The most exquisite and tasteful women's luxury watches

Women in search of a high-end watch today will find that just about every luxury watchmaker has considered both sexes. This wasn’t always the case – in the past, women either had to settle for an overly large men’s watch or choose from a meagre selection of products for women.

The drawback is that investing in a luxury timepiece can be a daunting experience, with a vast array of brands to choose from before even considering aesthetics and functional requirements. Whether you’re gifting a watch to a loved one or buying one for yourself, this curated list will help you choose a stylish design that will stand the test of time. From sporty and durable to elegant and chic, each of these quality timepieces has its own unique qualities and personality.

Vacheron Constantin Égérie Moon Phase

The Égérie collection captures the celebration of femininity and the convergence of two worlds – haute watchmaking and haute couture – that both strive for beauty and elegance in their own ways. Lightweight and delicate, this dreamy collection with its tapestry-like patterning on the dial and off-centre design is truly exquisite and innovative in its approach. Each 37-millimetre case, whether it’s 18-karat white or pink gold or steel, is encircled by round-cut diamonds that also surround the moon phase. This section draws immediate attention with its starry sky and sea of clouds.

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Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori

Bulgari’s Serpenti Seduttori seduces and charms its wearer into thinking it’s a jewellery statement piece with its scale-patterned strap and 33-millimetre drop-shaped watch head that allude to the serpent. The collection combines Roman craftsmanship with the expertise of Swiss watchmaking, resulting in timepieces that exude sophistication interwoven with luxurious elements. One of the collection’s watches comes with a malachite dial that is beautifully contrasted against an 18-karat rose gold bracelet and case crowned with diamonds. Each piece is also water-resistant for up to 50 metres and is powered by a quartz movement.

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A Lange & Söhne Little Lange 1 Moon Phase

Available in stunning variations of white and pink gold, The Little Lange 1 Moon Phase is a sublime statement piece that is slightly smaller than A Lange & Söhne’s original models at 36.8 millimetres. With a range of features on its surface – operating hours, minutes, small seconds, stop seconds, date and moon phase as well as the option to choose a diamond-set brezel, this timepiece is a rare find. The white gold model’s dial is solid silver coated with dark blue gold flux, giving it a shimmery appearance, while the pink gold version has a guilloched dial crafted from solid gold. Interestingly, nine different finishing techniques are apparent around the moving parts, giving this exceptional mechanical masterpiece a unique aesthetic.

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Piaget Limelight Gala

Piaget’s Limelight Gala watch collection is an embodiment of the maison’s exceptional craftsmanship, ultra-thin aesthetic and bold moves with its asymmetrical design. Each watch variation is brought to life by 60 or more brilliant-cut diamonds, which allow light to pass through and enhance the curved contours of the piece. Piaget gemologists select only the highest-quality diamonds, resulting in a classic meets contemporary timepiece.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Timeless in form and function, Oyster Perpetual watches embody the pioneering spirit of Rolex coupled with the best features from the original Oyster – movement precision as well as an elegant waterproof case crafted from Oystersteel. In 1927, Mercedes Gleitze was the first British woman to swim across the English Channel with the Oyster around her neck. With the addition of dials that come in vivid hues such as candy pink, yellow, orange, green and turquoise blue, this range is classic in style. For a more exquisite design, the Pearlmaster 39 in 18-karat everose gold holds a special place within the collection with its myriad diamonds adorning the entire surface of the piece.

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Breitling Galactic 29

The Galatic 29 is both graceful and durable, which makes it ideal for everyday wear. With its 29-millimetre case, which comes in a number of variations, including steel and 18-karat rose gold, this range is on the petite side. The dials come in mother-of-pearl, black and blue, which add to its feminine elegance. At the same time, the Galactic 29 boasts plenty of high-performance features, including Breitling’s Calibre 72 SuperQuartz movement and water resistance of up to 100 metres for those seeking a bit more adventure.

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Cartier Tank Must

Preserving the distinct identity of the original Tank watch created in 1917, the latest reinterpretations of this model come with a steel case and retain Cartier’s iconic blue sword-shaped hands, Roman numerals, white dial and blue cabochon-shaped spinel set into the crown. Choose from steel, leather and non-leather straps that come in three different sizes and an impressive selection of hues that cater to both the free-spirited and those after a more classic aesthetic. For a touch of luxe, indulge in a bezel set with 42 brilliant-cut diamonds.

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Omega Constellation

The fifth-generation Constellation timepieces by Swiss watchmaker Omega have been given some modern touches for a more feminine and exclusive look and feel without losing their reputation for precision. The collection debuts Omega’s own 18-karat Sedna gold alongside a range of new dial colours. If you choose a 29-millimetre model, you’ll be guaranteed Master Chronometer-certified precision and a sleek bracelet with polished mid-bar links. Highlights within the collection include flawlessly set diamonds marking the hours within the dial as well as adorning the bezel.

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Patek Philippe Nautilus 7010R-011

Designed for the most active lifestyles yet undeniably classy in style, the 7010R-011 model from the Nautilus collection is crafted from rose gold and features applied gold hour markers and a bezel set with 46 shimmering diamonds. The horizontal-lined dial and octagonal-shaped bezel – core features across the collection – add a sense of balance to the piece and give it a distinct appearance that is aligned with Patek Philippe’s emphasis on athletic elegance. Combined with a quartz movement and 60-metre water resistance, the Nautilus range is also highly functional and durable.

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz

Since its debut in 1972, the Royal Oak recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with an updated version of the original watch. Available in pink gold, steel, white gold and titanium 33-millimetre cases, each Swiss-made timepiece is glareproofed with sapphire crystal and enhanced by its own dial pattern and bezel embellishments. The more glamorous models feature more than 896 brilliant-cut diamonds while remaining water resistant for up to 20 metres – an impressive feat by the maison.

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So, you love watches, but also potentially want to make a bit of money? We’ve selected four women’s watch models that we think may be worth investing in. However, ladies’ watches aren’t known for their crazy price increases like big sports models. That said, we still think you can buy a smaller watch with a steady performance.

Investing in watches requires time and a certain amount of knowledge. At the end of the day, determining which watches will increase in value, or at least retain their value over time, is an educated guess. That’s why it’s so important to make a considered choice.

There are many things to consider when buying a watch for investment purposes; for instance, a watch’s relative rarity will increase its value, both when buying and selling. Moreover, the price of gold has risen astronomically given the recent unsettled economic environment. Thus, a gold watch with a gold bracelet will almost always be worth more than the same watch in steel. The same applies to watches with precious stones.

While all of these factors are important, the most essential thing to be sure of when buying a watch is that you love it and want to wear it. There’s no fun or satisfaction in owning a watch that you don’t like or won’t wear. Above all, choose a watch that makes you happy. Now here are a few of our suggestions for women’s watches to invest in:

1. A Sparkling Rolex Lady Datejust

Many people would agree that no watch collection is complete without a Rolex. Women can wear whichever Rolex they please, of course, but one with a bit of sparkle gives that added feminine touch. Consider the Rolex Lady Datejust with a diamond bezel and/or diamond hour markers.

Pros of investing in a Rolex Lady Datejust: The Datejust can be worn for almost any occasion, making it a true day-to-evening watch. Plus, it will never go out of style.

Cons of investing in a Rolex Lady Datejust: The watch comes on a metal bracelet. The bracelet is very comfortable, but some women prefer lighter weight leather straps.

A Rolex Lady Datejust could be a good investment for women.

2. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

With its elegant rectangular shape and unique reversible case, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso appeals to many women. It’s an enduring classic that will look just as great in 20 years as it does now. Reversos are available in steel as well as white, rose, and yellow gold. You also have the option of a strap or metal bracelet. Moreover, Reversos offer a variety of complications, including a moon phase and dual time zone.

Pros of investing in a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: The Reverso is an elegant watch, and there are many options in the collection to suit a woman’s individual taste.

Cons of investing in a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: This watch can’t be worn for vigorous activity, nor with very casual clothing. The rectangular shape may not appeal to everyone.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most popular watches for women.

3. Patek Philippe Calatrava

No one will dispute the fact that Patek Philippe is one of the top watch manufacturers to invest in. Patek Philippe watches are highly collectible and regularly fetch high prices at auctions and resale. Patek’s Calatrava is a classic round watch housing an excellent movement made by the best in the industry. It’s certain to please even the most discerning woman.

Pros of investing in a Patek Philippe Calatrava: Patek Philippe is a revered brand and demonstrates unparalleled craftsmanship in every watch. The Calatrava is elegant and refined, and will certainly last a lifetime.

Cons of investing in a Patek Philippe Calatrava: The Calatrava is not suitable for active sports, and it’s relatively expensive.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava makes a beautiful dress watch for women.

4. Cartier Tank

There are few watches that are more iconic – or more “investible” – than the Cartier Tank. With its refined rectangular shape and clean lines, the Tank is an enduring classic. Jacqueline Kennedy, one of the most famous women in the world, wore a Cartier in yellow gold on a leather strap throughout her life.

Many years after Kennedy died, her Cartier watch went up for auction and sold for $379,500. Of course, Jackie O’s Cartier Tank fetched such a high price due to its previous ownership. However, Cartier Tanks are perennial classics that can be worn for special black-tie occasions or as an everyday watch.

Pros of investing in a Cartier Tank: Elegant, enduring style: Cartier is one of the most prestigious jewelry and watch brands in the world.

Cons of investing in a Cartier Tank: Not every woman likes rectangular watches.

The Cartier Tank: an iconic women’s watch and a potential investment piece.