Vacheron Constantin surprised many this past week by releasing the revitalized Égérie line, the historical Swiss manufacture’s first new women?s collection in decades. The initial release of the Égérie family was in 2003; that tonneau-shaped iteration was designed, Vacheron says, to bring together the worlds of  haute couture and haute horlogerie  (high fashion and watchmaking). The revamped Egerie continues from that mission statement, aimed at a stylish, fashion-focused luxury consumer while also appealing to a growing population of well-informed, watch collecting women. Vacheron Constantin is dubbing this convergence as ?haute manufacture.?

Altogether, the new collection comprises three new 37-mm moon-phase models in white gold, rose gold, and steel, each with varying degrees of diamond accenting; and two 35-mm automatic models in rose gold and steel. The overall design among the models remains consistent, with the exception of the most high-jewelry model with a full-diamond dial and a white-gold moon-phase.
The case of each Égérie watch uses short, curvy lugs that give them a somewhat compact appearance, and pebble-shaped crown, uncommonly positioned at 1:30, which seems to meld into the curves of the asymmetrical design. Surrounding the asymmetrically sectored opaline dial is a diamond-set bezel, which compliments the luxurious aesthetic. On the edge and center aspects of the dial you?ll find a pleated pattern, which the brand describes as taking its in...