6 Standout Luxury Watches for Women

THIS ONE’S FOR THE LADIES

1. Cartier Ballon Bleu

Now we can’t talk about women’s luxury watches without including Cartier, who make some of the best out there. While the Tank, Santos, and Panthère are all iconic, I find the Ballon Bleu to be Cartier’s best ladies’ watch yet. Sumptuously feminine with its seductive curves, the fit of the Ballon Bleu is superb. Ballon Bleu is French for Blue Balloon which refers to Cartier’s signature winding crown topped a blue cabochon-cut stone encased in a circular crown-guard. Though the lavish gold and diamond models of the Ballon Bleu are undeniably beautiful, the stainless steel versions are ideal for everyday luxury. The Cartier Ballon Blue 36 Automatic (ref. W6920046) is timelessly elegant with its silver guilloché dial, black Roman numerals, blue center hands, and full steel body. Powering the chic Cartier Ballon Bleu is an automatic mechanical movement.

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2. Rolex Lady Datejust

Perhaps it’s no longer fashionable to admit that a Rolex Lady-Datejust is still a favorite. One glance at the watches female celebrities are wearing today and it’s obvious that many are passing up Rolex women’s watches for men’s ones. And although a woman sporting the masculine Rolex Daytona is a great look, the Rolex Lady-Datejust is a classic that shouldn’t be disregarded. Plus, the Lady-Datejust is rumored to still be the number one selling Rolex model among the brand’s line-up — so I’m far from the only one who continues to love it. The new(ish) Lady-Datejust 28 (ref. 279175) in Everose pink gold with a chocolate dial, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet is particularly gorgeous. The diamond hour markers and diamond Roman numeral IX adds even more opulence to an already luxurious timepiece. And its dainty 28mm size is unapologetically feminine and demure. Naturally, this being a Rolex watch, the Lady-Datejust runs on a COSC-certified self-winding mechanical movement manufactured by Rolex in-house.

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3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duetto

One of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s flagship models, the Reverso is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. The iconic watch was created in 1931 as a solution for polo players—the case could swivel so that the delicate face was safely tucked away while the more resilient caseback was on display during the rough game. Throughout its history, there have been countless Reverso models, including plenty of versions for women. A fantastic ladies’ Reverso that pairs perfectly with that little black dress is the Reverso Classic Small Duetto (ref. 2668430) timepiece. Its distinctive rectangular shape proudly shows off its Art Deco aesthetic, while its stainless steel construction is decidedly contemporary. What I truly appreciate with this watch is that it really does go from day to night with a simple turn of the case. The more serious side features a clean white dial, bold Arabic numerals, blue center hands, and a steel bezel, while the more dazzling side shows off a black guilloché dial, curvy numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock, silver center hands, and a diamond adorned bezel. A great final touch is the manually-wound mechanical movement for a real throwback to a bygone era.

4. Breguet Reine de Naples

Breguet claims that its founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, actually created the very first wristwatch in 1810 for Catherine Bonaparte, the Queen of Naples. However, Patek Philippe is widely accepted as the maker of the very first wristwatch for the Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1876 and that fact is even recorded in the Guinness World Records. Regardless of who was first, the Breguet Reine de Naples collection of women’s jewelry watches is a tribute to that timepiece presented to the Queen of Naples. The exquisite Reine de Naples watches are characterized by the egg-shaped case, the use of gems, and intricate detailing on the dials. The line runs the gamut from ultra extravagant pieces encrusted in diamonds to more modern stainless steel versions. In my opinion, the Reine de Naples in 18k rose gold with diamonds and black satin strap (8928BR/51/844/DD0D) is an emblematic example of Breguet’s famed jewelry watch. Also, the back of the dial is almost just as alluring as the front with its transparent caseback allowing a view of the complex Breguet caliber at work.

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5. Omega Speedmaster

A women’s watch box wouldn’t be complete without a sports watch and few chronographs have a history as rich as the OMEGA Speedmaster. Celebrated for being a part of all six of NASA’s lunar landings, the OMEGA Speedmaster performs just as well here on earth too. The stainless steel OMEGA Chronograph 38 (ref. 324.33.38.40.04.001) bears allmost all the design elements that made the Speedmaster so recognizable. The white dial that matches the ultra modern white ceramic bezel is especially sleek, while the complementary white leather strap adds a distinct touch. The 38mm size of the case provides that highly coveted oversized watch look that is so predominate in ladies’ watch fashion today without being too overbearing. Not only do I really like the way the Speedmaster wears and looks on the wrist, it’s a style that’s enduring and as such, will still be relevant many years from now. What’s more, the automatic Omega 3304 beating at the core of the Speedmaster ensures peak performance and reliability.

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6. Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas

For a ladies’ timepiece that’s completely different, I turn to the Bulgari Serpenti. The snake has been an integral motif of the House of Bulgari for decades and the stainless steel Serpenti Tubogas (SP35C6SDS.1T) is an imaginative interpretation of the mysterious animal. This style of watch has been a part of Bulgari’s offering for decades, illustrating the design’s continuing popularity. Part watch, part piece of jewelry, the Serpenti Tubogas timepiece coiling around a wrist is instantly recognized as the intricate work of Bulgari. The diamonds on the case, cabochon-cut gemstone on the winding crown, and guilloché dial make the watch extra special, while the quartz movement within keeps precise time.

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