Elite Traveler Summer 2021

INSPIRE 20TH ANNIVERSARY GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE LUXURY

Chanel J12 Paradoxe watch is crafted in white and black high-tech ceramic and stainless steel. It is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 12.1 with hours, minutes, seconds and date indication. $9,100, available at Chanel, New York, chanel.com

Women’s Watches

watch seminars and joining collector groups. Granted, the number of women collectors today is still dwarfed in comparison to the number of men, but the point is, women are buying more watches than ever before. They are willing to plunk down their hard-earned thousands of dollars for the right watch — one that offers both brains and beauty. Another driving force behind the push to create women’s watches of substance is the fact that women were double dipping. They could buy the traditional women’s watch, but if they didn’t find what they liked, they would move over to a ‘man’s’ watch with all the bells and whistles. Savvy brands witnessed this trend and began offering mechanical watches designed expressly for women and introducing complicated watches. Now, as we head into the next decade, certain brands are also pioneering the way in the call for gender- neutral watches, ethically sourced diamonds and women’s equality.

Long forgotten when it comes to mechanics and function, women’s watches are getting a grand facelift as more brands pay attention to the demands of today’s discerning women. Here we examine the top brands that are trailblazing the way for women’s watches. In a world once dominated by men, watch collecting is witnessing a fair share of female watch lovers and connoisseurs joining the ranks. During the 20th century, most watch brands catered to women by offering dainty diamond- adorned watches or, in the latter half of the century, by creating high-designed gold jewelry watches. Other than that, most of the women’s watches on the market were ‘shrink it and pink it’ versions of the best-selling men’s collections. As the 21st century dawned, several factors — such as the rise of women in important positions in the workplace and the prevalence of the internet for self-education — led to an increase in women watch buyers. They began attending

by Roberta Naas

Above The Bulgari Diva’s Dream Peacock Tourbillon Lumiere deftly demonstrates the brand’s technical and artistic prowess. The skeletonized manual-winding mechanical watch is equipped with a tourbillon escapement. The dial is set with natural peacock feather marquetry and diamonds. Just 10 pieces will be made. $151,000, available at Bulgari, Rome, bulgari.com