AW16 LADIES LUXURY WATCH EDIT

11th October 2016

Miniature versions of men’s watches, moon phases and the return of yellow gold. It’s an exciting time for ladies timepieces, as Laura McCreddie Doak explains what’s haute in Horlogerie.

Say the words “Royal Oak Offshore” to anyone with a passing interest in watches and the immediate impression it generates is one of a chunky, masculine sports watch – the very definition of brawny. That is why this female Offshore is so surprising, because it shouldn’t work but does. The iconic tapisserie pattern has been made smaller, which softens the dial, while the diamonds also help feminise the Offshore’s lines. It still has that sporty feel associated with the original design; it’s just been given a woman’s touch.

65505 | £22,900

Once again Hublot proves that pave doesn’t always mean pretty. This fabulous-looking timepiece mixes diamonds – 114 of them to be precise  – with a matt black dial to create something rather dramatic. It has also taken the bold approach of paring precious stones with a rubber strap. The result is a watch that manages to tread that line between day and night and classic and contemporary. The only thing you need to switch up to change its personality is your wardrobe.

65291 | £21,300

Wearing white used to be something only done between the months of June and August. In recent years, the fashion pack have been experimenting with this shade during the winter months, but, if you’re not entirely sure you can work white as the nights draw in, you can toe the trend’s water with this fabulous Kalparisma from Parmigiani. This timepiece isn’t all good looks and no substance. Parmigiani made the decision to equip this with the PF4000 movement, which is made in its Manufacture. Who says beauty and brains don’t mix?

64389 | £9,900

Bremont, with its adventurer ambassadors and flying connections, definitely billed itself as the brand of gentlemen, worn by the sorts of seriously nice chaps who really should have been around in the 1940s. However, with this latest addition to its collection, it could be about to allow women into this club. The iconic Solo design has been reduced to 32mm, given Roman numerals and a burgundy leather strap. It still has the hardened steel Bremont Trip-Tick case construction and is a COSC-certified chronometer; it’s just been dressed up in a prettier frock.

65315 | £2,895

This gorgeous Classima is the LBD of watches. You look at it and think that there is no occasion where it wouldn’t be appropriate. The mother-of-pearl dial, with sunray inner circle and diamond indices is a masterclass in how to design something that is feminine but not patronising, while the steel bracelet fits the wrist perfectly. It is also an automatic, which is a pleasant surprise because that isn’t always a given with Baume & Mercier’s women’s watches. It’s simply a watch with which it’s hard to find fault.

64873 | £2,090

To borrow from Zoolander, Gucci is “so hot right now”. Everyone from Beyonce to the fashion set want to be seen in Alessandro Michele’s “geek chic via your Nan’s wardrobe” creations. Thankfully, his vision has also spread to the watches and jewellery. If you thought Gucci was all about the double Gs, then this will make you think again. From his latest collection, this bold Plexiglas piece shows that you really can bring some fashion nous to watches without a ridiculous price tag to accompany it.

65349 | £380

Versatility is a real watchword this year when it comes to timepieces. At the higher end of the horological landscape, Vacheron Constantin and Ralph Lauren have brought out watches with interchangeable straps, while Shore Projects has made its name doing just that. So it is no surprise that Raymond Weil’s Shine model comes with two straps. Sport the steel for the ideal daily wearer and then give it an “after dark” twist with black satin. Just having one strap option is so 2015…

65537 | £2,295

From the sporty chic of Chopard’s new Happy Ocean to the elegant majesty of the Millenary from Audemars Piguet, there’s plenty to get excited about with this selection of new-season watches.

Hublot’s iconic Big Bang focuses on the “Art of Fusion” by combining objects and materials that don’t appear together under normal conditions. Browse our interactive guide to the Hublot Big Bang and explore the contrasting components that make up this striking natural masterpiece.

The award-winning spa at the Blythswood Square hotel is the ultimate space for relaxation. Take time out for you and rejuvenate and relax with an exclusive range of treatments. Situated in Glasgow’s city centre, the spa showcases 9 luxury treatment rooms, a thermal suite, two relaxation pools and several relaxing lounges.