Women in Watchmaking

The Lasting Impact of Women on the Luxury Watch Industry

Conversations about the history of luxury watches always mention famous watch makers, brands, the latest timepieces released or being discontinued, and the groundbreaking complications. We talk about the history of watches, and we go from pocket watches to more practical time telling with the wristwatch, and about how these innovations helped men in their careers and lifestyles. However, for women, watches served as jewelry and an accessory to add to the beautiful outfits. Women’s role in shaping the watch industry and the way we wear watches today, at times goes by overlooked.

Many watches were made for women. Before men began to wear wristwatches, women styled them for parties, events, or as part of their day to day routine. When men were using pocket watches to tell time, women were walking around wearing watches on their wrists, influencing society in what would be the standard way of timekeeping worldwide. 

The famous Cartier Santos was originally made for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. However, if you read about this timepiece, you will realize that it was women who influenced the design and evolution of this specific watch, as well as many other popular designs among watch collectors. Way before wristwatches were common among men, women were setting the example of wearing watches as a fashion statement. 

Women have impacted the luxury watch industry in ways that go beyond design and fashion. From executives and designers to collectors, journalists and brand ambassadors, women are a key contributor to the world of luxury watches, creating direction towards modern and diverse success. 

JEANNE TOUSSAINT 

Jeanne Toussaint, a Belgian born, French Jeweler and Fashion designer popular in the 1900s and better known as “La Panthère” she was one of Cartier’s most influential figures. Her input paved the way for Cartier to become a global symbol of luxury and elegance. Jeanne Toussaint is responsible for many of the iconic jewelry and watch pieces made by Cartier, popularizing the panther motif, which is still one of Cartier’s most famous symbols today. Toussaint's professional, dedicated and artistic mindset established the relationship between high jewelry and luxury watchmaking that we get to enjoy today. 

NAYLA HAYEK

Another influential woman is Nayla Hayek. As the chairwoman of the Swatch Group, the company responsible for omega, Breguet, Blancpain and longines, making Nayla Hayel one of the most powerful women in Swiss watchmaking. Her work and dedication help preserve the industry’s most important brands. During a time where the watch industry was facing rapid change, Hayek managed to maintain the watchmaking heritage continuing to influence the direction of the global luxury watch market. 

CAROLINE SCHEUFELE 

Now let’s talk about Caroline Scheufele, German-Swiss businesswoman as the Co-President and artistic Director of Chopard, the prestigious Swiss watch, jewelry and accessory house. Caroline Scheufele formed a major part in growing Chopard into one of the largest luxury watch and jewelry brands. Her input helped develop the Happy Diamonds and Happy Sport collections. Caroline Scheufele understood the major difference between traditional Swiss watchmaking and modern luxury design, and she worked hard to close the gap that exists among the two. Being an advocate for ethical sourcing and sustainable luxury is one of the many categories that make Caroline Scheufele such an instrumental part of the world of watchmaking. 

 

QUEEN VICTORIA 

We cannot write an article about women and the watch industry without giving and honorable mention to Queen Victoria. The Queen was a major assent when popularizing wristwatches among women during the 19th century. In a time where timekeeping was mostly "important" for men, Queen Victoria ensured that women could be a part of the watch industry as well, making wristwatches fashionable even before men started to wear them indirectly contributing to the shift from pocket watches to showing them off on our wrists. 

 

These women are strong examples to defeat the societal misconception that the luxury watch industry is more suitable for men. They all played, and  continue to impact the watch and jewelry world bringing confident femininity to an industry that was once used mostly by men.