Couple watches aren’t exceedingly difficult to find, given that many iconic models come in multiple sizes to suit both men and women. The problem lies in picking the right ones that look good on both wearers’ wrists – the proportions of a timepiece do not necessarily remain pleasing if it were up- or downsized, after all. If you’re looking to sport matching timepieces this Valentine’s, here are some suggestions.
The description for this pair of Raymond Weil Freelancers almost writes for itself – what could be more apt than two matching timepieces with open hearts? The exposed balance wheel and escapement provide more than just visual interest on the dial, given the symbolism behind such a design in a paired set. Stylistically, the men’s model has a more serious look and feel, while its counterpart exhibits a tinge of quirkiness due to a slightly offset dial aperture.
You rarely get two watches from separate collections that complement each other so well. Montblanc’s Meisterstück Heritage Perpetual Calendar drew a lot of attention at SIHH in 2014 for offering its eponymous complication at such an affordable price. This was achieved with the usage of a module over a base movement, but it did not detract from Montblanc’s value proposition one bit. Later that year, Montblanc released its new Bohème collection, which was headlined by the Perpetual Calendar Jewellery. The rest, as they say, is history.
The link between the two watches here are a little more subtle, and might be lost on a casual observer. Despite looking outwardly different, these two timepieces are actually the Trésor and Ladymatic models from Omega’s De Ville collection. Besides sharing the use of the Co-Axial escapement and being certified chronometers, they also feature decorated dials – clous de Paris on the Trésor, and a “supernova” wavy pattern on the Ladymatic.
“There are exceptions to every rule.” With this branding slogan, Audemars Piguet threw its doors wide open and welcomed women in with a range of Royal Oaks in smaller cases. Given the array of materials and colours available, it’s quite easy to find matching references for a couple, especially within the Royal Oak Selfwinding range. Our vote, however, goes to this pair with pink gold cases and black dials with black alligator straps.
Based on the acronym of the couple who founded the brand (Eugene Blum et Levy), Ebel’s timepieces, including its sporty ones, focus on refined designs. The Wave Lady and Gent here are no exception. Executed in steel and red gold, the collection is named for the wave-shaped links that make up its bracelets, which make the watches no less elegant than if they were on leather straps. The Gent model has a decidedly masculine slant thanks to the galvanised silver dial and simple hour indexes, while the Lady model softens things up with a mother-of-peal dial set with 8 diamond markers.
This pair of Dual Time watches from Ulysse Nardin share a digital home time display at nine o’clock that can be quickly adjusted with the pushers on the case’s left, and a big date display at two o’clock. The differences in dial material, hour index markers, and hands, however, provide quite some contrast from each other, making them a good choice for a couple looking to maintain some independence in their paired timepieces.
Tudor took the concept of couple watches, which share similar designs and come in two sizes, and one-upped it by offering the Style in four sizes – 28mm, 34mm, 38mm, and 41mm. Beyond better sizing for both partners’ wrists, the Style would also be an excellent choice for the traditionalists who prefer to keep their dress watches modest (read: below 40mm). Lastly, you’d be pleased to know that the Style is also available with a leather strap, or in a bi-colour (steel and yellow gold) version with a matching bracelet.
Blancpain’s Saint Valentine’s 2015 model (Ref 3650-4944R-58B) deserves special mention for its sheer beauty and rarity. Created in a limited run of 14 pieces, the mother-of-peal dial first had a rose sculpted from it in relief, before the entire rose was cut out, dyed, and replaced onto the base surface. The bezel and lugs have been set with 121 diamonds, with two rows of differing sizes on the former that recalls Blancpai’s double stepped bezel.
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