Recently, the author had been approached by friends to recommend ladies watches (either for themselves, or for their partner). So we thought, why not write an article about it?
Many of the author’s friends, who are either in the late 20s or early 30s, are at a stage in life where they are looking to own their first timepiece (or give their partners their first luxury watch). Hence, with that in mind, we have curated six ladies watches – below the price point of SGD 10,000 – that one can consider.
So, what have we selected? Let us find out!
Longines DolceVita
We begin today’s article with the DolceVita, from Longines.
First introduced in 1997, the watch – which translates to “The Sweet Life” – aims to capture and embrace this expression with its sophisticated and dainty aesthetics. It features a rather likeable art deco design, with beautiful curves for its case and lugs. It is very versatile, and we feel that it is able to easily pair with a variety of outfits in a ladies’ wardrobe.
Prices of the DolceVita begin at SGD 2,180 for its quartz model, which we believe is a good entry point for ladies who are looking to begin their horological journey. This has been a popular timepiece amongst ladies for a while, and we can definitely see why.
Cartier Tank
The Cartier Tank is perhaps one of the most quintessential timepiece in any ladies’ watch collection, given its timeless looks and incredible provenance.
Since its introduction in 1917, the Tank has remained as one of the mainstays in the Cartier repertoire. We are big fans of its elegant aesthetics, as well as the variety of options that are available within the Tank collection (think of the Américaine, Française, Louis Cartier, and many more). There is certainly something for everyone.
The price of the Cartier Tank begins at SGD 4,750, and it can go upwards to a princely five-figure sum (or even six, if you are considering the Crash) depending on the sub-model and material. For us, the basic Tank is good for any new collectors, or someone who is looking to add a new timepiece into the rotation.
Omega Constellation
The Omega Constellation (image above courtesy of Omega) is another crowd favourite for the ladies, with its dainty looks and iconic design.
The Constellation is perhaps one of the most recognisable ladies’ watches, with its signature half-moon bezel, the “claws” on the case, and the mono-rang bracelet. In recent years, Omega had expanded the Constellation collection with more interesting dial and case variants, which lends a nice touch to the already well-loved collection.
The Omega Constellation retails at SGD 4,450 for the base model. This is quite a staple for any ladies, and we think it is a great and sensible option for someone who is looking to get their first luxury timepiece.
Chopard Happy Sport
We move onwards to something a little more special. Cue the Chopard Happy Sport.
The Happy Sport may have been a more uncommon choice amongst the ladies, but we reckon this is an extremely compelling under-the-radar option for someone who is looking for a timepiece that will stand out in the crowd. First introduced in 1993 (although the dancing diamonds have been around since 1976), the Happy Sport is an extremely feminine timepiece that combines beautiful aesthetics with a playful element in the form of the free-roaming diamonds. The result is a rather lovely and unique timepiece that is pretty special in its own rights.
The base Happy Sport, with a 25mm case and leather strap, is priced at SGD 8,900. While it may be a tad pricier than the usual suspects, the fact that it has diamonds and a 18k gold bezel makes it seem relatively reasonable in retrospect.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso
When it comes to icons in the horological world, the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso is perhaps one of the watches that would come to mind.
Since it first made its debut in the 1930s, the unmistakable rectangular case and the intriguing reversible case had captured the hearts and minds of many enthusiasts. The watch looks elegant and classy, and yet the reversible case shows its slightly playful side. How many watches can claim that it has a reversible case – let alone having the bragging rights of being the one that pioneered it?
The Reverso is available in different case and bracelet types, as well as complications. The base model, with a quartz movement, is priced at SGD 7,750. If your budget allows, we would opt for the duo-face model, where prices for the ladies’ timepieces start at SGD 16,500.
Bvlgari Serpenti
We round up the article with another classic: Bvlgari Serpenti.
The Serpenti is one of Bvlgari’s flagship lines, with its seductive lines that had enthralled collectors for many years. We love its unique teardrop case shape (which, as its name suggests, resembles the head of a snake), which makes it seductive and mysterious. We are also huge fans of its bracelet, and no prizes for guessing where the inspiration came from.
The Serpenti is a beautiful watch, and one that adds character to a ladies’ collection. The base model retails at SGD 8,030, and we reckon this is an accompaniment that will farm aura at any setting.
Concluding Thoughts
We have selected six rather agreeable ladies watches that should match most of the tastes and preferences of the general crowd. These six watches are generally classics, and they are classics for a good reason.
One of the most glaring omissions is perhaps the Lady Datejust from Rolex. Aside from the fact that its price point is slightly above the SGD 10,000 threshold (the most inexpensive model is priced at SGD 10,250), the more iconic models which are more sought-after (such as the one with diamond indices or mother-of-pearl dial) have a waitlist as well (at least that was the case six months ago, when the author was helping his friend to get a Rolex Lady Datejust with the MOP dial). Hence, even if the price is not an issue, but for most collectors who are looking to buy their first luxury timepiece, they may not be able to gain access to it regardless.
We hope that this has been helpful, especially for gentlemen who are clueless about ladies’ timepieces. There are certainly many more incredible options out there (especially with mechanical movements), although the prices are a tad higher than what we have prescribed. We may, in the future, delve deeper into the subject if there is sufficient traction or interest.
Till then, happy shopping! And for the guys, do not forget the cardinal rule – happy wife, happy life.
