From the outside, the horological world appears to be dominated by watch bros pontificating about Hulks, Pepsi, and something about the submarine from Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. There’s the argument that watches are to men what luxury handbags are to women; though of course watches are regarded as a more ‘serious’ collector’s item.
However, the Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet wristwatches on the wrists of horological enthusiasts and guys trying to signify their status wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for women.
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The maker of the world’s first wristwatch is often disputed, with both Breguet and Patek Philippe often claiming the title. However, it’s undeniable that the first wristwatch was created for a woman. The commonly accepted account of events is that the first wristwatch was created by Breguet in 1810 in response to a commission from Caroline Bonaparte, the Queen of Naples. The timepiece in question was an exceptionally thin, oval repeater watch with complications, mounted on a wristlet of hair and gold thread. The Swiss manufacture continues to pay homage to this seminal moment through its Reine de Naples collection, which retains the oval shape of the original (but swaps out the hair for leather or precious materials).
The second notable wristwatch, also created for a woman, can be traced back to 1868 when Countess Koscowicz of Hungary commissioned Patek Philippe to design a jewellery piece that could also act as a watch. Men later adopted the practice, paving the way for wristwatches as we know them today.
Prior to Caroline Bonaparte and Countess Koscowicz’s commissions, the word ‘timepiece’ connoted pocket watches; their forward-thinking brought timepieces out of jackets and onto wrists, setting a precedent for timepieces that were both decorative and functional.
Although technically all watches can be worn by anyone with a wrist, there’s something to be said about watches that are intentionally designed with women in mind. For some brands, the women’s market is an afterthought, however, there are several go-to luxury watch manufactures that have long been catering to women.
With that in mind, here’s our pick of the 18 best watch brands for women — as well as our favourite selections from each.
1. Rolex
When you hear ‘watch’, you think ‘Rolex’. A household name in horology, even those who don’t know anything about watches know that Rolex is a big deal. The Swiss watch manufacturer was founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905 and has since then produced countless references that are often imitated yet never replicated. The Rolex Datejust or Lady Datejust (the 28mm model) is a go-to style for women (particularly the two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel version), however, those who aren’t afraid of sizing up might also find luck with the brand’s sportier tool watches, like the Submariner, GMT, or Cosmograph Daytona. Notable wearers of ‘men’s’ styles include Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock, and Jennifer Aniston.
2. Cartier
Cartier is equally as well known for its watches as its jewellery. Founded in Paris by Louis-François Cartier in 1847, the French luxury goods house is responsible for the creation of one of the world’s earliest commercial wristwatches, the Santos-Dumont; named after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont who wanted a practical alternative to pocket watches.
Since the early 20th century, Cartier watches have been favoured by celebrities and tastemakers alike, with its square and rectangular timepieces, in particular, proving popular with both men and women. Designed in 1917, the Cartier Tank has showcased its universal appeal by appearing on the wrists of everyone from Yves Saint Laurent, Jackie Kennedy, Ralph Lauren, Princess Diana, and Andy Warhol to Angelina Jolie, Michelle Obama, Jeff Goldblum, and Robert Pattinson. Meanwhile, the Panthère de Cartier is popular for its jewellery-like aesthetic, counting Zendaya, Rihanna, and Dua Lipa as fans.
3. Breitling
Founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, Breitling is best known for its technical tool watches and is not traditionally considered when searching for women’s watches. However, the past five years under CEO Georges Kern have seen the brand diversify its offering in terms of sizes offered and align itself with women like actress Charlize Theron and ballerina Misty Copeland.
The Breitling Chronomat exudes sporty elegance, while the Navitimer coalesces heritage with contemporary style. The dedicated women’s versions of the latter are available in with classic dial shades such as cream, mint green, and slate grey with stick indices, as well as mother-of-pearl with diamond hour markers. Alternatively, for those interested in dive watches, the Superocean is available in a plethora of colours and case sizes, including a striking 36mm aqua blue.
4. Patek Philippe
Conceived by Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe in 1839, Patek Philippe is responsible for some of the most covetable (and expensive) watches in the world. “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation,” the brand often proclaims in its marketing material. Nonetheless, it hasn’t deterred legions of watch fans from thirsting after the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Skip the hype and instead look to the brand’s dress watches — after all, that’s what it does best. The Golden Eclipse (presented on a leather strap or the newer iteration on a gold bracelet) is understated and sends a subtle message to those similarly in the know, while the World Timer is a poetically opulent option for anyone with a spare home deposit to drop on a watch.
5. Audemars Piguet
The brainchild of watchmakers Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 and remains one of the few notable independent watch manufacturers. Most well-known for the Royal Oak, designed by legendary watchmaker Gérald Genta, Audemars Piguet was the first brand to produce a stainless steel watch that cost as much as a gold version. Since its introduction in 1972, the Royal Oak has been produced in countless iterations, including a teeny tiny 20mm ladies’ watch and blingy frosted gold, rose gold, and black ceramic versions. Its celebrity fanbase stretches far and wide, with Royal Oak wearers including Cardi B, Millie Bobby Brown, and Serena Williams.
6. Tissot
Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland father and son duo Charles-Félicien Tissot and Charles-Émile Tissot in 1853, Tissot provides Swiss craftsmanship and classically elegant pieces at affordable prices — indeed, its mission statement is “gold value at silver price.” The ideal entry point for women looking for their first ‘real watch’, Tissot offers both quartz and automatic movements, with the Le Loche and Belissima ranges well suited to female wearers.
7. TAG Heuer
Inextricably linked with the racing world, Swiss watch manufacturer TAG Heuer has been at the forefront of sports timekeeping since it was founded by Edouard Heuer — aged just 20 — in 1860. While the angular Monaco is the one with ties to motorsports, bypass it in favour of the chic Aquaracer or Carrera, both of which are available in a variety of sizes and dial colours.
8. Bulgari
If you’re more into jewellery than watches, a Bulgari timepiece might be the way to go. Created in Rome in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, the brand takes a distinctly eclectic approach to watchmaking. Uniting Italian design with Swiss watchmaking expertise, a Bulgari watch is one that stands out. Inspired by the appearance of snakes, the aptly named Serpenti features a snake’s head set on a positively scaly bracelet, available in single-, double-, and triple-wrapped designs. An undeniably atypical piece, the Serpenti is best reserved for women who wish to make a statement. Alternatively, look to the Bvlgari Bvlgari watch for a more classic timepiece; proponents include Zendaya, Blackpink’s Lisa, and even Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.
9. Jaeger-LeCoultre
One of the most inventive and innovative watch manufacturers in the world, Jaeger-LeCoultre makes some of our favourite luxury watches for women. The Swiss manufacture was founded by Antoine LeCoultre in 1833. One of its most iconic designs is the Reverso. Created with the intention of wearing while playing polo without damaging the glass on a watch face, the Reverso is named after its ability to flip the case over. The resultant timepiece protects the watch face while providing ample opportunity for personalisation in the way of engraving. The newer Reverso Duetto actually features two watch faces — impractical for a game of polo but ideal for upping your wrist game.
10. Vacheron Constantin
One of the earliest watch and clock manufacturers still operating today, Vacheron Constantin was founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755. The Swiss watch manufacturer is among the holy trinity — alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet — and sets the standard for innovative complications and beautiful aesthetics. For a truly special timepiece, look to the Égérie; with its elegant Breguet numerals and diamond-encrusted case, it’s classic luxury at its finest.
11. Longines
Longines was founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland and offers a wide breadth of heritage-style timepieces at a reasonable price point. The DolceVita is one of the best value propositions when it comes to rectangular watches, available with both classic and Art Deco-inspired dials. Lines like the Master collection draw from the brand’s almost two centuries of expertise, exuding a sophisticated, refined energy.
12. Omega
Classic aesthetics meet sporty style in each Omega timepiece. Founded by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1848, Omega is beloved by it girl Zoe Kravtiz and James Bond actor Daniel Craig. Highlights of the range include the Constellation, defined by its integrated bracelet and signature claws on either side of the bezel, as well as the sportier Aqua Terra.
13. Piaget
Piaget may have strong ties to the world of high jewellery, but it doesn’t skimp in the horological department. Founded by Georges-Édouard Piaget in 1874, Piaget counts several notable celebrities and tastemakers as fans, including Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Jackie Kennedy. Piaget often holds the world record for the thinnest mechanical watch — the accolade regularly changes hands — and today is as well-known for its sports watch offering, the Polo, as it is for its pieces that unite the worlds of haute joaillerie and haute horology.
14. Franck Muller
Whimsical and wonderful while still being wearable, Franck Muller is a comparatively nascent company compared to the centuries-old watch manufacturers on this list. The namesake Swiss brand was founded in 1991 and has become revered for its ability to fuse innovative complications with distinctive style. Many Franck Muller watches look far older than their age, as their eponymous founder was often inspired by the Art Deco movement. A true mechanical marvel, the Crazy Hours watch features a mind-bending complication that sees the hour hand jump from one number to the other in the correct order, despite the mismatched numerals. A notable Franck Muller wearer is Ben Affleck, who was gifted a Cintrée Curvex by JLo in the early ‘90s and chose to sport it on a Chrome Hearts bracelet.
15. Chopard
Founded in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard and owned by the Scheufele family of Germany since 1963, Chopard is beloved for its ability to unite the worlds of horology and jewellery. Many of the maison’s best watches for women sit at this intersection, such as the Happy Sport and Happy Diamond collections. For those desirous of something a little more robust, look to the Alpine Eagle; as Chopard’s flagship integrated stainless steel bracelet offering (though it’s also made in precious metals), it’s available in 33mm, 36mm, and 41mm sizes, with even the smallest powered by an automatic movement.
16. Breguet
The second oldest manufacture still in production (after Blancpain), Swiss watch brand Breguet was founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet in Paris in 1775. As the manufacture credited with creating the world’s first wristwatch—for a woman! Caroline Bonaparte, the Queen of Naples— in 1810, Breguet remains one of the best luxury watch brands for women. The Reine de Naples is an eternally classic dress watch that references the oval watch first created for the Queen of Naples in the early 19th century, while the Type XX and Type 20 offer an elevated take on an archival military watch.
17. Parmigiani Fleurier
Founded by Michel Parmigiani in 2006, Parmigiani Fleurier has made a name for itself as one of the best luxury watch brands thanks to its commitment to handmade production and use of precious materials. While Parmigiani Fleurier has dedicated timepieces for women, many of its watches boast unisex appeal. For the ultimate quiet luxury watch, consider the Tonda PF collection; devoid of unnecessary ornamentation or superlative additions, the devil is in the details, with a fine Grain d’Orge guilloché pattern on the dial, skeletonised hands, and exquisite finishing.
18. Piaget
During the mid-1900s, Piaget introduced the thinnest movement (the hand-wound calibre 9P) which measured just 2mm thick and allowed for experimentation with stone dials in watches with precious materials. Since then, Piaget has continued spearheading ultra-thin watchmaking while continuing to cater to an elite clientele of women with a penchant for watches that blend timetelling with jewellery-like design cues. The Piaget Polo Date juxtaposes a sporty silhouette with precious metals and diamonds while the manufacture’s high jewellery watches (like the Limelight and Possession collections) are ideally suited to those in need of a dainty statement piece.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our watch guides here; covering everything from the types of watch movements to watch styles and complications.
Words by T. Angel
