In an era that has forced us all to dial in on how, and with whom, we spend our time, a watch feels like an appropriate, nay perfect, gift. And with February 14th around the corner, there are plenty of options to honor what is behind us and what lays ahead. Among the best are watches that offer new twists on historic design codes, along with versatility and striking dial or case constructions.
Whether its Jaeger-LeCoultre’s two-in-one dual-dial Reverso or the tiny elegance of the Hermès’ Nantucket, each of these are enduring classics that will remain as relevant in decades to come as they are today.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto
Image Credit: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter Typically, we would advise avoiding anything that even hints of a red-hued theme around Valentine’s day, but this warm combination of 18-karat rose gold and burgundy is perennially appealing. There’s a reason that Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso has had staying power since its debut in the 1930s. Its Art Deco look is among the greatest designs to come out of watchmaking in the early 20th century, thanks to its sleek lines and creative dual face. Why have one watch when you can have two?
While it’s flip-face function was originally created as a protective element for British officers stationed in India to protect the dial during polo matches (switching over to reveal a plain metal backside), the company has since capitalized on the nifty trick by incorporating two different dials in some models. This elegant 20 mm ladies’ version comes with one face adorned with a cream guilloché dial and blued hands and another in subtly sparkly burgundy aventurine with rose gold hands and hour markers.
Plus, there’s still room on the caseback should you want to engrave a message to someone special.
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Vacheron Constantin Égerie
Image Credit: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter When Vacheron Constantin first released this 18-karat rose gold Égerie model exclusively on Net-A-Porter at the end of last year it sold out. It’s now back in stock, so it might be wise not to sleep too long on this one. Its sporty bracelet and elegant touch of diamonds on the bezel and off-center date display, which intercepts the hour numerals between 1 and 2 o’clock, makes for a striking combination that can be worn every day but still makes an impact in a generous, but not overpowering, 35 mm size.
Its design is heightened by an intricate guilloché pattern on the inner dial and along the edge that can only be created via a single antique machine that dates back to 1904. Adding to its bragging rights is the fact that the company’s new Égerie collection, released last year, is its first new line of ladies’ watches in almost two decades.
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Hermès Nantucket
Image Credit: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter While the last 10 years have seen a growing trend for larger-sized women’s watches, there is a sub-movement towards a return to a smaller, elegant style as fashion swings back to the ’70s and ’80s when petite wrist candy was en vogue. This ultra-small 17 mm Hermès Nantucket in steel is a great example.
Its case and dial also feature a low-key nod to the French maison’s horseriding roots, accented in tastefully placed diamonds. And it will look as good in the saddle as it will in the streets.
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Cartier Baignoire Allongée
Image Credit: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter If you are looking to start the year off with a bang, few timepieces have a wow-factor like Cartier’s Baignoire. Its oval dial is said to have originally been inspired by the shape of a bathtub (as its French name suggests) when it was first designed in 1912, but the Baignoire Allongée adds extra emphasis to the idea by stretching fully across the wrist. Rows of pavé diamonds cover the dial and bezel for extra splash on what is, arguably, one of the best women’s watch designs of the 20th century.
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Chopard Happy Diamonds Icons
Image Credit: Courtesy of Chopard Chopard has been capitalizing on its Happy Diamonds collection for the last 45 years, thanks to its instantly recognizable design which features stones floating in the case rather than fixed to the dial or bezel. In most models, the moving diamonds are between the sapphire crystal and the dial, but in this version they circle the periphery between the dial and the outer caseband. It’s a cleaner, more striking take on the concept and perspicacious watch devotees will appreciate its likeness (in position, direction and movement) to a peripheral winding watch rotor, typically visible through the caseback. For the rest, it’s playful entertainment for the wrist.
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Parmigiani Tonda Metropolitaine
Image Credit: Courtesy of Parmigiani If you are looking for something unique, outside of the usual big-name brands, Parmigiani is an excellent choice. Tucked away in the hills of Fleurier, Switzerland, the company is not only known for producing high-quality timepieces with excellent movements and craftsmanship, but it’s also the go-to manufacturer for some of the best names in the business. Watchmaker Michel Parmigiani is considered among the best living masters and this Tonda comes with an in-house automatic movement.
Beyond the prowess of its engine, its midnight blue aventurine dial adds an extra touch of sparkle against its diamond bezel (in person, you’ll see more richness and depth than you can make out in pictures). The 18-karat rose gold piece can be ordered in 33 mm or 36 mm—we recommend the latter to give more surface to its stars.
