I AM WOMAN

THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS WATCH BRANDS ARE MAKING A SERIOUS WRIST-PLAY FOR THE LADIES.

The world’s most luxurious watch brands are making a serious wrist-play for the ladies.

A strong trend at this year’s Swiss watch fairs was a renewed emphasis on female clients. While new women’s timepieces and collections are well-represented annually at Geneva and Basel, the 2017 difference is that the industry let its female customers know loud and clear that it has them top of mind: stunning new additions to collections that beforehand had a decidedly masculine flair; the incorporation of non-traditional materials into feminine designs; the expansion in categories such as smart watches, world timers, and sports watches, often considered the domain of men. This year, watchmakers are right on time with what women want. For more watch features and expanded coverage go to michiganavemag.com/ watches-and-jewelry. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFTW

This year, Cartier brought the Panthère de Cartier collection back into the spotlight in a diverse range of metals and finishes, including this unique piece in 18k rose gold and black lacquer ($24,900).

The watch offers a stunning palette in a classic design that features an automatic movement, a crown set with blue sapphires, and blue-steel sword-shaped hands. 630 N. Michigan Ave., 312-266-7440; cartier.com

Patek Philippe’s Ref. 7130G ladies’ World Time watch ($51,031) indicates all 24 time zones in a new white-gold case with a gray-blue hand-guilloched dial. The delicate nuance, illuminated by the sparkle of diamonds, also comes to the fore on the city disk and the shiny peacock-blue alligator strap. Razny Jewelers, 109 E. Oak St., 312-663-8500; patek.com

At this year’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen—a brand well known for embracing its male clientele—premiered an update of their classic 'a Vinci line with remarkably strong ladies’ pieces, including the 'a Vinci Automatic in two stainless steel versions and a third, the rose-gold 'a Vinci Automatic Moon Phase (PICTURED HERE, $16,400), which features a rich brown alligator strap. Marshall Pierce & Co., 960 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-4299; iwc.com

Richard Mille is known for using NTPT carbon in a number of his unique timepieces. This year, the Swiss manufacturer gave this rugged material a decidedly feminine spin by incorporating red gold and diamonds in the eye-catching design of the RM 037 NTPT ($153,500 to $190,500). 'ue to the hardness of NTPT carbon, special CNC machines are required to create the lush pavé setting, which is smooth as silk to the touch. Geneva Steel, 112 E. Oak St., 312-944-3100; richardmille.com

IN 2017, THE INDUSTRY LET ITS FEMALE CLIENTS KNOW THAT IT HAS THEM TOP OF MIND.