Before delving into the perfect watch for Valentine’s Day for the woman in your life, I have to clear something up. I have nothing against watches with hearts on them, in fact recently I saw a Breguet watch with a heart on it that I loved (but that’s another story -- coming shortly). Granted, a handful of brands release heart-shaped watches and watches with the love motif on the dial just in time for Valentine’s Day annually. But are they really wearable at all times of the year.
I’m a big proponent of giving the gift of time for any holiday. Selecting a watch for someone shows you care enough to put some time and effort into it. So, if you are already doing that, why not go the extra steps and pick something you know she’ll love. If she’s the schmaltzy type, it just might be those heart watches. If not, though, there are a lot of other choices out there that may be better. After all, romance doesn’t have to be hokey.
Omega Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph
For the active woman who is on the go a lot and who enjoys a watch with an attitude and a story behind it, look no further than the 38mm Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph. To begin with, the watch houses an Automatic co-Axial caliber that offers chronograph functions that can be used as a stop watch – maybe to time her laps. It is a certified chronometer attesting to its robust durability and intense precision. It also boasts date indication and tachymeter scale on the bezel. Crafted in stainless steel with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it is water resistant to 100 meters. It’s the real-deal watch and it won’t wreak havoc with your wallet because it retails for just about $5,100.
Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver
For the woman who enjoys underwater adventure and dives in the best waters around the world, the Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver makes a great gift. Powered by the 227-part UN-320 manufacture-made self-winding movement, the 40mm stainless steel watch is water resistant to 300 meters. The white on steel bezel offers 20 minute dive countdown, and the hands and markers at 12:00, 3:00 and 9:00 are luminescent for easy underwater reading. This watch is a performance timepiece meant to withstand the rugged seas. Sold on a white rubber strap, it retails for $8,900.
Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Automatic
For the woman who loves a touch of diamonds, but also likes to make a powerful statement, you can’t go wrong with one of the new Patek Philippe Twenty-4 Automatic watches just released on the market. If your budget can handle this Holy Grail brand, you just might have her jumping for joy. This 36mm Ref. 7300/1200a-011 is crafted in stainless steel and is powered by a 217-part in-house-made self-winding movement (caliber 324 S C). With a power reserve of 35 to 45 hours, the complex timepiece also showcases a date indication at 6:00, as well as a sweep seconds hand. The hands and numerals are coated with Super-LumiNova for easy in-the-dark readability. While the watch does boast two rows of diamonds on the bezel, they aren’t overpowering and weigh just 0.77 carats. This version showcases an olive green sunburst dial, but it also comes with a rose-gilt dial. This watch offers a deft blend of top-notch watchmaking prowess, easy night reading and a little femininity. It will also cost you about $27,796.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight
In the haute horology range, and geared for the woman who loves color, light and making a fantastic appearance at a club, you have to look more closely at the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight watch. Granted it has colored gemstones on the bezel, but it also boasts bold neon colors in the skeletonized movement that will glow in the dark. This is the watch for the woman who wants to stand out and shine. Created as a homage to the world’s most vibrant cities aglow with nightclubs and city lights, the Blacklight houses the brand’s complex automatic skeleton movement, RD820SQ, and is offered in a variety of color ways. But be prepared because this watch will set you back by just over $120,000.
