Are you looking for a luxurious and stylish watch to invest in? As a woman, it can be hard to find the right watch that combines elegance and quality. But have no fear – there are plenty of timeless watch brands for women available on the market! We’ve put together a comprehensive list of our favorite women’s watches that guarantee luxury craftsmanship. Read on to discover which fashionable timepieces could become part of your new accessory collection.
Women’s Watches Market Trends
Sales of Swiss watches in 2021 reached approximately $23 billion, and the secondary market is experiencing a significant surge, projected to reach half the size of the primary market by 2025, according to McKinsey. A luxury watch market report from Mordor Intelligence highlights the common trend of using accessories to enhance one’s appearance, contributing to the growth of luxury watch brands. While reading this statement in a serious analytical report may elicit some chuckles, it is undeniable that luxury accessories serve to elevate one’s image.
When considering the gender perspective, it becomes evident why high-end watches have historically been highly sought after by men. In contrast to women, who have a wide array of choices for signifying their status, men gravitated towards Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, as they couldn’t exactly carry a Chanel bag or wear Manolo heels. While it’s now becoming more common to see men sporting handbags, with celebrities like Jacob Elordi carrying Bottega purses, traditionally, watches were a symbol for men, and women had the freedom to choose among other options.
Considering the current desirability of wristwatches among wealthy individuals and finance professionals, one might find it hard to believe that they were not always in vogue for men. While women have been enthusiasts for centuries, it appears that only recently have we become more vocal about it. Major news outlets are now featuring articles on women’s growing influence and their strong opinions on watch consumption.
Best Watch Brands for Women
1. Rolex
While Rolex may be one of the most recognized watch brands in the world, it is important to note that its success did not come solely from its luxurious appeal. Rolex has always been committed to creating highly reliable and extremely functional tool watches, which has made them stand out from other watchmakers. The brand’s history is filled with impressive accomplishments, such as creating the world’s first water-resistant timepiece and the first self-winding chronometer with a date window. These achievements have cemented Rolex as a leading tool watch manufacturer and inspired the release of iconic timepieces, making them one of the best watch brands for women.
Founded: 1905
Founder: Hans Wilsdorf, Alfred Davis
Country: Switzerland
2. Cartier
Founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel, Cartier is often one of the first watch brands for women that come to mind. Cartier is known for its sensational Love bracelets and stunning Panthère jewelry, and their timepieces are equally iconic. The Cartier Tank watch, with its sleek rectangular shape, has been worn by A-listers for generations and still remains a classic today. And let’s not forget the Ballon Bleu and Panthère de Cartier watches, popular choices among the most stylish women in the world. With their delicate and polished designs, Cartier watches are the perfect addition to any evening attire and can even replace a bracelet or cuff for fancier affairs.
Founded: 1910
Founder: Coco Chanel in Paris
Country: France
3. Longines
Longines is known as one of the best watch brands for women that has a rich history that dates back to 1832. Founded by Auguste Agassiz in-Imier, Longines has been characterized by a pioneering spirit and a pursuit of precision. Throughout its existence, the brand has remained committed to timeless elegance. From its humble beginnings as a small workshop, Longines has evolved into one of the world’s oldest luxury watch manufacturers still in operation. The brand’s watches have played a significant role in aviation history, with pilots relying on Longine’s timepieces during the 1920s and 1930s. While the men’s range is a little heavier and more sporty, the women’s watches are all about grace.
Founded: 1832
Founder: Auguste Agassiz
Country: Switzerland
4. Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is a renowned luxury watchmaker with a long history dating back to 1839. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious watch brands for women in the world. What sets Patek Philippe apart is its independence and family-owned status. The company has been crafting exquisite timepieces fit for royalty, like Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who purchased a keyless pendant watch in 1851.
Founded: 1839
Founder: Antoni Patek, Franciszek Czapek, Adrien Philippe
Country: Switzerland
5. Audemars Piguet
Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, childhood friends sharing a passion for horology, established the influential watch brand, Audemars Piguet & Cie, in 1881. Audemars crafted complex watch movements, while Piguet ensured timepiece accuracy. Their biggest contribution was the introduction of the Royal Oak in 1972, the world’s first luxury sports watch. It secured Audemars Piguet’s place as a leader in watchmaking history and still remains one of the best watch brands for women and men today.
Founded: 1875
Founder: Jules Louis Audemars, Edward Auguste Piguet
Country: Switzerland
6. IWC Schaffhausen
It’s easy to see why IWC Schaffhausen is one of the best watch brands for women. This prestigious watch manufacturer is all about attention to detail and has been making timepieces for women and men since the 1870s. Today, the range caters to the ladies with its reduced case sizes for its most popular models, as well as the jewelry-like Da Vinci collection. These models come in 18-carat gold and diamond versions, with Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Flower Of Life illustration engraved on the back. This drawing represented the essence of beauty – the perfect addition for any woman.
Founded: 1868
Founder: Florentine Ariosto Jones
Country: Switzerland
7. Hublot
While Hublot is well-known for its iconic Big Bang Chronograph, the watch brand may not be the first that comes to mind for women. However, with its commitment to innovative designs, Hublot’s watches are certainly among the best watch brands for women. The brand’s integration of natural rubber in its straps adds both comfort and durability, qualities that women seeking a long-lasting watch would appreciate. And with the continuous evolution of the Big Bang design, women have a wide range of options to choose from, whether they prefer a streamlined or more glamorous look.
Founded: 1980
Founder: Carlo Crocco
Country: Switzerland
8. Tag Heuer
Tag Heuer has a rich history in autosports and performance racing. Founded in Switzerland in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, the watch brand quickly started innovating alongside the rise of automobiles. Heuer introduced chronographs and included dashboard timers and chronographs in the mid-1900s. By the 1960s and 1970s, Heuer’s timepieces became popular in higher-performance automobiles. In the 1980s, Tag Heuer was acquired by TAG, a private holding company specializing in aviation and motorsports, resulting in the brand’s current name. Since its inception, Tag Heuer has remained at the forefront of best watch brands for women.
Founded: 1860
Founder: Edouard Heuer
Country: Switzerland
9. Richard Mille
Richard Mille is a relatively new luxury watch brand established in 2001 by Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat. Inspired by high-performance automobiles, aviation, and space exploration, Mille and Guenat have infused their brand with their passion for these fields. Richard Mille’s key selling point is their watches’ ability to withstand heavy impacts and movements, partnering with sports ambassadors like Rafael Nadal and Bubba Watson. The high price tag is justifiable because of the expert craftsmanship that has gone into creating each of the women’s watches.
Founded: 2001
Founder: Richard Mille, Dominique Guenat
Country: Switzerland
10. Chanel
If you’re looking for the best watch brands for women, Chanel is definitely a name to consider. Chanel is famous for its iconic designs featuring bouclé tweed fabric, camellia flowers, and a black and white color palette that are carried through in all of their watch ranges. While the classic Chanel look is undoubtedly feminine, the brand’s head designer Arnaud Chastaingt also produces more minimalist and androgynous styles that are equally impressive.
Founded: 1910
Founder: Coco Chanel in Paris
Country: France
11. Chopard
When it comes to the best watch brands for women, Chopard is a brand that stands out. While known for their Swiss watches, they have also established a reputation for their stunning jewelry. Founded in 1860 by Swiss watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the brand’s classic look and attention to detail have made it a coveted name in the industry. With state-of-the-art technological influence and well-established craftsmanship, Chopard produces some of the best women’s watches on the market. Their clear design aesthetic and innovative development have helped establish them as one of the best watches brands for women.
Founded: 1868
Founder: Florentine Ariosto Jones
Country: Switzerland
12. Breitling
Breitling is undoubtedly one of the best watch brands for women who appreciate technical timepieces and nautical-inspired designs. Their Navitimer range is particularly popular, with slide rule markings around the outer face that give it a map or compass-like feel. While these watches are undoubtedly functional and masculine in design, they also possess a level of elegance with rose gold detailing and luxurious leather straps. If you lead an active lifestyle or frequently find yourself borrowing your partners watch, Breitling has some best watches for women that effortlessly blends form and function.
Founded: 1884
Founder: Léon Breitling
Country: Switzerland
13. Blancpain
Blancpain’s Swiss heritage dates back to 1735, and in 1930 released the first-ever automatic wristwatch for women. Today, these timepieces are some of the most beautiful and unique women’s watches you can wear. Unapologetically feminine, they feature diamond-halo faces, the signature illustrated moonphase calendar, slender hands, mother-of-pearl dials, and rose gold cases. There’s even a watch design devoted to Valentine’s Day, inspired by Cupid. A Blancpain women’s watch isn’t trying to emulate the men’s styles – but instead, create a bold and individual look. These timepieces are not for the minimalists but rather suit those with an eccentric yet refined style.
Founded: 1735
Founder: Jehan-Jacques Blancpain
Country: Switzerland
14. Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest manufacturers of Swiss luxury watches dating back to 1755. However, the designs are far from old-fashioned. While carrying on the watchmaking heritage, Vacheron Constantin’s timepieces are contemporary and modern, with an elegant and understated feel. Vacheron Constantin established its reputation in 2015 by crafting a timepiece of unprecedented intricacy, boasting an astonishing 57 complications. By seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, Vacheron Constantin is considered one of the best watch brands for women today.
Founded: 1755
Founder: Jean-Marc Vacheron
Country: Switzerland
15. Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin, a pioneer in avant-garde watches for women and men, carries a rich history rooted in creating marine chronometers, renowned for their precision in Navy fleets. Although the Quartz Crisis in the 1970s caused the brand to fade into obscurity, Rolf Schnyder rejuvenated it. Honoring the brand’s DNA, Rolf’s team blended innovation and tradition, pushing boundaries with new complications and materials. Today, Ulysse Nardin still remains at the forefront of the best watch brands for women.
Founded: 1846
Founder: Ulysse Nardin
Country: Switzerland
16. Piaget
Piaget has a rich watchmaking history dating back to 1874. However, the Swiss luxury watch brand is renowned for its expertise in crafting incredibly thin and elegant watches for women. Initially focused on producing watch movements, Piaget later expanded to create complete collections of luxury timepieces. In the 1950s, Piaget made a significant impact with the introduction of the Caliber 9P watch movement, which was a groundbreaking 2mm thick. Piaget’s innovation and commitment to crafting slim and sophisticated women’s watches revolutionized the industry.
Founded: 1874
Founder: Georges Edouard Piaget
Country: Switzerland
17. Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. is undoubtedly one of the best watch brands for women who love luxury and exquisite design. The iconic blue packaging and distinct style of their watches have propelled the brand to the forefront of the fashion industry. The company was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and J. B. Young in the heart of New York City. Since then, the brand has become widely popular among celebrities, making it a coveted piece of accessory for any woman. The option to select watches with a blue dial for a signature Tiffany look is just one of the many reasons why Tiffany & Co. remains a top choice for women’s watches.
Founded: 1837
Founder: Charles Lewis Tiffany; John B. Young
Country: United States
18. Panerai
Founded in Florence, Italy, in 1860, Panerai started as a watch repair shop and fabricator of precision engineering equipment. Partnering with the Royal Italian Navy in the early 1900s, Panerai’s water-resistant and luminescent watches proved invaluable for the Italian “frogman” – elite amphibious soldiers. As the Italian Navy’s reliance on these soldiers increased, so did their dependence on Panerai’s reliable timepieces. Originally focused on watches made for men, they have made the transition into female watches with their Luminor Due collection.
Founded: 1860 (Italy)
Founder: Giovanni Panerai
Country: Switzerland
19. Glashutte Original
Glashutte Original is truly a masterpiece in German engineering. Precise, functional, and exquisitely designed, each watch is a celebration of the brand’s rich history. With traditional techniques fused with modern innovation, women’s watches are crafted to perfection. Established in 1845, this brand has now become a part of the Swatch Group. Operating from the watchmaking town of Glashütte, their watches have earned a well-deserved reputation in the high-end watch market. What sets Glashutte Original apart from other best watch brands for women is their attention to detail, with refined colors and intricate designs that are sure to complement any attire.
Founded: 1845
Founder: Ferdinand Adolph Lange
Country: Germany
20. Zenith
Since its founding in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot, Zenith has paved the way for the horology industry by emphasizing the importance of in-house production. Through this focus on tight fit, precision, and craftsmanship, Zenith has earned its place as one of the best watch brands for women. However, it was Zenith’s creation of the El Primero in 1969 that marked a major milestone in watchmaking history. The El Primero was the world’s first automatic chronograph movement and continues to influence many of Zenith’s offerings today.
Founded: 1865
Founder: Georges Favre-Jacot
Country: Le Locle, Switzerland
Best Watches for Women FAQs
Which watch brands is best for women?
There are a lot of best watch brands for women on the market, producing incredible quality timepieces. However, Rolex has one of the best reputations and is incredibly popular for a good reason. Their styles are timeless, durable, and feature technical precision, making them a brilliant investment.
What are the best women's luxury watches?
A beautiful, luxury watch can be one of the best investments in your wardrobe. The style you choose will depend on your aesthetic, but numerous companies produce luxury watches such as Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, IWC Schaffhausen, Breitling, and Vacheron Constantin.
Can a woman wear a 40mm watch?
Yes, women can wear a 40mm watch. The general recommendation for ladies' watches is a case from 34mm-40mm, while for men, it's 38-46mm. However, it will depend on each woman's individual style, and if they feel comfortable wearing a watch of that size.
Which was the first women's watch designed by a woman for women?
Wristwatches were designed for women, and the first is believed to have been created by Breguet in 1810 for Caroline Murat, the Queen of Naples. She is believed to have had a passion for watchmaking. Other brands like Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre were also at the forefront of women's watch designs. Philippe designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1868.
Arabella Roden is a skilled writer and sub-editor with over ten years of experience across print, digital, and B2B. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and specializes in beauty, hairstyles, fashion, tattoos, and lifestyle topics. Arabella is currently the Chief Sub Editor at Mecca Brands and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2019.
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