History on the wrist

The Omega Topaz jewellery secret watch from 1956.

Some of the watches on display at the exhibition. Antique watches are displayed alongside advertisements to show to the modern crowd how things have evolved.

The 20th century was a defining era for women’s rights and equality. It was a time when they found not only their place but also their collective voice. Although the brand had previously offered beautifullyengraved pocket watches, 1902 was the moment when the Omega ladies watch became a pronounced and distinguishing feature of style.

In line with watches being trendy accessories at that time — sometimes called wristlets — the brand produced its secret jewellery watches, pieces that looked like jewellery but had a small watch hidden somewhere inside.

During the Roaring Twenties when short skirts and bobbed hair were all the rage for flappers and the Art Deco movement was introducing the world to rich colours and bold shapes, the brand produced its own range of Art Deco jewellery watches, complete with its precision movement.

In fact, from 1894 to 1935, more than 35 per cent of Omega’s advanced movement production was destined for ladies watches, a clear indication that the brand appreciated the possibilities and importance of the female market.

When Cindy Crawford became the brand’s first ambassador in 1995, Omega began its association with highly successful and confident women. They include actress Nicole Kidman, golfer Stacy Lewis and heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill.

For Crawford, the fact that Presley and Kaia came on board meant her relationship with Omega has come full circle.

“I have been an ambassador for Omega for longer that I have been married to my husband. Like a lasting relationship, we met, went on first date, then second date. And when you realise you have a lot of things in common, you get married. And that’s where Omega and I are now,” she said.