STORIES A Brief History of Women's Watches

The story of the women’s watch is primarily a tale of creative boldness. At TAG Heuer, a women’s watch transcends mere “feminine” style. It distinguishes itself with a timeless design, ready to embrace all challenges. Each piece strikes a perfect balance between elegance and durability, embodying the Swiss Maison’s avant-garde spirit. Beyond their status as refined accessories meant to be worn as jewelry, the women’s watches crafted by TAG Heuer emerge as reliable allies in their demanding daily lives.

The first women’s watch emerged in the early 19th century, specifically in 1810, when a timepiece was crafted for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples and sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. At that time, women’s dresses lacked pockets to carry the pocket watches men wore, and societal norms forbade women from wearing watches. Jewelers thus devised a solution by concealing timekeepers in bracelets and ornaments, giving rise to the first wristwatches.

The 20th century marked a revolutionary era for women’s watchmaking. As women gradually gained independence and purchasing power, they embraced the watch as a symbol of their emancipation. The 1970s and 1980s saw the flourishing of women’s watchmaking, leveraging the quartz crisis to innovate and assert itself in the watchmaking world.

The early years of the 21st century witnessed a pursuit of refinement and complexity. Women now seek watches that combine aesthetics with technical prowess, aligning more with their increasingly dynamic and versatile lifestyles. TAG Heuer has responded to this evolution by creating models featuring advanced complications, such as the TAG Heuer Carrera Date, which marries technical innovation with a nod to the tradition of luxury watchmaking. Other women’s models from the Maison, like the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph, offer sophisticated functionalities in an elegant yet sturdy design.

In this shifting modernity, where the lines between masculine and feminine continually blur, what is the future of the women’s watch? The answer lies at the heart of TAG Heuer’s avant-garde creations, which transcend gender and advocate a unisex design. While some are specifically feminine, the Maison’s wristwatches are designed for everyone, symbolizing a relentless commitment to quality and innovation without distinction. They focus on one singular horizon: excellence.