Which branded watches are best for women?

The best women’s watches are equal parts function and fashion. They come in different styles, sizes and designs, which you can switch up depending on your look or mood of the day. While certain brands have become well-known classics (Rolex, Cartier, Hermès), there are plenty of modern, less pricey brands on the market worth investing in right now. This is not news to watch collectors and connoisseurs who are driving the demand for vintage pieces and modern cult favorites to build out their collections.

The best women's watches keep you stylishly on time.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS

If you choose wisely and take good care of what you buy, in fact, your watch can increase in value and last for decades. Unlike smartwatches, these real-deal, non-tech watches don’t need to replaced every time a new model is released.

Ahead, we consulted the experts to find the best watches for women. You’ll find a mix of the classics, many of which you can find pre-owned from trusted e-retailers, and contemporary standouts, with the essential specs on the brand and what makes their watches worth collecting. And if you can’t quite give up tracking your steps, there’s even a discrete smartwatch that’s sophisticated enough to pair with a cocktail dress.

• Best Watches For Women Overall: Rolex
• Best Affordable Watches For Women: Briston
• Best Everyday Watches For Women: Shinola
• Best Designer Watches For Women: Hermès
• Best Stylish Smartwatches For Women: Garmin
• Best Jewelry Watches For Women: Piaget
• Best Entry-Level Collector Watches For Women: Cartier
• Best Mid-Level Collector Watches For Women: Omega
• Best Unique Watches For Women: Jaeger LeCoultre
• Best Investment Watches For Women: A. Lange & Söhne
• Best Minimalist Watches For Women: Breda
• Best Sport Watches For Women: Swatch

Best Watches For Women Overall

Rolex: Handsomely Rugged And Highly Valued

1st Dibs

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ladies Watch

Movement: Mechanical automatic | Case size: 34mm | Materials: Oystersteel, 18k gold, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 330 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

It’s hard to think of a watch brand more well known than Rolex. Many enthusiasts consider the Geneva brand’s watches to be perfect, from the precise movements to the sleek designs. The watches vary in size and complexity and, despite how they’re labeled, the styles are unisex (for an oversized option, shop the men’s range and vice versa). The Oyster is a horology legend, first developed in the 1920s, that paved the way for the brand’s industry-defining waterproof case and self-winding, in-house movement.

Best Affordable Watches For Women

Briston: Stylish Luxury At An Accessible Price Point

MOST POPULAR

Farfetch

Briston Clubmaster Lady Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 24mm | Materials: Stainless steel, shell, fabric, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 165 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes

French watchmaker Brice Janet spent 25 years working at luxury brands—including Richemont where he spent specialized in Cartier watches, Baume & Mercier and Raymond Weil—before launching his own brand, Briston, in 2012. Designs draw inspiration from Janet’s time spent in Britain, with hunting-inspired color palettes and sporty details. The Clubmaster is a bestseller, with a two-hand display, domed sapphire-crystal glass and olive green double strap.

Best Everyday Watches For Women

Shinola: New Classics In The Making

Shinola

Shinola Bike Lock Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 20mm | Materials: Stainless steel, leather, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes

Shinola began as a shoe polish brand, founded in Rochester, New York in 1877. It eventually went out of business in 1960, but in 2011, the brand was reborn in Detroit, as an American watch manufacturer to rival Swiss brands. Every Shinola watch is assembled in the United States and its watch factory is housed in a former automotive research lab. The Bike Lock watch is a standout, inspired by the brand’s first bicycle sold in 2012, framed by sleek bars that resemble a lock. Inside, it features a two-hand quartz movement, hand-assembled in Detroit with Swiss and other imported parts, steel case and Italian calf leather strap.

Best Designer Watches For Women

Hermès: Swiss-Made, French-Designed Beauty

Saks Fifth Avenue

Hermès Heure H Leather Strap Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 34mm | Materials: Gold-plated stainless steel, leather, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes

Similar to its Birkin bags, Hermès’s watches inspire obsession among collectors. Émile Hermès, the grandson of founder Thierry Hermès, reportedly created the brand’s first watch for his daughter Jacqueline in 1912, by attaching leather straps to a pocket watch so that she could wear it around her wrist. In the 1920s, the brand invested more heavily in its watch collection, pairing its high level of craftsmanship with Swiss-made movements. If you’re going to splurge, the Heure H watch is iconic but never feels stuffy, thanks to its refined shape, clean lines, gold-plated H bezel and buttery leather strap. It wears just as beautifully on your wrist as the maison’s coveted bags.

Best Stylish Smartwatches For Women

Garmin: Old World Meets New Tech

Garmin

Garmin Lily Sport Smartwatch

Movement: Digital | Case size: 34mm | Materials: Aluminum, polymer, silicone, Gorilla glass | Water resistance: 165 feet | Functions: Various clock features, health monitoring, sensors, daily smart features, safety and more

Garmin built its reputation off its GPS technology but the Kansas-based company has proven itself in the wrist-wear market as well, releasing activity trackers and smartwatches. The Lily is unique in the watch market since it actually looks like a watch, not a small computer strapped to your arm. The display resembles that of an analog watch but when you turn your wrist, the screen reveals all your health stats (steps, sleep, stress and energy levels) and messages—discretely—so you can stay up to date without being too distracted.

Best Jewelry Watches For Women

Piaget: As Glamorous As It Gets

Net-A-Porter

Piaget Possession Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 29mm | Materials: 18-karat rose gold, brilliant-cut diamonds, mother-of-pearl, alligator, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes

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Piaget is a haute watch maker with rather humble beginnings: In 1874, Georges Edouard Piaget set up a workshop on the family farm in the small village of La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland, where he crafted watch movements and components. In the early 20th century, Piaget started making its own watches—the first was a gift for Georges’s wife, Emma. From there, the brand revolutionized the industry with its ultra-thin designs, dazzling gemstones dials—which appealed to fans such as Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren. The Possession is an iconic design, cut from 18-karat rose gold with a mother-of-pearl dial, diamond-encrusted bezel and interchangeable alligator strap.

Best Entry-Level Collector Watches For Women

Cartier: Classics Worn By Royalty Then And Now

1st Dibs

Cartier Tank Francaise Women's Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 25mm | Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes

Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, Cartier has centuries of history behind it. The brand supplied its jewelry to King Edward VII of England and its watches have been worn by everyone from Andy Warhol to Jackie Kennedy. The Tank watch is the most recognizable: First introduced in 1918, its lines and proportions are inspired by Renault tanks used during First World War. Other defining features include a linked strap (which resembles a tank’s tracks), sword-shaped steel hands and a sapphire cabochon crown. While you can buy new, your best bet is with a pre-owned option, in excellent condition, for a fraction of the price.

Best Mid-Level Collector Watches For Women

Omega: Rare Vintage Models With History

Watch Rapport

Omega Constellation Diamonds Ladies Watch

Movement: Mechanical automatic | Case size: 25mm | Materials: Stainless steel | Water resistance: No | Functions: Hours, minutes

Omega’s vintage and new models are equally coveted, and with their distinct legacy–the brand was founded in Switzerland in the 19th century–they’re a no-risk investment. A model worth hunting for: the Constellation, an automatic watch that combines refined details with exceptional quality and lots of history—some of these watches are true collector’s pieces, according to Alexander Barter, author, watch consultant and co-founder of Black Bough. Right now, “there’s a desire to have something very unusual, something very special on your wrist," he says.

Best Unique Watches For Women

Jaeger LeCoultre: A Masterpiece For Your Wrist

1st Dibs

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Watch

Movement: Mechanical manual | Case size: 30mm | Materials: 18-karat rose gold, leather, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes, date, day, month, moon phases, second time zone, day and night indicator

Watches with five-figure prices might seem excessive, but Jaeger LeCoultre’s models are worthy of the elevated price-mark. Take the Reverso, designed in 1930 with polo players in mind. It’s a favorite of jewelry and watch designer and gemologist Rowena Murray: "The watch is so refined, with beautiful Art Deco lines, a sleek profile and, of course, the flipping of the case over to a protective, plain metal facing,” she says. “It’s practical, whether or not you will actually ever use it. But that is the whole point of a luxury watch!"

Best Investment Watches For Women

A. Lange & Söhne: Watchmaking At Its Finest

1st Dibs

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Watch

Movement: Mechanical manual | Case size: 39mm | Materials: 18-karat rose gold, leather, sapphire crystal | Water resistance: No | Functions: Chronograph, flyback, date, tachymeter

A. Lange & Söhne represents the pinnacle of artistry in the market. The sophisticated Datograph is another classic favorite of Murray’s. "Images of this watch simply do not compare to the technical beauty of it in real life,” she says, noting the extraordinary work that goes into crafting details, such as the hand-engraved balance bridge, swan-neck micrometer regulator and 40 jewels in its design. “If you’re lucky enough to own such a piece, you can enjoy these little details time and time again."

Best Minimalist Watches For Women

Breda: Modern, Sophisticated Styles

Breda

Breda Pulse Gold Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 26mm | Materials: Gold-plated stainless steel | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes, date

Founded in 2009, Breda puts a modern spin on classic timepieces with high quality but not ultra high-priced designs. The company reduces the traditional retail markup by simplifying and refining their aesthetic—many of the watches cost under $150, are gender-neutral and feature sophisticated details. The Pulse is a bestseller, with a minimalist silhouette. The gold-plated stainless steel rectangle case only reveals the time and date in a slim window and has a bracelet-like strap.

Best Sport Watches For Women

Swatch: ‘80s Cult-Favorites Worth Wearing Again

Swatch

Swatch Gent Unisex Watch

Movement: Quartz | Case size: 34mm | Materials: Bio-sourced plastic | Water resistance: 100 feet | Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Founded in 1983 in Switzerland, Swatch shook up the traditional watch scene with its playful, fashionable designs, which rose to fame as youthful alternatives to the more established European watches. Fun fact: The name Swatch is abbreviation for "second watch," since the styles were intended to be worn as accessible accessories. Collectors covet many of the original styles as well as newer releases, such as this Gent made with sustainable, bio-sourced plastic and Swiss quartz movements.

What To Consider For Women’s Watches

• Style: As with any accessory, when it comes to women’s watches there are as many styles as there are tastes. Dress watches are often intended for formal attire and sport watches are for, well, sporty activities. You may also encounter watches categorized as casual, jewelry or luxury. But ultimately, what matters most is that you like the style, says gemologist and jewelry and watch designer Rowena Murray. "Really and truly, what is most important is to choose a watch that is ‘you’. If you don’t identify with it, or if it doesn’t speak to you, then don’t go for it.” Murray adds that, “We’re all drawn to some designs more than others because they resonate with our identity or our style, whether subconsciously or not. So try to listen to that inner voice."
• Materials: There are multiple possibilities when it comes to materials. According to Murray, "You can go in completely opposite but equally prestige directions. Traditional luxury materials include precious metals, with or without precious stones. Alternatively, you can go for something technical, with materials such as titanium, ceramic or carbon (fiber).” In the middle, you have stainless steel, which is the classic go-to material for sport or entry-level luxury watch models, says Murray.
• Although choosing one material over another relates to style and personal preference, watch consultant, author and Black Bough co-founder Alexander Barter remarks that "the longevity of a watch will depend on the case’s materials," and recommends paying attention to the plating. "It’s important that people know if they’re actually buying a gold watch or a gold-plated watch. Depending on the plating’s quality, it can wear off relatively quickly, and while it’s possible to have things replaced, it’s difficult to get it done as well as when it was originally produced."
• Movement: The movement refers to the mechanism that powers the watch. Quartz watches use an electrical battery whereas mechanical watches rely on an array of components including switches and gears. Within mechanical watches, manual watches require winding them daily; automatic watches will do so by themselves as long as you’re wearing them. Choosing which option depends on what you want from your watch, says Murray: "A quartz watch will always be technically more accurate as it doesn’t need rewinding. On the other hand, a mechanical watch is about craftsmanship, the striving for accuracy and perfection, if not necessarily achieving both. It’s the touch of the hand versus the machine."
• Water resistance: A watch’s number-one enemy can be water, so it’s important to have some type of resistance to it. While almost any watch will withstand splashes from, say, the rain or doing the dishes, watchmakers usually design for higher levels of resistance. If you plan to shower or swim with your watch on, look for depth specified in feet, as well as bars or atmospheres (ATM) as measurement units.
• Functions: Naturally, a watch’s function is to show the time. But beyond that, there’s a whole world of possibilities around what else it might do. Consider whether you just need hours and minutes or whether you also want the date, and highly specialized functions such as the moon phases or technically-complex ones such as flyback or tachymeters. Of course, a smartwatch is designed to provide all the tech-specific feedback you could ever dream of; the goal with a non-wired watch is often to streamline your life, and simply provide time, date and a few other details with an elegant esthetic.

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Fossil Jacqueline Analog Watches for Women

A striking steel bracelet and polished round dial make Jacqueline analogue watch for women this season's most irresistible timepiece. With a sparkling crystal top ring, this lovely rose watch is set to become her most-worn essential. High-quality leather is known for its softness and ability to look good over time.
Buy now.

Hugo Boss Majesty Analogue Blue Dial Women’s Watch

The BOSS woman is going places in style, and the Majesty is set to accompany her on her journey. A classic T-bar watch with four baguette crystals at the indexes of the sunray dial, this exquisite timepiece has a three-hand movement and a light-reflecting polished case. A smooth leather strap or mesh bracelet completes the design.
Buy now.

Giordano Analogue Watch for Women

The epitome of finely crafted elegance, this women's analogue watch from Giordano is sure to impress you. Its stainless steel strap vaunts a golden hue that enhances the watch's look. The navy round dial is operational on a quartz movement. It exudes plain three hands, stone studded markings at five-minute intervals and a crown for time adjustment. Furthermore, it is completed with a hook buckle clasp to ensure a secure fit on the wrist.

Buy now.

Cerruti 1881 Gresta Analogue Grey Dial Women’s Watch

Cerruti 1881 is a brand of the fashion house Cerruti founded in 1967 in Paris by the Italian stylist and fashion producer Nino Cerruti. Cerruti 1881 watches operated by a quartz movement showcasing a fusion of style and functionality will add a regal charm to your look. This watch is specially designed with luxurious, complex snailed counters to keep you ahead of time. This versatile accessory is finished in a luxurious and exotic style. Cerruti 1881 watch offers priceless looks and class when you wear it on your wrist. This watch offers true craftsmanship. This collection comes with Quartz Movement with Mineral Crystal Glass.
Buy now.

Calvin Klein Confidence Bangle Analogue Women’s Watch

True to its name, Calvin Klein Minimal watches offers minimalistic designs with classic round metal cases for both men and women. Its CONFIDENCE BANGLE takes one step ahead in your fashion journey with Calvin Klein Watches, which stands for its classy yet playful designs.
Buy now.

Titan Raga Viva Analogue Watch for Women

Wrap your wrist in shades of rose! This rose gold dial analogue watch is featured in the Titan Raga Viva collection and encased in a round metal case, a subtle combination of classic style and trendy colours. The lovely dial is paired beautifully with the rose-gold metallic strap. The watch shows the time with metal applique indices placed at five-minute intervals and three plain hands. Designed ergonomically, the strap of the watch amazingly serves as a stylish and fitting bracelet with a jewellery clasp for a pleasing fit. Its 3 ATM water resistance and the mineral glass over the dial acting as its shield makes it both fab and functional.
Buy now.

Michael Kors Analogue Gold Tone Watch for Women

Michael Kors watches are the perfect mix of form and function. Whether it features a modern twist on a classic idea or beautiful mixed materials, every design embodies Michael’s philosophy of chic, luxurious design. This luxury watch for women is polished, practical, and a timeless chronograph timepiece. Its chronograph adds functionality to a chic-looking watch. This luxury watch is a perfect gift for her as it will surely brighten her day.
Buy now.

Daniel Wellington Iconic Link Women’s Watch

A modern take on a classic design, the Iconic Link is the long-awaited and much-anticipated revelation behind three years of meticulous craftsmanship and design. It is available in polished stainless steel with refined rose gold plating. This piece's mild rose gold tone comes from ion plating and is custom-made by mixing a hint of copper with a 23-carat gold bar. The unique gold tint of Iconic Link is exclusive to the Iconic collection by Daniel Wellington.
It features a luxurious metal bracelet with three-piece links, individually crafted in an elegantly tapered form, ensuring a seamless transition from case to clasp.
Buy now.

Emporio Armani Women’s Stainless Steel Dress Watch

Emporio Armani is the pioneering line launched by Giorgio Armani in 1981.
The timepieces evoke a dynamic and uninhibited spirit that’s casual yet elegant.
Emporio Armani's designs speak a lively and metropolitan language, always suggesting new ways to reflect the lifestyle of today’s powerful women.
Buy now.

Titan Raga Cocktails Analogue Watch for Women

Inspired by summer cocktail brunches, the Raga Cocktail watches for women define a woman with elegance and undeniable charm. Stunning cuts of Swarovski Crystals and mother-of-pearl dials adorn raga Cocktail watches. These watches are the blazes of the summer sun.
Buy now.

FAQs: Best Luxury Watches for Women

Q1. What is the most popular luxury watch for women?

Ans. Several luxury brands offer watches for women—starting from Fossils, Calvin Klein, to Cerruti 1881 and many others. Decide your budget and pick the best for your lady.

Q2. Which is a good luxury watch for women as a starter?

Ans. Rolex is one of the famous luxury brands for watches, and you may try its watch for women if you are going to buy it for the first time.

Q3. Which is the classiest watch brand?

Ans. Patek Phillipe consistently tops the best watch brands worldwide and is a status symbol.

A woman’s watch is her style statement and a piece of her jewellery. Hence, apart from being just functional, it also must be attractive and have a confident personality statement. Although finding such a watch has no mean feature, the task becomes simpler with the help of luxury styles. Featuring outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and design, these watches are some of the top timepieces available and the ultimate way to adorn your wrist.A striking steel bracelet and polished round dial make Jacqueline analogue watch for women this season's most irresistible timepiece. With a sparkling crystal top ring, this lovely rose watch is set to become her most-worn essential. High-quality leather is known for its softness and ability to look good over time.The BOSS woman is going places in style, and the Majesty is set to accompany her on her journey. A classic T-bar watch with four baguette crystals at the indexes of the sunray dial, this exquisite timepiece has a three-hand movement and a light-reflecting polished case. A smooth leather strap or mesh bracelet completes the design.The epitome of finely crafted elegance, this women's analogue watch from Giordano is sure to impress you. Its stainless steel strap vaunts a golden hue that enhances the watch's look. The navy round dial is operational on a quartz movement. It exudes plain three hands, stone studded markings at five-minute intervals and a crown for time adjustment. Furthermore, it is completed with a hook buckle clasp to ensure a secure fit on the wrist.Cerruti 1881 is a brand of the fashion house Cerruti founded in 1967 in Paris by the Italian stylist and fashion producer Nino Cerruti. Cerruti 1881 watches operated by a quartz movement showcasing a fusion of style and functionality will add a regal charm to your look. This watch is specially designed with luxurious, complex snailed counters to keep you ahead of time. This versatile accessory is finished in a luxurious and exotic style. Cerruti 1881 watch offers priceless looks and class when you wear it on your wrist. This watch offers true craftsmanship. This collection comes with Quartz Movement with Mineral Crystal Glass.True to its name, Calvin Klein Minimal watches offers minimalistic designs with classic round metal cases for both men and women. Its CONFIDENCE BANGLE takes one step ahead in your fashion journey with Calvin Klein Watches, which stands for its classy yet playful designs.Wrap your wrist in shades of rose! This rose gold dial analogue watch is featured in the Titan Raga Viva collection and encased in a round metal case, a subtle combination of classic style and trendy colours. The lovely dial is paired beautifully with the rose-gold metallic strap. The watch shows the time with metal applique indices placed at five-minute intervals and three plain hands. Designed ergonomically, the strap of the watch amazingly serves as a stylish and fitting bracelet with a jewellery clasp for a pleasing fit. Its 3 ATM water resistance and the mineral glass over the dial acting as its shield makes it both fab and functional.Michael Kors watches are the perfect mix of form and function. Whether it features a modern twist on a classic idea or beautiful mixed materials, every design embodies Michael’s philosophy of chic, luxurious design. This luxury watch for women is polished, practical, and a timeless chronograph timepiece. Its chronograph adds functionality to a chic-looking watch. This luxury watch is a perfect gift for her as it will surely brighten her day.A modern take on a classic design, the Iconic Link is the long-awaited and much-anticipated revelation behind three years of meticulous craftsmanship and design. It is available in polished stainless steel with refined rose gold plating. This piece's mild rose gold tone comes from ion plating and is custom-made by mixing a hint of copper with a 23-carat gold bar. The unique gold tint of Iconic Link is exclusive to the Iconic collection by Daniel Wellington.It features a luxurious metal bracelet with three-piece links, individually crafted in an elegantly tapered form, ensuring a seamless transition from case to clasp.Emporio Armani is the pioneering line launched by Giorgio Armani in 1981.The timepieces evoke a dynamic and uninhibited spirit that’s casual yet elegant.Emporio Armani's designs speak a lively and metropolitan language, always suggesting new ways to reflect the lifestyle of today’s powerful women.Inspired by summer cocktail brunches, the Raga Cocktail watches for women define a woman with elegance and undeniable charm. Stunning cuts of Swarovski Crystals and mother-of-pearl dials adorn raga Cocktail watches. These watches are the blazes of the summer sun.Ans. Several luxury brands offer watches for women—starting from Fossils, Calvin Klein, to Cerruti 1881 and many others. Decide your budget and pick the best for your lady.Ans. Rolex is one of the famous luxury brands for watches, and you may try its watch for women if you are going to buy it for the first time.Ans. Patek Phillipe consistently tops the best watch brands worldwide and is a status symbol.