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.
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 watch brands that intentionally design 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 22 best watch brands for women — as well as our favourite selections from each.
The best watch brands for women in 2025
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. One of the best watch brands for women, Rolex uses automatic movements across the entirety of its product lineup — a rarity, considering many high-end watch brands use quartz movements in their timepieces with smaller case sizes (typically marketed towards women). The 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.
Established in: 1905
Founders: Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Owned by: Hans Wilsdorf Foundation
Best models for women: Lady Datejust, Submariner, GMT
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.
Cartier continues to capture the zeitgeist with its lineup of design-led watches. The Cartier Baignoire (French for ‘bathtub’) was rereleased in 2023 and has swiftly become one of the most popular watches of the decade, potentially usurping the Panthère de Cartier as the next it girl watch.
Established in: 1847
Founder: Louis-François Cartier
Headquarters: Paris, France
Owned by: Richemont Group
Best models for women: Tank, Baignoire, Ballon Bleu, Panthère de Cartier, Santos de Cartier
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 the best watch brands for women. 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.
Established in: 1884
Founder: Léon Breitling
Headquarters: Grenchen, Switzerland
Owned by: CVC Capital Partners and Schneider family
Best models for women: Navitimer 35, Superocean Automatic 36, Chronomat 32 or 36
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. Patek Philippe’s Twenty~4 collection is also designed specifically for women, with both automatic and quartz options.
Established in: 1839
Founders: Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Owned by: Stern family
Best models for women: Golden Eclipse, Calatrava, Nautilus, World Timer
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 fan base stretches far and wide, with Royal Oak wearers including Cardi B, Millie Bobby Brown, and Serena Williams.
The Swiss manufacture recently released a reissue of the Royal Oak Mini in frosted gold (yellow, white, and rose), which initially made its debut in 1997. Measuring in at 23mm, it lends the Gérald Genta design a jewellery-like aesthetic and is ideally suited to smaller wrists.
Established in: 1875
Founders: Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet
Headquarters: Le Brassus, Switzerland
Owned by: Audemars and Piguet families
Best models for women: Royal Oak Selfwinding, Royal Oak Mini, Millenary, Royal Oak Offshore
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 budget-friendly watch brand for women, Tissot offers an affordable entry point for women looking for their first ‘real watch’. Tissot offers both quartz and automatic movements, with the Le Locle and Belissima ranges well suited to female wearers.
One of the most popular Tissot watches is the PRX, an integrated bracelet stainless steel sports watch that has been recognised as an affordable alternative to styles like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The automatic variant is available in 40mm and 35mm case sizes, with the latter working well on most wrists. The Swiss watch brand has also recently released an adorable 25mm quartz version, for those who are into teeny tiny watches.
Established in: 1853
Founder: Charles-Félicien Tissot and Charles-Émile Tissot
Headquarters: Le Locle, Switzerland
Owned by: Swatch Group
Best models for women: Le Locle, Belissima, PRX
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.
Established in: 1860
Founder: Edouard Heuer
Headquarters: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Owned by: LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton)
Best models for women: Aquaracer, Carrera
8. Bulgari
If you’re equally as into jewellery as you are 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.
Established in: 1884
Founder: Sotirios Voulgaris
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Owned by: LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton)
Best models for women: Serpenti Seduttori, Serpenti Tubogas, Lvcea, Divas’ Dream
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 atop the dial, the Reverso is named after its ability to flip the case over so that the closed caseback faces upwards. 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 dials — impractical for a game of polo but ideal for upping your wrist game.
Established in: 1833
Founder: Antoine LeCoultre
Headquarters: Le Sentier, Switzerland
Owned by: Richemont Group
Best models for women: Reverso (Monoface and Duetto), Rendez-Vous, Master Ultra Thin
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 manufacture 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 watch for women, look to the Égérie; with its elegant Breguet numerals and diamond-encrusted case, it’s classic luxury at its finest. For something sportier, try the Overseas; it’s Vacheron Constantin’s take on the ever popular integrated bracelet sports watch style and is available in 34.5mm automatic and 33mm quartz versions.
Established in: 1755
Founder: Jean-Marc Vacheron
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Owned by: Richemont Group
Best models for women: Égérie, Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Overseas
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; while the Conquest represents a solid value proposition when it comes to a good GADA watch.
Established in: 1832
Founder: Auguste Agassiz
Headquarters: Saint-Imier, Switzerland
Owned by: Swatch Group
Best models for women: DolceVita, Master, Conquest
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. Swiss luxury watch brand Omega has also played a pivotal role when it comes to women’s timepieces, having created one of the first automatic watches for women, the De Ville Ladymatic in 1955.
Established in: 1848
Founder: Louis Brandt
Headquarters: Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
Owned by: Swatch Group
Best models for women: Constellation, Seamaster Aqua Terra, De Ville Ladymatic
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. 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.
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. 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.
Established in: 1874
Founder: Georges Édouard Piaget
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Owned by: Richemont Group
Best models for women: Limelight Gala, Possession, Polo
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 jumping hour 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.
Established in: 1991
Founders: Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes
Headquarters: Genthod, Switzerland
Owned by: Independent
Best models for women: Cintrée Curvex, Vanguard Lady, Heart Skeleton, Crazy Hours
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.
Established in: 1860
Founder: Louis-Ulysse Chopard
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Owned by: Scheufele family (independent)
Best models for women: Happy Sport, Happy Diamonds, Apline Eagle
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.
Established in: 1775
Founder: Abraham-Louis Breguet
Headquarters: L’Abbaye, Switzerland
Owned by: Swatch Group
Best models for women: Reine de Naples, Classique, Tradition
17. Parmigiani Fleurier
Founded by Michel Parmigiani in 1996, Parmigiani Fleurier has made a name for itself as one of the best luxury watch brands for women 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.
Established in: 1996
Founder: Michel Parmigiani
Headquarters: Fleurier, Switzerland
Owned by: Independent (supported by Sandoz Family Foundation)
Best models for women: Tonda PF, Toric
18. Tudor
Best known for being Rolex’s baby brother, Tudor has become a watch brand to, well…watch in its own right. When it comes to the best watch brands for women, Tudor stands out for its commitment to using self-winding (automatic) movements, with even its smallest timepieces like the Clair de Rose (26mm) and the Black Bay 31 (31mm) using automatic movements. This is a rarity, with many manufactures and watch brands resorting to quartz movements in their women’s watches. For something more sporty, look to the Black Bay 54 or Black Bay 58, both of which are smaller than typical dive watches and exude carefree cool girl style.
Established in: 1926
Founder: Hans Wilsdorf
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Owned by: Hans Wilsdorf Foundation
Best models for women: Clair de Rose, Black Bay 31, Black Bay 58, Black Bay 54
19. Blancpain
One of the oldest luxury watch brands in the world, Blancpain has some of the most beautiful watches for women. Since its founding in 1735, the Swiss manufacture has solely used mechanical calibres (either manual or self-winding) with not a quartz movement in sight! This ethos extends to Blancpain’s watches for women. The Blancpain Ladybird collection is feminine and whimsical—expect diamonds, colourful details, and moon phases—while the Villeret lineup is laden with dressy—not to mention mechanically complex—styles in various sizes and configurations to suit every wrist. For women who prefer tool watch styles, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is a chic option thanks to its elegant sunbrushed dial and slim, wearable profile.
Established in: 1735
Founder: Jehan-Jacques Blancpain
Headquarters: Paudex/Le Brassus, Switzerland
Owned by: Swatch Group
Best models for women: Villeret Women Date, Ladybird, Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
20. A. Lange & Söhne
One of the most prestigious luxury watch brands in the world, A. Lange & Söhne is known for its attention to detail which is evident in its intricate movements and elevated hand-finished dials. A. Lange & Söhne often uses precious metals in its designs, with the German manufacture making some of the most covetable luxury dress watches. While all its timepieces are technically unisex, the brand has several watches with proportions well suited to smaller wrists. The Little Lange 1 and Little Lange Moon Phase are slightly more compact (1.7mm to be precise) versions of the brand’s flagship Lange 1, achieving a 36.8mm case size without sacrificing any of the hallmarks of the original. Meanwhile, the Saxonia Thin measures in at 39mm, but its ultra-slim proportions give it a comfortable fit on any wrist.
Read more about the best German watch brands here.
Established in: 1845
Founder: Ferdinand Adolph Lange
Headquarters: Glashütte, Germany
Owned by: Richemont Group
Best models for women: Little Lange 1, Saxonia Thin, Little Lange 1 Moon Phase
21. Hermès
The words ‘fashion watch’ are often used as a pejorative term, used to denote watches produced by fashion houses that specialise in non-watch products. These watches tend to be fitted with cheap quartz movements and lack the design and mechanical savoir faire of timepieces produced by dedicated watch brands. So where does Hermès fit into this? Well, while the French luxury fashion house once produced watches that may have fallen into the fashion watch category, Hermès has transcended this label by investing heavily in watchmaking with a stake in mechanical movement specialise Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier in 2006 and the acquisition of dial maker Natéber from La Chaux-de-Fonds in 2012 and case manufacturer Joseph Érard from Le Noirmont in 2013, consolidating the latter two into the Les Ateliers d’Hermès Horloger in Le Noirmont in 2017.
All this is to say that Hermès watches have some serious horological backing behind them. When it comes to the design aspect, Hermès has it in spades, with both its men’s and women’s collections employing refined aesthetic cues that speak to the maison’s equestrian heritage and expertise in crafting luxury goods. The relatively new Hermès Cut is a mechanical sports watch designed with women in mind, while the Cape Cod (particularly the iteration with the double-wrapped strap), Kelly (the watch, not the bag!), Heure H are undeniable it girl watches.
Established in: 1837
Founder: Thierry Hermès
Headquarters: Paris, France
Owned by: Hermès International S.A.
Best models for women: Cape Cod, Heure H, Cut, Arceau Petite Lune, Kelly
22. Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels is best known for its jewellery, but it’s also responsible for some of the most mechanically complex high watchmaking timepieces. Many of Van Cleef & Arpels’ timepieces combine watchmaking and jewellery cues, using traditional techniques like enamelling and putting them into motion with automatic movements that turn elements on the dial into moving dioramas, as seen in the maison’s Poetic Complications collection. A highlight is the Midnight Pont des Amoureux, a retrograde watch that displays the hours on one side and the minutes on the other, with a couple moving together with every passing minute and meeting on the bridge a midnight and noon.
While Van Cleef & Arpels haute horology pieces are typically produced in ultra-limited quantities, pieces like the Sweet Alhambra and Perlée watches are easier to acquire. These timepieces draw inspiration from the jewellery collections they’re named after; the Sweet Alhambra in particular is a standout, adding a watch face to the maison’s signature four leaf clover bracelet.
Established in: 1906
Founders: Alfred Van Cleef and Salomon Arpels
Headquarters: Paris, France
Owned by: Richemont Group
Best models for women: Sweet Alhambra, Perlée, Poetic Complications (Lady Arpels, Midnight Pont des Amoureux), Charms Extraordinaire
Enjoyed this article on the best watch brands for women? Check out our watch guides here; covering everything from the types of watch movements to watch styles and complications.
Words by T. Angel
