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Getting a new watch these days may not be top of mind as we always have our smartphones to rely on. However, watches are not completely obsolete and can still provide a valuable service if and/or when our cell phones are out of reach or unusable.
Below we have found some great women’s watches that will not only help you tell the time at a moment’s notice but can make for great wrist candy as well. Our options include classic analog versions with stylish leather and croco embossed bands, a cool white divers watch, a luxe designer version and of course, everyone’s favorite, the Bluetooth-enabled smartwatch.
Whether you choose to wear these watches as a fun accessory or an actual working timepiece, any one of our options will make a great and stylish addition to your accessory wardrobe and will not break the bank.
Our Favorite Womens Watch Worth Considering in 2024
Timex Indiglo Easy Reader Watch — Best Overall
The Timex Indiglo Easy Reader might just be the total package when it comes to a classic, chic, everyday watch. This timepiece is simple in its styling and its black and silver-tone will go with everything in your wardrobe from work basics to a night out with your friends. Its genuine black leather strap is not too thick and not too thin and its white, easy-to-read dial also includes a date window and full Arabic numerals. This watch is also water-resistant up to 100 feet and has a scratch-resistant, durable glass case.
Pros
This watch incorporates the Timex backlight technology, Indiglo
Cons
- Setting the date may be a little challenging
Casio Dive Series Sport Watch — Runner Up
For a more sporty vibe, Casio’s White Dive Series Sport Watch is reminiscent of many higher-end timepieces at a much friendlier pricepoint. Simple and compact, this dive-inspired watch comes with a glossy, durable white resin band, white dial and fun multi-colored numeral face. You have the option of wearing this watch to and from the office with ease or change out your daily watch when you are ready to sweat as it will greatly enhance your athleisure look. This watch also tells analog time with three hands, has a bi-directional rotating bezel and date window display.
Pros
- This watch is water-resistant to 100M, suitable for swimming and snorkeling
Cons
- The white may get dirty easily if not cleaned properly
Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch — Honorable Mention
The Samsung Galaxy Smart Watch is our most technologically savvy pick with built-in health tracking and Bluetooth capability. Its smartwatch capabilities include sleep cycle tracking, reminders to keep moving, calorie tracking, guided meditation, breathing exercises for stress management and much more. In addition, this digital watch comes in a stylish rose gold color that can easily double as a chic evening watch and its nude silicone band makes it comfortable to wear every day. Other amenities include military-grade durability, swim-ready water resistance and a specialty display that is scratch resistant.
Pros
- This watch has an average battery life of up to three days
Cons
- This watch is only compatible with select Bluetooth-capable smartphones
Michael Kors Runway Slim Watch — Contender
The Slim Runway watch by Michael Kors offers up subtle luxury with its sleek, understated dial and unique red color. This is another great everyday watch that can easily go from day to night and looks even better when stacked with some gold bracelets to give it some individual character. This watch is midsize, has a round stainless steel case, quartz movement and a three-hand analog display which includes the brand name logo and hour markers instead of numbers.
Pros
- The Runway watch is water-resistant up to 165 feet
Cons
- If you prefer smaller watch faces another option might be better
Skagen Ancher Dress Watch — Also Consider
Skagen’s Quartz Watch is another great daily option that easily transitions from day-to-night. It’s sleek silver metal plating and high-quality leather band with hook and buckle closure make the perfect combination and can effortlessly pair with any jewelry color and style. What takes it to the next level is its authentic Swarovski crystal hour markers, Japanese movement, and sleek, not too big, not too small, 22mm size. This watch also has a two-hand analog display with quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet.
Pros
- Change up the look of this watch anytime you like with their array of interchangeable straps
Cons
- There is no date window
Timex Easy Reader Watch — Editor's Pick
The Easy Reader Watch by Timex is exactly how it is described – a classically cool watch that makes telling the time fast and easy. This particular version has a chic and adjustable, brown croco print leather strap that is interchangeable and easily pairs with most things in your wardrobe. The watch also includes a cream-colored dial with easy-to-read full Arabic numerals, generous battery life and Timex’s famous Indiglo light-up technology, all of which make this watch a practical yet stylish purchase.
Pros
- This watch is water-resistant up to 100 feet
Cons
- There is no included date window
Casio Classic Resin Watch — Another Option
For those looking for a casual and durable yet inexpensive timepiece, then the Casio Black Classic Resin Watch is a great option. This is your basic round watch with a simple design that features a logoed black dial and clear Arabic numeral markers. It also has a 26mm resin case with a mineral dial window, quartz movement and a classic black band that comes equipped with a sturdy buckle closure.
Pros
- The watch band is interchangeable
Cons
- If you have a larger wrist size, another option might be better
Buying Guide: Women’s Watches
While smartphones may have replaced wristwatches for most people, the right watch can still serve as a fashion statement or even just a handy accessory to help you keep time.
There are so many watches available on the market; you may find it challenging to make a decision. Luckily, we’ve put together this handy buying guide to help you identify the top women’s watches and what you need to look out for when buying one.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about the inner workings, price, and general style of the watch. So, if you’re tempted by our product recommendations above, educate yourself further and buy a watch you’ll be happy to show off.
Start With the Inner Workings of the Watch
Watches have different ways of working. The inner workings of a watch are called a movement. There are three movements, each with different pros and cons.
Mechanical movement
Mechanical watches run from the energy gained from winding a nob. Mechanical watches do not require batteries to run, making them much more eco-friendly than quartz watches. However, a mechanical watch will need to be wound regularly. This could be as often as every couple of days or as little as every ten days. Find out how often your watch will need to be wound before you make a purchase.
Automatic movement
Automatic watches are great because they do not require winding or batteries. Instead, they run from the kinetic energy produced by your everyday movement. However, an automatic watch needs to be worn daily, or it will quickly run out of energy and stop. It will run for two days before it needs to be worn again. If you cannot commit to wearing a watch daily, this may not be the best product for you.
Quartz movement
A quartz watch runs from a battery. If you do not want to wind up or wear a watch regularly, a quartz watch might be the best type of watch to look for. However, you will need to consider the added expense of purchasing batteries in the future. A single watch battery usually lasts between two and five years and costs between $5 and $14 for a basic watch.
How Do You Prefer to Tell the Time?
If you want a traditional clock face, opt for an analog watch. Choose a digital watch if you’d rather view the time in 24-hour format. If you want a watch with stopwatch functions, look for a chronograph watch. “Chronograph” is the technical term for a stopwatch. Batteries for chronograph watches are often more expensive to replace and cost as much as $100.
There are many more abstract ways of telling the time and plenty of online information about some of the more unusual designs. Some unique designs we’ve come across include:
- Color instead of digits represents hours, minutes, and seconds.
- A magnetic ball randomly moves around the watch face until the watch is in a horizontal position when it will move to tell the right time.
- Vertically moving hands with numbers representing minutes and hours in a line instead of a circle.
- A changing doodle that represents time - it takes some getting used to.
- Different shapes represent hours and minutes.
- Static hands and moving digits.
Watches for Women Who Love the Great Outdoors
If you want to wear a watch while enjoying outdoor activities, the watch will need to be sturdier and have various extra features to contend with the weather. Look for a watch with an excellent waterproof rating. You may also want a watch that will signal if you have a fall. For this ability, your watch will need to have a GPS tracker. Finally, consider purchasing a watch that has a thick protective casing around the face so it can survive any drops.
Find a Watch That Suits Your Style
If you are looking for a watch to wear in an environment such as the office or an event, you can concentrate more on the style of your watch. For example, you can opt for a fun, quirky watch made with colorful plastic or something made with gems and stones.
Classic watches are made from gold, silver, and other gold or silver-plated metals. Some watches have faces made from one material and straps made from softer or more flexible fabric. Whatever color and style of watch you choose, ensure the strap is comfortable and adjustable.
Choose a Well Fitting Watch
Measure your wrist with a tape measure before you look for a watch. Choose a watch with an adjustable strap to continue using it if you gain or lose weight. If you purchase a watch with links, choose one with additional links so it can be adjusted by a professional.
Try a Vintage Style Pocket Watch
If you want a watch that is a little more unique-looking, you could choose a pocket watch. Pocket watches are popular for professions where you cannot wear a watch on your wrist, such as nurses who must keep everywhere up to the elbow bare. However, they are a great option for anyone looking to bring elegance to an outfit.
Consider Investing in a Designer Watch
Some budget watches are practical, durable, and stylish. However, you may want to treat yourself to something more expensive. Designer watches are a good investment because you can always sell them when you need to. In addition, some designer watches are worth more as they age.
