11/19/2020
 4 minutes

Gift Guide: The Best Women’s Watches for Every Budget

By Jenni Elle
CAM-1472-Damenuhren-Magazin-2-1

Gift Guide: The Best Women’s Watches for Every Budget

The selection of women’s watches has grown enormously over the past decade. The range has shifted from primarily delicate, feminine timepieces to a smorgasbord of sizes and styles, including popular unisex watches. We’ve taken a closer look at women’s watches and selected our top picks at every price point.

< $1,500

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

What was once an insider’s tip from Seiko is no longer much of a secret. The Presage Cocktail Time is available in a wide range of colors, sizes (34 to 40 mm), and prices (starting around $425). The watch can exude a casual or elegant look depending on the dial color you choose. Its date display at 3 o’clock makes it a practical companion for everyday life. This timepiece boasts not only a stunning dial but also an automatic movement, which you can view through the transparent case back.

Junghans Meister Damen Automatic

Junghans Meister Damen Automatic
Junghans Meister Damen Automatic

Those with somewhat simpler tastes should consider the Junghans Meister Damen Automatic. At 33 mm, this classic German timepiece is ideal for individuals with slimmer wrists. It also appeals to fans of Bauhaus-style watches with its minimalist dial and case design. The automatic movement features a practical date display at 3 o’clock and boasts a power reserve of around 38 hours. Depending on which band option you choose, expect prices starting around $1,300 for one of these watches.

NOMOS Orion 33

NOMOS Orion 33
NOMOS Orion 33

Yet another great German watch is the NOMOS Orion 33. The Glashütte-based manufacturer is known for their classic designs. Although this timepiece lacks a date display, the small seconds at 6 o’clock gives the dial a balanced look. The Orion is powered by a hand-wound movement with a power reserve of approximately 43 hours. Manual movements offer the wearer the chance to build a more personal connection to their watch since they require periodic winding.

< $3,000

Tudor Black Bay 36

Tudor Black Bay 36
Tudor Black Bay 36

The Tudor Black Bay 36 has everything you could want from a timepiece. Its case is solid 316L steel, and the high-quality metal bracelet is a robust and stylish companion for any occasion. That being said, the dial and case also go beautifully with all kinds of leather and NATO straps. The robust TUDOR 2824 automatic movement (based on an ETA caliber) has a power reserve of 38 hours and is water-resistant to 150 m (492 ft). Finally, the distinctive Snowflake hands are a nod to vintage Tudor models. You can purchase a black or blue Black Bay 36 for as little as $1,700.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Lady

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Lady
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Lady

When most people hear “Aquaracer,” they probably think of the legendary – and bulky – diving watch from TAG Heuer. However, people often forget that this famous sports model is also available in smaller sizes that are perfect for slimmer wrists. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer comes in diameters as small as 33 mm and with a number of different dial options, ranging from elegant mother-of-pearl with diamonds to a sleek “all-black” ceramic look. The Aquaracer Lady changes hands starting at around $1,800, depending on the watch’s configuration.

Cartier Tank Solo Small

Cartier Tank Solo Small
Cartier Tank Solo Small

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Cartier Tank. The current version of the iconic Tank Solo offers a more modern – and flatter – interpretation of the classic silhouette. The Tank Solo is available in a range of sizes, ensuring there is something to suit every taste and wrist. Its quartz movement means there’s no need for manual winding or resetting the watch between wears. Depending on what size you choose, expect prices starting around $2,800.

< $6,000

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35

The Breitling Navitimer is the definition of a classic pilot’s watch. While this model has a long history to look back on, the newest 35-mm version from 2020 is one of the first to fit slimmer wrists. This model gets its power from the Breitling Caliber 17, which has a power reserve of 38 hours and comes with COSC certification. There is a range of dial options available, from mother-of-pearl set with diamond indices to plain blue or champagne-colored with a sunburst pattern. Prices for models on a stainless steel bracelet start around $5,000.

Omega Aqua Terra

Omega Aqua Terra
Omega Aqua Terra

If you value design as much as technology, then the 38-mm Omega Aqua Terra might be the watch for you. Although this timepiece is a bit on the larger side – especially with its typical Omega lugs – it comes with remarkable features and, most importantly, an appealing unisex design. Omega pairs the stainless steel Aqua Terra with a metal bracelet. The in-house, automatic Omega Caliber 8800 is both METAS and COSC-certified and provides the timepiece with a date display at 6 o’clock. The 38-mm Aqua Terra is a remarkably reliable watch and is available from prices starting around $5,700.

< $10,000

Chopard Happy Sport

Chopard Happy Sport
Chopard Happy Sport

The 36-mm stainless steel Happy Sport from Chopard features a unique combination of precious gemstones and a distinctive case design. As its name suggests, this timepiece is a pure joy to look at. Thanks to Chopard’s unique design, the diamonds move freely in a layer between the dial and sapphire crystal. Precious gems aside, this timepiece is a beautiful sight to behold. The watch combines large Roman numerals and slender line indices on a silver dial housed in a shapely case with striking lugs. Expect prices starting around $8,000 for a Happy Sport on a steel bracelet.

Rolex Datejust 36 mm

Rolex Datejust 36
Rolex Datejust 36

The Rolex Datejust has been topping sales lists for years – and for good reason. The classic Rolex is available in countless versions, ensuring everyone can find their perfect watch. Two-tone varieties are particularly popular; they offer the perfect combination of simple elegance and tasteful luxury. The 36-mm version is the ideal modern unisex watch. Depending on what dial, bezel, and bracelet options you choose, expect to pay at least $9,500 for a 36-mm Datejust.

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About the Author

Jenni Elle

Jenni started her watch-focused YouTube channel "Jenni Elle" in early 2020. She and her husband have also been running the German-language watch channel "WATCHVICE" …

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