The phrase ‘unisex watches’ typically means that a woman can wear a man’s watch. Very rarely does that translate to men opting for a woman’s design. But innovations are changing this taboo. Replace unisex with duality, watches designed for both sexes without the label. Look to this season’s birth of the smartwatch, a technological breakthrough. And consider the size, colour and shape of your timepiece thanks to a new bounty of designs specific to your needs. See our round-up of the timepieces to sport whatever your gender this summer.
By Christopher Prince
Apple Watch
Available in both a 38mm and 42mm face
Though many have been quick to criticise the Apple Watch (now available online) this piece of technological engineering has offered what many of it’s competitors have failed to do, a gender neutral design. Whilst the differentiation between the face size of the Apple Watch may be subject to standard gender preference – the customisable leather loop band and modern buckle designs lean on a masculine trajectory – like many of Apple’s products, the Apple Watch caters to all needs thanks to a plethora of apps specific for the device.
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic
Available in a 37 mm face
A classic updated for opulent tastes, the Portofino Midsize Automatic was birthed from the original 1984 model, the Portofino Automatic, initially marketed as a pocket-watch style wristwatch. Fresh for summer pursuits the Midsize arrives with a delicate 37mm face as opposed to the bulk of the 40mm Automatic, and is available in four red gold and six stainless steel versions crafted with or without a diamond-set bevel. The development of the Midsize carries the momentum of watchmakers reissuing archival pieces. It’s telling that many are downsizing dimensions to fit a new wave of customer – weather that is a woman on the hunt for her favourite men’s watch, or a man looking for something a little more streamlined, IWC have certainly catered to such needs.
Clé de Cartier
Available in both a 35 mm and 40mm face
Don’t let the hot pink crocodile strap fool you, Cartier’s new release named Clé is the Parisian jewellers latest take on gender neutral watch making. The Clé eliminates the bulk of vintage men’s watches for a sleek and elegant exterior appropriate for both sexes. Christened from the French word for key – a traditional method of winding a clock, the Clé possesses an innovative rectangular crown complete with sapphire detailing. Available in rose gold or white gold with a black crocodile strap, it’s a watch that can transition you from day to night with the utmost ease.
LG Watch Urbane
1.3inch P-OLED techology
One major player in the smartwatch business is the LG Watch Urbane. In direct competition of the Apple Watch, the Urbane offers Android users a premium timepiece elegant enough to be worn on the wrist with little fuss. Featuring a full-circle 1.3inch P-OLED display, a discreet bevel and smaller dimensions than other smartwatches – 11.1m to be exact, the Urbane is LG’s answer to technological refinement. The watch is crafted entirely in stainless steel in either rose gold or silver, and includes a stitch leather strap for comfort.
Tiffany & Co. CT60
Available in 34mm to a 40mm face
The CT60 marks the first luxury watch collection from Tiffany & Co. in over 20 years. Tiffany’s new initiative to market the CT60 as an unbranded collection bucks the trend for a current wave of female collectors selecting larger watches and men opting for something slightly more discreet than the norm. The CT60 collection offers a chronograph in 18k rose gold, a 3-Hand in stainless steel with a blue soleil dial and a Calendar watch in 18k rose gold with a black alligator strap.
