The best watches for women are timepieces that you'll invest in now, but love for a lifetime.
When it comes to the best watches for women, look for styles that won't date. Jewelry trends tend to be less rapid than fashion trends, with seasonless styles forming the basis of most watch brands' collections. Think about your watch as an added accessory or an extra piece of jewelry. Consider when you'll want to wear it—will you wear it to casual, work, or evening functions? Or are you simply looking for a watch that will slot into your capsule wardrobe and that you will wear everywhere?
You will need to take your skin tone into account when picking a metal shade. Think about 'what color suits me' before making any purchases. Silver tones look great against darker skin tones, whereas gold gives warmth to all skin tones. In recent years, rose gold has become popular in the watch and accessory world. Rose gold works particularly well on yellow-based skin tones, as the pink tone of the metal creates balance.
Best watches for women—quick links
- Cartier—best for investment, a Cartier watch is a piece you will treasure and hand down for generations, prices from $2,610 / £2,190.
- Certina—with a 130-year history, you're buying into both serious style and a dedicated watchmaking history, price from £265.
- DKNY—a favorite one for fashionistas, DKNY watches are modern and sleek, for all day, every day, from $155 / £137.36.
- Fossil—chic smartwatches that easily combine glamour and tech, alongside their core range of everyday, affordable styles, from $130 / £89
- Gucci—get runway style with this fashion-pack fave, from $950 / £720.
- Michael Kors—great for affordable designer watches, think modernist design and logo detailing from $85 / £79.
- Movado—best for fashion-forward design paired with watchmaking knowhow, from $395 / £295.
- Olivia Burton—a British accessories brand with a vintage feel, these pretty timepieces won't date but do have a little more character than most classic pieces from $100 / £79.
- Rolex—the most famous watch brand of them all, a Rolex is one of the most sought after, luxury items in the world, from £4,200 (not available online)
- Sekonda—dressy watches that certainly lean into the realm of jewelry, you can also find some fantastic price points, from $29.69 / £21.95.
- Skagen—sleek timepieces with a modernist feel. These are modern and discreet for those who want something that will easily slot into your wardrobe from $75 / £89.
- Swatch—best for choice, whether you want metal, leather or a watch with an injection of color, Swatch has so many options from $55 / £46.
Best watches for women—as chosen by our experts
We've considered a range of styles and budgets. These are the 12 worth looking at.
Certina is a Swiss watch brand, created in 1888. They specialize in sports watches, so precision and reliability are key, but that doesn't mean they compromise on beauty. With fantastic underwater technology and dynamic design, Certina balances form and function.
- View all Certina watches from £265 (UK only)
Certina DS-8
RRP: £440 (UK / Europe only) | With an attractive moon phase display and sleek white leather strap, it features a high-quality mother of pearl dial that will brighten any look.
Certina DS Action
RRP: £485 (UK / Europe only) | With diamonds on the dial and a mix of silver and gold, this bracelet-style watch is one that will go from day to evening.
Certina DSPH200M
RRP: £785 (UK / Europe only) | Water resistant up to 200m this stunning watch features mother of pearl dial and a scratch resistant domed rotating bezel.
Much like the best designer bags, designer watches act as entry points to a brand. Michael Kors' watches offer refined style in a mix of metals to suit a multitude of tastes—expect a little bit of sparkle too, making these great day-to-evening styles.
Michael Kors Oversized Brecken Gold-tone mesh
RRP: $295 / £275 | For a more androgynous feel, opt for chunkier faces and darker hues. This gold mesh strap manages to feel both weighty and refined for a striking but elegant watch. The darker watch face also enhances the watches modern feel.
Michael Kors Pyper Logo and Gold-Tone Watch
RRP: $179 / £180 | The MK logo is now universally recognizable but this subtle cream-on-cream design is a chic way to wear the brands' monogram. Available for engraving, this timepiece is a stylish gift for all ages. The non-metal strap gives this watch a more relaxed feel.
Michael Kors Pavé Silver-Tone Strap For Apple Watch
RRP: $195 / £209 | If you've invested in an Apple watch but feel that it sometimes misses on evening glamour, you can now dress up your watch for nights out. This clever jeweled casing will give a new lease of life to your Apple watch in a jiffy.
A Cartier watch is a big investment purchase, you know you're buying something that will last forever. Because of this, the watch styles are incredibly timeless and devoid of the extra embellishment that you might find on more trend-led pieces. When it comes to Cartier, established in 1903, less is more: delicate watch faces contrast with weightier or bracelet-style straps. They'll look elegant with anything but add to your best blazer and shirt combination for a really slick look.
Cartier Tank Must Silver Watch
RRP: $2,980 / £2,500 | The Tank Must watch is a beautiful, classic timepiece with a smaller delicate face and narrowed silver bracelet style strap. The striking blue sword hands subtly contrast with the silver watch.
Cartier Ballon Bleu De Cartier Watch
RRP: $7650 / £6000 | Encased in an arc of precious metal, the Sapphire Cabochon mechanism within all Cartier Ballon Bleu watches ensures years of precise time-telling.
Cartier Pasha De Cartier Watch
RRP: $14,900 / £12,500 | With two interchangeable leather straps, you can style up this exquisite watch for different occasions. Featuring an 18K pink gold case, this is a truly luxurious timepiece.
Gucci may not be the first brand you think of for watches, but the Gucci range is really popular thanks to the brands' fashion prowess.
The brand sells classic styles, featuring their easily recognizable red and green striped design, and some sleek metal iterations. But they also design fun, trend-led pieces that will be relate to Gucci's creative vision for each season.
Gucci G-Timeless Watch
RRP: $950 / £720 | Featuring two house icons, the bee and the Web stripe detail, this watch is the ideal purchase for true Gucci fans. While this is quite trend-led, as it features classic Gucci iconography you can enjoy this for seasons to come.
Gucci Diamantissima watch
RRP: $1060 / £820 | Super sleek and packed full of detail, featuring Gucci's signature diamante pattern etched into the back of the watch case, and repeated on the black dial in a tonal hue to give the impression of fabric.
Gucci Silver Dive watch 40mm
RRP: $1,390 / £1,050 | Swiss-made, the diver's-style watch features a steel case and bracelet, with white bezel, silver color dial, and multi icon indexes for a sharp style.
Rooted in nature, you'll see that the glorious world around us is a huge source of inspiration for the Olivia Burton brand. Floral prints, pretty pastel hues and delicate bee, butterfly and dragonfly emblems to create watches with a sense of magic and fantasy. These are gorgeously feminine watches at great price points, making them ideal gifting items. Team with any one of your best dresses to carry on that ethereal feel.
Olivia Burton Secret Garden Watch
RRP: $125 / £89 | This lavender strapped watch is so pretty and delicate. Named 'secret garden', this is an ideal gift for those who want a statement timepiece. And with this floral fare it's ideal for spring.
Dragonfly Thin Case Rose Gold Mesh Watch
RRP: $140 / £99 | Nature is a strong theme for Olivia Burton and this is interpreted through pretty watch face prints in romantic pastel hues. This rose gold mesh strapped watch is an easy every day style that will work for smart occasions too.
Olivia Burton Lucky Bee Watch
RRP: $199 / £139 | Olivia Burton is well known for iconic bee imagery, which has been part of the brands' DNA for quite some time. This almost iridescent watch face is really different and very chic, only enhanced by the gem detail around the rim.
Movado has a long and rich heritage in watchmaking, having launched in 1881. A Swiss watch brand, you're buying a combination of their expertise and their reputation for creating modern watches with a fashion aesthetic. Striping back some of the fussier detailing you might see on watches from big Swiss watch houses, Movado is all about sleek design and block color. A statement accessory on their own, you can easily team a Movado watch with your best jeans and tee and still have a strong and directional look.
Movado BOLD Bangle Watch
RRP: $495 / £395 | Looking for a showstopping gift? A bangle watch takes timepieces into the realm of jewelry and blurs the line between timekeeping and accessorizing. This gold bangle watch is a perfect example of this silhouette.
Movado Modern 47 Watch
RRP: $695 / £479 | Add a burst of color to proceedings with this intense red watch with gold rim. Such a striking color combination this modern design will work for day to evening and pair well with monochrome hues for a bold look.
Movado BOLD Evolution Watch
RRP: $695 / £525 | This watch really has the wow factor. The jet black is sleek and modern while the delicate explosion of rainbow color around the face makes this a truly standout timepiece. An on-trend watch that won't date.
Fossil watches are extremely high-quality. Their watches do have a more androgynous feel to them and they have also expanded their watch collection into smartwatches which are well worth checking out. Utilizing OS by Google their feminine smartwatches are a stylish option for those who want their multi-functional watch to look good.
Fossil Gen 5E Smartwatch Blush Silicone
RRP: $249 / £199 | With multiple strap options, this watch is packed with functionality (and looks cute too)—compatible with Wear OS by Google works with phones running the latest version of Android™, it has a water-resistance of 3 ATM, can measure heart rate and connect to WIFI and Bluetooth.
Gen 6 Smartwatch Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Mesh
RRP: $319 / £299 | This slightly sportier execution of the Fossil smartwatch packs a hefty tech punch. Compatible with Wear OS by Google works with phones running the latest version of Android™ and has a memory of 1GB RAM, 8GB of Storage. Offering touchscreen use and voice activation, you can run your world on the go.
Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch HR Monroe
RRP: $219 / £209 | One of the most notable aspects of Fossil's smartwatch offering is the hybrid selection. For those that don't want to go full tech but do want some of the functionalities—notifications for apps, workout trackers and music controls, the hybrid offers a gorgeous aesthetic and just the right amount of tech power.
Swatch is probably one of the most commercial and recognizable brand names of watches. With an almost endless selection, Swatch is where watch fun starts. With a magical array of colors and prints, there is something for every taste. From bold and bright, cartoonish and chic metallics, Swatch has really got all the bases covered. And better still, this high-quality brand also has incredible price points too.
Swatch Watch Sweet Mint
RRP: $110 / £91 | This minty hue is just so refreshing. A good choice for every day, this icy tone features a minimalist face in a complimentary silver tone that adds to this watch's style and sophistication. This is a grown-up watch, with the right dose of fun.
Swatch Gum Flavor Watch
RRP: $75 / £62 | A burst of bubblegum pink, this trend-led watch comes in a whole host of colors (literally every bright hue). For those who love a little bit of mechanics, this clear watch face allows you to see what's really going on.
Swatch PICNOEMIE Watch
RRP: $65 / £54 | This sweet picnic checked watch is a style steal. Swatch has a great selection of more pocket-friendly pieces that are ideal for gifting and great for everyday timepieces. This watch feels ever-so-spring-like great for the season ahead.
DKNY have been well-known for their directional watch collection for many years. An entry point to the rest of the Donna Karen label, they offer designer style at a much more affordable price point. Iconic for its 'New York' aesthetic—in the same way a Burberry trench coat makes us think of London—strong, sleek, modern are the key terms that spring to mind.
DKNY Modernist Watch
RRP: $155 / £137.36 | The discreet DKNY lettering on the face makes this ideal for anyone that wants to have a designer watch, without broadcasting it. The bold contrast of the black, gold, and crystal accents around the face make for a striking final piece.
DKNY Soho Watch
RRP: $135 / £119.64 | With a logo embellished strap, this watch feels much more typical of what we're used to seeing from the DKNY watch collection. In an attractive slate hue, reminiscent of the New York skyline, this is a covetable timepiece.
DKNY East Side Watch
RRP: $175 / £155.08 | In a bracelet style, this watch with crystal detailing will work well with evening looks and for special occasion glamour.
This British watch brand is all about high-quality watches at affordable prices. We've opted for their bracelet watches, as they deliver a high-end aesthetic at a pocket-friendly price, but if you're looking for any style of watch at a reasonable price then Sekonda is a good place to start.
Sekonda 4191 Glitzy Watch
RRP: $52.80 / £38.95 | With an antique feel, this watch is also a bargain. Fantastic as a gift or for evening, this bejeweled watch is something really special.
Sekonda 40037 Bracelet Watch
RRP: $67.77 / £49.99 | Can't decide between gold and silver? Get both. This mix metal bracelet watch would fit right at home with any of the best jewelry brands and the subtle added sparkle makes this one to buy for evening glam.
Seksy by Sekonda Black/Gold Watch
RRP: $84.05 / £62 | If you simply love sparkle, then this thick strapped, embellished watch could be the perfect watch for you. The diamante detailing on the watch face, along with the thick jeweled strap give this a cuff-like aesthetic.
Much like the best Scandinavian clothing brands, Danish brand Skagen is known for its sophisticated and minimalist design aesthetic. Expect fuss-free design, chic color options, and classical styles that will never date.
Skagen Signatur Lille Two-Hand Ocean Blue Leather Watch
RRP: $115 / £109 | A clean and minimal design, this watch features a navy leather strap with rose gold rim and white watch face. The navy blue is a lovely, lighter hue compared to black leather and metal. A timeless design that you can enjoy for years.
Skagen Signatur Lille Two-Hand Stainless Steel Mesh Watch
RRP: $135 / £129 | Still pared-back, this Skagen watch feels a little more fashion-forward than most of their subtle designs. The steel mesh and rose gold make for a very stylish and sharp combination. The watch is engravable too, making it great for gifting.
Skagen Gitte Two-Hand Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Mesh Watch
RRP: $145 / £139 | The best of both, this watch pairs Skagen's discreet design style with a fashion-forward mesh strap. From work to evening and casual weekend jaunts, this watch will go with everything.
Largely considered the finest and most luxurious watches in the world, a Rolex watch is a highly sought-after item. The best Rolex's for women are true investment pieces—like the best Chanel bags, that can be loved, worn, and passed from generation to generation. From subtle and sleek to bold and diamond-encrusted designs, a Rolex watch will certainly never date. Not retailed online, the exclusive Rolex watch is an in-store shopping experience.
- View all Rolex watches at Selfridges from £4,200 (not available online)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
RRP: £4,200 (not available online) | The sunray finish creates delicate light reflections on many dials in the Oyster Perpetual collection, creating a characteristic subtle glow that moves depending on the position of the wrist.
Rolex Yacht Master II
RRP: £20,300 (not available online) | This watch is truly a masterful piece of craftsmanship. The bezel literally acts as the key to the programmable countdown, allowing it to be set and synchronized to the sequence of race start times.
Rolex Day-Date 36
RRP: Price on Application | With a white gold and diamond casing and diamond-set bezel, gem-setters finely carve the precious metal to hand-shape the seat in which each gemstone will be perfectly lodged. A work of art.
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