Round-UpMeticulously Mechanical: 10 Of The Finest Ladies’ Mechanical Watches

The 1960s almost spelt doom for an industry that had boomed for centuries. With the launch of cheaper and more precise quartz watches, mechanical watchmakers had to quickly rethink and rebrand. And thus, mechanical watches were completely reimagined—they weren’t just timekeepers anymore. They were meticulously crafted and thoughtfully designed pieces of art, which could be passed down from one generation to the next. Engineered to near perfection, these painstakingly-created tributes to the art of timekeeping are a reminder of a simpler time, when craftsmanship and artistry were superior to the battery. Mechanical watches may not be as precise as their quartz counterparts, but the beauty and intricacy of watchmaking can only be appreciated through the mechanical movement ticking inside.

Mechanical watches are powered by two kinds of movements—hand-wound and automatic. In a hand-wound movement, the wearer needs to manually wind the crown to power the watch. An automatic movement, on the other hand, is self-winding, powered by the movement of the wearer’s wrist. Though the modern woman on the go is a fan of precision, she is also an appreciator of the finer things. And a mechanical watch—beautiful and complex, outside and in—is the perfect homage to her power and her splendour. And so, here we explore 10 of the finest hand-wound and automatic mechanical watches that you can come across today.

Baume & Mercier Classima

Defined by its elegance, simplicity and clean lines, the Baume & Mercier Classima collection offers every woman a timepiece of her choice. This version features the classic hours and minutes functions as well as a date display at three o’clock on the white dial. The watch is instantly recognisable with sleek Roman numerals at three, six, nine and 12 o’clock, and a refined circular-grained minute track. Inside the 27mm, round, stainless steel case beats an automatic machine, the calibre 2671, offering a power reserve of 38 hours. One can get a glimpse of the inner workings of the movement, beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, through a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Water-resistant to 50m, the timepiece is presented on a five-row stainless steel bracelet, featuring a triple folding clasp with security push-pieces.

This model from the Baume & Mercier Classima collection features the classic hours and minutes functions, as well as a date display at three o’clock on the white dial

Inside the 27mm, round, stainless steel case beats an automatic movement, the calibre 2671, offering a power reserve of 38 hours

Baume & Mercier Classima

₹2,50,000

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Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35

What was once solely reserved for men as a ‘professional aviation tool’—The Breitling Navitimer has evolved over the last six decades, and how! While the basics remain intact—a reliable mechanical movement, and the signature ‘beaded’ bezel, it is now adapted, capturing a contemporary ethos to suit women, who expect nothing but precision timekeeping from their watches. It’s now available in colourful dials with options of: blue, silver or copper. While Navitimer models are known for the chronograph function, this 35mm automatic edition features a clean three-hand dial with a red-tipped seconds hand—inspired by a 1950s Navitimer watch. Powered by the in-house calibre 17, which delivers a power reserve of about 38 hours, the Navitimer Automatic 35 timepieces are COSC-certified chronometers—just like all the other offerings under the brand’s umbrella. This is fitted inside a solid stainless steel case that’s water-resistant to 30m. One of the models seen here features a blue dial presented on a matching blue leather strap, while the other comes with a silver dial is complemented by a lustrous burgundy leather strap, fitted with a pin buckle.

With a reliable mechanical movement, and the signature ‘beaded’ bezel, the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35 watches are suited for the independent, modern-day women

₹4,46,400

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While Navitimer models are known for the chronograph function, this 35mm automatic edition features a clean three-hand dial with a red-tipped seconds hand

₹4,46,400

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The model seen here features a blue dial presented on a matching blue leather strap, fitted with a pin buckle

₹4,46,400

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Powered by the in-house calibre 17, which delivers a power reserve of about 38 hours, the Navitimer Automatic 35 timepieces are COSC-certified chronometers

₹4,46,400

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01

Bulgari Lvcea

Inspired by the Italian luxury brand’s iconic Serpenti model, which gives time an elegant twist as the bracelet wraps itself around the wearer’s wrist; the Lvcea collection pays tribute to this flagship timepiece. ‘Lvcea’ or ‘Lucea’ finds its origins in the Italian word—luce—a term used for ‘light’. With a dozen different permutations and combinations, the line comprises watches in steel, pink gold, in a mix of the two metals, including fully-paved versions as well. This 33mm watch looks stunning with a stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold round case, presented on a trademark Tubogas bracelet in the same combination, with the bezel set with diamonds. Even the crown is topped with a pink cabochon-cut stone and a single diamond—a fine example of the Italian watchmaker’s attention to detail. The stately dial with its grey tone forms the perfect backdrop for rose gold hour, minute and seconds hands, as well as diamond-set hour markers. The wristwatch comes alive when light reflects off its surface at any given angle. It is powered by a mechanical manufacture movement with automatic winding, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, it can supply power for up to 42 hours.

The Lvcea collection is inspired by Bulgari's Serpenti model, where the bracelet wraps itself around the wearer’s wrist, and pays tribute to this flagship timepiece

₹17,34,000

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This 33mm watch looks stunning with a stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold round case, where the bezel is set with diamonds, and is presented on the trademark Tubogas bracelet

₹17,34,000

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It is equipped with a mechanical manufacture movement with automatic winding, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Beating at 28,800vph, it supplies power for up to 42 hours

₹17,34,000

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The crown is topped with a pink cabochon-cut stone and a single diamond—a fine example of the Italian watchmaker’s attention to detail

₹17,34,000

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01

Corum Miss Golden Bridge

A watch truly meant for collectors and one that should be the pick of the lot for a true appreciator of superlative craftsmanship and fine watchmaking, the iconic Corum Miss Golden Bridge stuns and awes. This skeleton watch, which is truly peerless, is powered by the unconventional CO 113 hand-wound movement, which vibrates at 4Hz. It has the singular honour of being the only in-line baguette movement in the market today. This powerhouse of a movement is housed within a solid 18-karat red gold case, measuring 21.3mm by 43.9mm, which radiates luxury and gold-class refinement. The arresting open-worked dial is covered with a double anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The black alligator leather strap looks tasteful and completes the luxurious appeal of this exceptional timepiece.

Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Power Reserve

One of the most undermined features in a watch—the power reserve indicator, is perhaps one of the most important functions of a mechanical watch. Apart from letting the wearer know when it’s time to wind the watch, it also eliminates the need to remember the exact day when it was last wound. The Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Power Reserve is a great option for women who are always on the move. The elegant dial with guilloche engraving catches the eye instantly—giving the impression that this pattern is originating from the sub-dial at nine o’clock, indicating the seconds. One can view the date window at three o’clock—encircled by two off-centre ovals that allude to the feline creature’s mysterious eyes. This is in sync with the elliptical case design and enhances the visual appeal of the timepiece. Near this date display lies a small power reserve indicator that functions via a small hand that sweeps across a starry cluster on the dial. There are eight diamonds hour markers, placed between three, six, nine and 12 o’clock, framed by a bezel set with 64 diamonds, and there’s also an option without diamonds. The watch is equipped with the automatic GP03300-0070 calibre, which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph, and packs a power reserve of 46 hours.

The Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Power Reserve has an elegant dial with guilloche—giving the impression that this pattern is originating from the sub-dial at nine o’clock

The watch is powered by the automatic GP03300-0070 calibre, which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph, and can function for up to 46 hours

Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Shop the Collection

Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Moon

Launched in 2012, the Rendez-Vous collection has grown steadily to establish itself as an important pillar for Jaeger-LeCoultre when it comes to technical masterpieces with exceptional designs for women. The Rendez-Vous Classic Moon is an ode to the celestial world, and features the moon phase function, executed to perfection! The 34mm stainless steel case is topped by a bezel studded with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds, and it frames a silvered grey, guilloche dial, which also showcases 47 delicate diamonds, arranged in a concentric circle towards the centre. There are blue steel hands and black transferred numerals that stand out against a relief pattern. However, the highlight of the watch is the entirely redesigned moon phase display—located in a disc at six o’clock. Finely polished, it moves smoothly against a lacquered blue backdrop, which represents the starry night sky. It is powered by an automatic, self-winding calibre 925A/1, composed of 242 components, beating at 28,800vph, with a power reserve of up to 38 hours—visible through the transparent caseback. Water-resistant to 50m, the Rendez-Vous Classic Moon is presented on a deep blue alligator leather strap.

The Rendez-Vous Classic Moon features a 34mm steel case, topped by a bezel set with 60 diamonds. The dial, too, showcases 47 diamonds arranged in a ring, and a moon phase function

It is powered by an automatic, self-winding calibre 925A/1, composed of 242 components, beating at 28,800vph, with a power reserve lasting for about 38 hours

Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous

₹18,30,000

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Junghans Meister Damen Automatic

When it comes to manufacturing ladies’ watches, most manufacturers, unfortunately, tend to follow a set pattern. Either they reduce the size of extant men’s watches and re-brand them as watches meant for women, or there’s an obvious overuse of colour or precious stones to enhance the watch’s perceived femininity. Junghans, however, does away with this age-old philosophy, and this can be seen in the Meister Damen Automatic. The minimalist aesthetic of this watch works well for the lady who enjoys the simpler pleasures of life. This vintage-inspired timepiece is powered by the self-winding calibre J840.1, which gives it a 38-hour power reserve. Housed in a 33.1mm stainless-steel case with PVD-coating and a convex sapphire crystal, the Meister Damen is as tough as it is alluring, making it a must-have for every lady out there.

The vintage-inspired looks of the Junghans Meister Damen Automatic are sure to appeal to ladies who are fans of minimalism. Ticking inside is the manufacture’s in-house automatic movement, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours

Omega De Ville Ladymatic

Launched in 1955, Omega’s De Ville Ladymatic has the unique distinction of being among the first self-winding timepieces created especially for women. Omega wanted to offer ladies the complexity of men’s mechanical timepieces, which was hitherto missing from the horological world, and that’s where the Ladymatic collection came in. Though the collection was discontinued, it was reintroduced at Baselworld 2011. And this iteration is truly worthy of all the praise. Beating within is Omega’s Co-axial calibre 8521, which is highly resistant to external shocks, making this watch an incredibly durable option and giving it 50 hours of power. You can appreciate this movement through the exhibition caseback. The timepiece’s dainty appearance is a nod to its vintage beginnings when branded watches for women were likened to subtle pieces of jewellery. The 34mm Ladymatic comes housed in an 18-karat Sedna gold case. The white mother-of-pearl dial boasts a brilliant Supernova pattern, which is definitely one of its highlights. Diamonds surrounded by rose gold accents mark the hours, and a legible date window is present at three o’clock. The snow-set diamond-paved bezel adds the right note of luxury to this elegant timepiece.

Omega De Ville Ladymatic's white mother-of-pearl dial has an arresting Supernova pattern

₹40,78,100

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The bezel of the 18-karat Sedna gold case is set with diamonds

₹40,78,100

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Beating inside is Omega’s Co-axial calibre 8521, which gives it 50 hours of power

₹40,78,100

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01

Oris Artix GT

One of the few Swiss players that manufacture only mechanical watches, Oris stands out for its ergonomic designs, marked by the distinctive red rotors on their movements. Offering timepieces that generally stick to a classic-sporty aesthetic, it’s no surprise that their women’s watches are a far cry from petite quartz timekeepers. The Oris Artix GT is part of the brand’s Motor Sport collection, and is the perfect everyday watch. With a 37mm stainless steel case that’s water-resistant to 100m, the watch features a white dial set with 12 diamonds and a date window at six o’clock. It is topped by a unidirectional rotating bezel displaying a timer scale with minute markings. The watch is brought to life by the Oris calibre 733, an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve, which is visible through the transparent caseback. It is mounted on a white leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp.

Parmigiani Tonda Métropolitaine

The Parmigiani Tonda Métropolitaine is ultra-feminine when it comes to the design and material; after all it is crafted from solid 18-karat rose gold with a mother-of-pearl dial—staples of a classic women’s watch. Oh, and let’s not forget the sparkling diamond-set bezel! However, at its heart lies the in-house PF310 automatic movement, composed of 189 parts. Manufactured entirely within Parmigiani’s Fleurier-based facility in Switzerland, the steps involved in its production were designed to guarantee consistent quality in each and every piece. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, it can tick for at least up to 50 hours after being fully wound. The 33mm case is defined by the symmetrical lugs that extend seamlessly to accommodate the 18-karat red gold bracelet. The bezel, set with 76 brilliant-cut diamonds, frames the iridescent mother-of-pearl dial with delta-shaped skeletonised hour and minute hands. There’s a small seconds counter at six o’clock with delicate gold markers and a slim hand with a crescent moon-shaped pointer. The date display is also neatly tucked away here. The watch remains water-resistant up to 30m.