NYC Watch Watch: Patek Philippe Debuts Six Gondolo Ladies First Models

Patek Philippe has introduced six Gondolo Ladies First watches, a new chapter in its women's jewelry watches. The collection reinterprets the Manufacture's 2009 Ladies First Chronograph in a more modern and colorful key.

The design plays square against round. A cushion-shape case keeps its lines minimal, while articulated lugs and rounded contours are meant to make the watch comfortable on the wrist. The "I AM. I WEAR." campaign frames the line as a celebration of optimism and the quiet confidence of women who know what they want.

Three models are the non-jewelry versions. Ref. 7043G is white gold with a blue-gray opaline dial and a matching denim-pattern strap. Ref. 7043R is rose gold with a chestnut-toned opaline dial and strap. Ref. 7043GR combines white and rose gold with a silvery dial.

The other three are Joaillerie pieces, with diamonds across the case sides, the lugs and the gold prong buckle. Ref. 7043/250GR carries purple amethyst hour markers and a matching strap. Ref. 7043/250R uses green tsavorite, and Ref. 7043/250G uses blue topaz with an alligator strap. Diamonds on the flange and the concentric dial pattern are set with a grain technique that is almost invisible to the naked eye, and the buckle is adorned with 23 diamonds.

All gemsetting is done in the Manufacture's own ateliers, using special microscopes. The watches run on quartz movements that Patek says are finished to the same standards as its manual-winding and automatic calibers.