The 21 Best Watches for Women in 2023

The real MVP of your outfit.

Bella Hadi is seen arriving at an hotel while wearing a watch on February 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/GC Images)
(Image credit: Pierre Suu/GC Images)

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 (affordable!) 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. “Small watches are becoming more coveted for men and women alike,” she says. (A small watch is a timepiece measuring under about 36 millimeters.)

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 28: Bella Hadid is seen 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: Luxury re-commerce website Fashionphile has noticed an increase in ultra-luxury watch brands, including Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Jorge Ramirez, Timepiece Manager at Fashionphile, says that the site sold “three times” the amount of both brands since August 2021, noting a 175 percent increase for the former and a 191 percent increase for the latter. ”I believe people started realizing the value in the pre-owned and secondary watch market," he says over email. “Not only for brands and models you can only find in the secondary market—primarily Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe—but also for brands like Cartier, Omega, Hublot, and the rest of the brands we sell, which you can find way below retail value in excellent condition and in some cases even in new condition.” 

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. Ramirez says: “Stainless steel still continues to be the more popular style among different metals used by watch manufactures,” so you’ll have no trouble finding one if that’s what you’re after. 

As for specific trends to look out for? Color! “The trend that we are still seeing is colored dials, with many different brands using greens and blues, which we should continue to see for this season,” he says. 

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. 

Jorge Ramirez
Jorge Ramirez

Jorge Ramirez, born and raised in San Diego with proud Mexican heritage, is FASHIONPHILE’s Timepiece Manager. His 10+ years working in the luxury watch space all trace back to learning from some of the best and most well-respected brands in the industry, including Cartier and Hublot & Breitling. His enthusiasm for watches, as well as his important managerial role, is responsible for leading and growing the watch department at FASHIONPHILE. He and his team procure some of the best inventory in the world making FASHIONPHILE the go-to source for buying and selling luxury timepieces.

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