These new watches are the faithful wrist companions you need to have

Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic

Credit: Richard Mille

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While motorsports is typically a male-dominated field, the 24-hour endurance race that is Le Mans has welcomed growing ranks of female drivers over the years. When the race celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, Richard Mille, associated with Le Mans since 2002, produced this sporty number.

Limited to 150 pieces, the RM 72-01 LMC is an automatic watch with a flyback chronograph function, producing the movement in-house. Unlike most chronographs, here, the chronograph draws its own power supply from the barrel to not disrupt power transmission to the timekeeping functions.

The high-tech case is made of compressed quartz filaments that have been saturated in white or green resin, developed especially for the company.

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 33mm

Credit: Cartier

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Sometimes, you only need an elegant, functional bauble to dress your wrist. Launched in February 2024, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier 33mm is a no-brainer. It’s a very chic proposition altogether, from the steel case and bracelet with alternating polished and brushed finishes to the silver pink dial with its sunray effect and the halo of brilliant diamonds on the bezel.

Running on an automatic movement with a 36-hour power reserve, the watch will take you from client calls to in-person networking events with minimum fuss. Bonus: It works just as well with casual fits as it does with dressier getups.

Patek Philippe Nautilus ladies’ watch Ref 7010R-013 and 7010/1R-013

Credit: Patek Philippe

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The Nautilus needs no introduction, so we won’t bore you with the unnecessary. However, it’s notable that Ref 7010/1R-013 — the bracelet version — is the first Patek ladies’ watch to be equipped with the new lockable adjustment system.

By depressing a small pusher on each end of the bracelet and sliding it, you can adjust the length by 2mm on either side — a handy feature when travelling in different climates or for those who are prone to fluid retention.

Both the 7010R-013 and 7010/1R-013 were launched in late 2023, with stunning purple lacquered dials making the collection’s classic wave pattern truly pop. These quartz models are housed in 32mm rose gold cases with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes.

Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton

Credit: Franck Muller

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When the occasion calls for it, slapping on a party-ready timepiece that doubles up as a conversation starter is always nice. Enter Franck Muller’s Vanguard Slim Skeleton. As its name suggests, it is svelte, with a height of only 9.1mm.

It also comes in 41mm and 37mm sizes, so you and your partner could wear matching tickers if you’re that kind of couple. Incidentally, 37mm is a brand-new case size for Franck Muller.

Internally, everything has been skeletonised, from the hour numerals to the automatic movement. Skeletonising a movement is no mean feat — something to discuss in case conversations wind down. With a case made from rose gold or white gold that’s hand-set with brilliant diamonds and a further dusting of diamonds on the numerals, you’re good to go.

This article was originally published in The Peak.