When a woman puts on her watch, her whole personality is magically transformed.’
When Willy Breitling, of the eponymous luxury watch company, uttered these words, it’s safe to say he was a little one-sided. But who hasn’t felt that certain buzz that comes only from completing an outfit with a prized timepiece? After all, years before men ditched their pocket watches for more practical styles, it was women who wore wristwatches as part of their daily ensemble.
New for the worldly and sartorially minded woman is Breitling’s latest release – the Lady Premier. Inspired by the Swiss brand’s 1940s Premier Fantaisies models, the new 32mm and 36mm ranges expertly navigate vintage charm with technical prowess. And did we mention that the dial and matching alligator-leather straps for the larger model come in three ravishing colours: aubergine, sage and dove grey?
‘Our signature style is modern retro,’ explains Pablo Widmer, head of product design at Breitling. ‘We started with an archival design that stirred emotion and, through updated curves, finishes and tones, shaped it into something unmistakably up to date.’
Optimum technical performance is achieved on the 36mm models through the watchmaker’s signature COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 10, an automatic movement with approximately 42 hours of power reserve. The stainless-steel 32mm models, meanwhile, house a COSC-certified Caliber 77 SuperQuartz™ movement to ensure flawless precision. They are fitted with a new tapered seven-row chevron bracelet, a feminine twist on the men’s Premier bracelet.
Best of all, Lady Premier pays subtle homage to the female figure at the heart of Breitling – Willy’s stylish and charismatic wife Beatrice.
Long before we had such parlance, Beatrice was the ultimate watch influencer; a muse for her husband and integral voice in his business, at a time when women weren’t often afforded such luxury. She is credited with being not just a sounding board for major decisions within the company, but also inspiring its feminine product line with her effortless grace and glamour.
This was most prolific in the 1940s and ’50s, when Breitling expanded its offering for women, and it was Beatrice who helped shape that direction via cocktail watches, brooch pieces and jewellery watches – including the Premier Fantaisies.
Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, comments: ‘Lady Premier is a new take on the elegant watch that’s confident, feminine and full of character, just like the woman who wears it’.
Lady Premier offers its wearers a magical transformation every day, and serves as a reminder that true style, like time itself, is eternal.
From £3,900; breitling.com
Gemma Billington is a writer and editor who splits her time between London and Kent
