Men like big, chunky watches that look like they were punched out of a Ferrari engine; women like small, delicate miniature models covered in diamonds and mother-of-pearl. It’s always been this way; however, thanks to CODE41, it won’t stay the status quo for long.
Rather than assuming what women want, or participating in the pervasive sin of horological masculinization, CODE41 goes directly to the audience they design for. Through their DAY41 project, they received input from thousands of women to translate those aesthetic ideals and watchmaking needs into a single design. The result might not be what you expect.
Small? The smallest size is 37mm, which can hardly be called small, while the 40mm version is a solid piece of stainless steel. Exquisite? A case and dial that would be more at home in a pit area than a jewelry box. Diamonds? Only subtly, and only on one of the five. Some men’s watches are more blingy.
Despite being designed by a woman, this isn’t your traditional women’s watch. Indeed, in its attempt to create the ultimate ladies’ watch, CODE41 has created a watch that looks just as good on a man’s wrist as it does on a woman’s. In short, the DAY41 is one of the few watches that can truly be called unisex.
It’s not just a matter of aesthetics. The looks are backed up by the mechanics. Rather than cheap quartz thrown in as an afterthought, the DAY41 uses an STP automatic Swiss movement and is equipped with a 44-hour power reserve. Even better, it’s already skeletonized. When combined with the open dial and striking bridges, the whole watch has a strongly technical look, like lifting the hood of a serious racer.
The end result speaks for itself. With five variations for the 37mm version (plain steel, diamond-set and anthracite steel, rose gold and pure black coating), three for the 40mm version (plain steel, anthracite and black) and a plethora of different straps, there’s a version to suit every taste. Provided, of course, that you enjoy proper Swiss watchmaking.
To find out more about the DAY41 project and pre-order your watch at an incredible launch price of CHF 890 (just over £700), click here.
Price and specs:
Model name: CODE41 Day 41
Case/dial: 37 and 40mm, stainless steel
Water resistance: 100m
Movement: Calibre STP6-15, automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 44h
Strap: Leather or steel bracelet
Price: CHF 890 (pre-order price)
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