AW17 LADIES LUXURY WATCH EDIT

Most iconic designs get little tweaks and twists to help bring them up to date and more in tune with current trends, but the octagonal framed, bracelet-strapped Royal Oak hasn’t changed since its designer Gerald Genta was asked to come up with an “sports watch for all occasions”. This version, with its tobacco dial and warm rose-gold tones, is the quintessence of an autumnal watch. Team with this season’s hottest combination – a chunky knit and sequinned skirt – to emphasis its sporty/sophisticated credentials.

67766 | £29,000

It’s hard to believe that this iconic piece of watch design is nearly 25 years old. There are now many iterations, all with the trademark diamonds gambolling around the dial and, while this version conforms to the early “precious stones with stainless steel” ethos, it adds a little extra pizazz into the equation. The stainless steel bracelet is shot through with 18ct rose gold, which is also used on the bezel and crown. The diamond quota has been upped significantly thanks to a 38-strong circle of brilliants. Despite all these luxe touches, it still manages to exude that effortless sporty chicness that made it famous.

67642 | £20,190

There’s a reason why blue dials have become perennially popular. As a colour, it’s not as challenging as, say, red or green, it’s more interesting than white but not as aggressive as black. And finally, as you can see from this Hublot, it really makes diamonds pop. Clocking in at an impressive 38mm, Hublot’s Big Bang might not entirely suit those who are delicate of wrist but if you are in the market for a stone-set take on the boyfriend style then this is just the watch for you.

67865 | £9,000

This latest iteration of Bremont’s “pilot watches for women” range (aka the Solo 32) is as elegant and refined as the female pilot who inspired it – Lettice Curtis. Curtis was a test flight engineer and pilot during, and indeed, after WWII and this Bremont feels like the brand’s approximation of what she would have worn off-duty. The rose gold and Roman numerals help to feminise the black dial and strap, while at 32mm, it is robust enough to be a daily wearer but not so large that it wouldn’t look out of place at those occasions where an ice-cold martini is also deemed appropriate.

67850 | £7,995

While Tudor has been garnering Instagram likes with all the voracity of a Kardashian, the watches always felt a bit male-centric. Thankfully this year, it has turned its attention to the female market and totally redesigned its Clair de Rose collection. Gone are the slightly dated flowery designs on the dial and in its place is a pared-back steel and (optional) diamond collection that is clean, classic and automatic. This version is a cashmere jumper of a watch – luxurious yet practical and once you have it you’ll wonder how you coped without it.

67944 | £2,040

Since Alessandro Michele took over at Gucci in 2015, the brand has gone stratospheric. Everyone worth their place on the Frow wants to be seen in his bohemian-nerd creations. And thankfully Michele hasn’t left Gucci’s watches out of the creative loop as this moophase shows. Moonphases are certainly the complication du jour, but none of them done with such a sense of fun. There’s the multi-coloured celestial forms, the rainbow-hued disc behind the moon, but all of this levity is grounded by a black dial and strap. It’s fashion-watch design at its very best.

67994 | £1,070

We’d have loved to have been in the meeting when the idea of this watch was floated because on paper it shouldn’t work. There is nothing about the boxy, plane-instrument inspired form of Bell & Ross’s classic BR watches that suggests they would look good in pink and with diamonds. But it is precisely those masculine elements and the way they juxtapose with the feminine colours and precious stones that takes this watch from “hmmmm” to “hell, yes”. It’s a bold move but one that works.

68799 | £5,300

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The definitive directory of what you should be wearing on your wrist right now. Words by Alex Doak.

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.

The definitive directory of what you should be wearing on your wrist right now. Words by Alex Doak.