The wristwatch has, and always will be, an intriguing accessory. It comes with the function of telling us the time, but can also immediately add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble - if you choose the right one, that is.
Brands have long left women behind in the design of watches, opting for over-feminized designs characterised by diamonds and sparkles, disregarding the idea that women could want simple, stylish options that aren't garishly pink or microscopic (the infamous 'pink it and shrink it' phenomenon). Luckily, watchmakers are finally catching on, with watches for women being better thought-out than ever before.
When it comes to watch trends, we've seen it all. If Chanel and Van Cleef & Arpel's recent jewellery collections are anything to go by, watches are shapeshifting, taking the form of clovers and flowers, instead of the customary round shape. Rolex and Breitling have led the way in the introduction of the colourful dial, a trend particularly evident post-pandemic, and luxury sports watches are also having a moment, pioneered by none other than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Even so, classic timepieces such as the Cartier Panthère and the Rolex Datejust don't seem to be going anywhere just yet; the prototype watches gained as much traction in the early '90s, being worn by the likes of Princess Di and Gwyneth Paltrow, as they have now on the wrists of the Hadid sisters, demonstrating the timeless power of a truly great design.
Of course, frontrunners of the high street watch industry are also flourishing, with brands such as Daniel Wellington, Sekonda and Olivia Burton offering fashion-forward, well-designed options with a price tag that would have you fooled.
From luxury offerings to more affordable designs, here are the best watches for women, that are every bit as appealing as they are, pardon the pun, timeless.
SHOP: The Best Watches for Women
1 of 16Chanel, H6401 BOY·FRIEND Steel And Leather Quartz Watch
Chanel's BOY·FRIEND collection is simplicity at its finest. With precise shapes and a minimal design, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more elegant, day-to-day wristwatch. We're particularly drawn to this black option with a leather quilt, which, you'll agree, is quintessentially Chanel.
Materials: Steel and calfskin
Case size: 34.6 x 26.7 x 7.3 mm
Water resistance: 30m
2 of 16Daniel Wellington, Petite Evergold Watch
Daniel Wellington has long dominated the high street watch industry, thanks to its elegant, minimal designs and affordable price tag. The Petite Evergold features the brand's classic mesh strap and an eggshell white dial, for a simple and understated design.
Materials: Stainless steel
Case size: 28mm
Water resistant: 3 ATM (splashproof)
3 of 16Ladies Timex City Collection Watch
Timex is a brand that has mastered the art of affordable, stylish and - above all - high-quality watches. This model is the definition of a jewellery watch, adorned with a dazzling 34mm stone set bezel and finished with a classic gold strap.
Materials: Metal
Case size: 34mm
Water resistant: 30m
4 of 16Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Yellow-Gold And Leather Watch
The iconic, signature four-leafed clover which has defined the Van Cleef & Arpels brand for decades has now taken the form of a watch in the Alhambra collection. Much like the beloved necklaces, the watches are designed with careful craftsmanship and embellished with precious materials. We adore the yellow gold model, featuring an interchangeable leather strap.
Materials: Yellow-gold case and bezel, leather strap
Case size: 26x26 mm
Water resistance: 30m
5 of 16Cartier Small Yellow Gold And Stainless Steel Panthère de Cartier
You may recognise our next option, the Cartier Panthère, from its cult celebrity status. The elegant timepiece has made red carpet appearances, being worn by the likes of Sienna Miller, Dua Lipa and young Gwyneth Paltrow. The dainty watch is versatile and easy to wear, and also the first 'jewellery watch' to ever hit the market back in the 80s.
Materials: Gold and steel
Case size: 22 mm x 30 mm
Water resistance: 30m
6 of 16Classic Mini Dial, Pale Blue Mother Of Pearl & Silver Bracelet Watch
If you don't enjoy wearing colour, then a watch with a coloured dial is the perfect way to inject some colour into your look without veering from your usual all-black fit. Olivia Burton's quirky designs are delicate and ethereal, and this mini bracelet watch with a pale blue mother of pearl dial and crystal markers is definitely worth clicking add to cart.
Materials: Stainless steel, crystal
Case size: 23mm
Water resistance: 3 BAR
7 of 16Gucci, Grip Watch
Leave it to Gucci to create a unique, genderless watch, inspired by skateboarding culture. It features three windows to display the hour, minutes and date, and the simple, streamlined design embossed with the Gucci logo is sure to attract those who are after something slightly different.
Materials: Yellow gold PVD
Case size: 35mm
Water resistance: 30m
8 of 16Breitling Chronomat Ladies Watch
We've seen a rise in green watches over the past few years, and Breitling's modern-retro-inspired watch featuring a pastel green dial is proof that the trend is here to stay. With diamond watch markers, and a stainless steel finish, the Chronomat is the ultimate 'sporty meets chic' option for the woman always on the go.
Materials: Stainless Steel, diamond
Case size: 32mm
Water resistance: 100m
9 of 16Seiko Presage Cocktail Time ‘Manhattan’
Japanese brand Seiko is another favourite when it comes to innovative, reasonably priced and high-precision timepieces. The Manhattan watch is inspired by Japanese cocktail culture, featuring a dark brown gradient and textured dial with slim markers, reminiscent of a cocktail glass stem. Also available at seikoboutique.co.uk.
Material: Stainless steel
Case size: 38mm
Water resistance: 100m
10 of 16Rado, True Thinline x Great Gardens of the World
Created as part of Rado's 'The Four Seasons' collection, the winter model features a regal white high-tech ceramic, as well as a polished monobloc case with a snowflake-facetted sapphire crystal. It's lightweight, smooth to the touch and perfectly encompasses the serenity of the winter season.
Materials: High-tech ceramic, sapphire crystal
Case size: 39 x 6.2mm
Water resistance: 30m
11 of 16Sekonda Palette Ladies Watch
Available in a range of pastel colours, the Sekonda palette watch is a day-to-day essential. It's simple, comfortable and this sage green particularly caught our eye.
Materials: Aluminium and silicone
Case size: 36mm
12 of 16Mocha Chain Stellar 34
You definitely don't come across a chocolate brown watch every day, at least not one nearly as opulent as this one. An affordable option with a luxury feel, and if you're looking for something slightly more personalised, you'll be pleased to know that this watch is available to purchase with engraving.
Materials: Stainless steel
Case size: 34mm x 5mm
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
13 of 16Tudor Clair De Rose Stainless Steel Ladies Watch
Tudor's Claire de Rose collection plays homage to a variety of the brand's timepieces, and this delicate yet bold model features a steel bracelet and a window crown which is embellished with a blue spinel cabochon.
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Case size: 26mm
Water resistance: 100m
14 of 16Gucci, Diamantissima Watch
This Gucci timepiece is elegantly etched with the fashion house's iconic criss-cross diamante pattern, contrasted with a black leather strap to merge functionality and style. The white mother-of-pearl dial is iridescent, adding a playful edge to an otherwise minimal design.
Materials: Yellow gold, white mother of pearl dial, leather strap
Case size: 27mm
Water resistance: 50m
15 of 16Sekonda Ladies Classic Grecian Watch
Acting as a bracelet and a watch, this Grecian-inspired bangle features a champagne-coloured dial which is adorned with a sunray stone set dial, for extra glamour. A great evening watch that is sure to elevate any ensemble.
Materials: Metal alloy case
16 of 16Bulgari Serpteni Tubogas Stainless-Steel Quartz Watch
Coiling around your wrist, this snake-shaped watch by Bulgari might just be the most unique option in this edit. The snake symbolises protection, wisdom and feminity, and the curves are meant to represent the sensual curves of a woman. It's a glamorous option, to say the least, and one that's sure to garner lots of attention.
Materials: Stainless steel
Case size: 35mm
Water resistance: 30m