“Unlike diamonds, watches were practical. They were for people on the run, people with appointments to keep and schedules to meet,” wrote Jeannette Walls in her memoir The Glass Castle. Indeed, what sets a watch apart from other jewellery is its practicality. A watch is more than a cool bracelet – it’s a timeless piece, a status symbol, and even an investment! In this list, we recommend the top 10 watches for women on sale today.
But before we clue you in on some of the best female watches on the market today, let’s explore how the modern ladies watch came to be.
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A History Of The Women’s Watch
Did you know that the wristwatch was primarily considered a women’s accessory? While men began carrying pocket watches in the 1700s, the wristwatch didn’t surface until the 1800s, when watchmakers first designed wristwatches for female royalty. For a long time after, it was a generally accepted custom that watches were for girls only.
Another fact that might come as a shock? The reason men picked up the habit of wearing wristwatches was because of war – or rather, advances in military technology. As The Atlantic notes, soldiers during the Second Boer War in South Africa “jerry-rigged pocket watches and strapped them on their wrists since it was now possible to precisely synchronize military movements”. Soon, the average joe picked up on the habit, and watchmakers began designing stylish wristwatches for men.
While Patek Philippe (still one of the best watch brands today) designed one of the first women’s watches, Louis Cartier gets credit for designing the first men’s wristwatch. There’s a reason these brands have maintained their position as the top watch brands on the planet!
Our Top 10 Best Watches For Women
1. Serpenti Tubogas Rose Gold Double Spiral
Brand: Bulgari
Price: $AUD28,500
What’s it made of: This watch has an 18 karat gold bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds and an 18 karat rose gold, stainless steel bracelet.
Why we love it: This watch marries two of Bulgari’s most iconic designs – the snake and the interlocking gold strips that make up the strap, or the “tubogas”. Made with 18-karat rose gold and diamonds, this designer watch is dripping with luxury.
Best used for: When you want to look and feel like a thousand bucks – literally!
2. Lady Datejust 26 Black Stainless Steel Oyster
Brand: Rolex
Price: $AUD7,700
What’s it made of: Stainless steel, scratch-resistant sapphire
Why we love it: Posh yet professional, this version of the classic timepiece marries a delicate stainless steel body with a serious black dial. The result is an everyday watch you can wear from day to night.
Best used for: You can either wear this every day or as a dress watch for more laid back events.
3. Falster 2 Gold-Tone Mesh Smart Watch
Brand: Skagen
Price: $AUD565
What’s it made of: Gold-tone stainless steel mesh strap, stainless steel case. Powered with Wear OS by Google.
Why we love it: Though it doesn’t best other smartwatches for being more affordable (it’s mid-range at best), the gold-tone mesh strap on this watch sets it apart from the competition. It’s a smartwatch that looks and feels like a branded designer watch.
Best for: Smartwatch-wearers who want to stay connected without looking like they’re carrying some clunky tech on their arm.
4. Big Bold Blood
Brand: Swatch
Price: $AUD145
What’s it made of: Quartz, plastic case, silicone strap
Why we love it: Swatch is an affordable brand that produces top-notch watches, and this is no exception. The Big Bold collection is attention-grabbing, with its candy colours, big arrows, and 3D print on its face.
Best for: It’s in the name – people with big, bold, and bright personalities!
5. G-Timeless Striped Leather And Gold-Tone Watch
Brand: Gucci
Price: $AUD1,553
What’s it made of: Calf-leather strap, gold-tone metal
Why we love it: Sometimes less is more, and the G-Timeless’ simplicity makes it, well, timeless! It’s got the signature green and red Gucci stripes, plus three gold stud markers and a bee for the 12 o’clock marker.
Best used for: Daily wear
6. 5719/10G – NAUTILUS
Brand: Patek Philippe
Price: $AUD580,000
What’s it made of: White gold case, sapphire-crystal case back, diamond-crusted dial
Why we love it: According to the Patek Philippe website, the Nautilus has “epitomised the elegant sports watch since 1976”. And it’s true – 40 years later and Patek’s Nautilus line still delivers chic watches for active women. It’s waterproof up to 120m too.
Best for: Active gals who still want to look classy!
7. Pink Gold Tank Louis Cartier
Brand: Cartier
Price: $AUD24,363
What’s it made of: 18k pink gold case set with brilliant-cut diamonds, leather strap
Why we love it: With a design dating back to 1922, and loved by the likes of Angelina Jolie and Princess Diana, Cartier’s Tank is an iconic and historic piece.
Best used for: Daily wear
8. Vivoactive 4S
Brand: Garmin
Price: $AUD773
What’s it made of: Stainless steel bezel, fibre-reinforced polymer case, silicone strap
Why we love it: This is more than just your usual digital watch. This sports watch tracks everything from running to cycling to swimming, has an emergency button in case something happens to you while you’re out exercising, and is customisable from the display to the strap.
Best for: Girls who love sports and fitness!
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