The history of Valentine’s Day could fill a book with the different saints, legends and customs that lay claim to the origin of this romantic day. Did you know for example that the first person to declare Valentine’s Day a thing was Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and the first Valentine’s Day celebration occurred in Paris on 14th February 1400 by La Cour Amoureuse, the High Court of Love, that was run entirely by women to deal with marriage contracts, divorces, and infidelity?
Other fun trivia: The first Valentine’s Day Card was sent from prison by Charles 1st, Duke of Orleans to his second wife, who died before he was released; 145 million Valentine’s Day cards were exchanged last year alone; and teachers receive more Valentine’s Day cards than any other profession!
But why send a card, when you can express your feelings with a fine timepiece? This year, a whole host of brands are presenting a timepiece specially for this romantic holiday. Love is certainly in the air!
Blancpain
Blancpain has been celebrating Valentine’s Day with special edition timepieces for over 20 years now and this year is no exception. This new automatic Ladybird “Valentine’s Day 2022” comes in a 34.9mm white gold case with 58 diamonds on the bezel and lugs. The dial is crafted with shimmering mother-of-pearl and is adorned with large red Arabic numerals. As a discreet and romantic touch, the seconds hand has been designed in the form of Cupid’s arrow and has already speared its owner’s heart!
Breguet
Love takes flight at Breguet with this new Reine de Naples limited edition (28 pieces) that is adorned with numerous romantic details. A white mother-of-pearl dial becomes part of the sky that is filled with fluffy white clouds, while the 45-hour power reserve indicator is depicted with a series of dots that are reminiscent of a scattering of rose petals. The small seconds hand has been replaced with a red lacquered double heart, the crown is set with a ruby, and the case is set with 128 diamonds. It doesn’t get more romantic than this!
Glashütte Original
This elegant pink limited edition Lady Serenade by Glashütte Original is as romantic as a floral bouquet with its soft pink tones. Eight heart-shaped indexes in pink sapphire crystal adorn the dial while the bezel sparkles with 52 diamonds. The timepiece comes in a 36mm stainlesss steel case and is powered by an automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve. It is completed with an elegant pink Louisiana alligator leather strap and is limited to 50 pieces. So, if you are really in love, you are going to need to hurry!
Jaeger-LeCoultre
We couldn’t help but include this news from Jaeger-LeCoultre for Valentine’s Day about Oscar-nominated actress Amanda Seyfried. A Friend of brand since 2019, Amanda recently wore the Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-Vous Dazzling Night and Day timepieces for a Jaeger-LeCoultre photoshoot by celebrated New York photographer Alique. The timepiece radiates from her wrist with its mother-of-pearl dial and two rows of diamonds. It is an ode to romance and could be a real hit on February 14th.
Omega
Last but not least, this baby Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 29 is sweetness itself with its deep red dial punctuated with diamonds. It is housed in a 29mm stainless steel and Sedna gold case fitted with a red alligator strap and is powered by Omega’s self-winding Master Chronometer movement that can resist magnetic forces up to 15,000 Gauss. Will it resist your waves of love however? We think not, but it will certainly win over your sweetheart!
Frederique Constant
Two new 30mm models are joining Frederique Constant’s Slimline Ladies Moonphase collection this February 14th in perfect timing for this romantic holiday. After the success of the collection’s mother-of-pearl models with diamonds, Frederique Constant is now unveiling two variations that are a touch more discreet with opaline dials and stick markers. At midday, only the “XII” stands out in Roman numerals, and at six o’clock there is a simple but stunning moonphase. The timepieces are completed with an onion-shaped crown with a blue cabochon and a choice of a blue leather strap or stainless-steel bracelet.
