The 26th edition of luxury watch extravaganza Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie may have closed its doors on Jan. 22, but luxury watch lovers the world over are only starting to update their wish list based on the latest timepieces to come out of the annual fair.
And judging from the collective “ooohs” and “aaahs” I overheard throughout the individual brand presentations at SIHH, those lucky enough to be in the midst of all the horological action were off to a rousing start. All, it seemed, except me – the only newbie amidst a crowd of connoisseurs.
In contrast to their confident ease, I found myself scuffling from one booth to another in a state of sensory overload, fueled strangely enough by the same barrage of beautiful watches that were also doing my head in. Suffice it to say, my very first taste of SIHH perfectly reflected my fresh foray into the world of high-end horology in general: frenetic and overwhelming, yet inexplicably exhilarating.
Five unforgettable days later, once the dust had settled, when frenetic and overwhelming turned to calm, the exhilaration remained and I was ready to create my very own wish list of exceptional ladies’ watches that stood out from the fray.
The process was in no way an easy feat given the panoply of mesmerizing timepieces unveiled this year. But as I sifted through the various elements of each, I held on to the one factor that has spurred me forward in this frenetic and overwhelming new world of movements and calibers, perpetual calendars and moon phases.
So without further ado, here are my top picks of women’s watches introduced at SIHH 2016 that are – above all – inexplicably exhilarating.
Cartier
Cartier – the globally accepted synonym for opulence. The iconic brand continues to stay true to its flawless 170-year history of high jewelry and watchmaking by unveiling its latest heart-stopping collection for women, the Hypnose.
What instantly catches one’s attention – aside from the dazzling cluster of diamonds – is the uniquely elliptical case. Or are there two of them? The watch gives the illusion that two cases are stacked on top of one another, almost giving it the appearance of an eye when tilted horizontally.
Available in two sizes, the quartz-powered line has several facets: 18-karat white and rose gold cases enhanced by a diamond-lined bezel and black strap; fully bedazzled dials with an elegant strip of black lacquer outlining the “top” ellipse; and for die-hard fans of bling, one model is entirely covered in beautifully cut diamonds.
As usual, the “king of jewelers” has made it hard to select just one standout piece from its latest offering – so I’m not going to. The second piece by Cartier I must highlight is the revamped Rotonde de Cartier Day/Night with retrograde moon phases. True, this particular watch was actually created for men, sporting a 40mm case of 18k white gold and a blue alligator strap, but the 68 brilliantly cut diamonds sparkling around its bezel softens the overall design.
Add to that a lacquered deep blue dial adorned with moon phases of sapphires and diamonds, this self-winding mechanical beauty can be the perfect companion for the woman who believes that bigger is indeed better.
Piaget
Piaget calls the Limelight Gala collection, first introduced in 1970, the “epitome of absolute femininity.” I’m not one to argue with a luxury giant, but I would like to make a slight change to that perfectly apt description to dub it the “epitome of femininity and comfort.”
The maison’s latest version of the collection, the Limelight Gala Milanese, looks and feels like it belongs on your wrist. Its adjustable Milanese mesh bracelet, available in 18k white and red gold, feels deliciously supple against the skin, making the timepiece feel almost weightless. And of course, it’s simply beautiful to look at, boasting an elegant aesthetics of old-Hollywood glamour that harkens back to timeless starlets like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
Immediately noticeable is the round, 32mm case whose bezel is dotted with a string of diamonds that extend on both sides to form elongated asymmetrical lugs. The gorgeous timepiece, which is guaranteed to transport its wearer to that bygone era of cool sophistication, is powered by Piaget’s 690P quarts movement.
For those craving a timepiece equal in elegance but prefer something slightly more complex, say hello to the Limelight Gala Stella, Piaget’s first ever complication watch for women with a moon phase display. The five designs that make up this debut line are slightly larger than it’s Milanese “little sister,” boasting a 36mm case of 18k white or pink gold, with two more exceptional models reaching 39mm in size.
The moon phase indicator, located at the 12 o’clock market and set against a blue, fan-shaped background that contrasts nicely with the white dial, rivals that of any men’s watch in terms of accuracy, faltering by only one day every 122 years!
But undoubtedly my favorite part of the watch is the star resting atop the seconds hand, which successfully adds a whimsical touch to the polished design. All of these elements – the moon phase, seconds hand as well as the minute and hour hands – are fueled by an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
Lisa J. Keemink for Passion Horlogère
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