Standout Women’s Watches from Watches and Wonders 2024
A women’s movement.
The Cut by Hermès.
Women’s watches are having a moment and being worn more than ever. The days of the “shrink it and pink it” design approach for women’s watches (although pink is very much de rigueur these days) is waning. Historically, women’s watches have been typecast in a supporting role: pastel-coloured enamel dials, quartz movements, and diamond accents. As female buyers are becoming more watch Van savvy, brands have had to deliver with models that are not simply stylish but also as capable and technically complex as those for men (watches remain gendered in brand catalogues, but there’s a clear movement toward genderless watches). Here are the standout women’s watches from this year’s Watches and Wonders.
Following the success of the H08 released in 2021, Hermès has followed up with Cut, a new sports watch for women (or anyone who likes a 36-millimetre diameter—watches designed for women are now a menswear category, but that’s another story). Available in steel or two-tone steel and rose gold, with or without diamonds and either a bracelet or rubber strap, Hermès Cut features a clean geometric design with both satin-brushed and polished finishes. The crown is positioned at 1:30, with a lacquered or engraved H. The Cut is understanded and balanced—so very Hermès.
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Reflection de Cartier
Cartier, one of the most influential and recognizable brands in the industry, has a rich history of producing classic women’s watches. The standout from this year’s release of too-many-to-count novelties is Reflection de Cartier, a sculptural bangle that doubles as a time teller. Available in yellow gold, rose gold, and a gem-set on white gold option, the quartz-powered watch is concealed on an inner plane of the cuff’s opening, and its reflection is on the opposite plane.
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Hublot has historically designed ostentatious watches for men. Now, it is putting forth watches that are more suitable for a woman’s wrist. At Watches and Wonders 2024, the brand has expanded the lineup of Classic Fusion, adding a 29-millimetre watch to the mix. While the watch itself is not new, the 29-millimetre size is yet another (and the smallest) in the Classic Fusion lineup. The offering includes more decorative dials, various colours, and the option of diamonds.
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Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Brise d’Été
There is an exquisiteness to Van Cleef & Arpels that pulls on the femininity strings within us, a reminder of the delicate nature of being human. The maison expands its Poetic Complications collection with the Lady Arpels Brise d’Été where plique-à-jour butterflies on the dial serve as retrograde markers for hours and minutes, and when the on-demand animation is activated, the wings of the butterflies flutter to life and the flowers and grass stems sway. “Think of yourself as a ladybug in the swaying summer grass,” said Nicolas Bos, CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, commenting on the new novelty. Lady Arpels Brise d’Été is an example of how Van Cleef & Arpels combines artistic techniques and watchmaking prowess to tell time.
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Piaget Polo Date, 150th Anniversary Edition
This is a big year for Piaget. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, the maison has released two anniversary models of the iconic Polo Date, offering 42-millimetre and 36-millimetre versions. Both are stainless steel but feature a subtle two-tone effect thanks to the rose gold accents on the dial incorporated into the indices, hands, and date window. Both will be produced in a limited run of 300 pieces with “150” inscribed on the tip of the second hand to commemorate the milestone.
