Tag Heuer expands its collection for women with the Formula 1 Lady Steel and Ceramic Chronograph, a “contemporary classic” timepiece.

Steel and ceramic convey a captivating blend of strength and delicacy, especially when offset with scintillating diamonds on the three Lady Steel jewelled models. Beyond telling the time, this is a fashion accessory, with simple but dynamic design – an over-sized 41mm case and much sportier feel, with a striking linear ceramic bezel and chronograph sub-dials.

It creates an eye-catching contrast when combined

with pure stainless steel, as in the bracelet held secure by a stainless-steel “butterfly” folding clasp that’s designed to be effortlessly opened and closed by women on the go.

The gem-embellished models feature 12 diamonds

surrounding the dial and 60 more on the polished stainless-steel and ceramic bezel. Extremely robust for a ladies’ watch, but still feminine and sexy, it is created for a strong and modern woman, with avant-garde style.

Patek Philippe’s ultra-thin Ladies First split-seconds monopusher chronograph offers the first Grand Complication for women.

Equipped with a Calibre CH R 27-525 PS, the thinnest

column-wheel split-seconds chronograph in the world, the watch is in a 27.3mm case that looks very ladylike on a slender feminine wrist. The elegant rose-

gold case with 226 diamonds will delight every woman, as will the mechanical marvel that quietly ticks beneath its dial.

Its feminine facets are underscored by the soft, romantic

glow of 18-carat rose gold 4N and the fiery passion

of the 153 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds set in its bezel. The applied Breguet numerals and all hands are crafted from 18-carat rose gold.

The genius that stands behind its functionality becomes evident when simultaneously starting the slender chronograph and split-seconds hands with the monopusher in the comfortably fluted crown. You stop the split-seconds hands with the pusher at 2 o’clock, and activate the pusher again to cause the split-seconds hand to catch up with the chronograph hand, finally resetting both hands and zero.

TechnoMarine embraces ceramic in its Cruise collection. The Cruise Ceramic is complemented

by a slender and well-balanced ceramic bracelet, for an added dash of sophistication.

Each model features a chronograph version that’s either diamond-set or plain. And to capture the hearts of the most demanding ladies, the brush-finished steel bezel is also available

in solid 18-carat rose gold.

Representing a casual-chic lifestyle, the watch satisfies all pleasure-seeking aspirations and take the ladies from one activity to the next. Thanks to an interchangeable strap and cover design, it becomes possible to change the colour of your watch to match your mood or outfit. Meticulous attention is paid to

the silicon strap material, whose technology is the essence of its characteristic softness and comfort.

The Tissot T-Evocation

with diamonds evokes the contemporary female in spectacular style. Shaped as an elegant bracelet, it teases with the look of sophisticated jewellery. It seamlessly commutes between busy work schedules and hectic social lives, safe in the knowledge that top-quality materials and mechanisms will always save the day.

An eye-catching detail is that the watch’s bracelet has the same diameter as the case. A second glance draws the eye to a polished,

squared watchcase, framing a pearly white dial. On either side of the case is an elongated T-shape, each made up of 11 Top Wesselton diamonds, marking the interface between timekeeping and modern jewellery design. Continuing this theme, the horizontal links of the metal bracelet take the form of two stretched T’s, simultaneously affording optimal wearer comfort.

The new Tudor Clair De Rose line is a hymn to feminine beauty. The centre seconds hand in the form of cut-out Tudor rose lends captivating and infinite charm.

Roundness and softness come to mind to define its cushion-shaped case, its curving silhouette and domed sapphire crystal. The looped decorations harmoniously enveloping the winding crown are a subtle detail of jewellery design. The crown is topped with a transparent dome containing a rose, the logo of the Tudor brand in the 1950s.

Softness also characterises the cloud-inspired, stylish scroll motif on the mother-of-pearl dial, applied using an elaborate procedure. The rounded cut-out hands add yet another hint of softness. In the gem-set version, the central rose evokes a full moon in a starry sky.

The new Tudor Clair de Rose comes in three sizes with a 26, 30 or 34mm case. Available in steel or in steel with 18- carat pink gold, this model also comes with a vintage steel bracelet, a reinterpretation of the “rice grain” bracelets of the 1950s, or a satin or fabric strap. The mother-of-pearl dial, with or without gem settings, is available in sky, white, jade or Tahiti pearl.

Breguet has devoted many of its creations to the fair sex ever since it began work more than two centuries ago on a watch for France’s Queen Marie-Antoinette that incorporated all of the complications of its time.

The Marine Chronograph Ladies watch is part of this tradition of elegant, sophisticated timepieces. Previously available only in a diamond-set version, it is now being introduced without stones, in 18-carat red or white gold, for more casual everyday wear.

Equipped with a Calibre 8827, the world’s smallest self-winding chronograph movement, this masterpiece of micromechanics has an hour counter, a 30-minute counter and a date. It’s in a 34.6mm case in 18-carat white gold, with a finely fluted case band.

The watch features a natural mother-of-pearl dial with hand engraving done on a rose engine. The crown is set with a cabochon-cut sapphire. You have wave-shaped chronograph pushpieces and a sapphire-crystal caseback.

Chopard reinterprets its famous Imperiale collection this year with a watch in rose gold and steel. Beneath its understated appearance, the Imperiale conceals a wealth of rare and precious details. The splendours of the imperial age are expressed through this sculptural timepiece.

The delicately engraved mother-of-pearl dial base evokes the embroidered cushions on which monarchs used to place their insignia. The finely curved golden hands are reminiscent of tapered daggers used by sovereigns in combat, while the lotus-shaped crown adorned with a tiny amethyst briolette-cut cabochon is fitted on a case-middle with pure, uncluttered sides enhancing the ethereally light and luminous appeal of this model.

The Imperiale is available in 36 and 40mm, diamond-set or all polished, equipped with a quartz movement for the small model or self-winding for the big one, and fitted with a rose gold and steel bracelet or an alligator strap.

In addition, Chopard has the Imperiale Full Set, with the first Chopard movement combining haute joaillerie and precision mechanics in an infinitely precious aesthetic.

Rolex’s latest watch dedicated to young, refined and feminine ladies is the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust in yellow or white Rolesor, which exudes elegance and distinction. A harmonious marriage of colours and materials, this redesigned classic celebrates the timeless beauty of Rolex precision.

The gold-crystals dial is an exquisite homage to femininity. Obtained using an exclusive process that magnifies the natural crystal structure of the gold, it captures the light and gleams in an extraordinary play of reflections. Sublime in its delicate design, the version with the ivory-tone dial and “sunbeam” guilloche pattern enchants with its clean lines, extreme finesse and infinite charm.

All of the dials are graced with 10 diamonds, which add to the originality and the subtle radiance of the watch face. Entirely gem-set, the bezel brings yet another touch of luxury and elegance. Its 46 brilliant-cut diamonds sparkle like so many treasures.

The Oyster Perpetual Datejust Special Edition is more sensual and more dazzling than ever. This bold incarnation of a feminine classic comes in a 34mm case of 18-carat yellow and white gold. Around the bezel sparkle 12 brilliant-cut diamonds, elegantly showcased in 18-carat white-gold settings. The Goldust Dream dial is a subtle marriage of white or black mother-of-pearl and gold dust. The mother-of-pearl is embellished with a new nature-inspired motif and an exquisite design in pink-gold dust applied in a fine layer via a patented PVD process that preserves the mother-of-pearl’s natural structure while giving it a highly original metallic sheen.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s jewellers, enamellers, guilloche specialists, engravers and watchmakers have created a subtle alchemist’s blend of form and substance, gear wheels and decorative motifs, in their new models for 2011.

The Master Lady collection is a sparkling parade of natural mother-of-pearl, aventurine, diamonds, enamel and feathers providing a graceful escort for the tourbillons, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters and day/night indications. The size of the case clothed in steel, pink gold or white gold is adjusted to fit the daintiest wrists.

A line of brilliant-cut diamonds highlights its profile, flowing through to the lugs. An inverted diamond punctuates the crown like an offering placed on the altar of time. The gem-set bezel lights up a refined face swept over by generous bevelled hands. Beneath the grace and purity radiating from these models, fitted with a satin strap or a gem-set gold bracelet.

The Master Lady Night & Day dedicates its 29mm diameter to a day/night indication at 6 o’clock, reliably driven by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 867A. Its shimmering mother-of-pearl dial is illuminated by diamonds, a refined touch that highlights the watchmaking functions.

Equipped with the famous Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 978, the Master Lady Tourbillon, Master Lady Tourbillon Wild and Master Lady Tourbillon Enamel are vivid proof that technical sophistication can also be womanly. One encircles its tourbillon with a diamond ring setting the seal on the union of beauty and femininity.

Longines’ Ladies Diamond Conquest models add a new dimension to the Conquest line thanks to the inclusion of diamonds and the combination of precious gems with the strength of ceramic – a touch of sporty elegance.

One model has been given extra sparkle with 120 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds around the bezel and a mother-of-pearl or a black dial set with 11 diamonds as indices, while a second model combines the brilliance of these precious stones with the strength of ceramic.

The Longines DolceVita boasts contemporary elegance with a combination of steel and rose or yellow gold. As a tribute to la dolce vita, a further exquisite model has been added to the Longines DolceVita collection, its dial set with 212 Wesselton VS diamonds (0.508 carats) while the case bears 32 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds (0.269 carats). The steel and rose-gold bracelet sits perfectly with the distinctive shape of the case.

The other steel and gold models in the collection are available in four sizes. The choice also includes a white dial with Arabic numerals and indices, a “flinqué” silvered dial with blue Roman numerals and a white mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds. The steel and rose-gold versions are also available with a white mother-of-pearl dial with arabesque numerals. The bracelet combines the brilliance of steel with the soft warmth of gold.

Bedat & Co Geneva’s novelties are driven by high-precision self-winding movements with comfortable power reserves, while transparent “exhibition backs” provide ample opportunity to admire the inner workings of top-class Swiss-made calibres.

Whether round, oval or tonneau-shaped and waisted at 6 and 12 o’clock in typical Bedat style, they encompass a wealth of refined features, such as blued-steel hands, rolled-edge hand-stitched straps, sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings, and integrated or thumbtack crowns, ensuring a smooth profile.

The new Ref 830.030.100 ladies’ chronograph is the brand’s first model, distinguished by the delightful snow setting on the bezel – a technique that involves arranging different-sized diamonds in a sparkling gemstone carpet, entirely concealing the metal beneath.

The classic collection Ref 118.020.100 comes in a new design, embodying a fashionable 21st-century interpretation of Bedat’s hallmark Art Deco theme.

The Issey Miyake “O”, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka to celebrate the fashion house’s 10th anniversary in telling time, has as its concept “Shape of Water – Transparent Time”. The name invokes the French word for water, eau. Using clear material, a favourite of Yoshioka’s, this is a watch without shape, like water, emitting instantaneous radiance, like light.

Another novelty is the “Go” series designed by Naoto Fukasawa, which expresses the softness of the round stones used in the tradition Japanese board game Go. Here the stones are slightly squared, but, as in the game, just handling the shape and playing with it in the fingers bring a sense of calm and joy.