by Elizabeth Doerr

There are lots of awards in the watch industry these days: there is of course the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the SIAR Awards in Mexico City, the Chronos24.pl awards, and the international Watchstars just to name a few. Each of these has their own raison d’être and their own flavor to be sure – whether tequila-, champagne-, or vodka-soaked!

But thus far I have not yet encountered an award in watches that was created by women, judged by women, and targeted women’s watches exclusively.

This is the premise of the Eve’s Watch Awards in London.

As I previously wrote in It’s Time To Take Women, Their Watches, And Their Opinions Seriously In The World Of Horology, women as a serious consumer group in watches is something that is fast coming. In fact, women represent perhaps the largest as-yet-untapped group of serious consumers in the watch industry. And this in itself makes an award bringing more of the spotlight to these timekeeping sparklers a great idea.

But perhaps the more important reason for this is that it is more than time for women to be heard as consumers. It remains a mystery to me as to why the majority of watches aimed at women today are still designed by men!

And that tidbit might also explain why some female-oriented watches don’t sell nearly as well as they should.

The judging panel of the Eve’s Watch Awards: Rebecca Struthers, Jane Trew, Elizabeth Doerr, Larissa Trew, Avril Groom, Gaia Geddes, Tracey Llewellyn, Alice Jonsdottir-Ferrier, Laura McCreddie-Doak

The inaugural Eve’s Watch Awards has done a great job bringing the spotlight to the female wrist.

“It was one of those ideas that seemed so simple, it was almost incomprehensible that no one had done it before – a watch awards judged by women that celebrates women; from the best examples of watches aimed at the fairer sex to the trailblazing females who are running the industry and inspiring others today,” said Larissa Trew, who, along with her sister Jane Trew, has founded and spearheaded the event.

Jacquie Beltrao speaking at the 2016 Eve’s Watch Awards

Expertly hosted Jacquie Beltrao, ex-Olympic athlete and Sky News presenter, each of the winners of the 13 categories celebrating achievements in women’s watchmaking received a plaque commemorating the prestigious recognition before enjoying the beautifully planned and executed evening.

Woman of the year

Rebecca Struthers was crowned Eve’s first Woman of the Year, a well-deserved accolade as this young woman is about to become the world’s very first horological PhD (male or female). Struthers used her award to highlight how far women have come in watchmaking, saying, “While women have been heavily involved in this industry for centuries, before now our participation has largely been hidden behind closed doors and marketing aimed at men buying gifts rather than the independent female shopper.

Awarding “Woman of the Year,” Rebecca Struthers, at the 2016 Eve’s Watch Awards: (l to r) Jane Trew, Larissa Trew, Rebecca Struthers, Jacquie Beltrao

“It has been a battle, but times are changing. I hope my award will be the first of many honoring a string of brilliant pioneering women in the watch industry. Whether you love wearing them or making them, designing them or want to set up your own business, there has never been a more exciting moment in time for women and watches.”

Here are the rest of the evening’s big winners, comprising timepieces and brands that have shown that their makers have understood a thing or two about what women want. I hope that the rest of the watch industry can follow their lead, ably providing women with a large amount of great choices for functional and beautiful wristwear.

Bulgari took home brand of the year at the 2016 Eve’s Watch Awards: (l to r) Jane Trew, Larissa Trew, Violet Fraser (Bulgari UK), Jacquie Beltrao

Best Jewelry Watch: Dior Grand Soir Kaleidiorscope

Best Fashion Watch: Swarovski Crystalline Hours

Nomos Glashütte Orion Neomatik champagner won the award for Best Design Watch at the 2016 Eve’s Watch Awards

Best Design: Nomos Metro Neomatik Champagner. Further reading: Nomos Glashütte Neomatik: A Sensibly Priced, Efficient, Fashionable, And Mechanically Sound Tribute To The Past And Future Of Glashütte.

Best Smartwatch: Samsung Gear S2 by De Grisogono. Further reading: Samsung Gear S2 By De Grisogono: Boldy Going Where No Smartwatch Has Gone Before.

Best Complication: Piaget Limelight Stella

Collector’s Choice: Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 4897/300

Best Innovation: Richard Mille RM 07-02 Pink Lady

Buyer’s Choice: British design brand Olivia Burton

The Slim d’Hermès Email Grand Feu won the award for Best Unisex Watch at the 2016 Eve’s Watch Awards

Best Unisex Watch: Hermès Slim d’Hermès. Further reading: Introducing Slim d’Hermès: The Elegant New Backbone Of The Hermès Collection.

Watch of the Year: Chanel’s Boy.Friend

Brand of the Year: Bulgari

Finally, Rolex received the Popular Choice award, which was voted for by members of the public via eveswatch.com, Maire Claire, InStyle, woman&home, Livingetc, and Country Life.

For a very complete roundup of the evening with photos, please see www.eveswatch.com/the-winners.