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The 18 Best Watches for Women for Every Budget and Occasion

Classic meets modern.

Three distinct womens watches with metallic bands displayed sidebyside against a neutral backgroundThree distinct womens watches with metallic bands displayed sidebyside against a neutral background

Byrdie

TL;DR

For an affordable watch that makes for a great everyday piece, we like the Gaofan Hour Watch for Women with Vintage Rectangular Case, available on Amazon for under $30. It’s water-resistant and is available in multiple colors. If you’re looking for a mid-range watch with a vintage-like design, we recommend the Timex Cavatina Watch.

We’re of the opinion that a great watch always elevates a look—whether it’s the new vintagevibe—dainty, elegant, sans logos (for those who didn’t get hand-me-downs from a ‘90s wardrobe)—sporty luxury, or oversized maximalist. Some styles are more timeless than others, but who doesn’t love to lean into a fun trend, too? That’s what’s exciting about fashion right now—really anything goes, just as long as you’re dressing (and accessorizing) for you.

Allow me—a shopping expert whose nine-to-five involves scouring metaphorical racks and shelves of the internet for the best of fashion—to curate your dream watch shopping list. TL;DR: An evergreen, ‘forever’ piece needn’t cost a fortune—unless you’re in the mood to splurge, and the right watch is the best way to play with bold trends, from classic pearls to interchangeable bands.

Top Picks

Golden Hour Gold Tone Vintage Women’s Oval Case Bracelet Watch at Amazon$30

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Gaofan Hour Watch for Women with Vintage Rectangular Case at Amazon$28

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Anne Klein Women’s Oval Two-Tone Metal Alloy Bracelet Watch at Macy’s$85$68

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Michael Kors Outlet Mini Monroe Pavé Gold-Tone Watch at Michaelkors.com$245$118

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Caitlyn Minimalist Slim Oval Timepiece in Mixed Metal at Caitlynminimalist.com$102$72

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Timex Cavatina Watch at Timex.com$139

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Fossil Women’s Raquel Quartz Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch at Macy’s$195

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Michael Kors Outlet Mini Aspyn Rose Gold-Tone Watch at Michaelkors.com$275$132

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Breda Jane Revival Bracelet Watch at Nordstrom$195

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Coach Sammy Bracelet Watch at Reeds.com$185

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Best Watches for Women Under $50

Golden Hour Gold Tone Vintage Women’s Oval Case Bracelet Watch

GOLDEN HOUR Gold Tone Vintage Women's Oval Case Bracelet WatchGOLDEN HOUR Gold Tone Vintage Women's Oval Case Bracelet Watch
Credit: Amazon

$30

$26 at Amazon

Case size: 20 mm | Length: 7.5 inches | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 100 feet

You don’t have to break the bank to find a watch you love. If you’re a gold girl through and through, you’ll love this monochromatic oval watch from Golden Hour. It looks much more expensive than its $30 price tag—and the gold face seamlessly blends into the gold band for a fully cohesive look. The best part? It’s on Amazon, so you can get it fast.

Gaofan Hour Watch for Women with Vintage Rectangular Case

Gaofan Hour Watch for Women with Vintage Rectangular CaseGaofan Hour Watch for Women with Vintage Rectangular Case
Credit: Amazon
$28 at Amazon

Case size: 34 mm | Length: 7.1 inches | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 100 feet

Vintage and ’90s-style watches are a major trend right now, on par with fashion’s love for nostalgia. I love that this pick on Amazon, priced at $28, combines a modern design with the daintiness of antique watches. It’s available in silver, gold, and mixed metal. Also worth noting: it comes with a tool included to adjust the band, ensuring the perfect fit.

Best Watches for Women Under $100

Anne Klein Women’s Oval Two-Tone Metal Alloy Bracelet Watch

Anne Klein Women's Quartz Contemporary Oval Two-Tone Metal Alloy Bracelet WatchAnne Klein Women's Quartz Contemporary Oval Two-Tone Metal Alloy Bracelet Watch
Credit: Macy’s

$85

$68 at Macy’s

Case size: 25 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 100 feet

Anne Klein has beautiful watches at an affordable price point. I’m a big fan of this mixed metal option because it can easily tie in other jewelry, whether it’s silver or gold. I’d be remiss not to mention the decadent, white mother-of-pearl dial, and also that it’s water-resistant and comes with an 11-year limited lifetime warranty.

Best Watches for Women Under $150

Michael Kors Outlet Mini Monroe Pavé Gold-Tone Watch

Michael Kors Outlet Mini Monroe Pavé Gold-Tone WatchMichael Kors Outlet Mini Monroe Pavé Gold-Tone Watch
Credit: Michael Kors Outlet

$245

$118 at Michaelkors.com

Case size: 20 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 165 feet

A little sparkle can really make a watch pop, as exemplified by this pick from Michael Kors. The rhinestones bordering two sides of the dial add a touch of elegance, making it fit for a formal occasion.

Caitlyn Minimalist Slim Oval Timepiece in Mixed Metal

Caitlyn Minimalist Slim Oval Timepiece in Mixed MetalCaitlyn Minimalist Slim Oval Timepiece in Mixed Metal
Credit: Caitlyn Minimalist

$102

$72 at Caitlynminimalist.com

Case size: 24 mm | Length: 7.5 inches | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: No

This dainty, vintage-looking, two-toned option is the perfect everyday watch. It’s sleek and simple, and can be effortlessly dressed up or down. Keep in mind it isn’t water-resistant, so make sure you take it off before washing your hands.

Timex Cavatina Watch

Timex Cavatina WatchTimex Cavatina Watch
Credit: Timex
$139 at Timex.com

Case size: 19 mm | Length: 7.5 inches | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 98 feet

Timex has great watches for women that fall within a mid-range price range. It’s a reliable brand if you’re not looking to invest in a luxury watch but still want one that will last and is high-quality. The Timex Cavatina has a vintage-like appeal that makes it such a classic option.

Best Watches for Women Under $200

Fossil Women’s Raquel Quartz Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Women's Raquel Quartz Two-Tone Stainless Steel WatchFossil Women's Raquel Quartz Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
Credit: Macy’s
$195 at Macy’s$195 at Fossil.com

Case size: 23 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 164 feet

Fossil has been a leader in the watch industry for decades, catering to both men and women. I own this mixed metal watch myself, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s simple enough for everyday wear, but the two-toned design makes it eye-catching enough to make a statement. Plus, it’s water-resistant.

Michael Kors Outlet Mini Aspyn Rose Gold-Tone Watch

Michael Kors Outlet Mini Aspyn Rose Gold-Tone WatchMichael Kors Outlet Mini Aspyn Rose Gold-Tone Watch
Credit: Michael Kors Outlet

$275

$132 at Michaelkors.com

Case size: 33 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 164 feet

This Michael Kors watch is perfect for rose-gold girls. It has a thick band and a large, round face. Monochromatic styles like this are a huge trend at the moment, so while this option has a classic silhouette, it’s still modern with its cohesive colorway. It’s water-resistant and comes with a two-year warranty.

Breda Jane Revival Bracelet Watch

Breda Jane Revival Bracelet WatchBreda Jane Revival Bracelet Watch
Credit: Nordstrom
$195 at Nordstrom$195 at Urban Outfitters$195 at Breda.com

Case size: 18 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 100 feet

If you’re looking for a watch that’s different from the norm, let me introduce you to Breda’s Jane Revival. It has a textured, slim band and a beautiful mother-of-pearl dial. It’s available in 18k gold-plated and stainless steel.

Coach Sammy Bracelet Watch

Coach Sammy Bracelet WatchCoach Sammy Bracelet Watch
Credit: Macy’s
$185 at Reeds.com$185 at Macy’s$185 at Coach.com

Case size: 22.5 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 99 feet

Coach not only offers beautiful, high-quality bags but also stunning watches for women. I’m a big fan of the Sammy Watch, a modern, textured bracelet with a silver-white dial. It’s water-resistant and has a two-year limited warranty.

Ettika Oval Mother of Pearl Watch & Leather Strap Set

Ettika Oval Mother of Pearl Watch & Leather Strap SetEttika Oval Mother of Pearl Watch & Leather Strap Set
Credit: Nordstrom
$175 at Nordstrom

Case size: N/A | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: N/A

A watch that’s interchangeable gives you more bang for your buck, and allows you to pair with a wider variety of outfits. This is my favorite leather-strap watch because it’s elegant and comes with two strap options: brown and cream. Its mother-of-pearl dial pairs beautifully with either strap.

Olivia Burton Classic Mini Grove Gold Bracelet Watch

Olivia Burton Classic Mini Grove Gold Bracelet WatchOlivia Burton Classic Mini Grove Gold Bracelet Watch
Credit: Olivia Burton
$185 at Oliviaburton.com$185 at Dillards.com

$185

$139 at Bloomingdales

Case size: 16 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 100 feet

It’s not often you find a light gold watch—after years of market research, I’ve learned a deeper, yellow tone seems to be the norm. We’re all for the unique change-up and enjoy how the lightness of this pick makes it a bit more subtle. And because of its slim design, it’s a great piece for stacking with other bracelets.

Fossil Gilmore Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil Gilmore Three-Hand Stainless Steel WatchFossil Gilmore Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch
Credit: Fossil

$160

$128 at Fossil.com$160 at Bloomingdales

$160

$128 at Macy’s

Case size: 28 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 164 feet

If you’re on the hunt for a classic, large, round-faced watch, you can’t go wrong with the Fossil Gilmore watch. It’s available in silver, gold, rose gold, and two-toned. This silhouette will never go out of style, so you can ensure you’ll have this piece around for years.

Best Watches for Women Under $250

Kate Spade Monroe Heart Pearl Bracelet Watch

Kate Spade Monroe Heart Pearl Bracelet WatchKate Spade Monroe Heart Pearl Bracelet Watch
Credit: Kate Spade

$268

$215 at Macy’s$248 at Dillards.com$248 at Katespade.com

Case size: 24 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 98 feet

This pearl watch from Kate Spade is so sweet and delicate. It’s such a fun option for a more dressy occasion or event. Pearls will forever be a classic, so you can trust this is a worthwhile investment that you can wear for years to come. I appreciate the small touches of detail on the dial as well, like the spade at the 12:00 mark.

Best Watches for Women Under $350

Tory Burch The Miller Bangle Bracelet Watch

Tory Burch The Miller Bangle Bracelet WatchTory Burch The Miller Bangle Bracelet Watch
Credit: Macy’s
$310 at Nordstrom$310 at Macy’s$298 at Toryburch.com

Case size: 27 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 98 feet

Four looks in one? Count me in. While the Tory Burch The Miller Bangle Bracelet Watch is pricey, it comes with three additional rings, allowing you to change up the design effortlessly without spending another dime. And if you prefer the look of a traditional bracelet as opposed to a watch, you’ll like the band on this pick.

Citizen Petite Palidoro

Citizen Petite PalidoroCitizen Petite Palidoro
Credit: Citizen

$425

$319 at Zales.com$425 at Bloomingdales

$425

$340 at Citizenwatch.com

Case size: 28 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: Yes | Movement: Eco-Drive (doesn’t need batteries) | Water-resistant: Yes

Citizen is a well-known, beloved watch brand for both men and women. I find their Petite Palidoro to be such a classic, timeless piece that I would keep in my jewelry box forever. The crystals lining two sides of the dial add a beautiful touch of sparkle without overpowering the overall design.

Best Watches for Women Under $400

Tory Burch Mini Eleanor Watch

Tory Burch The Mini Eleanor Double Bracelet WatchTory Burch The Mini Eleanor Double Bracelet Watch
Credit: Nordstrom
$350 at Nordstrom$330 at Bloomingdales$350 at Toryburch.com

Case size: 19 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 165 feet

This Tory Burch double bracelet watch is so visually intricate and eye-catching. It’s a statement piece that still works for everyday wear, and it’s available in gold and two-toned colorways.

Seiko Essentials SUR550

Seiko Essentials SUR550Seiko Essentials SUR550
Credit: Seiko
$375 at Seikousa.com

$360

$252 at Belk.com

$375

$300 at Fredmeyerjewelers.com

Case size: 30 mm | Length: N/A | Adjustable: N/A | Movement: Quartz | Water-resistant: Yes, up to 165 feet

Another popular watch brand, Seiko, offers beautiful, high-quality watches that you’ll wear for years. I’m a fan of this two-toned, minimalistic piece, complete with a round, champagne dial.

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