The Sold-Out-Everywhere Watches Insiders Are Hunting Down

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699482590847-main

(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

The watch industry has been buzzing lately as demand for timepieces has soared in the last several years, especially as more and more women are entering the market than ever before. Brands including Cartier, Rolex, Patek Phillipe, and more, continue to be hot in the watch world, with fresh new releases dropping and iconic designs that are buzzier than ever.

With that in mind, I took a closer look at the exact watches that are most sought-after and the key styles that are the ultimate part of any insiders’ collection. The most dominant trends in the watch world include everything from smaller watch designs to jewelry-like bracelets to rereleased and reimagined heritage pieces, which we’re seeing reflected in the most popular styles. Ahead, shop the top designer watches for women.

Cartier Panthère

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699483345947-main

(Image credit: @emilyoberg)

The Cartier Panthère continues to be one of the most in-demand watches for women. The smaller styles reflect the larger trend of micro silhouettes that are taking over in the watch world right now.

Rolex Datejust

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699485414010-main

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

The Rolex is often the first watch people invest in since it is such a classic, timeless piece.

Cartier Baignoire

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699482533107-image

(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

Cartier's rereleased Baignoire quickly became one of the hottest watches of the year. Set on a bangle, the design mimics the shape of a delicate bracelet.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

best-watches-for-women-308159-1688602446341-main

(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the ultimate watch insiders' watch and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. You'll find it in the collections of celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699482701691-main

(Image credit: @girls.o.clock)

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has a unique design detail with a reversible case, which was originally created to withstand the rigor of polo matches.

Bulgari Serpenti

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699483532224-image

(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

Another watch that doubles as jewelry? The Bulgari Serpenti, which is designed with a winding metal bracelet that wraps around the arm and mimics the shape of a snake.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

best-watches-for-women-308159-1699483404375-image

(Image credit: @rosiehw)

Patek Philippe produces a maximum of 60,000 Nautilus watches per year, making it a relatively rare and exclusive piece.

Cartier Tank Américaine

best-watches-for-women-308159-1688602325103-image

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

If you're looking for a watch set on a leather band, the Cartier Tank Américaine is particularly popular among the fashion set.

Shop more iconic designer watches:

Explore More:
Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.