In 2014, Vulcain, the brand famous for its “Presidents’ watches”, sprung a surprise by launching a collection of deliberately feminine watches – a move it had not made for several decades, apart from a re-edition in 2006. The new model named First Lady Automatic is inspired by a 1920s aesthetic and features an extremely understated oval-shaped case in pink gold or steel, with or without diamonds. The mother-of-pearl dials in various colors, adorned with a sunburst guilloché central, bear baton-type hour-markers and two Roman numerals that may also be gem-set, whereas the generally matching straps are available in alligator leather or satin. In keeping with the brand’s inherently technical nature, the 16 new models are powered by a mechanical self-winding movement equipped with a personalized oscillating weight featuring an openworked floral motif and which may be admired through a sapphire caseback.

 

First Lady Automatic – steel

Case: steel, bezel and lugs set with 82 diamonds, crown set with a black cabochon, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m Dimensions : 37.6 x 32.1 mm Movement : mechanical self-winding Caliber V-61, 42h power reserve, openworked oscillating weight, Côtes de Genève, blued screws Functions : hours, minutes, seconds, date Dial : silver-toned mother-of-pearl, numerals set with 39 diamonds Strap : pearly white Louisiana alligator leather, steel pin buckle

 

First Lady Automatic – gold

Case : pink gold, bezel and lugs set with 82 diamonds, crown set with a blue cabochon, sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m Dimensions : 37.6 x 32.1 mm Movement : mechanical self-winding Caliber V-61, 42h power reserve, openworked oscillating weight, Côtes de Genève, blued screws Functions : hours, minutes, seconds, date Dial : anthracite mother-of-pearl, numerals set with 39 diamonds Strap : pearly anthracite Louisiana alligator leather, pink gold pin buckle