Top complications for women who care about style with substance
5 min read
Today, women’s watches go deeper than the surface. After all, the contemporary woman demands more of her accessories, and watchmakers recognise that. While boasting awe-inspiring aesthetics, our round-up of timepieces also rank high on technique. From the moonphase and tourbillon to perpetual calendars and more—here’s a look at some of the top complications for women.
Moon-phase complication
One complication that has always been popular among women is the moonphase indicator. This simple yet awe-inspiring feature uses a small dial or window to display the current phase of the moon—making this type of watch perfect for those who want their accessories to be functional as well as stylish. Moonphase watches are often dressier and more elegant than other types of women’s watches, making them a great choice for special occasions. Be it the minimalist Frederique Constant’s Slimline Moonphase or Jaeger LeCoultre's stunning Rendez-Vous Classic Moon—there are many timepieces you can choose from.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Moon
Day-date complication
Another complication that is perfect for women who want fashion with form is the day-date function. This feature displays the current day and date on the watch face, so you’ll always know what day it is—no matter where you are in the world! Day-date watches are usually more casual than moonphase or tourbillon watches, but they can still be dressed up with the right ensemble. Launched in 2022, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 is a great example. Featuring a diamond-set bezel, ice-blue dial and a president bracelet, the platinum timepiece is ideal for a day out.
The Tourbillon
For the ultimate in luxury, a tourbillon watch is a must-have. This high-end complication—mastered by a select few watchmakers—is typically only found in men’s watches, but more and more women’s timepieces are including it now. A tourbillon watch features a round cage that rotates around the movement to counteract gravity-induced errors, meaning you'll always have an accurate reading on your watch. If you're looking for something truly special, a tourbillon is a complication for you. The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon in a pink gold case featuring a Maltese-inspired cage that houses the tourbillon is one such timepiece. Another noteworthy one is MB&F’s first ladies’ watch, the Legacy Machine FlyingT, launched in 2019. This is a watch that truly appreciates women’s longing for a technical piece. Boasting a flying tourbillon, an intimate time indication at 7 o’ clock and vertical architecture, this is sure to satiate your watchkeeping appetite.
Perpetual calendars
If you're looking for a complication that will stand the test of time, a perpetual calendar is a great option. This type of watch is designed to keep track of the date, day, month, and year—and it will even adjust for leap years! A perpetual calendar watch is an investment piece that you'll be able to enjoy for many years to come. Additionally, many perpetual calendar watches also include a moonphase indicator, making them even more versatile. For instance, launched at Watches & Wonders 2022, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin features a Gregorian calendar-inspired white mother-of-pearl dial. Along with that, the watch also boasts a moonphase at 6 o’clock. Being only 4.05 mm in thickness, the timepiece is a must-have perpetual calendar accessory.
Minute repeater
If you want to make a statement, a minute repeater is the ideal complication for you. A minute repeater can actually chime the current time using miniature hammers and gongs, allowing you to determine the time without looking at your watch! This type of complication is usually only found in men's watches, but more women's models are becoming available every year. In 2021, for instance, Patek Philippe launched the 7040/250G-001 “Ladies’ First'' minute repeater timepiece, with chime on two classic gongs. The self-winding watch features a hand-guilloched dial featuring Grand Feu flinqué enamel. Another notable example is the Bvlgari Divas Dream Finissima Mosaica timepiece allegedly featuring the world’s thinnest minute repeater.
No matter what kind of complications you're looking for, there are plenty of options available today. By choosing something that fits your lifestyle and priorities, your wrist will never be boring again!
