lady

Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Extraordinary Hummingbirds Series

While I have mentioned the fantasy art style of Van Cleef & Arpels in the past, their Disney-esque portrayal of nature continues to move me. I want two things. First to have the finances to afford these creations, and second, to have a female who will appreciate the pieces as much as I - to get these watches for. I recently mentioned the new Extraordinary Butterfly watches for 2010, and here are the Lady Arpels Extraordinary Hummingbirds Series watches. Note that there will be five in the collection and pictured are just two of them. Names of the individual pieces will be the Berylline, Ruby-Throated, Violet-Crowned, Blue-Throated and Calliope. Each version is limited to just 8 pieces in this limited edition.

The watches are very high-end. The 38mm wide cases are in platinum inlaid with diamonds around the bezel and lugs, while the dials are a montage of special enameling, a type of stained glass, and a mosaic of gems. Inside the watches is a Caliber 830P mechanical movement. Really stunning, but that is to be expected from the brand.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, extraordinary, Hummingbird, lady, Van Cleef Arpels, VanCleefArpels, watch

Omega Constellation Ladies' Watches For The Holiday Season

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Omega is really serious about promoting their new Constellation watches for women. I mean the watch line isn't anything new, but they just revamped the style of the watches, so they have been thoroughly updated. They even hired Cindy Crawford for one of the watch release parties. I must admit the line has always looked good on a woman's wrist, and here are two new interesting colors for the watch - purple and white on matching reptile skin straps.

The Constellation cases are elegant and simple, with the iconic "claws" on the sides. These versions have diamond decoration including diamonds on the bezel, as well as for each of the hour markers. The dials are deeply textured in an angled sunburst pattern done in purple with white. The large crown adds to Omega's preferred utilitarian look, and the straps have fold over clasps. The cases are likely in steel, and I am guessing the movements in these jewelry-like ladies' watches are Swiss quartz. Overall in pretty good taste making for suitable gifts. No specific price announced yet, but I imagine it will be close to what the new line these watches is going for.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Omega Constellation Ladies watch

Tags: constellation, ladies, lady, omega, purple, watch, white, women

Balmain Madrigal Chrono Lady Oval Watch For Miss Switzerland

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Worn by Miss Switzerland, the Balmain Madrigal Chrono Lady Oval watch is a good looker with other attractive qualities. Price and convenience being among them. Many women can benefit from changing watch straps often. This not only dramatically enhances the look of the watch, but also helps keep the design fresh. However, changing a strap is not always easy, and can often require small tools, and patience. So Balmain gave the Madrigal line of watches a nice quick release system making it easy to change the watch straps at your whim. When getting the watch, it comes with three watch straps (white and black leather, as well as the steel bracelet).

The steel case is a gentle oval while the watch has a Swiss quartz chronograph movement. The bezel comes with 74 diamonds, and the dial is available in various colors as well as in mother-of-pearl. The curved numerals and decorated make for a diversely functional watch which also comes with a good price of about 690 - 1,500 Swiss Francs. Crystal is sapphire, and the case is water resistant to 50 meters. A good value from Balmain, and you can know that Miss Switzerland 2009 herself is also enjoying one of these watches herself.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: balmain, chrono, lady, madrigal, oval, watch

Louis Vuitton Ladies Tambour Diver Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Louis Vuitton applies it feminine touch to the otherwise manly Tambour Diver watch. The new Tambour Diver Lady is a charming line of watches that come in 35mm steel or pink gold cases (the latter having some diamond decoration). You can get the Louis Vuitton Tambour Diver Lady watch with a Swiss quartz or automatic mechanical movement. The dial is available with the classic Louis Vuitton floral pattern or pink mother or pearl.

Look for the Tambour Diver Lady on a textured rubber strap in pink or white. The watch uses the same shape and has the internal rotating diver's bezel just like the handsome, larger men's version. The timepiece is a fully functional diver being water resistant to 300 meters, and having a thick sapphire crystal. With its good looks, durability, and desirable name brand, this Louis Vuitton Tambour Diver Lady watch line could be the most notable women's diving watch to come along in a long while. You won't find the watches that easily as you'll have to look at special Louis Vuitton boutiques only. Price will likely be around 3,000 euros.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: dive, diver, ladies, lady, louis vuitton, LouisVuitton, Q131M0, tambour

Ferragamo Salvatore Lady Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Elegant, simple, and easy to like - this Salvatore Lady watch from designer Ferregamo is the brand's first women's watch and is also a counterpart to the Salvatore, which is the company's first men's watch. The movement is quartz, while the dial is mother of pearl with diamonds for the hour markers as well as for decoration on the bezel in a double row. 30 diamonds on the face and 136 on the case. Different versions of the watch feature different amounts of diamonds that can also decorate the deployment clasp and the lugs.

In what could be described as a post art deco futurist look, the design of the watch is clean and functional, though well stylized. The blue colored alligator strap is further a sign of past times - perhaps during an era where a luxury couch might have looked good in this color. Aside the mother of pearl dial and blue strap, other dial and strap colors will be available. The crystal is sapphire. I particularly like the design of the lug assembly that is unique but makes total practical sense. The Ferragamo Salvatore Lady watch collection should be available now.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: ferragamo, lady, salvatore, timepiece, watch

Harry Winston Ocean Lady Moon Phase Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is the newest timepiece for women from watch and jewelry maker Harry Winston. While typically presenting aesthetically and mechanically impressive timepieces with complex mechanical movements, this Ocean Lady Moon Phase leans much more on just the good looking side of the fence as it has a quartz movement inside - as opposed to something mechanical. No worries though as most women who are lucky enough to enjoy wearing this watch won't mind. In addition to the time there is a larger-sized central moon phase display.

The 36mm wide case comes in either 18k white or rose gold, a typical offering, with each having a plate of mother of pearl on the dials as well as a large amount of diamonds for decoration. The case is set with 57 (2.1 carats) brilliant cut diamonds while another 195 (0.6 carats) diamonds reside on the dial of the watch. Lastly, you have another 33 (0.3) diamonds on the gold buckle attached rubber strap. Yes, rubber is an odd material for such a watch as it is formally dressed with a technical strap. Still it is an interesting look and I have no doubt that alternative straps are available for use during the right occasions. The watch is 100 meters water resistant, so the rubber strap might come in handy if you get curious to see how all the diamonds appear sparkling under water.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 400UQMP36RC.MKDOD3.1, 400UQMP36WC.MDOD3.1, harry winston, HarryWinston, lady, moon phase, MoonPhase, ocean, watch

A. Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase Limited Edition Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase Limited Edition Watches

The beautiful Petite Lange 1 gets a moon phase complication in this lovely decorated model for the ladies. Also known at the "little Lange 1," this very feminine watch collection extends the look of the Lange 1 watch dial layout over two types of mother of pearl faces in either a white color or a dark blue. Functions include the time, subsidiary seconds dial, out-size date, power reserve indicator, and moon phase indicator as part of the seconds dial. Powering the watch is A. Lange & Sohne's in-house made manually-wound L901.9 movement - a very complex little machine with over 400 parts and a 3 day power reserve.

The watch case is in 18k white gold, about 37mm wide, and 10mm thick. The bezel is lined with 58 brilliant cut diamonds totaling about 0.9 carats. The hands and markers on the watch are also in gold. In addition to the two mother of pearl dials, there is a solid silver face available. The pictured white version has a supple alligator strap, while the dark blue Petite Lange 1 has a stingray strap. The case back of the watch is covered with a sapphire crystal for a splendid view of the meticulously decorated movement.

Each watch is very attractive and still sophisticated. One of the most beautiful women's watches, it is as much artistically designed as it is a serious horological item of interest and exclusivity. Each version of these A. Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase watches is limited to 150 pieces.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: A. Lange & Sohne Petite Lange 1 Moonphase

Tags: a lange sohne, ALangeSohne, lady, lange 1, Lange1, moon phase, MoonPhase, petite, timepiece, watch, womens

Graff Superstar Diamonds Lady's Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

There are diamond watches, and then there are diamond watches like this. Graff metaphorically knocks on the door of luxury with a resounding "bling bling!" arrival announcement. You simply don't get too much more "diamond watch" than this timepiece figuratively held hostage by the precious stones. The case and bracelet (what little of it is actually metal!) is done in 18k white gold while a dizzying collection of 176 diamonds on the case and another 94 diamonds on the bracelet that crowd the design of the watch like a bunch of too many densely packed wealthy neighbors. The entire watch has 59 carats of pure glitzy glory.

Likewise the timepiece is known as the Superstar, or GraffSuperstar. Whatever the title, this watch is is certainly a statement about the woman wearing it. However that statement might be "I enjoy rubies and emeralds in my breakfast cereal." Sorry gentlemen, we will have to settle for a less diamond studded version. Stones on the Superstar watch are in trilliant and trapeze cuts that gives a very modern and angular shape that is also quite cohesive. Round cut stones make for good decor, but these more angular cuts allow for a more tiled look that enhances the "total diamond watch" style that Graff is going for. My instincts tell me that the movement inside the watch is Swiss quartz. The dial of the watch is no testament to legibility, but should be readable - a nice trapeze cut emerald is the only non-diamond stone of the bunch and serves as the 12 o'clock marker. Not the type of watch you want to wear publicly in certain parts of the world, cost to likely be tantamount to purchase of said parts of the world.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: diamond, diamonds, graff, ladies, lady, ladys, superstar, watch

Alain Sauser 'Elements' Ladies Jewelery Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

These pretty watches remind me of some of the new Bertolucci women's timepieces, but that is just fine. This is the Elements Ladies collection (Water, Terre, and Feu watches) from Alain Sauser (isn't that an exemplar of luxury brand sounding names?!). The collection is part of a larger collection of timepieces that share the same type of case that is rendered in so many ways, with so many designs. I couldn't write about them all though. The concept of creating a line of watches for the elements is common, but this one really makes me see the inspiration in each. The water watch really looks like it should be in water, and you can see the cracked dirt in the Earth model. Not sure where the "Air" model is, somewhere flying around perhaps.

Each watch comes in a 38mm wide 18k white gold case with a bevy of applied jewels including 685 diamonds, and either sapphires, rubies and yellow sapphire, or brown and black diamonds. The jewels are each set by hand. Not sure, but I believe the watches have quartz movements. Dauphine hands complete the elegant look, and the straps are fun and friendly to go with the theme of each watch. Look for the Alain Sauser Elements Ladies Jewelry watches available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: alain sauser, AlainSauser, collection, elements, feu, ladies, lady, terre, timepieces, watch, water

Corum Golden Bridge Lady Diamond Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Some of you will no doubt recognize Corum's new Golden Bridge Lady Diamond Watch as a derivative of an existing style they have, to others this unique watch will be all new. Years ago Corum was able to develop a mechanical movement that was shaped like a bar (more or less linear as opposed to square or circular). They placed it in a horizontal fashion in watches. It was incredible to look at as they cased in an traditionally sized squarish case with the movement placed in the middle being showcased through the sapphire crystals. This concept has been adopted here and is now placed horizontally instead of vertically with the new Corum Gold Bridge Lady Diamond watch. The new position of the movement is more flattering to the wrist in the rectangular 41mm x 34mm sized case that comes in either red gold or white gold.

Aside from the 180 diamonds on the case and face, and the unique placement of the dial, the real show here is in the mechanical C0113 movement and in watching its ongoing operations. Despite its tiny size, it still has 40 hours of power reserve. While you can't truly appreciate the movement in still images, just try to imagine it with all the gears turning as the movement operates. The movement is suspended in the case between two sapphire crystals meaning you can see straight through to the other side of the case - quite cool. In addition to white or red gold, the watch comes with a black or white (pictured) alligator strap. Only 175 of these limited edition watches will ever be made, with just a few pieces produced each year. It is an incredible piece of micro mechanics for the woman who can appreciate the beauty of mechanical watches.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 113.353.690081 0019G, 113.353.6900810019g, 113.353.850089 0019R, 113.353.8500890019r, corum, diamond, gold bridge, GoldBridge, ladies, lady, limited edition, LimitedEdition, watch, women

Raymond Weil Lady Freelancer Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Whether purposefully or coincidentally, I find it amusing that this new very feminine Lady Freelancer watch by Raymond Weil shares an almost identical dial and function layout to the very masculine IWC Top Gun Pilot Double Chronograph watch. Perhaps the similarity is no accident as Raymond Weil bills this new watch as a form of urban luxury offering a very large for a lady's watch width size of 42mm in a stainless steel diamond set case. Diamonds are a major element of the Lady Freelancer Chronograph watch's theme with 169 stones on the case and another 66 lining the bezel. Still, the watch seems to be confused, with such formal attire, the large dial still bears an exposed screw, and the baton hands and sharp edged hour markers are more aggressive in tone than you'd expect from a magenta colored watch. Perhaps this watch is for the lady packin' a concealed Beretta under her evening wear?

The Lady Freelancer Chronograph comes in two colors, fuchsia pink and off white, with matching alligator straps. Inside the watch is an automatic Valjoux 7750 mechanical movement providing the time, 12 hour chronograph, and day and date complications. Price will likely exceed $4,000 given the amount of stones and might go higher is Raymond Weil is feeling particularly optimistic.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Raymond Weil Lady Freelancer Chronograph Watch

Tags: 7730 PAV 46001, 7730 PAV 97431, 7730Pav46001, 7730Pav97431, chronograph, freelancer, ladies, lady, raymond weil, RaymondWeil, timepiece, watch

Versace Eon Lady's Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Versace watches are made by the Timex Group under a licensing agreement. Thus, Timex is responsible for making interesting watches on par with the Versace image. That hasn't quite always worked out, but at the least most of their watches do bear the emblematic Versace medusa head. The newest watch out of the Versace watch line is the Eon, for women. The imagery is appealing, but what is the point? Laying flat on your wrist is the outer ring and watch face supposed to spin? It occurs to me that this watch is likely more fun to play with off, rather than on, one's wrist.

Aside from this mystery the double case look is interesting, reminding me of a globe of sorts. Materials used are rose gold plated stainless steel lined with diamonds on the bezel as well as used on the four present hour markers. The rear of the watch is supposed to hold the Versace medusa head, while the typical Roman architecture inspirted geometric patterns are engraved on the sides of the outer ring. The watch is attached to a satin strap and has a matching buterfly clasp. Inside will be a quartz movement. I expect price to hover around $3,000 if my senses are correct.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch reivew site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: eon, lady, ladys, timepiece, timex, versace, watch, women

2009 Omega Constellation Watches For Women

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I predict that the attractive women's version of the 2009 Omega Constellation watch is going to be a hit. Like the new men's Omega Constellation watch, the women's version has been updated, but also beautifully decorated. The best version are the pictures models with Omega's "supernova" pattern erupting from the "constellation star." Diamonds appoint the bezel and dial as hour markers and as part of the patterning. Still, the watch is highly legible and useful.

The Omega Constellation's seamless bracelet has been updated to be more comfortable - and is unique for having no gaps and being so smoothly flexible. The models come in three different sizes at 24, 27, and 31mm wide. Cases are in gold, two-tone, or stainless steel, and the dials comes in a variety of treatments. The nicest of which is in my opinion the pictured model. The 31mm wide models have an in-house Omega Co-Axial 8520/8521 movement, while the smaller versions come with a quartz movement or a smaller Omega Co-Axial 2500 movement. The Constellation line for women is a flashy but sensible watch for special occasions or a woman not keen on being predictable and getting a Cartier.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: 2009 Women's Omega Constellation Watch

Tags: 2009, constellation, diamonds, lady, omega, timepiece, watch, women

Montblanc Star Eternal Set Lady's Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This set of three watches from Montblanc represents a unique collection each with emphasis on using diamonds in different aesthetic manners - showcasing three of the ways that diamonds are frequently used on women's watches to make them (and the wearer) more beautiful. The collection is the Star Eternal Lady line of watches and includes an automatic three hand model, an automatic with a moon phase indication complication, and a quartz movement based model.

What each model shares in common is the highly decorated 18k white gold case set with diamonds all over the case including 42 on the bezel, as well as a mother of pearl dial. The Star Lady Diamonds Automatic model features a clustered dial look. In addition to the 'galaxy' of diamonds, there is a special array of diamonds that shapes the iconic Montblanc emblem. Next, the Star Eternal Lady Moonphase Diamonds automatic features a more traditional use of diamonds used for hour indicators as well and for rings around the various dials. The third model, being the Star Eternal Lady Diamonds with the quartz movement represents use of diamonds to create organic patterns on the bezel - a particularly common use of diamonds, but difficult to pull-off well. In total, the three watches have over 1,500 Wesselton diamonds total which amount to over 10 carats. The watches come together in a box set.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: automatic, eternal, lady, monthblanc, moonphase, star, timepiece, watch, womens

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto Voted Best Ladies Watch Of 2009 In Germany

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Shortly before Baselworld, I reported on how the German watch magazine Armbanduhren voted the A. Lange & Sohne Cabaret Tourbillon as the best watch of the year. As part of that same contest, other categories of "best watch" included the "best women's watch of 2009." That prize went to Jaeger LeCoultre for its new Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto watch. The Squadra line of watches is for men and women, with the timepieces for both genders being elegant and sporty - as well as true to the Reverso watch line tradition.

The watch is really two-in-one as the case flips around to reveal two watch faces. Both tell the time, but are decorated differently, and one side has a date complication, while the other side has a day/night indicator complication. Two versions of the watch are available in stainless steel or 18k rose gold. Both versions feature guilloche engraving on the dials and strong baton hands. Two different diamond settings are available; 36 diamonds on the steel version and 75 on the rose gold version. The inset diamond cabochon in the crown is a nice touch as well. The strap seen in the images is an articulated rubber strap that should be interesting to wear. An alligator strap, or metal bracelet are also available.

As seems to be the case with recent "best watch" awards - utility and beauty are equally valued when such decisions are made. A clear message to watch makers that people are interested in having a fully functional and comfortable watch when deciding on a luxury timepiece investment.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto Watch