Charlie Paris Unveils Its Automatic Women’s Watch: Initial 36

Charlie Paris, the French watch brand, is launching an automatic women’s watch: the Initial 36. Designed and assembled in France, like the brand’s other watches, the Initial 36 is the sister model to Charlie Paris’ other quartz women’s pieces and stands out not only for its design but also for its automatic movement. For those interested in intricate designs, the brand also offers an openworked dial option in their collection, showcasing their commitment to fine mechanics.

Automatic movements shouldn’t be the preserve of men’s watches. Charlie Paris, a young brand founded in 2014 by two childhood friends, is therefore continuing its growth by adding a new piece to its men’s and women’s watch line-up in the women’s automatic watch segment.

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A question of diameter

Initial 36? What is this 36 doing in the watch’s name? If “Initial” carries the idea of initiation, the 36 simply refers to the case diameter. A smart choice: while oversized watches had their moment a few years ago, we’ve returned to more reasonable, elegant sizes for the women’s watch. At 36 millimetres, it’s a lovely size for a woman’s wrist—large enough to enjoy the openworked dial on this piece, yet not so big as to undermine femininity and the wrist’s overall harmony. The openworking isn’t systematic, either: it’s up to the future owner to choose whether she wants to see her watch’s mechanics on the dial or not.

While we’re on the subject of the dial, it’s worth noting that it is protected by a sapphire crystal, offering excellent scratch resistance.

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In motion

I’ve already mentioned it: the Initial 36 is powered by an automatic movement—and therefore by the person wearing it—without whom the watch wouldn’t be able to keep time.

The transparent caseback lets you observe the movement. If you opt for the version with the non-openworked dial, you’ll be the only one able to admire the movement through the exhibition back—a privilege reserved for the owner.

The version with the openworked dial is fitted with a different movement for aesthetic reasons. In both cases, it’s a Miyota calibre. Miyota movements are known for their reliability and robust, distinctly Japanese build quality—a safe bet.

The case is made of 316L steel, like all well-made watches.

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The strap

The case, the dial, the movement… all matter, but only one element allows this whole little world to attach itself to you: the strap.

A bit like on a plane: “Chicken or fish?”. Only far more chic (I’m ashamed of that previous line as a way to illustrate the strap choice…), you have two options: leather or a metal bracelet?

For leather, a range of beautiful colours is offered: blue, brown, burgundy, terracotta, ecru, peacock, ocean, and even green. As for metal, rather than classic links, we’re looking at a Milanese mesh bracelet—slim and elegant—in steel or rose gold.