Men like big, chunky watches that look like they’re beaten out of a Ferrari engine; women like small, dainty miniatures, covered in diamonds and mother-of-pearl. It’s the way it’s always been; thanks to CODE41 however, it won’t be the status quo for much longer.
Rather than assume what women want and partake in the all-too-common sin of horological mansplaining, CODE41 went straight to the audience they were designing for. Through their DAY41 project, they received the input of thousands of women, channelling those aesthetic ideas and watchmaking needs into a single design. The result is likely not what you’re expecting.
Small? When the smallest size is 37mm it can hardly be called diminutive, and the 40mm version is a solid piece of stainless steel. Delicate? The case and dial would be more at home in a pit lane than a jewellery box. Diamonds? Only subtly, and only on one of 5. There are men’s watches with more bling.
Despite being designed by women, this isn’t your traditional feminine watch. In fact, in trying to create the ultimate women’s timepiece, CODE41 created a watch that looks as good on a man’s wrist as a woman’s. In short, the DAY41 is one of the few watches out there that can actually be called unisex.
It’s not just the aesthetic that are on point either; the looks are backed up by mechanics. Rather than a cheap quartz shoved in as an afterthought, the DAY41 uses an STP automatic Swiss movement, complete with a 44-hour power reserve. Better yet, it’s been skeletonised. When combined with the open dial and striking bridges, the entire watch has an intensely technical look, like lifting the hood of a serious racer.
The final result speaks for itself. Available in five variations for the 37mm edition (plain steel, steel with diamonds and anthracite, rose gold and solid black coatings) and three for the 40mm version (plain steel, anthracite and black) along with a good number of different straps, there’s a version for every taste. Provided, of course, you like proper Swiss watchmaking.
To find out more about the DAY41 project and to pre-order your watch at the incredible launch price of CHF 890 (just over £700), click here.
Price & 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)
More details at CODE 41’s website.
