Three timepieces that reshaped modern femininity

In the world of haute horology, these watches stood out as symbols of refinement, horological ingenuity and enduring style. These rare timepieces exuded a particular feminine grace, a kind of unique charm that captivated its fellow Maisons. From sleek minimalist designs to intricate complications and timeless accents, these revered expressions paid homage to women’s place in the watchmaking industry.

Breguet’s tribute to women in history

Recognisable for its coin-edge cases, Breguet’s guilloche dials and signature Breguet blue pomme hands are the epitome of sophistication. This is, of course, best seen in the Reine de Naples collection. Not only do these timepieces carry the true Breguet essence, but come directly from the brilliant mind of the great Caroline Murat.

Murat had over 30 Breguet pieces collected herself, which inspired then watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet to create the world’s first wristwatch. This then began the brigade of horological ingenuity.

Among the Maison’s most memorable pieces is its ode to women’s history, the Reine de Naples 8918. The collection embraces a palette of colours, including its now signature mint green, a colour meant to symbolise hope.

Its mechanics are just as remarkable. This iconic timepiece is equipped with a 191-component, 537/3 self-winding movement and a 45-hour power reserve, all incased in an ovoid case. From the exterior details to its horological ingenuity, Breguet would come to honor the trendsetters who paved the way for the women of today.

Blancpain’s enduring charm

In the early 20th century, Blancpain would become the gold standard of women’s watchmaking, thanks to Betty Fiechter, the first woman to ever lead a watchmaking brand. She created the first-ever women’s timepiece in 1933 with the introduction of the self-winding Ladybird collection.

Now, it’s an emblem for challenging conventional notions of horology. From vibrant colours and aesthetics to its complex technology, the Ladybird collection is as revered as they come.

In 2024, Blancpain released a new addition to the prized collection, rendered in vibrant red dedicated for Valentine’s Day. Adorned with heart motifs paired with dazzling diamonds, this timepiece exudes an old-world charm.

It boasts a mother of pearl dial and eye-catching red Roman numerals. But perhaps most noticeable is the diamond set ring shaped like a heart, placed perfectly at 6 o’clock, and cupid’s arrow-shaped hands. This is a watch that symbolises romantic grandeur at every detail.

Piaget’s haute horology becomes high jewellery

Women in fashion presented a different kind of grace, found in the rhythm of their walk and the composition of their pieces. To mimic this in a watch takes a special kind of vision.

Here comes Piaget, a Maison that also changed the course of feminine horology with their Swinging Sautoir collection. This line combined antique high jewellery with luxury watchmaking, creating timepieces sure to keep up even with more modern fashion trends.

As part of Piaget’s 150th founding celebration, they brought back the classic for contemporary eyes to see. One of them is the Swinging Sautoir collection, presenting an evolved version of the 1969 collection. The collection was created to have timepieces worn as jewellery, while still functioning as a working clock.

The timepieces boast a carefully handcrafted, twisted gold chain and having two transformable timepieces. While all are housed in a soft-rounded trapeze case, each piece holds unique detail in themselves.

The first is created with malachite and turquoise beads. This radiates out to a diamond-paved set twisted gold chain and distributed with yellow sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds. Seen here, too, is a rare and important 29.24-carat yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka, and a 6.11-carat aquamarine. Its dial can even be removed and attached to a green satin strap, perfect to be worn as a wristwatch of its own.

The second transformative piece is set upon a double chain, one being diamond. This is anchored by a 11.68-carat kaleidoscopic white opal cabochon that suspends the watch case. Complementing it is a tassel of diamonds, gold and chalcedony that are juxtaposed with rare emerald-cut yellow sapphire, further giving the piece a distinct flamboyance that celebrates feminine sophistication.

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