There’s a whole roster of styles of watches for women, from digital to analogue, a myriad of face shapes and strap designs, and that’s before we even touch upon smart watches.
A watch is a classic everyday wear that can be as pretty as it can be practical. For some of us, they're there to make a fashion moment with brands like Michael Kors and Olivia Burton offering up stylish designs, while others rely on their smart watch for every single daily activity.
Whatever you can afford to spend on a watch, they are - and always will be - a classic accessory. They’re worn whatever the occasion and look as elegant nestled alone on your wrist as they do layered with bangles and bracelets. There’s a reason watches are considered an investment piece buy, because they’re a forever accessory and when it comes to heirlooms, expensive watches are pretty common as a piece passed down through generations. Sure, they can dip in and out of trends, but their true beauty lies in becoming your very own capsule piece of jewellery.
If you’re in the zone for a new watch or are researching the best watches for women for a Mother's Day gift, we’ve pulled together a definitive list of our favourite watch brands for women to guide you. We’ve even included vintage watches too, if you’re thinking a Cartier or Rolex is on the cards…
How I chose the best watches for women
- Brands: I’ve looked at the most popular watch brands for women, and included those in my edit. That includes designer brands, affordable brands and niche brands too.
- Metals: I’m a gold watch wearer myself, but I know not everyone bows down to the gold, so I’ve included silver, rose gold plus leather strapped watches in this shopping edit.
- Price: Watches are, on the whole, an investment and prices for a good watch can range from £50 upwards, into the thousands. Within this list, you’ll find a range of prices so you can compare and contrast what you get for your money.
- Style: Round faces, square, bracelet straps, chunky chains – I’ve included as many different watch styles as possible. When choosing your watch, consider both brand and style; you may love a brand, but don’t be swayed by the label if the watch isn’t your usual style. This is a piece you’ll wear every day, so it’s got to fit with your personal style.
Shop our favourite watches for women
1/12
Michael Kors Slim Runway Rose Gold-Tone Curb-Link Watch
Shipping: Free delivery
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: 2 years
Features: Waterproof, clasp fastening
With a rose gold hue and a sleek minimalist dial, this MK watch is super glam. Made of stainless steel, this mini timepiece has a round face with a a curb-link bracelet strap as a luxe alternative to traditional center links.
Editor's note: "Think of some of the most popular watches for women in the last few years, and most would say Michael Kors. The brand is well known for its stylish watches, including chunky straps and more delicate styles."
2/12
Tommy Hilfiger Ladies' Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Shipping: Free on all orders over £40
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Two years
Features: Water resistant
The crystal indexes amps up the glamour on this boyfriend-style watch from Tommy Hilfiger.
Editor's note: "Tommy Hilfiger watches have upped their game in my eyes, and it's time to shine with this subtle sparkling watch featuring crystals around the bezel and a chic luxury looking bracelet. I love how masculine it is on the wrist - it gives old money vibes."
3/12
Armani Lola Watch
Shipping: £4.99 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 28 days
Warranty: Not specified
Features: Water resistant
This stainless steel metal mesh bracelet design has a subtle rose gold colouring, a crystal glass screen and rose gold hands and rose gold batons. Powered by quartz the watch also features up to 50 metres water resistant.
Editor's note: "I was surprised by how affordable Armani watches can be. There's a range of styles and prices but for a designer watch, you can't go wrong. I love the marble quartz effect of the face for something a little snazzier than a plain background."
4/12
Fossil Rye Three-Hand Date Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
Shipping: Free delivery on orders over £75
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Two years
Features: Water resistant 5ATM
Fossil's stainless steel rose gold watch features a matching rose gold face and dainty strap for a cool, elegant look.
Editor's note: "When I think of Fossil watches, I think of leather strap timepieces but a search on the site shows some beautiful, timeless stainless steel designs that are affordable but don't scrimp on quality."
5/12
Gucci G-Timeless Pink Multibee Watch
Shipping: Free next day delivery on orders over £75
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: 2 years
Features: Water resistant
This timeless watch is brought to life by its pink lacquered dial and signature Gucci bee design.
Editor's note: "I am in love with Gucci's bee design and on a watch, it's even cooler. The pink hue stands out against the silver metal strap, too."
6/12
Guess Unity Watch
Shipping: Free standard delivery on orders over £30
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Not specified
Features: Water resistant
Guess watches have some incredibly bright and bold designs, and this Unity watch features a silicone strap and rainbow face.
Editor's note: "You can go for a bold, colourful design with Guess watches, a gold or silver piece or one encrusted with pave diamonds - they're a classic, and fun, choice."
7/12
Rado Florence Classic Diamonds Womens Watch 30mm
Shipping: Free delivery
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Not specified
Features: Full-cut diamonds
The Swiss watch brand is known for its quality pieces and we're loving the Florence Classic design, with quartz movements, rhodium-plated hands and four full-cut diamonds set as indexes at hours 3,6,9 and 12
Editor's note: "If it's meticulous watchmaking you look for in your watch, head to Rado, the luxury Swiss brand who are known the world over for their craftmanship."
8/12
Apple Watch SE (2023) Sport Band
Shipping: Free delivery
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Two year
Features: Bluetooth, retina display, crash detection, GPS, waterproof
Apple watches are the must have watch for anyone who wants to record their fitness, health, check messaging on the go and a whole lot more. This second generation Apple watch can give more insights into your health.
Editor's note: "Is there anyone that doesn't have, or want, an Apple watch? From tracking your sleep, using it to pay, GPS and a whole lot more, it's got pretty much everything you need from your phone in watch form - oh, and it tells the time too."
9/12
Olivia Burton Celestial Faux Malachite Watch
Shipping: Free delivery on orders over £50
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Two years
Features: Water resistant
With a gorgeous malachite green strap and matching face, Olivia Burton's timepiece is inspired by celestial icons with a North Star crystal marker.
Editor's note: "I've lusted after Olivia Burton's watches for years, as they hit the sweet spot between affordability and design. There's many designs to choose from, from pared back to colourful."
10/12
Panthère De Cartier Watch
Shipping: Free delivery
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Two years and six months
Features: Water resistant
Panthère de Cartier watch, a small model, quartz movement with steel bracelet is an iconic watch from the luxurious French label.
Editor's note: "If there's a watch I'd wish for, it would be a Cartier. Loved by the royal family, who pass their Cartier timepieces down throughout the generations, this is an investment buy but one that will last for eons."
11/12
Vivienne Westwood Pennington Stainless-Steel Quartz Watch
Shipping: £5.95 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 14 days
Warranty: Two years
Features: Water resistant
A beautifully blue watch from British fashion house Vivienne Westwood, with stainless strap and butterfly clasp fastening.
Editor's note: "The blue of this Vivienne Westwood watch is heavenly, and pairs beautifully with the stainless steel metal. I love the subtle yet instantly recognisable VW branding too."
12/12
Casio Vintage Digital Leather Strap Watch
Shipping: £3.95 for standard delivery
Returns: Within 30 days
Warranty: Not specified
Features: Date and night display, stopwatch feature, splash proof.
Casio's smooth and stylish leather band is a cute addition to their classic digital watch faces, and this watch is water resistant for daily use.
Editor's note: "You probably had a Casio watch growing up (I did!) and they've come a long way in recent years to become more on-trend. I love this simple design, which is neutral enough for daily wear, but with all the Casio features shoppers love including calendar, stopwatch and backlight."
