Watches and Wonders 2023 was the highlight of the year for many of us watch enthusiasts. The trade show provides a chance to discover new models, meet other watch fans, and simply enjoy our passion to the fullest. This year saw a refreshing trend – a significant number of new watches for women. Numerous brands introduced new women’s watches, making for a quite diverse selection. Not only that, but the selection of unisex watches also grew significantly. More and more brands are introducing watches that are truly suited to any wrist, which is just fantastic. We tried on various models and invite you to take a look at our favorites!
Cartier – Tank Américaine
Cartier has numerous legends in its catalog and resurrected several old hits this year. The Tank Américaine was originally released in 1988 and is distinguished by its domed case. This year, Cartier brought it back with a new design that’s more dynamic than ever before, while still looking perfect on your wrist. Whether small as an evening watch or bigger as a dress watch, the Tank Américaine presents a stylish choice for every occasion. And since its variants differ so much in size and design, it’s a model we’d like to have in two or more editions.
Vacheron Constantin – Overseas
Since its reintroduction in 2016, the Overseas collection has become one of the most sought-after series among watch enthusiasts. And no wonder, given the line’s focus on luxury watches that can be worn for the day-to-day. The watches even come with three different straps, allowing them to transform based on the occasion or even just your mood. This year, Vacheron introduced four new models in smaller sizes: 34.5 mm without a diamond bezel or 35 mm with. The collection is the perfect choice not just for women, but for anyone that appreciates classic style and likes to wear more compact watches. The model with a blue dial and no diamond bezel makes for a particularly good unisex watch – and one that many couples are sure to share with each other.
Hermès – Arceau Petite Lune
For a long time, Hermès was primarily associated with silk scarves and leather accessories. However, the brand has made it known in recent years that they are also skilled at producing watches. And this year is no exception. Hermès came out with several exciting new models, the most stunning of which is the Arceau Petite Lune. This women’s watch artfully unites a moon phase complication with a creatively designed dial consisting of different materials. Aventurine, aragonite, mother-of-pearl, and opal come together to form a dreamy celestial landscape that transports the wearer and anyone else looking to whole new worlds. Climb on board for this journey and explore twinkling stars, distant planets, and the infinite reaches of the universe!
Zenith – Pilot
The Zenith Pilot line, the brand’s oldest series, got an update this year. In an incredible balancing act, Zenith managed to preserve several of the watch’s historical features while also bringing them into the future. The dial and its horizontal grooves evoke the metal sheets that served as the fuselage on old airplanes, while the crown looks angular and futuristic. The design of the rotor is equally detailed. Its open, black aesthetic is reminiscent of the artificial horizon pilots see on their instrument panels. But most importantly, it doesn’t look out of place on small wrists, despite its 40-mm diameter. That has a lot to do with its modest thickness and short curved lugs. With this watch on your wrist, you’ll be ready for any adventure – even defending your new possession from men who want to borrow it!
IWC – Ingenieur
With the IWC Ingenieur, the name says it all. This is a watch for those who shape our society. It brings together all the features of a technology-oriented watch with a legendary, futuristic design by Gérald Genta. One undeniable highlight is the elaborate dial with its grid pattern. At first glance, the dial looks purely technical, but when the light hits it, you can see how much it plays with color. Unlike earlier versions, this most recent Ingenieur has a diameter of 40 mm, making it the perfect unisex watch. And that’s exactly what makes it so forward-thinking: The IWC Ingenieur isn’t meant for any particular gender, but for everyone who wants to help forge the future.
Tudor – Black Bay 54
The Black Bay 54 is an homage to Tudor’s first diving watch, which was released in 1954. The technology inside is of course state of the art – it contains the in-house caliber MT5400 and is water-resistant to 200 m (656 ft). But its aesthetic stays true to the original: Both the color scheme and the size of this watch are taken directly from the 1954 model. 37-mm cases were the norm back then, and today they offer ideal unisex dimensions. The version on a rubber strap looks particularly good on small wrists. Personally, I had decided against buying a diving watch, but the Black Bay 54 gives me reason to reconsider. Maybe the same goes for you?
Jaeger-LeCoultre – Reverso Secret Necklace
Jaeger-LeCoultre have enriched their Reverso collection with a number of new additions. The most striking is by far the Secret Necklace, which has the watch dangling as a pendant from a long chain. While it is an entirely new design, it also references Jaeger-LeCoultre’s history. In the early days of the Reverso collection, which was developed for polo players, watches were integrated into pieces of jewelry. From bracelets to brooches, there have been many women’s Reverso variants that unite watchmaking with jewelry while preserving the collection’s characteristic design. The Reverso Secret Necklace is equal parts jewelry and watch – the perfect choice for special occasions.
Patek Philippe – Calatrava
Patek Philippe are honoring their classic style, but also getting bold with color. They’ve released a new version of the traditional automatic rose gold Calatrava in purple. At first glance, this choice might seem a bit eccentric. But upon closer inspection, the color combination is actually quite elegant. The embossed waves of the dial invite you to luxuriate in their curves. The case back also offers everything the heart desires, with its view of the caliber 240 complete with micro-rotor. Pieces like this make it clear that Patek Philippe aren’t beholden to trends, instead preferring to create their own.
Panerai – Radiomir Quaranta Goldtech
Panerai are primarily known for their oversized diving watches. Their 40-mm Luminor Marina Quaranta opened up the brand for women that love larger watches, and now the Radiomir Quaranta Goldtech is taking this one step further. It’s not only the thinnest watch Panerai have ever produced, but also very elegant, thanks to the lack of a crown guard and the Goldtech case. This makes it an excellent choice for business attire or elegant events. However you wear it, this sophisticated version of a vintage diving watch makes a statement. Anyone who wears it will exude confidence, style, and a love for watches.
TAG Heuer Carrera
TAG Heuer are also celebrating the birthday of a legend: Carrera, the watch for race car fans and speed demons, is turning 60. It goes without saying that there are some remakes to mark the occasion – even in the “Glassbox design” that’s so popular with collectors. This design features domed sapphire crystal over the dial and bezel with tachymeter scale. It not only helps readability but also lends the watch a more elegant look, together with the watch’s characteristic blue color scheme. The chronograph is just 39 mm in diameter, which not only evokes the ethos of the 1960s, but also makes it a perfect unisex model. After all, plenty of women also have an interest in fast cars, motor sport, and the legendary watches that come with it!
Summary
In light of the vast number of exciting new releases this year, we have to confess: This list is far from exhaustive and really just contains our current favorites. We hope that you’ll discover the new developments in the world of women’s watches for yourself, and let us know your favorite watch in the comments!
