10 fabulous watches for women
In the digital age, when staying on schedule involves quickly glancing at your smartphone, the enduring allure of women’s watches is a statement of style, attitude, and personal expression.
Women's watches - classic and stylish accessory
Blending fine craftsmanship, endless creativity, and technical prowess, wristwatches for women are more than simple timekeeping pieces. They are wearable works of art that combine beauty and function in a way that transcends fashion trends and lasts for generations. Whether worn on its own or stacked with the rest of your jewellery, a fine timepiece is the ultimate everyday luxury accessory.
From classic pieces like Cartier and Hermès to high jewellery watches such as Chanel and Van Cleef & Arpels, to budget-friendly models and investment timepieces, here are our ten best watches for women at any point in life, whether it’s your first purchase or an addition to your collection.
1. Best overall women’s watch: Nordgreen Unika
Nordgreen Unika - White Deal - Mesh
Designed by Jakob Wagner, the Unika quartz watch by Nordgreen is one of the best timepieces for women. Inspired by the sophisticated women of Copenhagen, Unika’s clean feminine lines are matched with sleek forms, resulting in a versatile and refined design. Equipped with Japanese quartz movement, Unika ensures exceptional accuracy, while its interchangeable straps allow for endless possibilities to match any occasion.
2. Best high-end women’s watch: Cartier Tank Française
A classic luxury watch for women, the Cartier Tank Française looks incredibly chic whether paired with a white T-shirt or an evening dress. Probably the most easily recognisable women’s watch, the Tank was first introduced in 1996. Boasting a gold and silver strap reminiscent of tank tracks, sword-shaped steel hands, a silver-grained dial and a regal sapphire cabochon crown, this timepiece is a true icon of haute horlogerie.
3. Best jewellery women’s watch: Citizen Silhouette Crystal
Adorning the wrist with its 89 dazzling crystals, this time teller is a true piece of jewellery that is both fun and easy to wear. The Silhouette Crystal watch is an elegant choice for day-to-evening wear, featuring a silver bracelet, a sleek case, and a glossy blue three-hand dial. Plus, ditching the battery for an inbuilt solar cell, this timepiece is designed to capture energy from any source of light, making it both a statement of style and sustainability.
4. Best bracelet watch for women: Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra
Almost disguised as a bracelet, this dainty timepiece is a poetic interpretation of watchmaking. The Sweet Alhambra watch features the iconic four-leaf clover motif, a timeless symbol of good luck at Van Cleef & Arpels. The combination of precious materials like pink mother-of-pearl stones and 18K rose gold and intricate cuts, like the guilloché dial, creates an enchanting timepiece that delicately adorns the wrist.
5. Best women’s watch under $250: Vincero Kleio Steel
The Kleio watch by Vincero is a statement piece that invites the wearer to
Be Present. Be Bold. Live Your Legacy.
Its edgy aesthetic and bold features, like the brushed steel dial with hand-applied polished markers, promise to turn heads, whether at a professional gathering or a formal event. Consciously designed and built to last, the Kleio also comes at a friendly price.
6. Best classic women’s watch: Gucci G-Timeless
Part of the G-Timeless collection, this classic timepiece borrows its features from the traditional Gucci menswear watches. A delicate lambskin strap clasps on the sun-brushed dial scaled down for a subtle feminine touch. The numbers are replaced with the brand’s signature elements, while the bee motif is specifically designed to work as the seconds hand.
7. Best designer watch for women: Chanel Première Édition Originale
Chanel Première Édition Originale
The Première Édition Originale is the first watch imagined by Chanel in 1987. It is a masterpiece that fuses the Maison’s iconic symbols. The steel chain bracelet coated with 18K yellow gold, interwoven with a black leather strap, is reminiscent of the classic bag chains, while the dial evokes the N°5 fragrance. Investing in this piece is more than just acquiring a watch; it is a coveted fashion accessory that embodies Chanel’s enduring legacy.
8. Best timeless watch for women: Hermès Heure H Watch
Hermès watches for women are timeless and imaginative, and the Heure H watch is a testament to the brand’s iconic aesthetic and expert craftsmanship. With its refined shape, yellow gold-plated H bezel, and soft leather strap, Heure H is an elegant timepiece to wear for a lifetime.
9. Best budget watch for women: Nine West Women’s NW/1981 Watch
Nine West Women’s NW/1981 Watch
The Nine West 1981 watch is a great budget-friendly option for women who want a stylish and reliable timepiece without breaking the bank. An eye-catching half-sunray dial and link mesh bracelet style the wrist with a touch of sophistication.
10. Most expensive watch for women: Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 Reine
Makers of the most exceptional watch complications, Jaeger-LeCoultre combine the exquisite art of high jewellery with technical mastery in the Maison’s 101 collection. The 101 Reine watch, adorned with 110 diamonds and finished with pink gold, is a beautiful and precious timepiece, exuding a timeless grace. The 101 Reine boasts Jaeger-LeCoultre’s revolutionary Calibre 101, the world’s smallest mechanical calibre: a definite collector’s item and an enterally feminine timepiece.
Which is the best watch to complement your lifestyle?
Timepieces are more than just functional accessories. They are an expression of personal style. And with an endless array of styles and designs, there’s a watch for every occasion and lifestyle. Although women’s watches traditionally fall into two broad categories — classic styles for an everyday look or intricately ornate designs to mark special occasions — today’s fashion invites women to break conventions and confidently wear their favourite timepiece from boardroom to bar, alone as a statement piece or nestled among other jewellery.
For seasoned collectors, a watch like Jaeger-LeCoultre’s masterpiece 101 Reine is a riveting addition to their collection. However, for a first investment, a timepiece like Cartier Tank Française provides both timeless chic and styling versatility.
If you’re on a budget or simply looking to experiment with different shapes and designs while also benefiting from quality, watches like Nordgreen’s Unika or Vincero’s Kleio Steel are your best bet. Regardless of style, a quality watch is an investment that can be passed down through generations and cherished for years to come.
For more fashion inspiration, check out some of the most glamorous tributes to Karl Lagerfeld at Met Gala 2023.
Credits for the Main photo: © Unsplash