This blog has written extensively on the timepieces worn by President Obama. (And I’m sure the good people at Tag Heuer are appreciative of his fashion tastes). But it is quite possible that fashion watchers and “watch watchers” are even more interested in the wrist-wear of “that other Obama”, our 44th first lady.

Well, the rumors, they are a’circulatin’. And the latest is that Michelle Obama has been seen on more than one occasion wearing a beauty from Cartier: the Cartier Tank Francaise Ladies Watch.

This really is a stunning timepiece. This Cartier has an 18kt yellow gold octagonal crown that is set with faceted sapphire. It has a 22mm stainless steel case and matching stainless steel bracelet. Its dial is silver grained and it has sword shaped blue steel hands with elegant Roman numeral hour and minute markers. Finally, it has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and excellent quartz movement.

If there was any doubt about who is the number one fashion leader at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it is certainly diminishing quickly, as Mrs. Obama seems to already share the company of Nancy Reagan and, (dare I say it), Jackie Kennedy as first ladies whose style choices seemingly influence the entire country.

Lately it seems as if the bare arms of our first lady – toned but feminine- have been gathering the attention of and style and culture watchers throughout the land. But alas, with her choices in watches, it may soon be what she wears on those arms that will be what grabs the lasting attention of designers and fashionistas in the know.