Secret watches tell the time with complex and avant-garde designs. Here is a short history of secret watches.
In the early years of 1900s, polite ladies couldn’t look at their watch in society. So much so that, it was considered inappropriate even in women meetings. Although first wristwatches were produced for ladies and decorated with jewels, watches were part of male world for a while. However, women managed to find way to check time: secret watches.
In order to wear watch under in the unequal norms of that period, women wore watches invisibly integrated into accessories such as bracelets or necklaces. Moreover, watches sometimes integrated into rings and handbags. Secret watches still object of desire with complex, avant-garde and stylish designs.
Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Chanel or Cartier are among the first watch brands that come to mind for secret watches. Here are luxurious secret watches from these brands.
Bulgari Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewelry
Each watch in Bulgari Serpenti Misteriois High Jewelry collection hides a dial in mouth of iconic Bulgari snake. When press the forked tongue, the snake’s mouth opens to reveal a diamond-studded dial. The watches are powered by a Piccolissimo BVL 100 miniature movement, which is smallest caliber in the watch industry.
Chanel Bust
Introduced in Watches and Wonders 2024, Chanel Bust hides a secret watch in a necklace. Designed in the shape of a couture bust, the necklace has a black dial. Limited to 20 pieces, the timepiece designed with 132 diamonds.
Van Cleef & Arpels Ludo Secret Watch
First announced in 1935, the Ludo is an iconic Van Cleef & Arpels collection. The Ludo collection is known for its long heritage for secret watches. Introduced in 2023, the Ludo Secret hides a white mother-of-pearl dial with a pattern inside its gold bracelet.
