A prestigious luxury brand of watch is a symbol for excellence, perfection, and success. Getting a timepiece from these brands won’t come cheap, but more often than not, it will be a worthy investment in yourself.
“I wanted to get myself something that I would remember, that would have significance.” were the words of Nikki Ogunnaike, Digital Director of Harper’s Bazaar, in an interview with Dimepiece.
It is more meaningful to buy a watch than a handbag. Wear it at all times. It’s low maintenance, has resale value, and can turn into an heirloom.
This is all true for ladies who buy watches from the top luxury watch brands. Look no further when you’re ready to ascend your style and status. The best luxury watches for women are listed below.
1. Cartier – The One Every Woman Wants
Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847, has a long history of being the jeweler to kings and royals. Princess Mathilde bought a Cartier piece as early as 1857, and even had him make a wristwatch for her before wristwatches became a thing.
Cartier is the most sought-after luxury watch brand among women. Cartier Tanks are worn by A-List celebrities like Kate Middleton, Sofia Vergara and many others. Or, a Panthere that has been passed down from one generation to the next.
Beyond the prestige and heritage, Cartier ushers you into a “cult” of high horology with some dedicated savings. The price of a pre-owned Roadstar, Panthere or Panthere is as low as $3,000.
Panthère De Cartier is the ultimate women’s watch thanks to its bracelet-like design. Its tiny face almost overlaps with the chain-link bracelet, so it’s perfect for everyday wear. With a quartz movement, you don’t have to worry about wounding or the watch dying, perfect for beginners. Cartier will give you the 5-star treatment when you enter their boutique.
Cartier offers women a feeling of community that is different from other luxury watch brands. From tennis bracelets and brooches to fine jewelry, the Swiss watchmaker is able to satisfy your shopping needs.
2. Glashütte Original – The One With The Big Reveal
Glashutte Original women’s collection is an understated brand that gets mouths gaping on discovery. Unless you’re in the inner circle, it may seem like an obscure brand, but they have an inspiring watchmaking culture. In addition to being sponsored by the government (to keep their watches affordable), they also run the German School of Watchmaking.
This brand produces watches that have a subtle sparkle to them and are appealing to women who like jewels.
Glashutte Original’s Lady Serenade and Privoluna are mechanical watches with exquisite watch faces. The Lady Serenade, with its 36mm case and mother-of pearl dial, will pass as a Rolex-alternative.
Meanwhile, you’d love the Pavonina if you prefer sleek, modern, futuristic designs. You’ll love its cushion-shaped casing and flexible lugs.
Glashutte Original even offers a lady’s timepiece for “watch nerds.” The PanoMatic Luna 1-90-12-02-12-04 has an identical case to the Lady Serenade plus a complication. It features a moonphase, small seconds and a larger (39mm) face. You will want to wear the engraved rubber band with every outfit.
3. Patek Philippe – The One Everyone Respects
Patek Phillipe, founded in 1839 is one the oldest luxury watch companies. You can’t go wrong with a Patek Phillipe if you appreciate precision timekeeping, complicated watch engineering, and status. As a reference, Patek Phillipe is part of the Holy Trinity watchmakers which also includes Audemars, Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin.
What’s unique about Patek Phillippe is you can dress up all of their watch collections. The Swiss brand makes this easier by offering lady-sized versions such as the Nautilus and Aquanaut.
While PP has a generally inclusive design, they also offer women’s watches, namely the Twenty-4 and Gondolo. These watches are of royal quality and a must for any woman that wants to feel like she is a queen. Queen Elizabeth II occasionally wore a Patek Philippe Calatrava 4706/II, just like many other world leaders.
4. Rolex – The Cherished One With So Many Counterfeits
Rolex, as a watchmaker and brand, is so well-known that it doesn’t need an introduction. Rolex is one of the most popular brands in history.
Rolex doesn’t have a deep range of women’s watches, except for smaller versions of its iconic watches. The most popular variations of these watches are the Datejust and Day-Date (Lady Datejust).
There are many models in the Rolex Collection that are gender-neutral, such as the Oyster Perpetual Date (also known as the Yacht-Master), the Daytona, and the Oyster Perpetual Date.
However, you’re buying Rolex to do more than tell the time. This brand has become synonymous with success in all walks of the life for decades.
Aside from never being out of commission, a Rolex retains its value and is the best luxury watch brand for women looking for an “investment watch.”
Rolex watches are a stylish accessory for everyday use or as a statement piece. Somehow, though, H.E.R. H.E.R. Regardless, a Rolex is a must-have if you’re building a collection.
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre – The One with Creative Designs
Jaeger LeCoultre makes a luxury watch for women who enjoy vintage watches and dressy watches. JLC, founded in 1833 has a long history of producing movements (the watch engines) for all the famous watches brands.
Reverso is the first watch that comes to mind for anyone who asks about a Jaeger-LeCoultre recommendation. The small rectangular face, with Arabic numeral markers and the strap of your choice, is so classic and chic. You can use the reversed case to protect your watch so that you don’t have to remove it for anything, whether it is horseriding or dishwashing.
JLC offers a wide range of luxury watches for women. You will be wowed by bedazzled masculine watches, like Rendez-Vous Dazzling, classic round cases like Rendes-Vous Classic, and blueprint lady’s designs, such as Rendez-Vous Moon and Reverso One variations.
Jaeger Le Coultre watches are associated with high fashion and horology taste. Most celebrities are seen wearing them at formal occasions.
6. Omega – The One Everyone Loves
Omega is among the best ladies’ luxury watch brands for prestige, quality, and resale value. Aside from being the official timekeeper of the original Olympic Games, Omega’s Speedmaster was the first watch to walk on the moon.
Omega also ranks among the top ten luxury watch brands around the world in any survey. And if there’s one thing popular luxury brands like Omega, Hublot, and Rolex excel at, it’s a sense of communal marketing through influencers and ambassadors.
When compiling the list, I was influenced by influential female Omega ambassadors such as Zoe Kravitz or Nicole Kidman. Zoe Kravitz displaying the Omega Mini Tresor in this article gave them a slight edge over Bulgari. No offense to the Serpenti as a Hall of Fame lady’s watch, but Omega offers more as a brand for women.
The Mini Tresor is also a great budget alternative if you love bracelet-style watches like Bulgari’s Serpenti. Omega also offers De Ville Tresors, Seamaster Aqua Terras, and Constellation.
7. Piaget – The One with Pizzazz
Piaget, a highly regarded movement maker, was established in 1874. Brands like Piaget are known for their award-winning, ultra-thin movement designs and artistic jewelry. If you’re style-conscious and care less about a brand’s popularity, Piaget is the way to go.
While Piaget is an underground player, it’s no pushover. Actually, compared to more popular brands like Omega and Rolex, they’re the more expensive and arguably better producers of high-end timepieces.
Piaget Possession, Polo and other notable watches are worth mentioning. The Polo, a cushion-shaped watch with a stunning design, can be expensive. While the Possession is one of the most beautiful round-cased timepieces I’ve ever seen, there are still cheaper alternatives.
The Piaget limelight is here. It’s an exquisite timepiece any influential woman should own. Its 26mm face and eye-line bezel are pure class. It’s as if it’s fashioned for the red carpet, which may limit styling it to dresses. Rightfully so, at its price.
Women’s Luxury Watches: What to Consider
Luxury watches are more than just a matter of brand recognition! Here’s what you need to know while snooping through the luxury watch brands for women.
- Start with the watch mechanism – would you swoon over the complexity of an automatic movement, or would you fancy the accuracy of quartz? Quartz watches are reliable, require less maintenance and cost less, whereas mechanical watches require skill and craftsmanship.
- Design. Vintage or modern? Sleek or adorned? Choose a style that mirrors your personality to a tee without trying too hard—a Rolex Submariner for the modern femme fatale, perhaps?
- You must choose a watch that matches your lifestyle. Say, if you’re always on the run, a durable watch with water resistance could be your best bet. For a glamorous event or power dressing, you might want something elegant and sleek.
- The selection of materials. Gold, silver, and stainless steel watches have their own charm, but don’t forget ceramic and titanium, which are also hot picks.
- Consider dial size. A huge dial may not always suit slender wrists, but fashion rules don’t always apply! Choose what makes you feel the most confident.
- Style or substance: Well, both! Check out your favorite brands, but don’t ignore the watch features and the overall craftsmanship.
- You should always check if your luxury item comes with a guarantee. After all, who wants to deal with problems after the purchase?
Bottom line
Luxury watches reveal your tastes and preferences. So, if you’re picking one, you should find a brand that suits your personality and tells your story best. The price and the aesthetics of a product are not as important in the big picture.
Think of a luxury watch brand as a heirloom you’ll be proud to pass down. You can also use it as a conversation opener with friends, family and colleagues.
So, while cheaper alternatives exist to the brands in this post, these are the blueprint for excellence— the best luxury watch brands for women.