Watches made for men are now worn by the most stylish women
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Women have long favoured men’s watches, which add a layer of insouciant cool to an outfit. Think Australian model Elle MacPherson and her gold Daytona, or German model Heidi Klum and her Panerai Radiomir. Then there’s Charlize Theron and her penchant for men’s Rolex styles, as well as watch journalist Cara Barrett, founder of Parchie, who pairs her man’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with boyfriend jeans, an oversized sweater and Birkenstocks.
As numerous brands and labels blur gender boundaries or ignore them altogether, customers are realising that they shouldn't be limited to what sellers tell them are 'men's' or 'women's' watches, preferring instead to choose a timepiece that simply works for them — whatever the prescribed gender.
Elle Macpherson wearing her Daytona. Photo: Getty
If you're in the market for a chunkier, so-called 'masculine' watch, consider something like the Chronomaster Revival collection from Zenith. Originally launched with a diameter of 37 millimetres in 1969, the Zenith Chronomaster was a world-first with its automatic chronograph movement. Today, the line offers plenty to choose from, no matter your gender.
The new Breguet Type XXI 3815 Chronograph is another thick-cut watch that can work with a variety of looks. The diameter is 42 millimetres, but the use of titanium makes it a comfortable wear on pretty much any wrist, as titanium is 45 per cent lighter than steel. Offered with either green- or orange-tinted luminescent hands and markers, the Type XXI 3815 is limited to 250 pieces (in each colour) making it a good choice for an investment timepiece.
Another option deserving of a mention is the 43 millimetre IWC Big Pilot. When launched during World War II, the Big Pilot had a whopping diameter of 55 millimetres. But when it was relaunched in 2002, this was adjusted to a more wearable 46.2 millimetres. In 2021, IWC decided to relaunch this iconic piece yet again with an even more wrist-friendly diameter of 43 millimetres. These days, you can also fit the watch with a bracelet, rubber or leather strap.
There’s no doubt about it: if you’re looking to inject your look with a touch of cool androgyny, there’s never been a better time to invest in a 'masculine' timepiece.
