In the $2,000 to $10,000 range, we sift out some choice picks for everyday wear.
Carl F Bucherer Alacria
Philip Stein TESLAR
Cartier Santos 100 (with white rubber bracelet)
IN their desire to create special timepieces, the designers of Carl F Buchere came out with the Alacria - a feminine creation combining the technicalities of watch and jewellery making.
The domed design of the case allows for a greater reflection of light than all existing case shapes, most of which are flat and narrow. Available in stainless steel, gold or embellished with diamonds.
THE first luxury timepiece engineered to promote wellness, the Philip Stein TESLAR is perfect for women who are big into health and fitness. Famous for containing two TESLAR chips that work together with the quartz movement to create a special signal that helps to strengthen the body's natural electromagnetic energy bio-filed, the watch helps the body resist the negative effects of daily stressors such as poor sleep habits and hectic work environments.
Wearers claim that the TESLAR technology gives a feeling of calm, increased energy levels, deeper sleep and improved concentration - perfect for getting through these tough times, no doubt.
THE medium-sized Santos 100 watch with white rubber bracelet was made especially to suit women's tastes. Appealing to women who like a more out-doorsy look, it's got a self-winding mechanical movement that lends an ideal combination of femininity and hardiness. At $7,700 (retail), the watch is considered a steal and a worthwhile investment because the price of all of Cartier's Santos 100s have been appreciating steadily since its launch.
Fortis IQ
Omega Speedmaster (Timeless Collection)
Ebel New Beluga (Mini)
FOR women looking for watches that are less dainty and fussy but still flirty and fun. The Fortis IQ limited edition watch was designed by artist Rold Sachs who was inspired by a surrealism shop window design for Selfridges in London and features a quirky chalk-based dial.
Fortis' successor Max Peter believes that the brand's watches will continue to do well in these difficult times.
'While trendiness remains an alien concept at Fortis, our philosophy has always been to keep our brand and its value abreast of contemporary needs,' he says in an interview with BT Weekend.
'With aesthetic appeal and a strong sense of individuality, Fortis subscribes to a philosophy which ignores all fads of fashion to endure as a timeless statement of style.'
The IQ watch comes in limited edition of 999 exemplars all individually numbered.
DERIVED from the original gents' Speedmaster that was launched in 1957 (and later chosen by NASA for its manned missions to the moon), the Ladies' Speedmaster uses a reduced case size but retains the classic tachymeter scale on the bezel.
It comes with a self-winding chronograph movement with a power reserve of 40 hours and is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Available exclusively with a white alligator leather strap that subtly underlines its feminine elegance.
FIRST presented in 1985 and for 13 years, the exclusively feminine Beluga was crafted only from gold. In 2008, Ebel redesigned its legendary jewellery watch in a diamond-set-only interpretation that revives the 'exclusive club' spirit so intimately entwined with the history of the line.
The new Beluga sparkles with a full-set case and full-polished bracelet in a choice of gold or steel. A timeless design that has been around for a long time, the new Beluga is a re-invention of a classic piece that will stay relevant for many years to come.
Photos: The Hour Glass, Philip Stein, Cartier, Huntington Communications, Sincere, Media Flair Communications
