I’m Skipping Designer Bags—Every Cool Woman I Know Invests in These Watches Instead
These are the timepiece styles defining 2026.
For centuries, watches have been regarded as status symbols for an exclusive, predominantly male club of luxury. But in the past few years, they've experienced a cultural rebrand that's opened the door to anyone who wants in. Championed by a new generation of women watch collectors and leading fashion tastemakers, timepieces are now viewed as a part of the luxury cohort for ladies, too.
In today’s fashion landscape, women's watches are more than just devices for telling time—they're a personal investment, an everyday essential that can be paired with a well-curated jewelry stack. On the wrists of Bella Hadid, Zendaya, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Kaia Gerber, you'll find women's watches from prestigious—and once male-dominated brands—like Cartier, Omega, and Rolex.
And even if you're not an A-lister, the if-you-know-you-know appeal of wearing a luxury timepiece with an almost imperceptible brand logo is undeniable. It’s one of the few luxury items that can be worn solely for yourself—a piece that transitions seamlessly from being tucked discreetly under a sweater sleeve to taking center stage on your wrist. This adaptability, both in style and symbolism, is a major part of its allure.
Taylor Swift wore a gorgeous gold Panthere De Cartier watch, a cult-classic from the luxury goods house, to ring in the monumental announcement of buying her masters back.
Admittedly, luxury watches come with higher price tags than many accessories, but they offer much more than a fleeting fashion statement. “They’re often an investment from a financial standpoint, yes, but above all, they’re a sentimental investment,” explains Brynn Wallner, founder of the popular watch platform Dimepiece. “The relationship one forms with a watch is more intimate than any other luxury item, like a designer handbag or shoes. When worn regularly, a watch becomes a part of you—something you wear for life and then pass down to future generations.”
Meanwhile, a new legion of It-girls is proving that watches are here to stay—and highly wearable. Larger, statement-making options have become a staple of Taylor Swift’s post-"Tortured Poet" era. At the same time, Rihanna has made luxe timepieces the focal point of her date-night outfits with A$AP Rocky. In contrast, Kaia Gerber leans toward more delicate, understated styles that reflect her minimalist aesthetic.
Kaia Gerber wore a dainty Omega watch to the premiere of her film, 'Shell,' at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.
To further explore this trend, we also consulted J.J. Owens, creator of Daily Grail Official, a site dedicated to the intersection of watches, fashion, and celebrity culture. "Over the past few years, the women’s watch market has grown not just in sales but also in interest," Owens says. "My girlfriends are more engaged than ever—not just from an aesthetic standpoint but with the same detailed, discerning approach they apply to any luxury or investment purchase."
At Marie Claire, we believe watches are essential wardrobe investments—but we understand. Sometimes, modern watches seem to do too much, tracking everything from your steps to your texts. What if you prefer a watch that focuses less on logistics and more on style? What if you can't splurge on a six-figure piece—trust us, we understand—so you want an affordable watch under $200 that looks just as nice?
Our curated guide showcases the finest luxury timepieces as well as budget-friendly options made from every material imaginable—from sleek silicone and classic stainless steel to timeless solid gold. Ahead, shop watches from Cartier, Michele, Shinola, and more. To make things easier, we’ve divided the list into large statement pieces and smaller, more subtle styles—so you can find the perfect addition to your wrist this season.
The Best Watches for Women at a Glance
- Best Gold Watches
- Best Silver Watches
- Best Leather Band Watches
- Best Multicolor Watches
- Best Mixed-Metal Watches
- Meet the Experts
The Best Watches for Women
- Best Overall Watch: Tory Burch Eleanor Goldtone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, $328
- Best Affordable Watch: Nixon Frankie Bracelet Watch, $200
- Best Gold Watch: Cartier Baignoire Watch, $21,400
- Best Silver Watch: Fossil Raquel Bracelet Watch, 26mm, $220
- Best Black Watch: Heaven Mayhem Icon Watch, $280
- Best Colorful Watch: Hermès Heure H Stainless Steel, 0.04 TCW Diamond & Alligator Leather Strap Watch/21MM, $5,075
- Best Mixed-Metal Watch: Michele Deco Mid Diamond Dial Bracelet Watch, $1,895
Best Gold Watches
Gold watches are a timeless addition to any collection. Brands like Tory Burch create bracelet styles featuring a classic chain design at the wrist, while Frederique Constant offers options with larger faces for added interest.
Best Silver Watches
Silver watches can create a classic look similar to gold, but they don't have to be boring. Breda is a staple in the silver category, while luxury brands like Gucci and Longines are also popular.
Best Leather Band Watches
Black watches can appear masculine, reminiscent of the styles worn by dads and grandfathers, but they have been reinvented for women. Celebrity-approved brands like Heaven Mayhem offer options for under $300, while Bvlgari presents a timeless selection with a substantial face and a solid black leather band.
Best Multi-Color Watches
A colorful watch makes a great elevated addition to a neutral outfit. I own a red-banded one from Michele, but there are so many other options on the market for a fun accessory moment.
Best Mixed-Metal Watches
Why settle for one metallic shade when you can have both? Mixing metals makes it easier to coordinate your choices with the rest of your jewelry.
Trendy Watch Jewelry
Gone are the days when watches are worn solely on wrists. One of the top trends is wearing timepieces as jewelry and in unexpected ways, like draping them around the neck as pendants or fashioning them into cocktail rings. “With more women embracing watches, we’re seeing a surge in creativity around how they’re worn,” explains Wallner. Early trendsetters include Rihanna, who made headlines by wearing a $400,000 Jacob & Co watch as an anklet at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Taylor Swift, who ushered in a watch choker trend at the 2024 Grammys with a bold, sparkly Lorraine Schwartz timepiece.
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.
Having collected watches for half her life, J.J. Owens’ interest for horology was peaked through her father. After being unable to shake her love of timepieces, she turned her passion into a career by launching Daily Grail, a media where culture and horology intersect.
