My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing the Vacheron Constantin Heritage Ladies collection in person last week. It's a set of 5 vintage bejeweled watches touring the world (since we aren't traveling!). At first my wife wasn't convinced, being hardly a watch person, but a glass of champagne and some chocolates at the boutique eased her into it.

By the end, I'm afraid she was too into it!

Some of the Diamonds on this 1918 watch and bracelet are bigger than 95% of the solitaire rings out there.


This miniature travel / purse clock was my favourite piece, of the amazing vintage pieces our host shared with us. The clock is hardly wider than my thumb. To open and close it, you press the channel set rubies on each side - popping open the little doors and lifting the clock into place. Press them again to drop the clock back into the case and close the tiny shuttered doors. Exquisite workmanship from 1929.

I coveted this one badly.



Another unusual piece, a watch broach exquisitely worked with channel set and "magic" set diamonds and rubies.



This odd belted gold and stones "hidden watch" bracelet.



And finally this delicate fired enamel dial and enamelled gold watch broach. Lovely.

 

Nice little write up. Personally, I like that watch broach!

 

I covet that tiny folding clock too.

 

What a beautiful blend of jewelry and watchmaking skills, so rarely seen in men’s watches today where it’s more about the bling.

All amazing!

 

It was so neat! I can't imagine the value of such a heritage piece, but I'd love one.

 

Thank you, Sir

 

It was different and interesting after so much of my own focus on men's pieces.

The handiwork of the gem setting was masterful. Much of it was completely invisible, making it difficult to see (or even imagine) how the stones were held in place.

 

As in so many things from an era long gone, the quality and level of craftsmanship is superior to what we see in today's world.

 

All stunning, thanks for posting them!
Many watch manufacturers nowadays are trying to lure women to watches because after all we comprise half of humanity, and that of course makes a huge market.

A couple years ago Omega had a big travelling exhibit of watches for women through the ages.
Unfortunately I missed it.

 

Thanks!
I would like to get her a nice mechanical watch. I got her a quartz Raymond Weil dress watch a decade ago, but I think she's ready for something better.

Maybe one of these?

 

Wow. They are impressive and beautiful but it’s very much a matter of what her taste and style are like.
Someone recently asked members for advice on a watch for his wife- he reached his goal but went in a completely different direction than expected.
It’s also very much a matter of your budget.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/ladys-quartz-vs-mechanical.117946/