January 2023 Lookbook // Kickstarting with Timepieces Exclusively for the Ladies

And here we are now at the very start of the new year, attempting to lay down new resolutions, some new hopes, or a new 2023 to-buy list that includes some timepieces you previously missed. Some of you are in the same shoes as me, especially after considering it. Is it just me, or did we go past 2022 in a blink of an eye? I’d sincerely hope that we, as watch enthusiasts, could at least fulfil our watch buying this year, or at least to some degree.

In anticipation of starting the year off at Gnomon, I dedicate Gnomon’s first Lookbook to the women in this world. Although our store has been gradually increasing our array of ladies’ and unisex watches, I have carefully hand-picked five selection that tackles the urge of some amazingly crafted time machine for her soft wrist. These selections you’re about to see are not those heavily decorated with fluffs and flowers, which often overshadow the essence of a traditional wristwatch. Instead, I am paying great attention to those that can be readily appreciated by ladies who want the genuinely exceptional case and mechanical works like any of us watch enthusiasts. So let’s begin.

Citizen Collection Silver Leaf Lacquer Dial White Ref. NB1060-04A – The one for the purist

Citizen is renowned for producing rugged and reliable quartz and mechanical movements. The Japanese brand is so famous for its movements that the average watch collector tends to overlook its watches. The relatively new The Citizen Silver Leaf is an example right here. It comes at a unisex 38mm sizing, topping off with a beautiful textured white dial that reminds us of the colour of pure silk, signifying purity and elegance, one that ladies can find attractive.

Handling one in person would get mesmerized by how Citizens so well craft the case. Besides, this is the top-tier Citizen collection after all and why exclude any gender, am I right? The stainless steel case is finished with sharpness. It is also coated with Citizen’s proprietary Duratect to help ensure the watch case will look as good as new for as long as possible. Flipping the watch over reveals an exhibition caseback showcasing the Miyota 9011 movement with a skeletonized winding rotor, allowing the wearer to view the 9011 calibres in greater detail. 

Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart Black Ref. R27086162 – The one who flares modernity

Rado’s True Square collection takes after the 1990 Rado Ceramica, the brand’s first-ever square timepiece constructed out of high-tech plasma ceramic. This particular 38mm TS now comes with a beautiful Open Heart in which the wearer can enjoy the whimsical gear works of the 80-hour power reserve ETA C07.611 while checking the time. Women do enjoy these aesthetics as much as any of us men. 

Since a skeletonized dial shouts modern watchmaking, the monobloc case is constructed out of a single piece of ceramic manufactured using an exact and sophisticated Rado’s pioneering injection moulding process. It is an industry-first technology that revolutionized traditional watchmaking, resulting in a highly durable, lightweight, hypoallergenic and scratch-resistant case that feels silky smooth to the touch and visually attractive with its stealth dark appearance. Who can resist an open-work dial with a sleek full-black case and bracelet like this one? 

Ball Trainmaster Eternity Black Ladies – Leather – Ref. NL2080D-LJ-BK – The traditional yet accurate one

If you ladies are the type to appreciate a fine timepiece from a traditional Swiss watchmaker at a fantastic price point, look no further than the Trainmaster Eternity Black Ladies. Ball watches are well known for their reliability and accuracy as they are the ones who went on to supply reliable pocket watches for the train Officers in America during their heydays.

Thus It’s nice to have a watch that can take pretty much anything you can throw at it, within reason for a mechanical timepiece. And it’s even better than the watch clad with the iconic tritium gas tubes on the hour markers and hands, letting you catch the time effectively in dark environments. With all these techs and horology heritage packed within a pleasant 30mm dress-watch case, this is one fine timepiece for her to strap on and enjoy.

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Open Heart Aisumi Blue Ref. SARX099 – The one with the nicest dial and sharpest case design among your peers

When Seiko introduced its all-new Sharp Edged line at 40mm within Presage, I knew its gonna be a hit among men and women. And this particular Open Heart Assume Blue reinstate what is not to love when the SARX029 has impeccable case work with multi-finishings and comes with Seiko’s reliable 6R38 Automatic. As the name suggests, this new Sharp Edged timepiece has an open heart at nine, deftly showcasing the oscillating balance wheel and the moving escapement. 

The dial features a deep indigo-blue colour, showcasing sensitivity and elegance. The “Asanoha hemp-leaf” pattern on the dial is broken up by a raised wing, separating the inner section from the section for the applied indices. Gold-coloured leaf hands are used here, with matching gold-coloured baton indices applied throughout. The mix of blue and gold elevates the watch up a notch and can be treated more like a piece of jewellery with versatility and style. 

Mido Rainflower Rose Gold Red Ladies Ref. M043.207.36.118.00 – The Architecturally Elegant One

For my last pick, I went full throttle with the bling empire. The Rainflower series by Mido is an architectural reference to Singapore’s ArtScience Museum, which was built in shape reminiscent of a lotus flower. The bowl-shaped style of the museum symbolizes a modern. Yet, functional design as the rainwater collected from the roof of the structure is reused in the building’s system. Yes, the form-follow-functionality ethos can also be seen with the ritzy Ref. M043.207.36.118.00.

What I like the most about this Rainflower RG is how it represents a unique case design done in both gold-tone and pack with the 80 hours ETA C07.611, all within a compact 34mm case. And to elevate its elegance, The glacier-looking flower dial displays eight enchanting genuine red rubies for the hour indices to match the captivating red leather strap. Mido surely knows the way to a lady’s heart.