Vivacious femininity characterizes many of the new women’s watches unveiled in Switzerland last month at Basel 2003 and the SIHH luxury watch fair in Geneva. The use of sparkling diamonds and soft colors, noted over the past few seasons, accelerated this year. Many watches incorporate curved cases and bangle bracelets. There are a number of original and eye-catching designs among 2003’s debutant timepieces. And while more women wear big watches (either men’s models or big watches designed especially for women), thin is in, too: Several brands showed stylishly slender timepieces suitable for evening wear.

Here are a few of the many women’s timepieces unveiled in all major price categories at the 2003 Swiss watch fairs. (A full report on the shows will appear in the June issue of JCK magazine.)