With their provenance and sophistication, these women's timepieces could be your most prized possession—or the start of a growing watch wardrobe to be handed down from one generation to the next.
Hermès Cape Cod
The Kelly bag of timepieces, this diamond-set, stainless steel watch features such luxe touches like a lapis lazuli dial and a blue alligator double tour strap.
Shop: $10,800
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso One High Jewelry
The Reverso is Jaeger LeCoultre’s signature timepiece and the Reverso One High Jewelry represents the peak of its sophistication. This white gold beauty dazzles with a mother-of-pearl dial and baguette diamonds all set on an art deco-inspired satin strap.
Shop: Price available on request
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
Also known as: the watch that Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis made famous. The simple, rectangular shape of this elegant, time-only timepiece has never gone out of style since it was first introduced in 1917.
Shop: $22,500
Chanel Première Chaîne
Instantly recognizable, this classic design also recalls the whole history of the House of Chanel. The octagonal case is shaped like the stopper on a bottle of Chanel No. 5 (except encircled by diamonds) and the yellow gold bracelet is a nod to Coco’s famous chains.
Shop: Price available on request
Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Day Night
From the hand-polished and guilloché mother-of-pearl dial to the engraved gold day night display, ladies who love details will appreciate the thought that has gone into this watch.
Rolex Datejust 31
Every serious collector aspires to have one Datejust in their collection. This 18k yellow gold version, with its diamond bezel and malachite dial, is both androgynous and feminine.
Shop: $44,150
Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons
When Chopard introduced the Happy Diamonds in 1976, this sporty timepiece was a hit both in the world of horology and jewelry. Now, 42 years later, the company has made this enduring style happier with even more diamonds.
Shop: $35,900
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding
A collaboration with jewelery designer Carolina Bucci, the texture of this contemporary timepiece is rooted in an ancient Florentine hand-hammered technique. The frosted finish does not need diamonds to sparkle.
Shop: Price available on request
Bulgari Serpenti
There are many versions of the Serpenti, but it’s the snakehead case shape that makes this collection unmistakable. This 18k rose gold and black lacquered dial is also versatile, coming with an interchangeable chain bracelet.
Shop: $16,100
Breguet Reine de Naples 8908
Breguet made the first wristwatch created for the Queen of Naples in 1810, but this 2018 model is a horological wonder as well, with an automatic movement and power reserve and moon-phase indicators lavishly laid out on a hand-engraved dial.
Gucci G-Frame
Ever since Alessandro Michelle took over the reins at Gucci, he has drawn deep from the archives to revive some of the brand’s most iconic designs. The new G-Frame combines squared shape and Ayers strap of the 1980s-era Gucci 4200L with other house codes like the bee indices.
Shop: $1,350
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
One of the newest members of the Sea Master family, the Aqua Terra is both practical and pretty. The mother of pearl dial elevates the sporty design of the watch while still paying tribute to its nautical roots. And the 34mm Sedna gold case and bracelet cover the wrist without bulk.
Shop: $33,100
Richard Mille RM037 Automatic
This matte black watch takes the iconoclastic Richard Mille tonneau silhouette and gives it a fine jewelry makeover. We’re fond of the ultra-light NTPT carbon case material set with diamonds. Its skeletonized dial lets one admire the watch's inner beauty, too.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Automatic
One of the most distinctive features of the Patrimony is just how clean it looks. The indices are spare but highly finished. The minute markers glow like tiny pearls. And if you want a side of maximalism, pair it with a brightly coloured alligator strap.
Piaget Extremely Lady
In the 1960s Piaget shook up women’s watch design by incorporating the brand’s high jewelry gem-setting expertise with bold textures. Today, these mid-century styles are in high demand once again, and the company has responded with Extremely Lady, a boutique-only collection based on those mod looks.
Shop: $50,500
