You could argue that the chronograph makes for the ultimate masculine men’s watch. Its affiliations with aviation, car racing and diving are what give it a defiant sporty edge, elements of which are conveyed through the aesthetic. And that’s exactly what makes them all the more appealing to the modern day woman. The imbalance between the sexes continues across many genres, but the fine line dividing what’s male and what’s female is becoming increasingly blurred. Women are slowly, but surely pulling back the reigns, and that includes an embrace and appreciation of watchmaking.
The Senator Chronograph Panorama Date from Glashütte is a super sleek timepiece worthy of a woman’s wrist. Its understated dark features: varnished black dial and black calfskin leather strap, are subtly accented with blue coloured Super-Luminova and pale blue stitching. The automatic movement, calibre 37-01, is an original Glasshütte and can be admired through the sapphire crystal back case; most notably the elegantly skeletonised rotor combined with 21 carat gold weight, and showcasing the double-G logo. Encased in stainless steel, the Senator Chronograph Panorama Date discreetly integrates classic characteristics within its contemporary design, for example, the inclusion of Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock. With hour, minute, small second and second stop functions, as well as, Panorama Date and power reserve display, this Glashütte chronograph is a well-rounded timepiece fit for a woman on the go.
If timeless simplicity is your style, then the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph is the men’s watch for you. Ultra-thin measuring just 8.24mm in thickness, its 18K rose gold case will sit beautifully on a dainty wrist. Within, the hand wound in-house chronograph movement, calibre 883P, measures at an incredibly slim 4.65mm. Its functions: small seconds, chronograph with 30 minute counter and dual time zone display. The dial is clean and minimal in design, providing maximum legibility. On reverse, the neat finishing with circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained mainplate and bevelled bridges are revealed beneath the sapphire crystal case-back. A brown alligator strap in-keeps with the neutral features of the watch, meaning you have a versatile chronograph on your hands for dressing up, or down.
On the flip side, Bell & Ross offer an extremely edgy, bold chronograph by way of the BR-X1 Carbon Forgé replica watches. It’s lightweight, strong and ergonomic; the case is built from carbon fibres, mixed in a random fashion resulting in a marble appearance. The skeleton movement, BR-CAL.313, is structured in the shape of an “X”. Functions include small seconds at 3 o’clock, 30-minute timer at 9 o’clock and skeleton date at 6 o’clock. The chronograph start-stop and reset buttons are made from ceramic and rubber, which teamed together with a woven black rubber strap, add to the watch’s masculinity. However, despite its rugged, industrial look, the BR-X1 Carbon Forgé wears light, making it a perfect companion for a lady’s wrist. For a robust chronograph which can handle an active lifestyle, this Bell & Ross chronograph can cater for a woman’s need for resilient precision, just as well as a man’s.
