The 21 Best Watches for Women in 2023

Hollywood's It-girls are making these staples cool again.

Bella Hadid wearing watch
(Image credit: Getty)

At Marie Claire, we believe watches are essential. But it can feel like some watches are doing too much—tracking your steps, your texts, and your heart rate. What if you want a watch that does less in the logistics department and more in the style realm? Consider the watches on this list our gift to you. We've gathered the very best in luxury and budget, in every material out there, from watches of silicone and rubber to stainless steel and solid gold. We even turned to Brynn Wallner, founder of the mega-popular Instagram account and website Dimepiece, for her advice on all things watches. Keep reading to check out her picks, discover which of the best watch brands are trending for 2023, and bask in the best watches for women this year.

Watches have been an iconic status symbol for decades, but they’ve seen a resurgence in pop culture of late. The reason, at least according to Wallner, is thanks to “spikes in sales, record-breaking auctions, exciting collaborations—like Tiffany & Co. x Patek Philippe—and an overall increase in coverage via social media.” Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajowski, for instance, have recently been spotted wearing timepieces from brands like Cartier and BREDA, respectively, with even the most casual of summer outfits.

“When something gets so much attention, it becomes difficult for people to ignore. Soon, you start seeing watches everywhere and realize how impacted by the news/social cycle you are,” says Wallner. “Once you dig deeper, past the hype, you realize how special watches can be.” She also notes that smaller watches like Hadid’s are a major trend in the watch world right now. (A small watch is a timepiece measuring under about 36 millimeters.)

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 28: Bella Hadid is seen wearing a watch arriving at an hotel wearing a watch on February 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/GC Images)

(Image credit: Photo by Pierre Suu/GC Images)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: Emily Ratajkowski is seen wearing a watch on September 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Team GT/GC Images)

(Image credit: Team GT/GC Images)

Yes, watches can come in at a higher price point than many accessories, but purchasing a watch is more than a single expensive purchase. “They're often an investment from a financial standpoint, yes, but above all, they're a sentimental investment,” Wallner explains. “The relationship one forms with a watch is more intimate than with any other luxury item, like a handbag or shoes. A watch, when worn regularly, becomes a part of you, something you wear for life and then pass down to future generations.”

This shift in perspective has been felt on the retail side: Net-a-Porter began selling pre-owned and vintage watches in 2021. Now, the site sells timepieces from brands like Cartier, Chopard, Gucci, and more. According to Net-A-Porter’s Market Director, Libby Page, some of the most popular styles are also some of the most expensive, like the “full diamond pave Cartier Panthère and Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon,” she says. “Our fine watch customers are amongst our highest spending customers globally and they also love buying great quality luxury ready-to-wear."

The Best Watches for Women

Best Small Watches

Best Big Watches

Brynn Wallner's Favorite Watches

When asked about her favorite affordable watch brands to shop, Wallner had one answer: “I love BREDA, a smaller watch brand with a sharp focus on design and affordability. My favorite watch of theirs is the Jane (Tethered) for a chic look or their Play for a sporty moment."

Watches Trending for 2023

Sure, you’re buying a pricey item, but you can still incorporate a few trends into your purchase. “We see our customers leaning towards more traditional masculine styles—slightly chunkier, with less sparkle and more weight on the wrist,” says Page. Aside from styles, Page notes that there are also several key brands that are popular. “Our customers who buy into traditionally "masculine" styles from Cartier, Hermès Timepieces and Vacheron Constantin opt for bigger 38mm-40mm cases and sport integrated bracelets.” 

How to Style Watches in 2023

Gone are the days of wearing only your watch and nothing else. Mixing metals and stacking your watch with the rest of your jewelry is not only trendy, but Wallner actually encourages it. “! I love a two-tone moment,” she says. “I wear my steel Cartier Tank Française with my gold rings and it looks very chic.” 

Meet The Experts

Brynn Wallner
Brynn Wallner

Brynn Wallner is a writer, consultant and founder of Dimepiece, a platform dedicated to all things women and watches. She lives in New York City. 

Libby Page
Libby Page

Libby Page is the Market Director for NET-A-PORTER, where as a link between the buying, editorial  and marketing teams, she plays an integral role in curating the buy and the development of exclusives  capsules, bringing to life the seasonal collections and key product initiatives.  

With a passion for supporting and discovering the next generation of design talent, Libby is committed  to scouting and mentoring through the Vanguard, NET-A-PORTER’s globally recognised incubator for  nascent designers. She has been key in the strategic development of the program since its launch in  2018 and is responsible for the launch of the Vanguard Education Fund, a mentorship scheme that  helps final-year students as they embark on their careers within the fashion industry. 

Born and raised in Wiltshire, England, Libby, studied Fashion Promotion at The University of the  Creative Arts in London. Libby joined NET-A-PORTER in 2015 as Fashion Assistant working in the  Editorial team, previous positions include editorial work for Maire Claire UK, InStyle UK, TANK and  British Vogue. 

Julia Marzovilla
E-Commerce Editor

Julia Marzovilla is the E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen. 

With contributions from