15 Best Watches for Women (Rolex, Cartier, Omega, and More!)

While watch enthusiasm has traditionally been a male-dominated domain, as Bob Dylan sang, “the times they are a-changin’.” Today, women are not only buying and collecting more timepieces, but they’re also becoming major influencers on social media and high performers in the c-suites of major brands.

At the same time, women are wearing larger case diameters traditionally marketed “for men”, and translating the traditional “small and dressy” design language of previous generations into a modern aesthetic suitable for stylish and active lifestyles.

So, while a unisex “wear what you like” philosophy has grown, women still want niche options they can call their own. This article will describe “15 Best Watches for Women” that capture the current trend of blending traditional forms with fresh ideas and creating modern watches that have the beauty, complications, and technological updates suitable for a wide range of activities and settings.

History of Women’s Watches

Aristocratic women of the early 1800s were the first to wear watches. Abraham-Louis Breguet created a commissioned piece for the Countess of Murat, and Patek Philippe made bespoke watches for the Countess of Koscowicz of Hungary and Queen Victoria in the late 1800s. With improved manufacturing efficiencies and cheaper materials, women’s watches soon became more mainstream, just as pocket watches had for men. Women, who wished to discreetly check the time and didn’t have pockets, often wore them on bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and eventually, their wrists.

In the early 20^th century, many companies began to market pieces exclusively for women. Popular Art Deco watches, known for blocky, square and rectangular shapes, as well as fancy flourishes such as diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals, became popular in the 1920s and remained so for several decades. 

During the same period, early women pioneers, aviators, and athletes, such as Amelia Earhart and long-distance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, wore rugged and waterproof watches that piqued the interest of women who challenged the notion that bold outdoor adventures were for “men only”.

In the ensuing decades, women’s watch styles went through many cycles of bold designs, bright colors, and eye-catching dials, but mostly still emphasized small sizes and fashion. Modern women “want it all”: versatility and variety as well as high tech functionality. In other words, women expect no restrictions to living well-rounded lifestyles along with full access to the watches that will support them.

Top 15 Best Women’s Watches

This is a “tip of the iceberg” list of 15 Best Women’s Watches that illustrates the range of offerings watch companies are presenting to women consumers:

Rolex Datejust 31 (ref. 278289RBR)

There’s no better way to start than with a white gold, diamond studded model from “The Crown” herself: Rolex. This queenly reference has an 18K white gold alloy, 31mm diameter Oyster case that sits between the 28mm diameter “Lady-Datejust” and the conventional 36mm “unisex” Datejust.

The dial has an Azzuro-blue floral motif with 3 different finishes, sunray, matte, and grained. Diamonds dominate: 24 of various sizes set in the middle of the dial’s flower petals, and 45 more circling the bezel. The matching white gold bracelet is a 3 semi-circular link “Presidential”.

There’s a date window at 3 o’clock to keep things practical and real. The Caliber 2235 movement provides +2/-2 seconds per day accuracy. You probably won’t swim the English Channel like Mercedes Gleitze in her 1920s era Oyster case, but with a screw-down crown and 300m/1000ft of water resistance, you could. Retail: $51,500.

Cartier Tank Must (ref. WSTA0041)

It’s ironic that a watch inspired by a World War I tank and whose prototype was given to General John Pershing has become synonymous with iconic beauty and enduring Art Deco styling. On the scene since 1919, the modern Tank combines a solar powered quartz movement with signature elements such as an ivory dial and elongated, rounded bars called “brancards” (reminiscent of a tank’s tracks), Roman numeral indices, blue steeled sword hands, minuterié track, and a blue sapphire cabochon crown.

This is the “Large” version—33.7 x 25.5mm diameter and 6.6mm thickness—yet suitable for a wide range of wrists. The strap is black grained calfskin leather strap with a steel ardillon buckle. With no seconds hand, no one will know it’s a quartz movement, and I’m not telling. Retail: $3,400.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades (ref. 220.10.34.20.10.002)

The Aqua Terra Shades branch of the Seamaster family was born in 2022 and emphasizes the sea-land connection. This fully polished 34mm stainless steel case reference has a thickness of 11.9mm, lug-to-lug of 40.5mm, and lug width of 15mm.

The dial is made of brass, lacquered with vibrant lavender, and decorated with a sunburst pattern. The handset, round date window frame at 6, indices, and Omega logo are 18K white gold. The bracelet has mixed polished and brushed finishing and is a 3-link rounded style.

The Master Chronometer 8800 movement has a 55 hour power reserve and an accuracy of +5/0 seconds per day. More yacht party than ocean passage, but it still has excellent 150m/500ft water resistance. Retail: $6,600.

Grand Seiko “Snowflake” STGF359

Grand Seiko is a Japanese company renowned for superb craftsmanship, such as Zaratsu polishing that produces a flawless, mirror-like finish, and artistically stunning dials, most of which reflect the deep connection between Japanese culture and nature. The “Lady Snowflake” has a crisp, white dial textured with ripples that bring to mind wind-driven snow and is fully appreciated through the double-domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating. A blue seconds hand provides a bright pop of contrast. The case has gleaming Zaratsu polishing, a 28.9mm diameter, is 8.7mm thick, with a 35.4mm lug-to-lug width, and 14mm lug width. The bracelet has mixed brushed and polished finishing and a three-fold clasp with push button release. Notably, there are no micro adjustment holes. Instead of the Spring Drive in the men’s model, there is a Caliber 4J52 quartz movement with an astounding +10/-10 seconds per year accuracy. Retail: $2,300.

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori (ref. 103799)

If Cleopatra were alive today and choosing a watch to use as a “daily driver”, the Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori would probably be on her short list. The snake, an ancient symbol of health and fertility, inspires the design language of this piece with its “drop-shaped”, serpent’s head shaped case and hexagonal links resembling scales.

The case and bracelet are two tone: stainless steel links and 33mm case combined with 18K rose gold links and bezel. The crown is set with a cabochon-cut pink rubellite. The dial is black lacquered with gold-colored handset and indices (Roman numerals at 6 and 12).

The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has 30m of water resistance. If you “recoil”, so to speak, from the “wrap-around-the-wrist” Tubogas, then the more conventional Seduttori may be serpent enough for you. Retail: $8,900

Patek Phillipe Nautilus (ref. 7118/1200A-001)

Patek Phillipe Nautilus ladies’ version features the same sporty rounded octagon shaped case and “porthole” shaped crystal as the men’s, but in a smaller and dressier package. This reference has a 35.2 diameter stainless steel case and integrated bracelet with a foldover clasp that has a 2-4mm micro-adjust system.

But what sets this watch apart from the men’s version is a gem-set bezel with 56 diamonds, approximately .67ct each. The dial is blue opaline with rippling embossed horizontal lines. The handset and indices are lumed and white gold. There is a date window at 6 o’clock. A sapphire caseback shows off the Caliber 26-330 SC movement which has a 45hr power reserve and 29 jewels. Retail: $41,480.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 34mm (ref. 77450ST.OO.1361ST.02)

The classic Gerald Genta-designed AP Royal Oak, with its octagonal case, distinctive 8 screw bezel, and integrated stainless steel bracelet, is available in a version that is ideal for smaller wrists. The case is 34mm in diameter and 8.8mm thick.

The dial is silver toned with a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern resembling a waffle and has a date window at 3 o’clock, along with lumed, applied white gold indices and baton hands. The matching integrated bracelet is tapered with links connected by pairs of rectangular studs, and has a foldover clasp. The Calibre 5800 has a 50-hour power reserve, beats at 28,800 vph, and has 28 jewels. Retail $21,600.

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Watch Small (ref. VCARD21900)

Van Cleef & Arpels was founded in France in 1896 and has been first and foremost a fine jewelry company that also sells ornate, Swiss made watches. The Alhambra motif, which resembles a four-leaf clover, was created in 1968 and, per the company, represents “timeless good luck.”

The case is 18K yellow gold and measures 26mm x 26mm in diameter. Rather than gems, the bezel is adorned with gold “beads”. The modern black onyx dial has no indices, but the handset is yellow gold. It has a black satin strap and quartz movement. If you’re interested in a complete Alhambra jewelry ensemble, the motif is also available on necklaces, pendants, bracelets, ear studs, and rings. Retail: $8,400.

Tudor Royal (ref. M28300-0005)

Believe it or not, there’s more to Tudor than the sporty Black Bay line. The Tudor Royal is a little different twist that adds some upscale, sophisticated design cues for both women and men while retaining enough durability for everyday wear.

This reference has a 28mm stainless steel case with a 9.8mm thickness. The bezel has an alternating notched pattern with areas of polished finishing. The dial is mother of pearl, and there are applied Roman numeral indices at 3,6,9, and 12 and 8 diamonds for the remaining indices.

There are lumed baton hands and a date window at 3 o’clock. There is a sapphire crystal, solid caseback, and a screw down crown that assists with the 100m water resistance. The Caliber T201 has a 38h power reserve. Retail: $3,300.

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Steel White Diamond (ref.682.SE.2010.RW.1204)

Hublot is a bit polarizing these days, but there’s no denying that this piece is an attention grabber with its bold “tonneau-shaped” 32mm stainless steel cased with mixed finishing, and a bezel adorned with 44 diamonds and held together with six, striking H-shaped screws.

Both the crystal and display caseback are sapphire. The dial is matte white with applied lumed indices and sword hands, as well as a date window at 6 o’clock. The watch has 100m of water resistance and is powered by the HUB1120 with a 40 hour power reserve. The white rubber strap has a stainless steel deployant buckle clasp. Retail: $16,400.

Breguet Marine Dame (ref. 9518 9518ST/E2/584/D000)

Breguet, a storied watchmaking brands famous for producing timepieces for aristocrats beginning in 1775, still makes watches “fit for royalty”. The Marine Dame is both sporty and elegant, featuring a Blue Marea (mother of pearl) motif dial with Breguet hands, and Roman numeral indices at 6, 9, and 12 and a trapezoid date complication at 3 o’clock. It features a sapphire crystal and display caseback which shows off the beautiful maria motif rotor of the Caliber 591A movement.

The 33.8mm diameter stainless steel case is 9.9mm thick, with a lug width of 18mm. It is “crowned”, so to speak, with a bezel adorned with 60 .84ct diamonds. It has a screw-down crown, but only has 50m of water resistance despite its “marine” name. It comes with a sporty white rubber strap with Breguet branding. Retail: $23,200

Glashütte Original Lady Serenade (ref. 1-39-22-12-02-04)

The Glashütte, the birthplace of German watchmaking, has made an impressive comeback following the fall of the Iron Curtain. The Lady Serenade has a frisky attitude with its unique “bow” designs that run vertically and horizontally on the mother of pearl dial, giving the piece somewhat of a “cocktail watch” vibe. In addition to Roman numeral indices at 3,9, and 12, there are also 8 diamond indices and a trapezoid date window at 6 o’clock.

The bezel is plain but highly polished. The stainless steel case runs on the large size for women at 36mm with a 10.2mm thickness, and it has a black onyx cabochon crown. It is powered by the Caliber 39-22 automatic movement which has a 40hr power reserve. This reference comes with a green calfskin strap, but a stainless steel bracelet is also available. Retail: $7,000.

Oris Aquis 36.5mm Bluish Pink (ref. 01 733 7770 4158-07 8 18 05P)

A brand associated with more affordable, yet excellent watches, Oris was founded in Hölstein, Switzerland in 1904. This reference has a stainless steel case on a matching bracelet and is also larger at a 36.5 diameter; in line with a sports diver, which it most certainly is with its rotating timing bezel, screw-down crown and impressive 300m of water resistance. But with its beautiful bluish pink mother of pearl dial, it wouldn’t be out of place at a yacht club party or more formal event either. It has lumed, applied indices and sword hands, and a date window at 6. The Oris Caliber 733 has a 38hr power reserve, beats at a peppy 28,900 vph, and has a beautiful red rotor prominently displayed through its sapphire caseback. Retail $2,400

Longines Dolcevita (ref. L5.255.4.71.6)

Longines, founded in 1832, is a storied brand with a rich heritage. The Dolcevita, with its rectangular shaped case, evokes that legacy with a 1920 Art Deco model that lives up to its name: :”Sweet Life”. The stainless steel case is 20.8mm x 32mm in diameter, 6.9mm thick, and 32mm lug-to-lug, and has a matching 5-link bracelet with both brushed and polished finishing.

The silver “flinque” dial has contrasting steel blue sword hands, blue Roman numeral indices, a black inner minutes track, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. It has a sapphire crystal and a solid caseback, with a modest 30m of water resistance. The watch uses a reliable and accurate L178 quartz movement. Retail: $1,425

Michele Deco Madison Diamond Dial (ref. MWW06T000147)

This is another Art Deco model, but with a squarish instead of rectangular shape. Notably, the dial indicates that the watch’s quartz movement is “Swiss” but lacks the more comprehensive “Swiss Made” label. It has a two-toned, stainless steel-18K gold plated case that is 33mm in diameter with an 18mm lug width and an ornate, red-tipped crown.

The silver dial has a lumed gold-toned handset, applied Roman numeral indices, a round date window at 6, and best of all, 47 diamonds centrally which frame a sunburst design. The stainless steel bracelet has a butterfly deployant clasp and is interchangeable with a Michele strap. Retail: $1,995.

Conclusion

Obviously, there are still excellent choices for someone who desires a traditionally “feminine” watch. Still, it’s important to recognize that the full array of watch styles and sizes can appeal to just about everyone. For instance, I learned to appreciate “women’s watches” even more by researching and writing this article! More options for all is good for everybody. It’s a little like wine: “You like what you like,” and “There are no rules.” Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.