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Over the past several years, the topic of women and watches, women in watches, and the best watches for women has become a much-debated topic, both by the enthusiast community and by watchmakers and brands themselves as they struggle to get on the pulse of what women consumers in theory want. After the angry mob raised their symbolic pitchforks across forums at the watchmaking world’s perceived lazy marketing strategy – distilled by the catchy term “pink it and shrink it,” which pointed to the industry's tendency to supply smaller, pink or mother-of-pearl-hued, quartz models in its designs, specifically marketed toward women – I think there is still a great scrambling by brands to pinpoint what women with their exponentially growing purchasing power really want, and will actually transform this demographic into a healthy and dependable consumer base. But I will concede that this is a great challenge indeed because, as we should all know by now, the tastes and stylistic ideals of the women consumer are as varied and complex as women themselves. As a woman in the watch world, I think we are simply looking for a watch landscape that more accurately reflects that, and one with the same consideration and attention to craft (especially in the mechanical department) that has been given to watches marketed towards men.
Taking all of the above into consideration, I’ve put myself to the daunting task of rounding up what I think are the most compelling watches, both specifically geared towards the woman consumer, or great watches with unisex appeal, down below. The list below will obviously reflect my own, very personal opinions and tastes (can you really separate the art from the artist?), but I have also extended the question to my female colleagues, and have included some of the watches that they either own and love in their personal collections, or have on their dream-watch wishlist. This list is really geared towards the watches that are currently and readily available in the market today, but as a caveat, I will say that there are a ton of vintage watches out there that are really great. Most of my own watch collection is made up of obscure, tiny, mechanical watches that I’ve found (and are mostly under $100) through hours of eBay searching, which comes with its risks, but so far, I have been pretty lucky.
The name of this watch is a little funny, and is definitely reminiscent of the “boyfriend” style jeans that make their rounds every few trend cycles. I mean, it is catchy, in a way. Really, it's just one of the most versatile, reasonably priced, mid-sized watches in the Timex contemporary catalog (and one that I haven’t already written about ad nauseam), with some simple yet impactful details that make it feel more elevated than its $159 price tag would suggest.
The brand details that this watch was made to honor the women who worked at the Waterbury Clock Company (aka Timex before it was Timex), which is a lovely story, but other than the signed “Waterbury Collection” on the caseback, that tie-in is a bit of a stretch to me, but ce la vie. I really like the fluted bezel and the five-link bracelet on this piece, its 36mm size, and day-date window, which of course, brings to mind a certain classic from Rolex. This watch is quartz-powered and water-resistant to 50 meters, so you can, in theory, wear it poolside. Also, I do have some intel that Dimepiece has teamed up with Timex to make a new, smaller, limited edition that will come out later this summer, which I would have loved to include in this roundup, but it sadly is not out yet. More to come on that soon.
Summer is usually a slow time for the watch world, and we typically don’t see a ton of noteworthy releases come across our desks. But Omega did drop a banger for the girls this summer with its new 30mm Aqua Terra. The best part? Omega did not skimp on the movement despite the new teeny size. Yep, this watch is powered by its own Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber with the 8750.
There are a whopping 12 new variations of the 30mm Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, but I have to say the steel model with the black lacquered dial is my favorite. I had been wanting Omega to make a smaller version of the black lacquer Seamaster Aqua Terra since it hit the scene, so my watch dreams have come true. In addition to its sophisticated caliber, this watch is also water resistant to 150 meters, which is another huge win. I will say this is on the higher end of the price spectrum (I’m going for range here), and is priced at $6,600, but it has the potential to be a one-and-done watch collection in itself, if such a thing truly exists.
Now we’re onto another summer banger, this time from Bulova. I’ve been complaining that watch companies with a huge design archive don’t dip into it enough for women’s releases for quite a while now, but it seems that the brands are actually starting to listen now.
The trio of Bulova Goddess of Time watches draws from the brand's own 1970s collection by the same name, which is also one of the most fun and experimental eras of watchmaking in general. The three models all have gotten the stone-dial treatment, which is also very 70s, and the mesh bracelet on these is just killer. I love a mesh bracelet, and I’m happy we’re starting to see them come back again. These watches are funky, playful, and still very wearable, so I think Bulova really knocked it out of the park here. The Goddess of Time Reissue models are quartz-powered and retail for $495.
This is a pick that several women in the Teddy office actually own and wear regularly, and is just a great unisex watch, full stop. I mean, there’s a reason that the brand’s 5 Sports collection has become such a fan favorite: all of the models are versatile, reasonably priced, have mechanical movements, and are a bit spunky, so there’s a lot to love here.
I’ve gone with the teal-dial version of the Seiko 5 Sports, but all of the mid-sized variations are equally worthy, and it just comes down to a matter of personal preference. As with the rest of the collection, this watch leans on stylistic inspiration from the brand’s SKX quartz divers of the 1980s, but has gotten a great mechanical upgrade via the use of the Automatic Caliber 4R36. Given its dive-watch-inspired roots, this piece is water resistant to 100 meters, and it’s also currently on sale for $260.
There are several different watches I could have picked for this roundup from the Casio catalog, but I wanted to go with a model I haven’t previously talked about before, which is a little more on the analog side. Still, I do love the brand’s Vintage section, and I still love me some Baby-G, so I wouldn’t sleep on those either, and encourage everyone to explore.
There are several different colorways to explore on similar, mid-sized models, but I’ve gone with the classic and versatile deep blue model here. I mean, it’s just a great, do-it-all, no-fuss watch that I think is a great option for someone who might just be getting into watches, or wants to try out a more mid-sized watch in general. Like the previous pick from Timex, this watch has a fluted bezel, simple time-and-date functionality, water resistant up to 50 meters, and is quartz-powered, which adds some set-it-and-forget-it appeal. The best part of this watch for me is its price tag, which is under $80.
I think if there’s one watch I don’t shut up about, it’s the Longines Mini Dolce Vita, but I’m not sorry about it. There are so few watches out there that give Cartiers a run for their money, and the Dolce Vita is my Cartier-alternative final boss. It mixes what I love about the Panthère with everything I love about the Tank, for half the price.
For small-watch lovers who like the Art Deco era of design, the Dolce Vita Mini is directly inspired by Longines’ own circa-1927 designs, so this is also a watch that has the chops to back up its vintage-inspired aesthetic. I also want to give props to Longines for having a variety of straps (including the very funky, triple wrap leather straps) to choose from, in addition to the chocolate-bar style bracelet pairing, to add to the overall style versatility of the watch. Again, we’re in quartz-powered territory here, but given that the crown is pretty discreet and tiny on the Mini Dolce Vita, I wouldn’t necessarily want to be winding it and setting it all the time. I love a grab-and-go watch, though I do hope in the future the brand will release a mechanical version of the Mini Dolce Vita, now that watchmakers are finally starting to bring back tiny mechanical movements. The Longines Mini Dolce Vita is priced at $1,950 for the steel models paired with a bracelet, and runs slightly less paired with a strap, though my argument would be to start at the bracelet and buy coordinating straps after.
Now we’re onto another watch on this list that packs a punch in the mechanical department with the 36mm Defy Skyline (which we reviewed here). Yes, the price tag does reflect that, and this one is on the higher end at $8,700.
Zenith is a brand that shouldn’t be slept on for those looking for small-wrist-friendly watches, and in spending time with several different models, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how even some of the 41mm watches work on my own tiny wrist. But my personal favorite continues to be the Defy Skyline in 36mm. I really like the architecture of the octagonal case and the integrated bracelet style of it all. The star pattern on the dial also adds a bit more personality to the watch without being overwhelming or distracting. Back to the subject of the movement, this watch is powered by its own high-frequency caliber with the Elite 670 manufacture movement, which beats at 4 Hz, has 144 components, and a 50-hour power reserve. And, this watch is water resistant to 100 meters, which is only right considering its sporty style (and that price tag).
After highlighting a watch at the higher end of the price spectrum above, I’m swinging back around to one of the most affordable watches on this list – and one that just so happens to be in my personal collection.
The Breda catalog is full of unisex-friendly gems, but the brand recently released pieces paired with highly-adjustable mesh style bracelets in the new “tethered” collection, including this take on its classic Virgil model. Pretty much all watches with small, rectangular cases pretty much get compared to the Cartier Tank, but I think from the architecture of the case to the minimal brushed dial, and now the woven mesh bracelet, this watch stands in a league of its own, especially given its $185 price tag. And while we’re on the subject of the bracelet, I have to say from personal experience, it’s really a breeze to put on and tailor to the perfect size of your wrist, which is a huge plus. I’ve worn this watch around some real watch snobs, and despite its affordable price, everyone has agreed that it really punches above its weight class.
Another relatively new release, Citizen added mid-sized options in 37mm to its Tsuyosa collection a few months back, and even with the scaled-down proportions, it's still got an automatic movement with the 8210.
My favorites of the bunch are the sky blue and pink models, which the brand launched as a duo, and make a great, affordable alternative to the Rolex Datejust at just $360. Some details I really like about the Tsuyosa automatic are the sunray finish on the dial, that cyclops-style date window, the exhibition caseback, and the bullet bracelet.
I could really have chosen just about any Grand Seiko 40mm and under for this list, but since we’re talking the Best Watches For Women in 2025, it feels only right to go with a recent release from the brand, the SBGW323 “Kiri.”
Though the brand makes some smaller models (many of which are quartz), I do think that the mid-sized 36.4mm diameter was the right choice for this watch. The lilac-hued dial with the brand’s Mt. Iwate textural finish is one that photos can’t do justice, and I really recommend seeing this one in person if you have a boutique near you. It shimmers and plays in the light, and once again proves that Grand Seiko is the reigning champion of dial finishing. This watch is powered by the manually wound Caliber 9S64 (which I do wish could be seen through the caseback, but alas), and is priced at $5,900.
Breitling is one I typically associate with big watches (and watches that I can’t really pull off), but the brand’s recently released Top Time collection changes all of that. It’s not every day that I get personally excited by a Breitling, but judging from my own reaction to the new Top Time watches (which we have a thorough guide for here), as well as others, the brand is making some wise strategic moves with its move towards more unisex-friendly options.
I did have a chance to take this watch for a spin, and I was literally blown away not only by how its mid-sized, 38mm wears, but also the dials. My personal favorite was the white and blue variation, and I quite literally did not want to take it off and give it back. The Top Time collection uses the new Breitling B31 manufacture caliber and retails for $5,900.
The Orient Bambino gets a lot of hype as a great, affordable, mechanical dress watch – all of which is true – but it doesn’t often get much credit for its unisex appeal. I’ve gone with this salmon-dial model here, even though it is technically a limited edition, but I might as well give it some attention before it sells out.
Though I most often see Orient Bambino paired with a leather strap, which boosts its dressiness, I actually quite like it paired with a bracelet. This does speak to my personal preferences, as I typically just prefer a good bracelet full stop, but I do think it adds to this watch’s versatility. This model is 38mm, which is well within Goldilocks' size territory for a prime position as one of the best watches for women or men. Other wins include the mechanical movement, which in this case is the Caliber F6724 with hacking seconds, and the fact that it’s currently on sale for $300.
Okay, I’m starting to waver on what I said about summer being a slow time for watches, given that here we have yet another really compelling women’s watch release from this summer — the Frederique Constant Classics Manchette. I mean, the bracelet on this thing is killer.
While we typically see revival pieces lean on 20th-century designs, the Classics Manchette pulls from the brand’s 2002 archive. I mean, early 2000s style has been back in a big way across the fashion world, so why wouldn’t the watch industry reflect that? The aforementioned killer bracelet on this watch is seven links in a Clou de Paris shape, which adds even more dimension to the cuff-like effect. I really love how tiny the dial on this model is, as well as the way the case just melts into the bracelet itself. I’ve had the good fortune of taking this one for a spin, and it really wears like a dream, and the form feels comfortable and fluid. It will be no surprise, given its tiny size that this watch is quartz powered, and the pricing starts at $1,395, though there is a more expensive, more jewelry-oriented model that has a diamond-set dial.
I have a really big soft spot for Oris – I feel like it’s a brand that’s unafraid of playfulness and personality (and it is one of the most truly sustainable watch brands in the industry; just go take a look at the company's initiatives to cut emissions, reduce waste, and various partnerships with charities), and its Big Crown Pointer Date is among my favorites of the brand’s recent releases.
I really like the dial layout and color options in the line, and even with the oversized crown of this watch’s namesake, from personal experience, I’ve found that the Big Crown Pointer Date wears a bit more compact than 40mm, even on small wrists. I think if I had to choose a favorite of the three models, I would go with the purple because it's a color I don’t really see a lot out there, but all three really just scream "summer" to me, especially that sunny yellow model. This watch is water resistant to 50 meters, is powered by the brand’s 754-1 automatic caliber, and retails for $2,400.
I really could have gone with any PRX model here (especially those more in the mid-size range), but as a teeny-tiny watch lover, I’m going to go with he 25mm PRX that Tissot released last year. This definitely did soften the blow of the comeback of the Mini Royal Oak last year – a watch I love, but is so out of my budget it's not even funny.
The 25mm really rounds out the entire Tissot PRX lineup, and I think it can be argued that there is a watch for just about everyone in the PRX collection now. Though I am holding out hope that one day the brand will make a tiny mechanical movement to expand upon this size range, the 70s integrated bracelet style, 100 meters of water resistance, and the range of dial options for the 25mm, there’s a lot to love here. Pricing for the Tissot PRX 25mm begins at $325, though I think my favorite of the bunch is the black-dial variation with diamond indices.
There are other watches in the Omega catalog that are marketed more explicitly towards women, but I have to say that the recently released Seamaster reboot of the Railmaster is very unisex-friendly. I’ve also gotten wind from our sales team that many women visiting our brick-and-mortor store have specifically asked about (and have even bought) this one, so this is not just a personal conjecture. Women want the Seamaster Railmaster, whether the brand targeted that demographic specifically or not.
Omega’s Railmaster line was one the brand had previously given the axe, but has made it’s grand return to the contemporary lineup reimagined in the Seamaster collection in 38mm (you can catch up on its history here). Currently, there are two dial variations of the Seamaster Railmaster, one that’s more heavily vintage-inspired with a beige gradient dial paired with vintage Super-LumiNova, and another that feels more modern with a grey gradient dial. Both Seamaster Railmaster models retail for $6,400 and are powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8804.
This is one of the most expensive watches on this list, but the release of several new Serpenti models powered by a newly developed automatic movement was undeniably huge news for small watch lovers this year. Small watches are so back, people!
The Lady Solotempo BVS 100 caliber is really the star of the show here, and it might be indicative that the big watch houses are ready to invest in small movements again after going the quartz route for women’s watches by default for so many years. This movement measures just 19mm in diameter and 3.90mm thick, making it one of the smallest movements in production now. And, furthering my hunch that more teeny tiny automatic watches might be on their way, Bulgari has detailed that it is going to share the wealth of this movement with other members of the LVMH Watch Group.
There really are so many watches from Nomos that are truly unisex, but I just have a soft spot for the Club Campus collection, and it’s also a great entry point into the world of the brand in terms of price and style. Because I prefer a smaller watch, I lean towards the 36mm Club Campus models, but the 38mm model is super unisex-friendly too, so you can’t go wrong.
This is another watch that has many, many different dial color options to choose from, but my favorite is the turquoise Endless Blue variation. The California style dial, which mixes Arabic and Roman numerals, also adds an extra dose of playfulness, and I really love how much personality the entire Club Campus line has. This watch is powered by the brand’s in-house manufactured Alpha-Manual caliber and retails for $1,660.
Initially, I was considering running with the smaller, quartz-powered versions of the Khaki Field, but upon further consideration (and after talking to some of the women in the Teddy office), I’m going with the white dial Khaki Field Murph in 38mm which we previously reviewed here. It’s a great size, it’s got that “Interstellar” movie connection, and it's mechanical with the H-10 automatic movement. The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph is currently priced at $945.
We’re going to close out this roundup of the best watches for women with the most unattainably priced watch on the list, but one that is nevertheless one of my favorite watches out there. Again, there are a ton of Cartier (which you can learn more about here) watches for women out there, but I think the Baignoire, especially on the bangle, is one of the brand’s most inimitable.
This watch carries the torch from the brand’s 1958 Oval cintré design, which was later dubbed the Baignoire (from the French word for bathtub) in the early 1970s. Though the design has been around for decades, the Baignoire was relatively obscure, but has been catapulted back into the limelight with the help of many a celebrity. It’s kind of inescapable now, but I still love it (especially the diamond-polkadot gold model that the brand debuted at Watches & Wonders this year). All of the Cartier Baignoire models available now are quartz-powered, and if you can sacrifice pairing it with a solid gold bangle (which I definitely couldn’t), pricing begins at $8,150.
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