Round-UpBaselworld 2019: Remarkable New Ladies’ Watches
While Bulgari reinvented a classic, others upheld tradition. While Hublot played up its artistic associations, Breitling, Carl F. Bucherer, and Oris celebrated tool watches for women. Here are some of the exemplary new ladies' watches that were revealed at Baselworld 2019
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Breitling Superocean Automatic 36
Breitling has been on a mission to create robust, sporty and efficient watches for women. The brand’s CEO Georges Kern said last year that they couldn’t be expected to do high jewellery pieces, but they’ll definitely make some elegant sports watches for ladies. And living up to that, this year, the new, redesigned Superocean line includes some stellar ladies’ versions as well. Set in a 36mm steel case, the new Superocean Automatic for women is meant for the woman who wants something resilient, without compromising on style. Equipped with the Breitling 17 movement that offers a power reserve of 38 hours, the watch also comes with a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a water resistance of 200m—a substantial piece indeed. This new edition comes in all-white and dark-and-light-blue versions, in combinations that include rubber straps as well as steel bracelets.
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori
Just when you think that maybe the iconic and constantly-reinvented Bulgari Serpenti cannot be reinvented yet again, Bulgari goes out and does just that. Presented as a line that’s only fit to be crafted from gold, Bulgari unveiled the new Serpenti Sedurttori series of watches at Baselworld 2019 with much flair. Hollywood actress Olivia Wilde was there, among others, to introduce the Serpenti with its skin having shed one more time. This time, the series—available in gold and steel versions—features a brand new bracelet, constructed out of hexagon-shaped links in gold, presented as an absolute, three-dimensional rendition of a snakeskin pattern. A departure from the typical tubogas bracelets of the Serpenti collection, this iteration is more wearable for sure, but not without losing the titular serpentine inspiration of the icon.
Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec
Diving watches aren’t usually what we call ‘fashionable’, however Carl F. Bucherer has managed to turn this trope on its head with the launch of the Patravi ScubaTec Lady watches. Available in blue, green, beige and coral—colours that are reminiscent of summer and days spent lounging by the pool—these watches are a pretty addition to any woman’s watch collection. Don’t let the cotton candy exterior fool you though; these steel watches are as robust as they come, boasting a water resistance of 200m. Featuring the CFB 1950 automatic movement, with a power reserve of 38 hours, this sporty and elegant timepiece is a must for women who find themselves at home beneath the waves.’
Frederique Constant Art Déco Oval Collection
Powered by the FC-200 calibre quartz movement, these stunning timepieces by Frederique Constant boast mother-of-pearl, oval-shaped dials (in either a white or navy blue hue) with a guilloche decoration and 8 set diamonds and a sapphire crystal glass. With a case size of 30x25mm, these watches will fit comfortably on any woman’s wrist. The roman numerals at the 12, three, six and nine o’clock positions are perfectly legible and give the watch a classic and luxurious appeal. A stainless steel bracelet, either in plain silver or bi-colour rose gold-plated, completes the effortlessly exquisite look.
Grand Seiko Calibre 9S27
All the female watch connoisseurs at this year’s BaselWorld were in for a treat, with Grand Seiko releasing five new watches featuring the Calibre 9S27. With two watches in steel and the other three in exquisite 18k gold cases, there is no dearth of fashionable options. The models stay true to Grand Seiko’s exceptionally high-quality standards. The steel models (STGK007 and STGK009) stand at 27.8mm, while the gold ones are slightly larger at 28.7mm. The new calibre 9S27, in spite of its small size, has a power reserve of 50 hours. Beating at 28,800vhp, this movement is handmade and follows Grand Seiko’s tradition of fine Japanese watchmaking.
Hublot Big Bang Marc Ferrero
Teaming up with contemporary artist Marc Ferrero, Hublot has manufactured a 39mm women’s timepiece—in either a glorious turquoise or an eye-catching pink—that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Boasting 42 stones on the bezel, this pretty timepiece’s dial is its most iconic feature, and it bears Marc Ferrero’s pop art-inspired rendition of a modern woman. On the periphery of the dial, you can see her in different roles, that of a “wife, mother, friend, lover, business woman, femme fatale, fashion icon or night owl”. A member of the One Click family, these limited edition watches also allow you to switch straps to suit your fashionable ensemble of the day.
Nomos Duo
Offering supreme refinement and elegance in a package of four timepieces called Duo, Nomos has introduced ‘small pleasures’ for the ladies. These are essentially smaller versions of the Nomos classics—Tangente, Orion, Ludwig, and Tetra—sans a sub-seconds dial. Perfect for slender wrists, the Duo models are sized at 33mm in diameter (Tetra: side length 27mm). Ticking inside is Alpha.2, the highly precise manual calibre. More Bauhaus and minimal than ever, the white silver-plated dial in all editions features a juxtaposition of two golden hands and mocha-brown typography in a stainless steel case, complemented with a Velour leather beige strap. Its stainless steel back also offers space for a personalised engraving. This quartet instantly exudes calm, which is unquestionably Nomos.
Oris Aquis Date
The Aquis is the most recognisable model from Oris’ lineup. And this fine 39.5mm piece, with its tungsten bezel and subtle green dial, is a worthy addition to the existing catalogue. Within the stainless steel case is the Oris 733 calibre beating at 28,800vph. The movement features a date function and has a power reserve of 38 hours. And with a water resistance rating of 300 metres, one doesn’t need to worry about venturing deep into the ocean. Completing the look of this tasteful timepiece is a multi-piece stainless steel metal bracelet.
Click here to explore the highlights among the men’s watches launched at Baselworld 2019