
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.)
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 Watch Overall: Tory Burch Eleanor Goldtone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
- Best Big Watch Overall: Daniel Wellington Iconic Link Rose Gold Watch, 40mm
- Best Luxury Watch: Gucci G-Timeless 27mm Stainless Steel Watch
- Best Affordable Watch: Timex Indiglo Easy Reader Quartz
- Best Minimalist Watch: MVMT Boulevard Series Watch, 38mm
Best Small Watches
If you’re looking for a simple, timeless timepiece, consider this watch from Tory Burch. It’s dainty at just 24mm, so it'll blend in with the rest of your jewelry with ease. It’s made from gold-tone stainless steel rather than solid or plated gold, so you can get the same look for less.
If you want your watch to get here in 24 hours, pick up this classic option from Timex that's available on Amazon. It has no frills, retails for just $50, and will age like the most chic family heirloom.
If silver is more your go-to than gold, check out this 30mm watch from Tissot. The large roman numerals paired with its sapphire crystal face make for a sophisticated, yet vintage-feeling timepiece.
There are gold watches, and then there are blingy gold watches. This one from French-girl favorite brand Isabel Marant definitely falls into the latter category. It’s water-resistant up to 40 meters, has a razor-thin mesh band, and has a pared-down design that perfectly complements the shimmery band.
Not every watch needs a thick strap! This one from Shinola has a dainty option that looks more akin to a bracelet than a traditional timepiece. At 33mm wide and made from sturdy stainless steel, the elegantly braided clasp works for day and nighttime wear.
While others on this list mix-metals in a subtle way, this watch from Coach is all about combining silver and gold. The crystal embellishments where the numbers would usually go add a bit of sparkle.
For a layered look, pick up this wrap watch from Fossil. Plus, it’s pretty customizable: you can pick from two face-color options (white and multicolored purple) plus several strap colorways including deep brown and beige.
A designer watch is a great gift, but it’s also a great way to treat yourself if you’re not looking to buy a new bag or pair of shoes. This dainty watch from Balmain comes in two colors, but I prefer this kelly green shade that's seriously trendy right now. You can wear it every day if you wear primarily neutrals, or swap it out like you would a bag or a pair of shoes.
Rose gold is a forever-favorite metal in my jewelry collection—especially in the summertime—and this under-$200 watch from Kenneth Cole is no exception. It's water-resistant, has a dainty quartz movement inside and the sturdier square shape is perfectly offset by the delicate braided band.
For a menswear-inspired designer watch that you can wear every day, consider this pick from Gucci. The subtle mixed metals detail on the face of the watch adds something a little special, while the classic silver colorway can be worn and matched with all of your outfits.
Best Big Watches
If you’re someone who wears all-black day-to-day, make your watch follow suit. This one from MVMT is perfect because it will always coordinate with your outfit thanks to the singular colorway. It also has a two-year warranty if you ever damage it.
This Missoni Watch is for those who don't like to follow the rules. Mix your metals! Wear chunkier watch styles! Do whatever you want! It measures 34mm and has a zig-zagged face for even more pop. Plus, it's water resistant up to three ATM, which means that it's splash-proof and rain-proof.
Yes, this rose-gold watch is cute—and it also comes in two other colors. The traditionally feminine colorway contrasts with the black contrasts with the bold color of the watch’s face. From the iconic link design on the strap to the chunky, oversized design, it’s bound to make a statement.
I love when two brands team up on a cute collection, especially when one of those brands is internet-adored brand Cynthia Rowley. This pick from the collaboration features a stainless steel face and a soft silicone strap for all-day comfort. It comes in two colors and even features a date feature right on the face.
There's no denying that Cartier is the watch brand of the moment. This Santos watch from the line—now available on Net-a-Porter—has been a classic since it was originally created in 1904. It’s also on the smaller end of the big watch spectrum at 38mm, so it’s not overly trendy due to its shape.
Acetate watches like this one from Nixon can feel more casual when compared to a classic larger watch made from steel or leather. Choose from a classic brown tortoiseshell or opt for one that comes in white, blue, or pink.
I’ve been a longtime wearer of Casio watches, and for good reason: They're lightweight and often come in a multitude of fun colors and prints. Case in point: This bright pink option perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond. Feel free to wear your heart on your wrist.
For a watch that is sure to make a statement on your wrist, go blingy or go home. This Michael Kors pick is the perfect fit: The pave details! The bright gold colorway! The exaggerated numbers on the face! It has it all.
For a borrowed-from-the-boys aesthetic this fall, opt for a woman's watch like this one from Tissot. The croc-embossed strap and the classic large face make it look like an heirloom that’s been passed down through generations.
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 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 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 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.
- Brooke KnappenbergerEditorial Fellow
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