fully pavé rings and bracelets to be worn in combination. The bracelet, with a delicate line of white gold diamonds,the matching short necklace in fully diamond pavé white gold, and ear pendants that illuminate the face, together creates a signature parure.

3. Mini Iris bag 

Iconic British luxury fashion brand Mulberry has launched Mini Iris, a petite new bag, available in colour combinations that pair sweet shop shades Acid Yellow, Candy Pink and Cornflower Blue with classic Black. Amply recognising environment issues, Mulberry crafted its Mini Iris collection with leather from gold-rated, environmentally accredited tanneries.

4. Wrist Candy

A dazzling array of new Oyster Perpetual Datejust31 creations have been unveiled by the haute horology experts at renowned Swiss watch manufacture Rolex. Powered by a calibre 2236 movement, the watch is crafted from white Rolesor and features a variety of diamond-set and fluted bezels, it embodies a sleek yet casual elegance that is sure to enhance any lady’s wrist. 

5. Avant-garde footwear

British footwear brand MALONE SOULIERS has unveiled a wide array of elegant footwear in its Autumn Winter 2020 – Runway collection, characterized by innovative and avant-garde designs to suit the discriminating and varied tastes of women. 

Luxury choice for men:

 
 
1. Citrus-based fragrance

Dolce&Gabbana Beauty launched a new fragrance, K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau deParfum. The new essence is marked by an invigorating fusion of zesty citruses, sparkling blood orange mingling with lemon torchio essence to create an effervescent opening accord. 

2. Elegant time pieces

French high-fashion luxury goods manufacturer Hermes has introduced three elegant timepieces, highlighted by the Arceau Lift tourbillon répétition minutes model marked by a horse-shaped cutout in the lacquered dial which reveals the Hermès tourbillon and minute-repeater movement. 

3. Porsche x Boss

Porsche, a German high-performance sports cars producer, and fashion house Hugo Boss have partnered for a fourth season to unveil a trend-driven capsule of menswear designs for their Fall/Winter 2020 collection. Directly inspired by the aesthetics of a Porsche sports car, the collection is marked by bold colours that deliver a younger and more modern feel.

4. Egyptian Flourish

German luxury goods producer Montblanc recreates a historic 1920s design and employs it as  cornerstone for the new Montblanc Heritage Egyptomania collection. The new set, which pairs the aesthetic appeal of vintage Montblanc writing instruments with a modern writing sensation.

5. Travel Time

Legendary watchmaker Patek Philippe has just announced the unveiling of an all new model – the 42mm Ref. 7234G-001 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time. Inspired by the brand’s iconic  ’30s-era aviator watches, it comes fitted with a self-winding 324 S C FUS Calibre movement that powers a second time zone display, as well as the Alarm Travel Time complication that features a 24-hour alarm

Luxury lifestyle choices:

 
1. Flying High

To say that high-end private jet-maker Gulfstream has soared to new heights in 2020 is putting things mildly. Its all-new flagship model, the Gulfstream G700 recently garnered the much-coveted 2020 International Yacht & Aviation Award for its sleek silhouette, powerful performance and elegant interiors.

2. Smart home deals

German global sanitary fittings provider GROHE has unveiled two award-winning and eco-friendly home solutions, Zedra SmartControl Faucet and Blue Pure Filter Faucet. Both new products aim to help homeowners save energy and time in an upgraded smart kitchen, equipped by innovatively-designed new equipment that are eco-friendly, convenient and efficient.

3. Oriental fragrance

Shanghai Tang has introduced two brand new scents to its Home Fragrance Collection — Bamboo and Chrysanthemum, inspired by Chinese culture and iconic plants found in the East. The bamboo scent evokes soothing midsummer memories of sun-dappled strolls in a bamboo forest, while the Chrysanthemum fragrance presents a floral, aromatic bouquet stippled with spicy accords that are ideal to those with a taste for oriental scents.

4. High-tech ride

Mercedes-Benz latest S-Class super deluxe saloon models have been fitted with a wide array of technological innovations and some of the best comforts of home, cementing the German luxury carmaker’s niche in the world’s super deluxe car market.

The second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) débuts in its new S-Class model, highlighted by the seamless interface between the driver, passengers and vehicle. Up to five screens are featured on board, some with OLED technology that provides spatial perception with 3D effect with a touch of a button. The Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system provides multi-dimensional musical enjoyment, especially while luxuriating on the vehicle’s in-depth massage seats. 

Be Ringed: Jewelled symbols of eternal love

Precious stones of every hue adorn engagement rings as symbols of eternal love.

Bequeathing engagement rings to your beloved as a symbol of your undying love is really nothing new, but the custom actually originates from a much less romantic practice. Indeed, during ancient Roman times, wives wore rings as a marker of their husbands’ ownership.

Be Ringed Jewelled symbols of eternal love gafencu magazine jewellery

Thankfully, this rather unsentimental convention has given way to more tender leanings in 1477, when Austria’s ruling Archduke Maximillian commissioned the very first recorded diamond ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, sparking a long-lasting love affair with these bejewelled creations amongst Europe’s elite. 

(Chaumet Joséphine Splendeur Impériale ring / Qeelin Wulu solitaire ring / Harr Winston Golconda diamond ring)

Fast forward 470 years, and diamond merchant De Beers launched its now-iconic slogan “A Diamond is Forever” in a successful marketing campaign that saw sales surge, making diamond rings the go-to engagement gift across every corner of the globe. 

(Yeol Deil diamonds ring / Piaget Treasures Collection ring / Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 ring / Cartier Destinée Ring)

In recent decades, however, a new trend has emerged, one that sees precious stones of every imaginable hue adorn these sought-after pieces. One particularly memorable example of this was the ring gifted to Kate Middleton by Prince William, which starred a gargantuan 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.

(Piaget Treasures Collection ruby ring / Tiffany & Co. True engagement rings / Stenzhorn Candy Collection ring) 

But whether topped with sapphires, rubies, emeralds or more traditional diamonds, engagement rings remain the most coveted symbol of potential wedded bliss.

Symbols of success: must-have men’s accessories

A fine gentleman is defined not only by his well-manicured grooming and elegant attire, but also by  essential accessories that he uses. Though often miniature in sizes, accessories are subtle statements that reflect a lot about a man’s personality, fashion sense and even wealth, making them essential elements. Here’s a short list of must-have accessories of a successful gentleman.

Wristwatch

Any successful man knows that time well spent on productivity is a vital element of success. Watches have always been synonymous with style and wealth, but beyond the aesthetics of a fashionable watch, the vital importance of a quality timepiece lies in its reliability and functionality. The latest trend to hit the market are dive watches. 

Image: Rolex Submariner / Omega Seamaster / Tudor Pelagos / Breitling Endurance Pro / Panerai Submersible GoldtechT

Bracelet

At the moment, bracelets are among the most trendy men’s accessories. An elegant bracelet accentuates a debonaire gentleman whether he is in a casual or formal attire.  

Image: Dunhill / Versace / Le Gramme

Sunglasses

During sunny days, a pair of designer shades are essential. A pair that best suits the shape of a man is ideal. A pair of sunglasses not only protects the eyes from the harsh rays of the sun, but also helps a man project a cool and sassy image. Square sunglasses are the most popular in men’s style though vintage sunglasses offer a bolder and daring statement.

Image: Cartier / Gucci / Dunhill

essential accessories every successful man must have gafencu magazine men's style fashion dunhill biometric wallet
Image: Dunhill Biometric Wallet

Bluetooth Wallet

A man’s wallet not only reflects his wealth and style, it is also one of the most essential in daily life. A sharp departure from the usual practice of a wallet stacked with credit cards, paper bills and some business cards, high-tech Bluetooth wallets are now in vogue and displays affluence. This wallet type is also far more secure and high tech, often equipped with a fingerprint sensor and an alarm system activated it is several feet away from its owner’s mobile phone. Clearly, this high-tech feature avoids unwitting loss of vitally important items.

Image: Dunhill Biometric Wallet

Cologne

A man’s smell reflects directly his style and personality. Cologne is an invisible appendage of the overall presentation of a respectable and refined gentleman. It even carries some wellness benefits that aromatherapy is known to provide. 

Image: Jo Malone / Clive Christian / Creed / Tom Ford

Leather Belt

Whether donning a formal, business or casual attire, one the must-have accessories is a leather belt. This belt type is durable, versatile, and can easily elevate the overall look of a well-dressed man. 

Image: Hermes / Gucci / Valentino Garvani / Dunhill

 

Go Wild: Unleashing your inner animal spirit

 

High-end jewellery brands have long veered towards animal-motif jewellery to showcase a dazzlingly wild appeal. We highlight several standouts that will ensure all eyes are on you. 

 

Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Anna Hu – Blue Magpie Brooch

This jewellery house draws from the exotic allure of Eastern arts in its designs. A case in point is this poetic adornment that showcases a combination of Chinese culture and Western colours. The Blue Magpie brooch set with circular-cut sapphires, brilliant-cut diamonds and onyx signed by Anna Hu is designed with a pair of blue magpies that share a kiss atop a branch adorned with circular-cut Paraíba-type tourmalines and brilliant-cut diamonds where a delicately threaded golden nest sits with a precious conch pearl egg. The brooch weighs 18 carats in pink and yellow gold mounted on titanium.

Boucheron Serpent Bohème ring Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Boucheron – Serpent Boheme Ring

The Serpent Bohème ring,  which commemorates love between founder Frédéric Boucheron and his wife Gabrielle, reflects deep affection for the beloved. In the likeness of the snake necklace gifted to his wife in 1888, this particular animal motif symbolises protection while the crossover of the dual serpent heads represents eternal bind between two lovers. The ring radiates with 32-round cut pavé diamonds and features magnificent white gold scaling which showcases superb detailing and precision. 

Cartier Panthère de Cartier Bracelet Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Cartier – Panthère de Cartier Bracelet

This global brand debuted its panther motif in 1914, marking the first fashion house to craft such a masterful pattern. Now the iconic design prances from one jewellery collection to the next with a play on different feline personalities from predatory to languid. The Panthère de Cartier bracelet in particular glimmers elegantly in 10.81-carat diamonds set in 18K white gold and onyx spots and nose, and fashions a pair of mesmerising emerald gem set eyes.

Chanel Bague Lion Rugissant Onyx ring

Chanel – Bague Lion Rugissant Onyx Ring

The lion represents designer Gabrielle Chanel in her triumph over heartache in 1920, Venice. The design continues to provide inspiration in Chanel’s jewellery collections such as the Sous le Signe du Lion collection which includes the roaring 764-brilliant cut diamond-encrusted Bague Lion Rugissant onyx. The rugissant 18-carat white gold and 26.4 carats sculpted onyx is a magnificent symbolism of strength and independence.

Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 ring1 Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Chopard – Swan Ring

Highlighting Chopard’s latest Red Carpet Collection is the 18-carat white gold magnificent Swan Ring set with a 9.1-carat white opal cabochon, and ceramic with brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires. Crafted from Fairmined ethical white gold, this attention-grabbing ornament stands out from Chopard’s 73-piece nature-themed jewellery collection.

 

Graff dragonfly brooch Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Graff – Dragonfly Brooch

Graff’s legacy for stunning symbolic-designed brooches continues to draw from the natural beauty of flora and fauna with this illuminating 70.60 carats yellow and white mixed diamond Dragonfly Brooch. Portraying grace and elegance with an exuberant display of vibrancy that equates to the natural life that enlivens nature. 

Tiffany Paper Flowers firefly rings Anna Hu Blue Magpie brooch gafencu magazine jewellery animal motif

Tiffany & Co. – Paper Firefly Rings

Adorned as part of the Tiffany Paper flower collection are the Paper Firefly rings. Refined in an ultra-feminine design that encompasses modernity, the Paper Firefly rings are set with round brilliant white diamonds and oval coloured gemstones that sits on a platinum ring. The variety of gemstones in the collection includes rubellite, tanzanite, aquamarine and rare yellow gems. 

Les Epures des Parfum: Cartier unveils trio of delicious scents

Cartier’s master perfumer Mathilde Laurent pays homage to the art of perfumery by drawing back the curtain on three all-new olfactory scents as part of the Les Epures de Parfum collection.

Les Epures des Parfum by Cartier

Drawing on the concept that perfume is akin to living pieces of high jewellery, each fine fragrance purportedly ‘captures a sense of life and spontaneous freshness’ by capturing the very best scents of Mother Nature within a bottle.

Cartier Les Epures des Parfum Mathilde Laurent
Cartier master perfumer Mathilde Laurent

The first of these new Les Epures de Parfum creations is Pur Murguet. Blending classic flourishes with a wholly contemporary vision, its key ingredient is the aromatic lily-of-the-valley flower. Then, there’s the Pur Kinkan, all cool, refreshing citrusy notes with a barely-there appeal. Finally, the Pur Magnolia boasts an evocatively romantic aroma that is at once sophisticated and refreshing.

Fairer Secs: Making time for the ladies with these femme-focused timepieces

In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t all that long ago that women’s watches were something an afterthought, largely uninspired designs with only the most basic of functions. They were, indeed, poor relations to the ever-more stunning, complex and precise pieces that constituted chap-oriented chronometers. This was, of course, because the majority of horological houses were solely preoccupied with churning out macho statement timepieces in the belief that men would always be the primary purchasers of high-end horological items.

Best of femme-focused timepieces

That, of course, has all changed over the course of the last 10 years, with the more elegant lady watch-loving collectors now accounting for a significant proportion of international timepiece sales. As a consequence, the watchmaking industry has risen to the challenge of reinventing the outdated design aesthetics and mechanics that once characterised the watches-for-women sector. Indeed, gone are the days when petite, nondescript wrist accessories were deemed to suffice. In their place is a new generation of intricate, chronologically advanced mechanisms that are more than a match for their male counterparts in terms of stature. Of these, we’d recommend six femme-focused timepieces for your particular perusal…

Femme-focused timepieces - Breguet Marine Dame 9518
Breguet Marine Dame 9518

First up is Breguet, with its all-new Marine Dame 9518 encapsulating a cool aquatic aesthetic. This is largely thanks to its beautifully hand-guillochéd wave-motif blue mother-of-pearl dial, fetchingly enhanced with a diamond-set bezel. Under the hood, the balance spring, escape wheel and lever have been ably crafted from ultra-lightweight silicon, with the self-winding Calibre 591A movement – visible through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback – extending to powering a date indicator. Water resistant to 50m, blue leather straps complete its memorably maritime appeal.

Femme-focused timepieces - IWC Portofino Automatic 34
IWC Portofino Automatic 34

Another unusual design comes courtesy of renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC in the form of its defiantly distinct Portofino Automatic 34. Boasting an 18K 5N gold case ringed with 92 diamonds, its dial is all entrancingly silver-plated and fetchingly embossed, bestowing upon it a glamorously glittering sheen. Powering this 34mm style icon is a Calibre 35100 movement, complete with a 42-hour power reserve. Four other fresh-out-of-the-workshop models of the Portofino 34 are also available, all with an easy quick strap change system, giving wearers the option of matching a different look to their particular mood.

Femme-focused timepieces - Zenith Elite Moonphase
Zenith Elite Moonphase

Looking more aloft for inspiration, meanwhile, is Swiss manufacturer Zenith’s Elite Moonphase. With its silvery white dial burnished with a sunray-patterned motif, it comes neatly punctuated with a small running seconds hand at the nine o’clock slot. Housed in a slimly-elegant rose gold case and ringed with a diamond-set bezel, the jewel in its particular crown is undoubtedly its blue six-o’clock-set moonphase indicator.

Femme-focused timepieces - Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto

In a departure from the usual circular case scenario, Jaeger-LeCoultre opted for a rectangular frame for its new Reverso One Duetto. Taking its inspiration from an earlier ’30s innovation, this red-hued hour-tracker was conceived with flexibility very much in mind. Its front face, restrained yet refined, is just about perfect for everyday wear, while its reverse side is all opulent elegance, led by a shimmering burgundy lacquered dial with the hour markers stretching outwards sunray-style.

Femme-focused timepieces - Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Petite Ruby Heart
Jaquet Droz Lady 8 Petite Ruby Heart

Similarly opting for a bold scarlet style is the delicate Lady 8 Petite Ruby Heart, the latest offering from Jaquet Droz. Available in a limited edition of just 28, it measures a mere 25mm in diameter, but its diminutive dimensions are more than made up for by the intricacies of its design. Ringed with diamonds and set in a rose gold case, this alluring piece of rococo wrist enhancement is crafted in the brand’s iconic figure-eight form. Its lower half is all minimal grace, with its ruby heart dial featuring solely hour and minute hands. The upper segment, by contrast, is all whimsical flourish, while housing a ruby ball bearing that swivels freely in line with any movement of the wrist.

Femme-focused timepieces - Panthère de Cartier Watch
Panthère de Cartier Watch

In the coveted number six slot on our list of femme-focused timepieces comes one of the most outré lady’s timepiece currently on offer – Cartier’s all-new Panthère de Cartier Watch, a tribute to the marque’s much-feted twin expertise in fashioning fine jewellery and watchmaking. The watch proper – a 22mm wide yellow gold case with a gem-set bezel and diamond hour marker – comes mounted with the inevitable bejewelled panther, an iconic Cartier emblem since 1914. Arresting, attention-grabbing and unabashedly conspicuous, it stands as an apt homage to the indomitable spirit of womankind.