WORDS
Eleanor Pryor
Throughout history, women’s watches have dazzled in both design and technical mastery, but often don’t get their fair share of time in the spotlight. In fact, without such early examples, wrist-worn timepieces as we know them today may not exist at all. While pocket watches had become increasingly commonplace for the gentleman to keep track of time, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the ingenious idea was born to strap these devices to a bracelet. Not only did this solve the time-old problem of lack of women’s clothing with suitable pockets, but quickly became both a fashion statement and status symbol.

It is this fascinating and important history that Omega celebrates with its Her Time exhibition, a travelling public showcase of incredible women’s pieces from the brand that is currently on display in Madrid until 11 June. Its own story begins in earnest in 1902, when the lady’s watch started to become a key component of its collections. But, like any innovation, it took time to catch on. Adapting swiftly with social norms in mind, Omega began to produce “secret” watches. To the outside these appeared as stunning pieces of jewellery, but each had a timekeeping element able to be discreetly revealed to the wearer alone, as it was still considered rude for a woman to check the time.
As tastes evolved, from the Art Deco movement of the Roaring Twenties to the invigorating youthfulness of the 1960s, so too did Omega’s designs. These were not merely fashion items but harnessed the possibilities of the watchmaker’s considerable technical expertise. This was seen in the Medicus in 1937, a clear and legible watch designed for use by nurses. And in 1955 an even more groundbreaking statement was made with the launch of the Ladymatic. Its petite and delicate nature was made possible thanks to its incredibly thin and precise movement, at the time the world’s smallest chronometer-certified rotor-equipped automatic calibre.

It is a legacy that threads through Omega’s collections to this day. If history has proven anything, it’s that women demand versatility, precision and choice from their wristwear. This is something that Omega ambassador, supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, echoes from her own experience.
‘When I was younger, I used to wear small watches, back in my 20s, and before that was the plastic watch,’ says Ambrosio, as she spoke at the Her Time launch. ‘But Omega was always what I was reaching for. I have always been a fan of Omega and I started with the Speedmaster. But then you get to see all the collections that Omega has. The Tresor, which is a much lighter watch; it’s such an everyday watch. I can fall asleep without noticing it is on my wrist. They have just so many different models, for any occasion, so it’s cool to be a collector.’
The new De Ville Mini Trésor models come with intricate enamel dials, with dramatic Toile de Jouy double tour bracelets in whimsical designs, or captivating metallic models in the brand’s alluring Moonshine Gold. And for more active lifestyles, some of Omega’s most recognisable collections, including the Seamaster and Speedmaster, are given a new vibrancy with playful shades and diamond bezels, equipped with some of the watchmaker’s best timekeeping.

‘I think the first campaign I did with Omega was for the Seamaster, so I have a special thing with Seamaster. The new models have these beautiful colour dials, which remind me of the ocean, and I would totally wear this to go on a boat or go to the beach and wear with my favourite outfit, which is a swimsuit,’ explains Ambrosio. ‘I love the ocean. I love being by the beach. So, the Seamaster is always a must for me because when I go to the beach, I want to be wearing my watch and I want to go in the water and with the Seamaster you can dive. It’s very sporty and very active and it’s so elegant, and that’s how I live my life.’
The timepieces displayed in the Her Time exhibition are the very definition of timelessness, and the challenge for watchmakers today is to create the classics of the future, pieces to be treasured and preserved, handed down throughout the generations. ‘I think watches are something that you have for life and can pass to your kids. I remember my parents having watches that I would always admire,’ says Ambrosio. ‘If you see [some of] the Omega watches, you can see the way that they work. It’s so delicate and it takes a long time to put a watch together. And if you take care it will last for decades. I know because my son is already looking at my collection. And he’s like, “Mom, when can I have it?” And I’m like, “Not yet…”‘