Everyone these days is talking about Formula One, and for good reason. It's often referred to as the pinnacle of motorsport, and for the last seven years, it's basically been my entire personality. But it's not the only form of racing that deserves attention. Deep in the heart of America lives a major hub of the sport, where, for 110 years, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has hosted the Indianapolis 500, the greatest spectacle in motorsport. It's 500 miles and 200 laps of top-speed racing, and one of the three events that make up the Triple Crown of Motorsport, the most important achievement any driver can reach. (Only one person has done it—that is, won the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans: Graham Hill.) The 500 is where good drivers separate from great ones—and I got to see it play out up close and personal.

Last weekend, I spent roughly 62 hours in Indianapolis, soaking it all in with TAG Heuer, the official timekeeper and scorer of the NTT IndyCar Series since 2004. For the 110th race and TAG's 21st year in partnership with it, the Swiss watchmaker released a limited-edition Formula 1 Solargraph x Indy 500. Only 1110 were made, making it one of the year's most sought-after watch releases, especially for motorsport fans like me—and the race's sold-out crowd of over 350,000 people. To celebrate, we ate steaks, sipped champagne (Moët & Chandon, of course), looked at (and test-drove) watches, and watched some of the fastest cars on the face of the planet. Naturally, I added an Indiana Fever game to the itinerary too.

Read all about it below.

62 Hours at the Indy 500

May 22, 2026 8:10 A.M.

I woke up bright and early on Friday morning only to be met by countless delays at LaGuardia. The lines were long, but the delays were longer. Luckily, I had just gotten my hair colored and blown out by the legendary Morgan Lee Cook the night before, so I was having a really good hair day, which does wonders for a person's mood. The Delta Sky Club lounge helped too, so I enjoyed about a hundred cappuccinos and got a ton of work done. Airports make me especially productive. My 8:30 a.m. flight didn't take off until around 12:30 p.m., but I didn't let it ruin my day. By 2:30 p.m., I had touched down in Indianapolis, where I was met with a beautiful mix of TAG Heuer marketing for the race and advertisements for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. If you know me, you know I excitedly took lots of pictures.

May 22, 2026 6:12 P.M.

I had planned to meet my dad, who lives about an hour from Indianapolis, for lunch, but with the airport delays, we didn't have time before tip-off. Yes, I did buy a last-minute ticket to the Fever versus Golden State Valkyries game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse the second I arrived at my hotel, The Alexander. I quickly freshened up before he picked me up, and we went to Harry & Izzy's, an iconic local steakhouse, for martinis. The stadium is only a five-minute walk from the restaurant, so around 7:15 p.m., I said goodbye to my dad and walked in the drizzling rain to the game, stopping first in the team store to contemplate buying yet another Clark jersey. There's a new Rebel version that I've been eyeing, but the line was too long, so instead, I left to find my seat.

May 22, 2026 7:32 P.M.

I made it just in time for tip-off. My seat was incredible, and I sat next to the longtime season-ticket holder who sold it to me. He knew everyone in the building and cheered just as loudly as I did when Aliyah Boston won the tip-off, passing it to Clark, who went on a tear right away, gaining her first of nine assists when she passed it to Kelsey Mitchell, who made a beautiful driving finger roll layup to start the game. Monique Billings followed that up with a steal, passing it to Clark, who made a two-point jump shot, a fairly new addition to her bag. A minute later, she made her first of four threes, and Gainbridge erupted.

Because of the timing of our welcome dinner at St. Elmo, my favorite old-school steakhouse, maybe ever, I couldn't stay for the whole game. I left at halftime to walk to the restaurant, which is right next to Harry & Izzy's, so it took me about five minutes. Sometimes, I really appreciate small cities—I never have to Uber anywhere.

May 22, 2026 8:38 P.M.

When I arrived at the over-120-year-old restaurant, I found it packed to the brim with locals and visitors for the race weekend. The hostess took me down to the basement, through a dinner hosted by Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team and a wine cellar and into a private room where TAG Heuer's welcome dinner was held. Everyone had just started to arrive, and we enjoyed glasses of Moët to start the night. The food, as always, was incredible, with the restaurant's famous shrimp cocktail being the star of the show. The sauce is made with fresh-ground horseradish root and will clear up your sinuses with one bite.

With the Fever game still going on, I had no choice but to stream it on the WNBA app, and a few other attendees joined me in watching my team come out on top in the end, winning 90 to 82. We ate steaks of all cuts, an abundance of sides, and enjoyed chocolate cake and cheesecake to finish off the meal.

May 22, 2026 11:33 P.M.

Right before leaving, I remembered my journey through the wine cellar earlier in the evening and had to get photos inside. I wore a sleeveless turtleneck from COS with my favorite Colleen Allen low-rise trousers and a pair of Bottega Veneta stretch-thong sandals that I haven't taken off since I splurged on them in Rome over the summer. Thankfully, I grabbed a Coach leather motorcycle jacket before I left for the airport, so I had something warm to go on top. I wasn't prepared in the slightest for the chilly rain in Indy, but then again, when have I ever properly packed for the weather?

May 23, 2026 7:15 A.M.

Hotel gyms hate to see me coming, especially before 8 a.m. It's mostly because I'm terrible at sleeping on press trips, no matter how comfortable a hotel's beds are. I never do anything very impressive in hotel gyms, but I did get in two miles on the treadmill and a small circuit workout that woke me up and prepared me for the long day ahead.

May 23, 2026 11:07 A.M.

After I left the gym and got ready for the day, I stopped at the cutest coffee shop, Amberson Coffee & Grocer, before we headed to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Legends Day, a day dedicated to the fans that always takes place on the Saturday before the race. It's also when all the drivers are announced and introduced. This year, a few spoke to fans, like fan favorites Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi. We got a front-row seat for all of it, and I naturally snuck up to see the legendary Borg-Warner Trophy, which is the size of a 5'4'' human and features three-dimensional carvings of the faces of every Indy 500 winner. Pretty impressive.

May 23, 2026 11:39 A.M.

Later, we headed to watch people do hot laps on the track and explore. Trinidad Alamos, a fashion editor at L'Officiel who also attended the trip, and I got the celebrity treatment, getting photographed in our TAG Heuer timepieces. We then proceeded to take a hundred photos of each other. Shocker.

May 23, 2026 2:20 p.m.

The exploration continued with a tour of the legendary garages known as Gasoline Alley. These aren't technically used for active races, but they stand to represent the storied history of the 500. Instead, drivers and teams use more modern accommodations during the race, but Gasoline Alley still gets plenty of traffic, with fans, drivers, teams, and more visiting and using the garages for other instances. Originally, they were wooden, barn-like structures where early Indy 500 mechanics and crews would work until the mid-1980s. After the tour, we headed to the IMS Museum, where you can walk through a re-creation of Gasoline Alley through the 500's history.

May 23, 2026 4:57 P.M.

By the time we got back to the hotel after Legends Day, I knew that if I even so much as stepped into my room, I'd do the worst thing possible: fall asleep. So instead, a few of us went to Vintage Kulture, a vintage sportswear store I discovered when I was in Indy last summer for the WNBA All-Star Game. It's a treasure trove of vintage sports tees, Levi's, hats, and more, all for great prices that you'd never find in New York City.

May 23, 2026 8:25 P.M.

I'd heard about TAG Heuer's dinner at Wheelhouse Social Club from 2025, so I was thoroughly excited to see it IRL. Wheelhouse is a private car club where people store some of the most beautiful sports cars I've ever seen. They don't host dinners—like ever—but they make an exception for TAG, allowing guests of the brand to dine alongside the irreplaceable vehicles. I was like a kid in a candy store, taking pictures of every single one I could see in the dimly lit warehouse.

I was also glad for the occasion because I've been dying to break out the new cashmere halter dress that I scored at Prada's most recent sample sale. It reminds me of a dress worn by Carla Bruni during a fitting at Prada in the '90s that I have pinned on Pinterest probably 100 times. I paired it with Manolo Blahnik Maysale mules, my well-loved 1995 Re-Edition Prada bag, and the TAG Heuer 39mm Carrera Date I borrowed for the weekend.

May 24, 2026 12:43 P.M.

Race day in Indianapolis! We left early, around 9 a.m., in two buses led by police escorts to make it to the track in record time. There's nothing like driving into the neighborhoods that surround the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the day of the 500. There are people everywhere—parked on lawns, cooking breakfast in front of RVs, and full-on partying bright and early in the morning. It's like the tailgates I used to go to in college in Iowa, but about a dozen times bigger. When we got inside, we dropped our stuff off at TAG Heuer's suite before heading down to the track. The Indiana Pacers were hanging out in the suite next to ours, so I, of course, freaked out like I'd spotted Paul McCartney or something.

After grabbing a bite, a few of us headed up to the top balcony, where you can get 360-degree views of the track, the inside of which you can fit the entire Vatican City as well as the White House. It was there that we watched the pre-race extravaganza. There's nothing like it. I've been to the 500 before, but many of the attendees with TAG hadn't yet, so it was cool to see it through their eyes. There are helicopters, fireworks, and cannons. The best part is the flyover, which is so loud that you can feel it in your chest. As this year's Grand Marshall, Clark was responsible for delivering the iconic line, "Drivers, to your cars!"

May 24, 2026 1:24 P.M.

The race is 200 laps in total, so there's plenty of time to watch it from multiple vantage points and really soak in all the action. This year, there were a few different crashes and rain delays, so it was even longer than usual, which made it even more fun. (Everyone was okay and no one got soaked until the very end, when we left the track to head back to the buses.) Because of how long the 500 is, there are multiple stages to the race, so there's no shortage of excitement.

I went into the race cheering on two drivers: O'Ward, who I watched nearly win it a few years ago, and Alex Palou, the winner of the 2025 Indy 500. The latter is a TAG Heuer ambassador, so we got to chat with him on Saturday about his pre-race routine, watch collection, and feelings going into the race. He started on pole, otherwise known as first place, so my hopes were high for a repeat win for the Spanish driver.

Though I didn't end up buying Clark's new jersey, I did pack one on the trip, initially thinking I'd wear it to the game if I ended up getting tickets. I thought against it, given the formal nature of St. Elmo, and decided to wear it to the race instead. My favorite hack is to buy youth-size jerseys because of how much cheaper they are. They're also shorter, so you don't have to tuck them in. I paired mine with the same black Colleen Allen trousers I wore on night one and my trusty pair of Reformation Inez Pumps. They're far more comfortable than the other shoes I packed, making them perfect for a long day of racing.

May 24, 2026 4:30 P.M.

This year's Indy 500 ended in dramatic fashion, with the closest finish in the race's history. In a one-lap dash following a red flag, Felix Rosenqvist came from behind to beat David Malukas by just 0.0233 seconds, earning him a slew of prizes, from the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph x Indy 500 to a $4.34 million payout. The Swede celebrated by drenching himself in whole milk and kissing the famous bricks—two of many traditions at the 500—and likely calling his wife, who was at home with their newborn daughter, Stella, who was born just a few weeks shy of the race. "Hey, Emille and Stella, I wish you were here," he said in a radio message, immediately after crossing the line and hearing his race engineer announce his victory. "I honestly think I'm in a dream."

May 24, 2026 10:02 P.M.

It takes a famously long time to get out of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so by the time we got back to the hotel, it was late, and everyone on the bus was tired and hungry. Luckily, there was a deliciously casual dinner waiting for us, so I quickly got changed out of my race clothes and headed back downstairs to eat. I just wore a Reformation pencil skirt, Bottega Veneta sandals, and a white tank top underneath my ever-present Coach jacket. By 10:30 p.m., I was in bed reading my Kindle and preparing to pass out.

May 25, 2026 8:25 A.M.

The next morning, I let myself sleep in and lazily packed up my bags before heading out on a walk around Indy. My flight wasn't until around 11 a.m., so I had time to grab a coffee and just stretch my legs. The city isn't very big, at least downtown isn't, and it was pretty quiet given that it was Memorial Day, so I circled the entire place twice and then headed back to the hotel to wait for my car pickup. By 9:30 a.m., I was at the airport, awaiting my flight back to New York. There were no delays this time, so I made it home by 1:30 p.m. and immediately started packing up my apartment. Did I mention that I'm moving to Los Angeles—in two days?

A trifecta of exciting Florence Pugh projects will be released later this year (Dune: Part Three, East of Eden, and Avengers: Doomsday), but there's one inspiring venture you won't see on her IMDb page: her new Bulgari appointment. Today, the famed Italian jeweler announced that Pugh is Bulgari's newest ambassador. To commemorate the news, Bulgari has released a series of four portraits of Pugh decked out in pieces from the Serpenti and Tubogas collections, including a Bulgari Tubogas 18kt Yellow Gold Bracelet Set With Pavé Diamonds, Tubogas 18kt Yellow Gold Ring Set With Pavé Diamonds, and a special-edition Serpenti Tubogas Studs Capsule Single-Spiral Watch.

"Becoming a Bulgari ambassador is about more than wearing extraordinary jewelry," says Pugh. "It's about being part of a legacy that celebrates fearless female artistry, where every creation tells a story. I'm honored to partner with a maison that allows me to express my individuality while embodying its spirit." Scroll down to see and shop the new campaign.

Shop Pieces Worn by Florence Pugh

With Golden Tempo leading, the stadium cheered as the bay coat racehorse crossed the finish line. The 152nd Kentucky Derby victory marked several firsts: Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Derby, jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr. were the first brothers to finish first and second, and it was a historic moment for me as it was my first time at the races.

I was invited by Longines, the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, and I experienced firsthand why it is dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports." Two days of nonstop excitement, the Longines Kentucky Oaks Day and the Kentucky Derby Day, supplied enough joy until next year's Run for the Roses.

On the Thursday before, given the number of hat boxes on my Louisville-bound flight, I should have been prepared for the fashion show to come. Side note: Churchill Downs might as well have its own fashion week designation. I had so much fun spotting the next It-watches, designer dresses, premium handbags (imagine this: a Bottega Veneta Andiamo and an Hermès Birkin on the same arm), and, of course, the fascinators. While the word is a lot of fun to say, these gravity-defying toppers are no joke. Feathers, flowers, polka dots, lace, bows, you name it, I saw it. Whether DIY or designed by a professional milliner, the hats, dare I say, are just as important as the horses. The Hat Girls and Ilana Kogan are local Louisville milliners who provide many of the extravagant head dressings.

If this year's historical headlines have you thinking about a trip to Louisville, consider this your guide to Kentucky Derby outfits. Keep scrolling to find out what fashion people actually wore to the races—from unexpected trends to standout wristwatches (hello, Longines DolceVita) to cool sets to It-girl brands (ahem, Alexia María, Smythe, Khaite, and Scanlan Theodore).

152nd Kentucky Derby Day

While bright, colorful looks are expected at Twinspires, coal-black and alabaster-white were surprisingly common themes among the Louisville crowd. Whether it was a part of a monochrome 'fit (yes, there's a way for dark colors to feel light-hearted and for all-white suitings to garner a presence) or a mix of both (think polka dots and textured tweeds), the style set embraced this unexpected duo for the 152nd Kentucky Derby.

Fashion creators Victoria Herran and Mary Glenn McElveen combined timeless style with a contemporary sensibility. Chad Alexander and Georgia Benjamin brought out the Longines starting line-up. (We'll talk about the HydroConquest—don't you worry.) And me? I delivered retro elegance with an NYC flair. Ahead, read how we each approached dressing for the Derby.

Victoria Herran

"The Kentucky Derby has such an electric energy. You really feel it from the moment you arrive. The fashion leans more dramatic these days, and it feels so extravagant, with everyone dressing to impress. I loved seeing how people pushed the boundaries while still honoring tradition. I know black is not the most traditional choice for the Derby, but I loved the contrast, and it really stood out in a good way, surrounded by all the pastels. Everyone was so kind and complimented me on the look, which made it even more fun to wear," said Herran.

The Miami It girl went on to say, "I wanted my look to feel structured and refined, so I wore a silk-and-wool Alexia María three-piece set with a peplum top, cigarette pants, and a convertible skirt to bring in that classic Derby volume. I paired it with a Gabriela Hearst bag, Christian Louboutin heels, an all-black fascinator from Etsy, and my Longines DolceVita in 18 karat yellow gold with diamond detailing. It felt like the perfect balance of timeless and modern, which is what makes Derby style so iconic. Watching Golden Temple come from the back of the pack was incredibly emotional to watch, and I loved seeing Cherie’s reaction to her win. Truly one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had!"

Mary Glenn McElveen

"The derby is where the fashion really takes on a life of its own, and I wanted my look to reflect that, so I leaned into something more statement-making while still keeping it timeless. From the energy of the races to the incredible style moments everywhere you look, it's truly unlike anything else. Experiencing it with Longines made it even more meaningful," shared stylist and wardrobe consultant McElveen, who also wore a two-tone Longines Mini DolceVita to the races.

Chad Alexander

"Attending the Kentucky Derby with Longines was an experience of a lifetime. From on-track and paddock access to the VIP hospitality of the Mansion, it was the ultimate bucket list moment," remarked Alexander, who is known for his educational watch-focused content.

He clarified, "For the fit, I wanted chic with flair. My inspo was if A$AP Rocky attended the Derby. I went with a full linen look from Sandro: wide-leg trousers, a strong double-breasted jacket with structured shoulders, and a striped shirt and tie for a subtle pop of color. On the wrist, I kept it sporty with the new HydroConquest from Longines."

Georgia Benjamin

"If Ascot is the polite older cousin, the Derby is the opposite: louder, hotter, more flamboyant, and somehow convinces you to bet on a horse named after a 90s sitcom character before you've finished your first mint julep. People really pulled out all the stops. It wasn't just sharp tailoring and beautifully made suits; it was the most elaborate hats I have ever seen in my life. Mine was relatively uncomfortable and significantly larger than a dinner plate, and it still had nothing on what some of the women were wearing. Dare I say wonderfully extra, in the best possible way, where nobody cares, and everyone is fully committed to the spectacle," shared watch lover Benjamin.

Josephine Hadjiloucas

As featured in our Go Sports! Style Playbook, my look is reminiscent of Old Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn, with a touch of city charm from New York's own Jackie Onassis-Kennedy. I've been waiting for an excuse to wear my Smythe Cropped Sleeve Mini Jacket, and lucky for me, they had the perfect pencil skirt to match. I picked up my hat from Mains de Vapeur, a NYC-based millinery founded by Mariela Alexandra. From the bridal collection, I'm wearing the Cleo—a wide-brim velour felt fur hat with silk ribbon.

The stark white hat brought out the softer tones in the textured tweed set, even more so when worn with a white clutch. This one is from COS. I finished the look with my La Grande Classique de Longines, a timepiece I wear both every day and for special occasions. I was quite comfortable in this heavyweight set; even local Louisianians had alerted us that the weather was unseasonably cold. I stayed cozy and chic while watching the horses at the Paddock stalls.

Longines Kentucky Oaks Day

The Friday before the Derby Day is the Longines Kentucky Oaks Day. Affectionally called the "Lilies of the Fillies," since the ceremony awards the winner of the 3-year-old fillies race with a garland of lilies. The dress code is pink to support breast and ovarian cancer survivors and raise awareness. Follow that, and you'll fit right in. Here's how fashion people dressed on theme.

Victoria Herran

"Oaks Day was a sea of pink in the most beautiful, intentional way. It is such a powerful tradition that blends fashion with meaning while supporting breast and ovarian cancer awareness. The entire experience felt so celebratory, from the energy around the races to how fully everyone embraced the theme," said Herran.

Here's Herran on what she wore to Churchill Downs: "My coral-pink Acler set felt like a modern take on the tradition, and I styled it with a soft-pink statement fascinator, a Louis Vuitton Capucines bag, and [an] Alexis shawl to add dimension and movement along with a Longines [Mini DolceVita] watch for a polished, timeless finish. I love how derby fashion allows you to be expressive while still feeling elevated. There is such a balance of elegance and individuality, and as someone who rides, getting to watch the horses compete at that level made it even more special. I was especially excited watching Always a Runner. She was incredible to watch and really owned the moment. Watching the race from the grass track was easily one of the most exciting moments of my life."

Mary Glenn McElveen

"Oaks Day felt like the perfect introduction to the weekend. There's elegance and femininity that really define the day. I wore a draped white dress with soft pink accents, which felt like a natural nod to the tradition while still keeping it modern. Being there with Longines added such a unique perspective, especially getting to step down onto the track for the final race, which was such an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes moment," explained McElveen.

Chad Alexander

Alexander, another person shocked by the "pink out" of Kentucky Oaks, shared his thoughts: "Being amongst a sea of pink at the Kentucky Oaks was a pinch-me moment in itself, but the most surreal moment came during the race—standing just feet from the horses on the inner track at sunset, watching them gallop to the finish line with a backdrop of 170,000 spectators in pink."

"Pink isn't exactly a staple in my wardrobe—I tend to live in darks and neutrals—so pairing it with a dark brown suit from SuitSupply wasn't the easiest challenge. But I think I pulled it off. Good rule of thumb: a little goes a long way," shared Alexander.

Georgia Benjamin

"Oaks Day is the Derby's slightly cooler younger cousin: whimsical, magical, gleeful, and drenched in pink from the second you walk in. The girliness across Churchill Downs was something else. I'm not even a pink girl, and they had me drinking pink drinks all day long, and I have genuinely never been happier. Special shout-out to the men who turned up in full pink regalia, truly spectacular commitment. The whole thing felt like a very chic excuse to lean into the whimsy and watch extraordinary fillies run very, very fast," commented Benjamin.

Josephine Hadjiloucas

The minute I tried on the Scanlan Theodore Resin Pencil Dress, I knew it was Kentucky Oaks–bound. Only then, I wish I knew, I would be crossing the track and watching the Oaks Day race from the inner turf, perhaps I'd back a different pair of heels. The raspberry hue of the resin dress was the perfect addition to the light pinks and fuchsias that flooded Churchill Downs. I turned to Mariela at Mains de Vapeur again to find me the perfect topper. After trying on many a pillbox hat or a beret, we landed on a floppy, wide-brimmed black hat with a white silk gazar flower pin.

First, I was hesitant, worried about the black hat with the berry-toned dress, but once I added my black strap Longines DolceVita, a beaded evening bag, and block heels, I knew Mariela's choice was intentional. The shadows created by the woven sun hat mimicked the dress's resin texture. It was absolutely divine. I felt beautiful.

Watches and Wonders really lived up to the second half of its name this year. The annual expo in Geneva, Switzerland, brings together the watch industry's biggest players to unveil their most wondrous, whimsical, and world-class creations. Last year, I attended the convention in person, where I got to try on all the new watches by Chopard, Cartier, TAG Heuer, Piaget, and more. Not many people can say they wore something before it graced the steps of the Met Gala, but that was exactly the case with a new Cartier Panthère design I tried on at Watches and Wonders in 2025 that debuted on Jon Batiste on the famed red carpet a month later.

While I didn't make it to Switzerland this year, I diligently pored over every single press release from A(udemars Piguet) to Z(enith) to come up with my favorites for this story. Which watch will Chopard ambassador Bella Hadid wear first? Only time will tell. Scroll down to learn about my top new watches from this year's event.

Chopard

Fully set with sapphires and diamonds, this new watch from Chopard's Precious Lace collection was made with faceted sapphire glass and more than 1000 precious stones.

Of Chopard's four new L'Heure du Diamant designs that debuted at Watches and Wonders this year, I'm partial to the above version with an onyx dial, a bezel in 18-karat ethical white gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds, and a black leather strap.

Cartier

Originally launched in 2002, the Roadster is making a triumphant return at Cartier. Inspired by the ergonomics of automobile design, the revamped version comes in two sizes (medium and large) and three materials (steel, yellow gold, and a combination of the two, which is pictured above).

The design of the new Myst de Cartier watch "follows in the footsteps of the jewelry watches created under the direction of Jeanne Toussaint in the early 1930s—pieces that were both sculptural and flamboyant," says Pierre Rainero, Cartier's director of image, style, and heritage.

Bulgari

At Watches and Wonders in 2025, Bulgari wowed with its brand-new Serpenti Aeterna watch. In 2026, the brand has taken the silhouette to the next level with a colorful mix of diamond, amethyst, topaz, emerald, citrine, pink sapphire, tanzanite, pink tourmaline, aquamarine, blue sapphire, peridot, and more.

Bulgari has also announced the launch of a limited-edition Serpenti Tubogas Studs Capsule featuring four variations of studded watches with dials in mother-of-pearl, carnelian, sodalite, and malachite. "Pyramidal facets punctuate the curves, transforming the bracelet into a sculptural jewel," the brand explains.

Piaget

Launched in 2025, the Piaget Sixtie is now offered for the first time with a blue quartz dial, 18-karat rose-gold case, and navy-blue leather strap.

At Watches and Wonders this year, Piaget also debuted this striking high jewelry cuff watch in 18-karat rose gold set with verdite and chrysoprase in a gold bracelet.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Taking cues from a 1949 design, the new Ludo Secret watch boasts 185 sapphires, an 18-karat yellow-gold bracelet, and a guilloché white mother-of-pearl dial.

The defining detail of the new 23-millimeter Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée watch is the guilloché blue aventurine glass dial designed to reflect "the boundless depth of the cosmos."

TAG Heuer

The new TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph, pictured above, replaces traditional levers and springs with flexible components, "an innovation [that] delivers a chronograph experience that is both highly precise and remarkably consistent over time," the brand says.

Inspired by a model from 1969, this updated TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph "features sharper lines, fluid proportions, and improved ergonomics for optimal comfort on the wrist."

Chanel

Chanel's iconic camellia is reimagined in snow-set diamonds and black lacquer trim. The leather strap is ingeniously textured to look like a bow made of grosgrain ribbon.

Chanel's first-ever watch design, the Première, debuted in 1987 and is now updated for 2026 with a total of 271 brilliant-cut diamonds and an 18-karat white-gold case, caseback, crown, and dial.

Parmigiani Fleurier

Parmigiani Fleurier's new Tonda PF Chronograph Mystérieux features a complication no other watchmaker in the world offers: a chronograph that completely disappears when not in use. "At first glance, the dial remains uninterrupted," the brand explains. "Only when activated via a monopusher seamlessly integrated into the case does the complication emerge."

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Parmigiani Fleurier is producing only 30 units of this new Toric Petite Seconde. The watch is crafted with an 18-karat white-gold dial that was hammered by hand, a process that "creates a subtly irregular surface that diffuses light in a uniquely vibrant way."

Just when you thought Omega had thought of everything, it goes and redefines the limits. By incorporating Master Chronometer precision into a simple two-hand watch, the Swiss watchmaker demonstrates that challenging industry standards doesn't require adding extra features. In fact, less is more. Let's take a step back, though. For those who haven't heard, today Omega announced the Constellation Observatory—a new two-hand watch (just hours and minutes) that has earned Master Chronometer certification, the highest standard of precision testing.

Traditionally, testing a watch's accuracy depends on tracking the second hand. But Omega completely changed that. Through its Laboratoire de Précision, the brand developed a new acoustic testing method. Instead of "watching" the second hand for accuracy, the process captures the sound of each tick while recording environmental parameters: temperature, position, and atmospheric pressure.

Since 1952, the Constellation collection has represented Omega's dedication to precision and craftsmanship. The Constellation Observatory Collection carries on this tradition with two new movements available across nine models. All feature a 39.4 mm case, a classic pie-pan dial, reminiscent of the original Constellation, an observatory medallion, and new co-axial Master Chronometer calibers—8914 and 8915. To offer something for every watch wearer, the Constellation Observatory comes in various materials, including burgundy and dark blue alligator-leather straps, as well as a full 18K gold Moonshine band. We don't say this lightly—the timepiece is worth seeing online, but even more impressive in person. If you're unable to visit a store at the moment, keep scrolling to discover the new Constellation Observatory and see what all the excitement is about.

Shop the Omega Constellation Observatory Watch:

In the world of watch lovers, few names carry the quiet authority of Omega. It's not just another luxury label—it's a brand forged from humble 19th-century beginnings into a symbol of precision, adventure, and style. Over the decades, the Swiss brand has moved effortlessly across worlds: strapped over a spacesuit during the Apollo 11 moon landing, slipped under the cuff of James Bond, and trusted by Olympians, deep-sea divers, and fashion insiders alike.

Now, the legacy finds a new stage in Texas, with the opening of its Austin store, marking an expansion of its North American presence. The momentous occasion was celebrated with an event that brought together esteemed watch experts, editors (including me), and Omega global brand ambassador and Austin native Glen Powell in the heart of Texas.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Powell, who explained that the shared adventurous spirit between Omega and Austin makes the city a perfect fit for the brand. "Austin has grown and changed a lot," he noted, "But there's always been an entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit to the place. It's a town of idealistic people who care about how things are made and how they look, and Omega has that same energy."

Naturally, in a store filled with timepieces, I inquired about his personal favorite Omega style. He revealed an obsession with a specific Constellation model. "There's a Constellation with a black face, gold bezel, and leather strap that I'm really obsessed with," he said. "I have a very busy existence, and sometimes I'm changing throughout the day, and this watch can adapt to everything. It's not too dressy or too casual." He noted that he gets a lot of compliments on it and that Omega watches, in general, are great conversation starters. "People who know, know, and they care about the aesthetics, the engineering, the legacy of the brand," Powell added.

Following my conversation with Powell, I explored the new store. I admired the iconic Seamaster, widely recognized as the "James Bond watch," and the Speedmaster, the legendary "moon watch" worn by Buzz Aldrin. However, the Aqua Terra truly caught my eye.

Paying homage to Omega's maritime roots, the Aqua Terra instantly impressed with its slim case, clean dial, and an understated, versatile aesthetic. A brand specialist described it as a "go-anywhere, do-anything" style that seamlessly transitions from casual to formal wear. Its light feel on the wrist contributes to its everyday wearability.

It is available in various dial colors, with bands in stainless steel, gold, or two-tone, and in sizes including 34 mm, 38 mm, 41 mm, and a newer 30 mm size—my favorite for its petite but charming appeal.

Watch content creator, collector, curator, and seller Courtney Bachrach, who was present at the Austin event, was similarly drawn to a 30 mm Aqua Terra, favoring one with a green dial and a diamond bezel. "The pop of color on the dial elevates a daytime look, while the warmth of the gold and the diamonds gives it just enough for evening without trying too hard," she shared. "It's one of those rare pieces that truly work day to night, styled more like a piece of jewelry than a traditional sports watch." Its popularity reaches the celebrity world, with fans such as actress Allison Williams, who wore a 30 mm Aqua Terra with a white mother-of-pearl dial, diamond bezel and casing, and a gold band to the exclusive Omega celebration.

Beyond its beauty, this model is Master Chronometer certified, powered by the new calibre 8751, and boasts extreme antimagnetic protection. "It's incredibly precise and engineered to a very high standard," Bachrach adds. "Think more James Bond than Bond girl."

Whether you're in the market for a beautiful new timepiece or simply enjoying looking at pretty watches, keep scrolling to discover Omega's latest selection of Aqua Terras and expect to see them everywhere this spring.

Shop Omega's Aqua Terra Watch

Vintage fashion has been trending for decades, but lately, there has been a surge in people shopping secondhand luxury pieces, specifically designer bags and pre-loved jewellery. Why? Well, I believe there are several reasons. Firstly, the number of resale sites we have that make it easy to sell and shop secondhand, including Vinted, Depop, Vestiaire and eBay, has made sourcing retro designer pieces more accessible than ever. Then, there's the added appeal of owning a rare gem, especially in the world of fast fashion and algorithm-dictated ads, where everyone on your feed can be wearing the same £30 piece within days of one another.

Vintage accessories can also be more affordable than purchasing new designer jewellery, especially as the prices of gold, silver and diamonds have recently spiked. Plus, designer vintage pieces are often better quality than their modern counterparts; some luxury brands have stopped using high-quality metals in favour of plated alternatives to reduce production costs, though that's not reflected in the hefty price tag. In fact, quite the opposite...

Ever ahead of the curve, Gucci has tapped into this demand for vintage designer jewellery and re-released a timeless piece from its '80s archives, but with a modern twist. Enter the Gucci Play Watch.

What Is the Gucci Play Watch?

Playful by name and nature, it boasts interchangeable faces, which is a unique design feature to encourage self-expression and creativity. The Gucci Play Watch has taken the original concept of the '80s Bezel Play Watch and reimagined it through a contemporary lens. In other words, it's had a few design modifications over the past 40 years, as well as a whopping £2000 price increase.

How do I know this? Well, my generous mum gifted me her original, which my dad bought her one Christmas in the early '80s for under £200. Suffice to say, it would be near impossible to find a luxury designer watch for that price now, even on resale sites.

What Are the Differences Between the 2026 Gucci Play Watch and the Original '80s Design?

The new-generation Gucci Play Watch honours the debut creation. It features a bangle-like strap, round face and interchangeable bezels, much like the '80s classic. However, there are subtle differences. The new version boasts a slightly larger face that measures 28mm, a thicker strap with hinges to make it easier to slip onto the wrist, whereas the original has a fixed slimline bangle. The fastening has also been modified; the click-ball back replaces the classic hook closure.

The gold-plated stainless-steel watch still features the distinct interchangeable bezel faces. However, the material has been refined; it's now made of durable ceramic rather than the former featherlight—yet fragile—acrylic. The new faces have a slight pearlescent shimmer, whereas the original bezels are a bold opaque colour.

Whilst we're on the topic of faces, the new iteration of the Gucci Play Watch has fewer bezels (seven instead of the original 11). Thanks to my mum's safekeeping, I know the original included white, black, lilac, deep purple, light blue, navy blue, burgundy, yellow, pink and red, as well as Gucci's signature green with a red-stripe bezel. The new version only includes the signature green-and-red stripe, as well as block green, red, black, white, lilac and navy blue.

The History of the Gucci Play Watch

Fast forward 40 years from the first launch, and Gucci officially re-released the Play Watch in November 2025, thanks to rising demand for the original. The timepiece was designed to be delicate and playful, and the interchangeable colourful bezels were revolutionary. This distinct feature made the watch a popular design of its time, and it still is, decades later. The hybrid design also bucked tradition, as the bangle strap resembles a bracelet, blurring the lines between functionality and style, although this same multifunctionality is a huge jewellery trend.

Is the Gucci Play Watch in Fashion in 2026?

And, predictably, since its relaunch, the Gucci Play Watch has sold out online at several retailers. Just in case you need further proof that it's in fashion now, just take a look at social media. Content creators, including Mina Hasan, Gloria1211__ and Candice Brathwaite, are going viral for showcasing their vintage timepieces and the sentimental stories behind them, as well as their mission to secure the retro original and tales of hunting down a missing bezel face to complete the set.

Plus, several trusted secondhand retailers, such as eBay, Vinted and DePop, as well as vintage jewellery marketplaces, are selling the '80s original at elevated prices averaging around £450 minimum. If you want in on the new version, shop it below.

Shop the Gucci Play Watch:

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Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

There are days when being me is a full-time job. You know the kind: smiling under camera flashes, wearing an Attico dress that cuts into your ribs, pacing from opening to opening in 12-centimeter Zanottis, keeping up an intelligent conversation about the weather with a creative director while being fully aware that your toes are, technically, in an advanced state of decomposition.

And then there are the other days. The real ones. The clandestine ones. The ones that smell like spilled coffee and traffic jams on the Périphérique. The ones that start at 5:07 a.m., triggered by the scream of a small human whose energy levels would make a New York trader blush. The ones where your professional calendar says “off” but life actually consists of errands, daycare, writing a piece or two for Who What Wear, dinner at Café de Flore with friends. The ones where choosing an outfit, or looking at yourself in the mirror for more than three seconds, feels like an astronaut-level feat.

On those days, I want only one thing: to become a ghost. A well-dressed, silent spirit moving through the city without leaving a trace. A spirit with a flawless cut and fabrics that whisper “I know” rather than scream “look at me.”

Because here lies the paradox: even as a ghost, you still have standards. Mine is “the uniform.” It’s a sartorial mathematical formula; a chic invisibility armor developed somewhere between an Hermès show and a Parisian daycare. It’s the survival kit of someone who gave all her fashion energy the day before and now has nothing left but the cerebral stamina of an oyster.

If you, too, on certain mornings, dream of blending into the background while staying true to yourself, here is my secret recipe. The map lets you move incognito, without ever looking like someone who’s given up.

The Perfect White T-Shirt

Mine is close-fitting without being tight; definitely not restrictive. It has to go on without thinking, slip easily under a serious blazer, a sleeveless waistcoat à la Kate Moss in the early 2000s, or live its best life beneath a big wool sweater. The kind of sweater you’re way too hot in after twenty minutes, but will take off anyway without the slightest shame, because underneath there’s that impeccable T-shirt. The one that allows you to survive socially when you suddenly find yourself, by chance, at the restaurant of the moment—let’s say Sant Ambroeus, recently arrived in Paris —surrounded by people who are very well-dressed and very aware of it.

The Perfect Shirt

No debate here: it’s extra-large. Almost too much. We like it when it spills out, when it floats, when it suggests a carefully calibrated nonchalance. When worn under a slightly cropped sweater, it creates that subtly bourgeois layering (slightly “crossing the Seine to have dinner on the Right Bank”) without ever tipping into literalness. It gives the impression of a well-structured life, even when that isn’t exactly the case.

The Turtleneck Sweater

A radical solution to a recurring problem: the scarf. The one you lose every five minutes, leave behind on a chair, and never see again. A good wool turtleneck fulfills that role perfectly. It keeps you warm, frames the face, and reassures you. It doesn’t pill (a nonnegotiable criterion), and, above all, it can go in the washing machine at 30°C. (I hate dry cleaning, as I never have time to drop clothes off, let alone pick them up.) IMO, the ideal garment has to survive real life.

The Straight-Leg Jeans

High-waisted to avoid any unwanted surprises or unnecessary spillover. Straight because everything else is exhausting. Ultra-long, above all. They should fall perfectly over boots or gently crumple over sneakers, with that small, unintentional crease that makes all the difference. These are jeans that aren’t trying to be sexy, but end up being so anyway—through an accumulation of good decisions.

The Sneakers

Yes, but not just any pair. Collaborations, limited editions, reworked classics. Slightly sharp without being showy. Margiela, for instance, or Converse put through a Comme des Garçons filter. Sneakers that say, “I know what I’m doing, but I’m not going to explain why.”

The Bomber Jacket

A real comfort blanket. The one you grab without thinking on your way out. It needs a detail that amuses—a fur collar, slightly absurd patches, something that breaks the overly utilitarian feel. It’s the piece that makes it look like you don’t take yourself too seriously, even when everything else is very tightly controlled

The Go-Anywhere Boots

A small heel—just enough for posture and presence. They go with everything, rescue everything, and make it possible to walk fast without looking rushed. A quiet essential.

The Long Coat

Thick, in a dark shade. Black, charcoal gray, deep navy. Its main advantage? It forgives accidents. Spilled coffee, a poorly handled croissant… life. It protects clothes just as much as it protects dignity.

The Big Carry-All Bag

The one you fit your entire life into. Laptop, notebooks, chargers, glasses, and sometimes even an extra pair of shoes. It’s heavy, obviously, but reassuring. It’s a bag that says, “I could disappear for 24 hours without warning. I have everything I need.”

The Jewelry Watch

Not necessarily set to the right time. That’s not the point. It adds an extra layer of style, a slight offset, a form of very deliberate nonchalance. And besides, checking the time on your phone has become far too serious.

In a world of increasingly unique engagement rings, the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet made it clear that jewelry has reached a saturation point with novelty. Excess is no longer aspirational, novelty is no longer persuasive, and restraint has regained cultural capital. What emerged was not necessarily a return to tradition. It was a reassertion of values: pieces chosen for material quality, proportion, and placement.

The classics are so back, baby! There were no mixed metals, no clusters, no layered narratives. Here are the key takeaways for translating those same principles beyond the red carpet.

Uninterrupted Lines

From the bold Repossi collar on Hailee Steinfeld to the understated Bulgari Serpenti necklace worn by Hudson Williams, the principle revolved around one decisive gesture. Whether rendered in diamonds, solid gold, or high-polish metal, necklaces and bracelets were worn alone, without stacking, layering, or added ornament. The approach was sculptural with only scale as the point of variation.

The Cocktail-Watch Swap

Rather than reaching for the expected (a diamond bracelet), Jennifer Lawrence wore an antique Longines watch, introducing character through age and subversion rather than scale and complexity. The same styling applies off the carpet. Swapping a default bracelet for a thin art deco watch reads considered and classic with nothing to prove.

White Gold (or Platinum) Over White Noise

Neutral in color and understated in effect, the Golden Globes red carpet saw noticeably less yellow gold, a metal that tends to communicate more immediately and loudly. As it pertains to diamonds, the lack of color kept attention on silhouettes, allowing the stones to register cleanly without visual competition. But it wasn't just reserved for jewelry. Timothée Chalamet's unornamented platinum UJ-2 by the newly relaunched brand Urban Jürgensen emphasized the principle of material and form over all else.

Brooching the Topic

This isn't to say classics have to be boring! Many lapels were grazed with an intentional (often Boucheron) brooch—or a dozen in Colman Domingo's case. With infinite motifs to take on, the brooch adds a speck of whimsy and surprise in a controlled way. Diamonds are optional.

Fashion is always subject to time. Fundamentally, it’s this construct that determines what’s stylish and what’s passé. It beats forward and, by direct consequence, perpetually places a new style or silhouette atop a proverbial pedestal, abandoning what was once in favour but now deemed as antiquated or obsolete. So, it’s only fitting that time also defines the major watch trends for 2026.

Owning or collecting luxury watches has never been a more covetable pursuit. Whilst it almost feels like it has come out of nowhere, those attuned to the movements of the well-dressed and well-heeled will know that discussing and exhibiting timepieces has erupted over the past few years. Now, it’s reached fever pitch, with every red carpet moment, off-duty sighting or social media sensation an opportunity to flaunt this investment. This act of watch-spotting has made connoisseurs of us all. Well, at least those with a vested interest in looking elegant and refined.

Looking back, you’ll realise that the lead-up to 2026 was a pivotal turning point for the industry. Instead of being reserved for Wall Street tycoons or Old Money socialites, watches have become more democratised in the way they’re being presented. Don’t get me wrong, they will always convey an air of luxury. However, watches have become more accessible and, as a result, aspirational for the contemporary consumer.

Last year alone, we saw watches take a new focus during soirée hours through the rise of dainty cocktail watches. We also saw them take the vein of a sparkling tennis bracelet, with some styles replacing jewellery altogether simply by how spangled they were. Elsewhere, watches became something of a statement of the heart, with many couples making a subtle display of affection by wearing matching designs that defied the gender tropes historically associated with horology.

On that note, however, experts like Dime Piece’s Brynn Wallner are predicting that sportier, sexier and bigger watches for women will be coming back into the fore. Akin to the styles synonymous with the Y2K era, these chintzy and pastel-faced shapes will hold cultural cache once again. This mode is indicative of the wider industry shift towards 80s-inspired power dressing, sleazy Napoleonic ensembles (because we just know Bonaparte would be a Rolex Yacht-Master II man if he were alive in the 21st Century), and the whimsical fluorescent styles pioneered by Addison Rae, Ashley Williams and Chloé.

Echoing this statement is Ilaria Urbinati, stylist in residence at pre-owned watch specialist Watchfinder & Co. "For general fashion trends, the 1980s continue to exert strong influence, with oversized shoulders and confident, clashing colour blocking dominating collections," she adds. "At the same time, there’s a romantic, Victorian-inspired undercurrent that includes military-style jackets, ruffled shirts and decorative detailing, she continues. "Translating this to watches, I expect to see strong colours, particularly coloured dials, such as deep emerald green and rich burgundies to be a major trend, as well as a continued appetite for bold, 80s-inspired models like a Rolex Day Date or a Cartier Santos Dumont," Urbinati adds.

However, for those who were swept up in the mania surrounding the Cartier Panthère over the last twelve months, fear not. Minimalism and vintage-inspired silhouettes still will reign supreme in 2026, albeit styled with a few more flourishes than anything too austere and stealthily wealthy. At least, that’s what Pia Mance, the Melbourne-born founder and creative director of Los Angeles-based accessories brand Heaven Mayhem, says. “Vintage, timeless pieces will always be in style, because vintage never truly goes out of fashion,” Mance explains.

Ultimately, the beauty of time is its mutability. The trend cycle will constantly revolve, meaning that styles that aren’t currently in now will find their way back into style. Likewise, the pieces that have cultural capital now might lose relevance, only to gain it back in a matter of years once a new generation rediscovers it.

With that in mind, the major watch trends for 2026 certainly do err on the side of timelessness, meaning that these purchases won’t be as susceptible to becoming dated as others that have come before them. So, without further ado, keep scrolling through for the 5 key watch trends of 2026.

The 5 Key Watch Trends of 2026

1. Cocktail Watches

Style Notes: Dressing up is back, with glamour no longer a maligned part of one's personal style. As a result, cocktail watches have also made a triumphant return. "Cocktail watches are like jewellery, they’re daintier and more intricate, and meant to be worn as a statement piece," Mance notes. "These designs are more eye-catching and unique, highlighting the watch’s personality while effortlessly elevating an outfit." For those who don't want to compromise between functionality and elegance, these iterations strike the perfect balance. Look to something like the Chanel Première Galon, a rectangular face with delicate hands and a ribbon-esque twisted bangle, the bathtub-inspired Cartier Baignoire and Heaven Mayhem's Bella watch.

Shop the Trend:

2. Square Faces

Style Notes: Whilst round faces, like the ones seen on the Daniel Wellington Classic Petite Melrose or the Michael Kors Runway, were all the rage in the 2010s, this decade is taking a far more angular slant. With sleek, quadrilateral edges and a sharp, architectural finish, square faces bring a more refined vibe to quotidian dressing. (Just don’t dare conflate an Apple Watch with this set.) Leading the charge is the Cartier Santos Dumont, however, the Longines Mini DolceVita is an equally notable shape. Most importantly, however, Mance warns not to get too hyperfixated on the sculptural format. “I think people don’t want to overcomplicate their watch faces,” she adds. “Less is more.”

Shop the Trend:

3. Vintage Shapes

Style Notes: Everything old is new again. In the case of watches, this adage could hold more truth, with the most coveted designs ones that are almost a century old. From the Cartier Tank, which dates back to 1917, to the Omega Constellation, which launched onto the market in 1952, these are shapes that are incredibly enduring and everlasting. Most of these shapes have earned waitlist status given how in-demand they are, however, you can still find hidden gems on the resale market, too. If you look at the latest innovations coming out of Geneva—a.k.a the heart of horology—you’ll find that leading brands are also reupping heritage shapes of their own. From the Cartier Tank à Guichets to the Piaget Sixtie, the past has never been more present in watchmaking. As Mance says: “Iconic reissues with modern interpretations will continue to resonate”.

Shop the Trend:

4. Interchangeable Straps

Style Notes: From Elle Fanning wearing a Cartier Baignoire to the London premiere of Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value to Chopard’s tasteful timepieces on the runway of sophisticated Australian label Beare Park, there’s never been a better time for a watch to be set on a bangle. But where these bijoux-forward designs shine in an evening settings, they’re not as relevant in daytime hours. Enter: watches with adjustable straps. Offering an unparalleled level of personalisation, Mance explains that one of the biggest trends for this year will be designs that can suit every event, just with one simple swap. “I think customisation will be huge, especially with interchangeable straps,” she says. Exchanging leather and steel is the perfect way to ensure your watch evolves with you, whilst also feeling appropriate for any occasion.

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5. Mode Sportif

Style Notes: When it comes to men’s watches, you’ll often find that the more iconic designs are associated with athletic pursuits. There’s the James Bond-approved Omega Seamaster (which is a diver’s watch), Tag Heuer’s motorsports-inspired Monaco watch (which Jacob Elordi is the face of), and even the Omega Aqua Terra (which plays into the brand’s maritime heritage). However, in 2026, expect to see a lot more sporty styles dominate in the women’s category. On the court, this is already coming through with Aryna Sabalenka celebrating her second US Open in an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph. On the street, we’re seeing these performance-enhancing designs emerge on the wrists of Victoria Beckham with the Patek Philippe Aquanaut, which is a dynamic design that’s resistant to water.

Shop the Trend:

What to Look Out for When Buying a Watch in 2026?

"My advice would be not to chase trends but to look at what reflects you," explains Urbinati.

"Start by considering your personal style as a whole," she notes. "For example, if you gravitate towards more delicate clothing, a smaller, subtler watch will feel right, whereas a bolder wardrobe can carry a more statement design. This is a great starting point as a general rule that will lead you to investing in a model that you’ll always love."

She adds that a brilliant starting point when investing in a watch in 2026 is to look at resale options. "The pre-owned market has so much choice, offering access to timeless, limited-edition and more unusual pieces, meaning you aren’t limited to ‘new’ models and can find a design that feels right for you for less than market price," Urbinati adds.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

For fashion enthusiasts everywhere, part of the fun of following Formula One is the theater and spectacle around what each WAG will wear next. Every race becomes its own reveal—a different city, a change in climate, a new context for another iteration of personal style. Across a season, those looks accumulate into a larger picture of what kind of ideas each woman wants to risk or test, how she uses each stop on the calendar to push her expression in a new direction, and, mostly, who she is.

Building an identity through repeated choices and calculated risks is the reason I've always gravitated toward watches. They reveal personal style through a decision that stays constant, even as everything around you changes. A watch shows how you handle scale, how you finish a look, and what feels natural to you regardless of context. When you know someone's watch rotation, the surprises in their outfits stop feeling random because they follow a deeper point of view.

As the Formula One season ends, it only feels right to take a closer look. Below, see the watches worn by F1 WAGs.

KELLY PIQUET

I've always been an advocate for building a watch wardrobe, not a collection, and Kelly Piquet gets the memo. In Piquet's rotation, there is a watch for a mood, setting, and occasion—just as you might have a dress, a bag, or shoes for each. Piquet has an oversize steel Audemars Piguet for angularity and scale, a Cartier Panthère, a mini Cartier bangle Baignoire, and a Bulgari Serpenti for when the mood calls for jewelry. She has an Hermès Heure H on a leather strap and a yellow-gold Lady Datejust because classics are classics for a reason. When the occasion calls for classic with a twist, she opts for her Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a Tiffany Blue dial.

CARMEN MONTERO MUNDT

Carmen Montero Mundt and her boyfriend, George Russell, are both IWC ambassadors, so she's quite sponsor loyal in her choices, which usually obscures any reading on personal style. However, Montero Mundt's focus on financial literacy gives her IWC partnership a different dimension. IWC is Swiss German, from Schaffhausen, so its designs are built around a pared-back, engineered sensibility, and the parallel to Montero Mundt's work in financial transparency is unmistakable. She rotates between the IWC Ingenieur in rose gold and steel when an outfit needs a bit more hardware and a Portofino Day & Night for a traditional polish.

REBECCA DONALDSON

Rebecca Donaldson's style has always been defined by simple lines and a clear sense of structure, which makes her one and only watch—a rose-gold Rolex Day-Date—the natural choice. The thing about a Day-Date is that it always suggests a deeper care about the integrity of an object, a respect for construction. If you were after the mere look of a Rolex on your wrist, you could opt for a Datejust, but choosing a Day-Date means you want and honor the watch for what it is, not what it signifies. And that fits her: She dresses with the same clarity, choosing pieces that stand on their own

LILY MUNI HE

By now, we know Lily Muni He loves an unconventional, sculptural bag, and it seems safe to say that same instinct applies to her watch choices. She has a steel Bulgari Serpenti, and of course, that Tubogas bracelet has a silhouette that you can recognize instantly. She also has this two-tone octagonal Santos with a heavenly burgundy dial. The color contrast here is a work of art, defining its lines and emphasizing its screws and edges. Her midsize Santos on leather brings the simplicity of a classic Cartier Tank with a sturdier sensibility. Seen together, her choices all come back to structure and having a point of view.

KIKA GOMES

Kika Gomes loves a Datejust on an Oyster bracelet with clean hardware lines—worn slightly oversize, slightly loose, and never stacked with other jewelry. She loves this silhouette so much she owns the same watch twice: one with a black dial and one with a white Roman dial. I can only respect the approach of knowing what you like and how each piece work for you. I'd even consider this a capsule watch wardrobe! Obsessed.

Big watches are so back, baby. After a stretch of well-behaved jewelry watches everywhere, my appetite is swinging right back toward watches with some weight—literal and visual. It’s the same instinct that Kylie Jenner had in 2016.

By now we’ve learned that subtlety is a virtue, especially as it comes to dressing ourselves, so this time around, the oversize watch is more about a kind of blunt honesty in proportion. Think of it as punctuating your daily uniform with tension in a way that isn’t begging for attention, bringing a line of structure to an area you’d usually ignore. Not for nostalgia nor irony, the oversize watch is about wardrobing, changing the conversation around an outfit in a small but definite way. Here are the key watches to note.

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK

Dua Lipa, famously loyal to her yellow gold Cartier Panthère, recently tucked a yellow-gold Royal Oak with a natural turquoise dial into an Instagram post. Audemars Piguet released this watch back in 2023, and it’s impossibly beautiful and difficult to find, in equal measure.

I personally have a reverence for the Royal Oak, and its history is one of my favorite watch stories—a master class in the psychology of luxury and taking fashion risks, played out over time. Today, we know of the Royal Oak as one of the most recognizable watch silhouettes, but when it debuted in 1972, it was just as risky as it was shocking. A watch in stainless steel priced higher than most gold counterparts was harshly confrontational to the idea of luxury and what luxury could be. Considering the architectural severity of the design, which was well outside the mainstream style codes that favored smaller, round, gold, dressy watches, the watch was nowhere near an instant commercial success.

Audemars Piguet might be a Swiss brand, but the interest in the Royal Oak started in Milan—in my opinion, the most stylish city—where clients already cared about furniture, architecture, and strong lines. They understood what AP was trying to do, and that early Italian demand is what pushed the Royal Oak forward.

ROLEX GMT

In the early 1950s, intercontinental flights started to become part of regular commercial travel, and crews were moving through several time zones in a single shift. Enter Pan American World Airways. Pan Am reached out to Rolex with a request for a watch capable of showing both their base time zone and the local time where they landed, and in 1954, Rolex introduced the first GMT-Master, reference 6542, built with a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel to keep both time zones visible.

There’s something about the bones of a tool watch that I can never get enough of. I think it’s the suggestion of having a purpose, even if its function is completely irrelevant now. That leftover trace of utility is what adds both substance and structure to any outfit that might otherwise feel too styled.

Seventy years later, the modern GMT-Master II feels just as grounded as its original, with the original architecture nearly intact: a rotating bezel, a fourth hand, and graphic two-tone ceramics.

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER

Great style can come from a full life, sure, but I think the best style is the kind that’s internally aligned. You can feel when someone’s sartorial choices are anchored in who they are, not in what they’re trying to project. The appeal here is honesty: value coming from within without the need to justify.

Cue the Speedmaster. Omega released it in 1957 as a straightforward chronograph—a mechanical timing watch designed to be operated easily and read quickly. However, with everything Omega does, there is an undercurrent of integrity to the quality. A kind of craftsmanship that speaks for itself without ever being too flashy.

So when NASA, in the 1960s, bought a handful of off-the-shelf chronographs and pushed them through extreme heat, cold, shock, vibration, pressure, and vacuum tests, the Speedmaster was the only one that passed from start to finish. On that basis, NASA selected the watch for its Gemini and Apollo crews—and the rest is history!

CHANEL J12

Greatness comes from having a point of view and mastery is the result of focus. Jacques Helleu, Chanel’s artistic director then, set out in the early 1990s to create a watch built around a single visual idea: deep color, high polish, and smooth continuity. And ceramic was the only material that could support that framework, and in 2000, the Chanel J12 was born.

What I’ve always appreciated about the J12 is how direct and graphic it is. Visually, there’s a pop-art simplicity to the J12 in the way its lines are not only distilled to pure form but emphasized through commitment to a single color. The watch is entirely defined by its material, treating it with the seriousness usually reserved for metal.

This year, Chanel released a matte, deep-blue ceramic version—the J12 Bleu—reinforcing the idea that the watch evolves through discovery and refinement of material rather than design overhauls, which is why each new color feels like a meaningful extension.

There are few celebrity wardrobes as studied—or as imitated—as the Olsen twins’. And in a market crowded with disposable celebrity projects, The Row has somehow transcended into a fashion religion, complete with an altar built on discipline and longevity. The watches Ashley Olsen has worn over the years reflect that same sensibility—pieces chosen for proportion and integrity in both design and material. Here, each one is broken down with its historical and stylistic significance.

YELLOW-GOLD ROLEX DAY-DATE

Deliberate and restrained, the Rolex Day-Date holds a certain cache in watch circles because of its integrity. Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date represents Rolex at the brand’s most distilled: clean architecture, mechanical prowess, no excess. It’s offered only in precious metals and paired with a bracelet known as the “President,” a name earned through its association with heads of state and industry leadership.

On Olsen, the slightly oversize proportions echo the same rigor that underpins The Row: precise yet easily wearable.

THE APPLE WATCH

They say good taste is developed through living a full life, and on anyone else, the Apple Watch is another digital interface that begets the question: Do you really need another screen? This one at least takes its design cues from Cartier’s first wristwatch, the Santos.

And on Olsen, fashion disciples can understand that the Apple Watch, on a Sport Band no less, has earned its place. This is the tension that keeps her style alive, not preserved. Even the most discerning eyes don’t question the convenience of modern-day technology!

YELLOW-GOLD ROLEX DAYTONA

First introduced in 1963, the Daytona was built to time laps at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway. Once for professional racers, now for those who appreciate a sporty edge as they get dressed (and knowing the mechanics have actual capability behind it).

The duality of a classic sports watch in a buttery yellow gold on a tiny wrist is entirely the point.

CARTIER PASHA

The Pasha’s origin story is quite specific for Cartier: In the 1930s, Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech, requested a custom waterproof watch that could be worn as he moved from the hammam to the pool. The Pasha remained a one-off until 1985, when Cartier asked Gérald Genta, a legendary watch designer behind some of the most influential watch designs of the 20th century, to rework it. His new Pasha introduced some geometry play: a round profile, the bold numerals, and the screw-down crown cap that defined the model for a new generation.

Olsen’s choice in a monochrome Pasha makes for a cohesive addition to her collection—she certainly gravitates toward dark dials and an oversize profile.

VINTAGE COCKTAIL WATCH

Diamonds, a slim silhouette, and a skinny little strap to match—vocabulary of night but worn in day. This contrast is where the magic lies! An old-world detail slipped into a modern woman’s pace.

Cocktail watches emerged in the 1920s through the 1960s, when women’s timekeeping was as much a collaboration with jewelers as it is watchmaking, and watchmakers answered the market demand with small mechanical movements tucked inside diamond-set cases.

SHINOLA RUNWELL

Shinola launched in 2011 as a venture-backed brand concept to revive pockets of American manufacturing, but it wasn’t until 2013 that it made a watch: the Runwell. It became the brand’s proof of concept—assembling quartz movements in Detroit, bringing back an American watch-assembly line again, and creating a product that’s deliberately straightforward rather than precious.

It isn’t luxury nor collectible, but in Ashley Olsen fashion, it’s certainly oversize and pragmatic. As always, it cuts against her otherwise edited wardrobe and feels intentional only in its simplicity. The lesson here is to leave room for the unexpected!

George Russell isn't your typical fashion person. He didn't grow up interested in style, reading up on designers, or spending his off time tearing through vintage stores across the UK. According to the British Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver, before he entered Formula One in 2019, it never even occurred to him to care about fashion. "I grew up in a very small village with not many people around," he tells me over Zoom during an IWC Schaffhausen event celebrating the custom racing suit the timekeeper designed for Russell and his teammate, Kimi Antonelli, for the United States Grand Prix in Austin. "We lived in the country, so fashion was not even thought of." Driving in modern-day F1, though, has a way of bringing out style in people. Six years into his career in the pinnacle of motorsport, Russell now finds himself confident in front of the paddock's many cameras—sunglasses on, relaxed curls out, wearing a preppy-cool ensemble that perfectly encapsulates his personal style.

If you ask any F1 fashion fan on TikTok, they'll probably trace back Russell's sartorial "glow-up" to the sport's summer break in 2023. It was around then that he became a global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, his team's former official clothing partner until this season, when Adidas took over. When F1 returned in August, Russell's usual coiffed hair was loose and casual, and he had on an unbuttoned plaid shirt and khakis. Instead of just wearing his team kit to races, he began wearing sophisticated ensembles that felt true to him while still being unexpected for someone who hadn't previously experimented with fashion during race weekends. Each stop on the F1 calendar brought more looks, and slowly but surely, Russell's signature look took form. "I wouldn't say I'm pushing the boat out, because it's still been reasonably conservative, but I'm wearing looks that I definitely would not have picked off the shelf initially," he says.

Adidas's joining the team in 2025 introduced an added air of cool casualness to Russell's style. He was recently spotted in disguise at the Mexico City Grand Prix wearing a sold-out bomber jacket from the brand's collaboration with Bad Bunny, and suede Sambas have become his go-to paddock shoe. And then there's his ever-changing watch collection, all of which comes from IWC. Keep scrolling to read through our full conversation, which touches on everything from Russell's go-to everyday timepiece to the end of his skinny-jeans phase.

Fashion and Formula 1 are undoubtedly intertwined, both now and in the past, with drivers like Ayrton Senna, Jacky Ickx, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton all leaning into style in their own way. Before starting in F1, did you have any interest in fashion?

Prior to F1, not at all, to be honest. I grew up in a very small village with not many people around. We lived in the country, so fashion was not even thought of. It was only really as I joined F1, where we had these really cool partnerships. I [began to] recognize the impact fashion had on my state of mind, realizing that if I'm dressing well and I'm feeling good with what I'm wearing, I feel more confident. Especially in the world we live in, where you always have cameras on you, you're under the spotlight always. Having fashion to make you stand taller as you walk through these cameras really helped because if you're not feeling good in what you're wearing, and you're being photographed thousands of times as you arrive [at work], it doesn't make you feel better.

Do you feel like moving from Williams to Mercedes had any effect on that, whether that's because of your brand partners or moving into a top team and building your confidence?

Absolutely. Of course, as I moved from Williams to Mercedes, I was also growing up and learning more about myself and what I felt comfortable in. I have often been quite [a] conservative [dresser], I would say. My fashion sense is a traditionally British, timeless sort of look, but I've been happy to explore a few different options over the past couple of years. I wouldn't say I'm pushing the boat out, because it's still been reasonably conservative, but I'm wearing looks that I definitely would not have picked off the shelf initially. When I put [something] on and everything fits together and you've got the right watch [and shoes] to complement the outfit, you [think], okay, this looks cool. I can rock this.

How do you approach your looks, specifically for a race weekend, when you do have all those cameras in front of you?

I think for me, the two main considerations are how the outfit fits on the body, you know, especially my trousers. I've gone slightly wider, but not too baggy—not draping too much over the shoe—but sort of a nice bit of room.

I feel like the paddock was very famously into skinny jeans for a while.

Yeah, that was 2012 style. So we've been migrating a little bit over the past few years. And then for me, it's also the color palette. I like neutral colors. I always go with a dark brown with a navy or green, or a dark brown with a light brown and something navy on top. Navy, brown, and green are the colors I tend to like. And the final thing to consider is the weather and the overall location. If you're racing in Monaco, the sun is shining and you're by the sea, so you may be rocking some white linens, versus when you're coming to Austin, you're probably going with jeans.

And are you doing it all yourself, or do you work with a stylist?

I do have a bit of help, but I've very much expressed what I like and what I feel comfortable with. If I see a 'fit that I like, or see somebody wearing something I like, I'll just screenshot it, send them a WhatsApp, and give the guy who helps me out a bit of extra help.

It's interesting—I was talking to a different driver, and they were saying that because in your line of work, you give a lot of very detailed feedback, it actually, in the end, helps with things like this because you know what you like and what feels good and know how to express that.

Absolutely. You're not scared of elaborating. We have to elaborate a lot, and it's quite detailed, and if there are any sorts of miscommunication, again, we're not scared of making sure that it is put straight.

How have your team's brand partners, like IWC and Adidas, affected your interest in style and the way you dress?

When you're racing for a team like Mercedes, that has to be a bit of a consideration. Fortunately for me, I would say my natural style—which is not too loud and not too out there, but quite a classic British look—is almost aligned with Mercedes, which is obviously a luxury brand that's very elevated and timeless. You are recognizing who you are representing. And then with the likes of IWC, as I said before, we're very fortunate to have a partner like IWC. Compared to women, who have a lot of jewelry [options], for men, it's the watch that is our main sort of garment. I always try and complement the watch to what I'm wearing.

Watch first, outfit second?

To be honest, I am getting that way. I'm very fortunate to have a number of timepieces, and I like to change it up. And again, as I said, it's based on the weather, right? If the sun is shining and the weather's hot, I'm trying to avoid a leather strap and maybe go for a metal bracelet? So you know, you're taking these little things into consideration. We're wearing the Mojave Desert watch this weekend, and that is such a bold piece, so you either need to be in line with what you're wearing or totally different so you have a big contrast with the watch—so it's the focal point. So that is also a consideration. This is a bold piece, so what am I going to do? Am I going to go the browns, or actually, am I just going to go totally different and allow the watch to speak for itself?

Speaking of the watch you're wearing, I know it's supposed to complement your race suit for the race in Austin. Can you tell me a little bit about the suit, what you like about it, and what makes it unique?

Well, I gotta be honest. I was slightly skeptical when I heard the idea of having this color of suit, but I absolutely love it. We've done a few special editions over the past few years, and without doubt, this is my favorite. This specific color—Mojave Desert—is so unique. It's really working—the [slight] contrast between the [colors of the suit and the watch] are almost the colors I wear in my everyday fashion, especially in the autumn and winter months.

I always say that the watch you wear is the only item you truly wear every single day. What IWC watch do you grab the most and why?

I would say the watch I travel with the most is the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar. It has the navy dial with three subdials, and I just feel that it is a watch that is so versatile and can be worn with anything. If you go in for a nice dinner and you're wearing a shirt, it works. If you're wearing shorts and a T-shirt, it works. It just fits for every occasion. And when we're traveling between airports, hotels, tracks, dinners, and events, it's a watch I can rely on for every occasion.

More and more drivers in F1 are expressing themselves stylistically in the paddock. Why do you think that is? Does fashion's larger presence in the sport make it easier for drivers to experiment with style and try something other than their team kits during a race weekend?

Formula 1 is becoming so much more than just a sport. It's becoming a lifestyle for people who follow the sport, and people enjoy the entertainment off the track as much as they enjoy the entertainment on the track. Rightly or wrongly, they're finding the lives that we live quite interesting. You recognize that the sport is only what it is because of the fans who follow it, so I guess you almost have a duty to, firstly, be a great role model for young kids watching and aspiring to be not only a racing driver but a professional athlete or anything really, because the world's eyes are on you. But then, secondly, just trying to showcase who you really are, and trying to take the covers off and let those fans who make the sport so special into your life and take them on the journey.

While the crook of the elbow has always played host to a designer bag and our décolletages are home to a piece of jaw-dropping jewellery, it’s the wrist that has emerged as the stage to show off the latest opulent accessory coveted by the chicest dressers around—luxury watches. From Zoë Kravitz to Zendaya, this unsung joint has been reclaimed by style savants as prime real estate for showing off this hallmark of savoir faire and refined taste.

“There's just something about watches that feel elevated in a way that other fashion items don't,” says Brynn Wallner, a watch expert, writer and founder of femme-forward resource Dime Piece.

Wallner is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to horology, providing everything from exclusive insights to leading industry events to dropping the names of the latest trending style to grace a celebrity’s wrist and translating the craftsmanship of these heritage pieces into a digestible, quippy and accessible language. Most of all, Wallner has the inside scoop on the luxury watches that are rising in popularity, selling the most and soon to be the item du jour, which means that you can count on her advice to steer you in the right direction when purchasing your first investment or simply adding to your collection.

And as a fashion writer at Who What Wear UK, this is something that especially resonates with me. Watches are set apart in the way that they are incredibly symbolic. Sure, they will keep you on track and mark the passage of time, but they’ll also serve as a permanent reminder to stay present and that true elegance is eternal. A luxury watch is something that, when chosen well, will serve you through all seasons of life, and there is truly no time like the present to start building an arsenal of your own.

As Waller so aptly puts it, “there's a lot of pressure on that one item to go with a lot of different outfits”. She continues: “Your watch needs to look just as cool when you’re going to the grocery store as it would be to a work cocktail event.” With so many watch brands on the market, from heavy hitters like Cartier to more contemporary and design-led fashion maisons like Chanel, it’s also hard to know where to begin. Allow this, then, to be your comprehensive guide to the best luxury watches for women. From the styles of note to professional advice and the factors to keep in mind when shopping, uncover everything you need to know about the best luxury watches for women, ahead.

The 11 Best Luxury Watches for Women:

1. Cartier de Panthère

Style Notes: Sleek, feline and sinuous in shape, the Cartier de Panthère watch is one of the French house’s most iconic silhouettes. Created in 1983 by Michèle Kanoui, the design boasts a fluid bracelet that curves around the wearer’s wrist—much like the eponymous jungle cat the creation derives its name from—and a demure, mini square face. While its devotees include Princess Diana and Gwyneth Paltrow, the appetite for the piece has intensified in recent years, with the watch spotted everywhere from Kylie Jenner in Venice to Timothée Chalamet courtside at an NBA game. (Couples who share dress watches, stay together, right?). There's a reason why Cartier is so prevalent,” Wallner says, and that’s built on literal centuries of work, their famous clientele, their imagination, the way they position themselves and their prowess as both watchmaker and jewellery maker”. “They just know what they're doing,” she adds.

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2. Chanel Première

Style Notes: To know Chanel is to know their hallmarks—soft ribbons of leather that weave through a chain strap, candy-coloured woven tweed, a slingback that curves at the front and features a contrasting front cap. Of all the luxuriate’s signatures, however, it’s their watches that remain the most underrated. In 2022, Chanel proved just why their timepieces were amongst the most desirable with the release of the Première Édition. The watch was inspired by an original design from 1987 and paid homage to the brand’s most iconic motifs, with the octagon face calling back to the stopper perched on a bottle of No.5 perfume and straps evoking the braiding of the Flap bag. Now, Chanel is expanding their haute horlogerie category with a jewellery-forward iteration dubbed the Première Galon. A true cocktail watch, the style is accented by a gilded, twisted bangle that fuses sophistication with functionality. It’s already earning the endorsement of It girls, too, with Gracie Abrams, Devon Lee Carlson and Blackpink’s Jennie already wearing this style on repeat.

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3. Longines Mini DolceVita

Style Notes: Living life “la dolce vita” might be a calling card for those looking to emulate the serenity and sweetness of the azure Mediterranean, but for luxury Swiss watchmaker Longines, the phrase takes on a different meaning. The brand’s Mini DolceVita watch is a rectangular shape marked with a silver "flinqué" and blue steel hands. An extension of the original style which was first released in the 1920s, hence its similarity to the Cartier Tank, the piece is considerably more elegant than the average everyday watch, yet is still perfect for quotidian affairs. Of course, if you take cues from the watch’s starry wearers like Audrey Hepburn, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Lawrence, these everyday activities include galavanting down the Boulevard de la Croisette for the annual Cannes Film Festival. A life well lived, indeed.

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4. Bulgari Serpenti

Style Notes: Historically, snakes have always served as an object of temptation. Fitting then, that Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch is such a coveted fixture within luxury spheres. The piece first rose to prominence in 1962 when the original showgirl, Elizabeth Taylor, wore it while filming Cleopatra in the Italian capital. (An incredibly apt appearance given Bulgari’s Roman roots.) Watches truly don’t get more decadent than this, especially when you consider the Tubogas—the most recognisable style in the Serpenti family—and its spiral band that winds up the forearm or cabochon cut pink rubellite crown. More discrete dressers can also enjoy this iconic motif with the Seduttori, a timepiece that incorporates a python print through the form of tessellating stainless steel, rose gold or yellow gold scales.

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5. Rolex Lady Datejust

Style Notes: When you think of luxury watches, Rolex is likely the first name that springs to mind. That was the case for Wallner, too. “Watch brands kind of missed me in their marketing, and when I say me, I mean someone who is representative of a millennial woman with a good job and disposable income,” she said. “I didn't have any context or know about watches at all, and the only watch brand I knew was Rolex.” Now, as a certified expert on the topic, Wallner still cites Rolex as one of the most prolific luxury watch brands in the world. However, of all the watch styles Rolex has forged over its century in operation, it’s the Datejust that Wallner recommends the most. Not only is it the Geneva-based watch brand’s highest-selling model, as Wallner tells me, but the one she personally sees the most of chic dressers. (Which is saying a lot, considering how many watch aficionados and professionals she interacts with on a daily basis!) Oh, and did I mention that Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna and Carmela Soprano? Talk about a powerhouse line-up.

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6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Style Notes: There are certain luxury brands that aren’t typified by an ostentatious logo, but rather recognised through a specific stitch, diminutive thread or strategic fabric choice. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one such example of this in the watch world, with a captivating octagonal case, grid-esque grande tapisserie dial and a folding bracelet subtle indicators that identify the piece to eagle-eye enthusiasts. On the contrary, AP is also a house that doesn’t hesitate to flex its horological finesse, either. “Iced out”, as Wallner describes it, versions of the Royal Oak are becoming increasingly popular, with some styles dripping in brilliant-cut diamonds and set in an 18-carat white gold case. "There is the quiet luxury element, but there also is like the flashy element, too," Wallner says. "We saw Aryna Sabalenka, who is an AP brand ambassador, wearing her big rose gold Royal Oak with the diamonds on it after she won the US Open. That is not a subtle watch, it's flashy and has ‘wow’ factor." Perennial tastemaker, Hailey Bieber, also has both iterations and wears them regularly, proving how a watch really does help set the mood. "I feel like there is the more subtle way of wearing a watch, but there's also the flex way and we're seeing both," Wallner adds. "We're seeing women flex in the way that men have historically, especially when they're like on their like next level of collecting."

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7. Patek Philippe Nautilus

Style Notes: A watch that has Beyoncé waxing lyrical about it on a song is enough to have us sit straight up and pay attention. But it’s safe to say that the Patek Philippe Nautilus doesn’t require much to pique our interest. Just look at it! Launched in 1976 as an elegant sports watch for maritime pursuits, the porthole shape has served as the ideal canvas to showcase the bounds of high-end Swiss watchmaking. A bezel encrusted with spessartite baguettes that create a halo of gemstones ranging from deep cognac to light champagne? Of course, that’s possible! How about a full gem-set finish with 2,364 brilliant-cut internally flawless diamonds placed in a wave pattern across the dial? Consider it done. These pieces are so coveted that there’s even a waitlist that spans half a decade at minimum in order to purchase one. Funny how time flies…

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8. Omega Constellation

Style Notes: If timepieces were measured on the chicness of their ambassadors alone, Omega would certainly be leading the charge. With endorsements from every corner of the entertainment world, Omega’s lineup includes Hollywood dynasties like supermodel mother-daughter duo Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber, Australian actress Nicole Kidman and her nascent model scion Sunday Rose and the formidable former James Bond, Daniel Craig. This starry group is becoming for the brand that brought us the Constellation, a watch that features slender curves, graceful claws and a dial that’s marked by a mother-of-pearl face and diamonds that delineate the hour.

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9. Tissot SRV

Style Notes: Tissot was born in the heart of Swiss horology—a region regarded and renowned as the best in the business. With an origin story like that, it’s truly destiny that they should be revered for creating one of the best luxury watches for women. Of all the designs to choose from and covet, it’s the SRV. Inspired by Art Deco design, the face subverts the classic eight-sided convention by elongating the structure with a sleek and geometric lens.

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10. IWC Schaffhausen Portofino

Style Notes: The turquoise harbour, pastel houses and sprawling hillside of Portofino, a quieter coastal enclave tucked in along the Italian Riviera, is a place that’s ripe to be mined for inspiration. IWC Schaffhausen did exactly that, choosing the jet-set destination as the name for one of their most recognisable shapes. Inspired by a pocket watch, this design features a larger watch face for a more imposing and dominant design that evokes the essence of styles popular in the late 20th Century. “These larger styles trickled down from ‘90s supermodels wearing these big Rolex Daytonas and inverting the gender norms and labels associated with watches,” explains Wallner. “It's cool for a woman to wear a big man's watch, like a sports watch, a chronograph or a diver watch, and challenge what's being sold to them.”

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11. Hermès Cut

Style Notes: Hermès can be viewed as a barometer of what’s in taste. Poetic and refined, but never sombre or austere, the brand is the pinnacle of what it means to be a modern, luxury fashion house. And while the leather goods like the Hermès Birkin or Kelly often steal the spotlight, Wallner has put me onto their watches. “I love what Hermès is doing, I think their watch programme is amazing,” she says. They released the Cut watch two years ago, which was a sports watch designed for women with an automatic movement, which is just like androgynous and cool,” she adds.

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What Luxury Watches are Trending for Women?

Now that you’re familiar with the precise best luxury watches for women, it’s high time we discuss the specific trends that are currently dominating. The most apparent is the rise in the cocktail watch. These styles are more minute and double as a piece of bijoux. (Think: Cartier Baignoire and Tiffany HardWear.)

As the name suggests, these designs are more suited towards early evening soirées and pair perfectly with a chilled dirty martini or opera glove. Delicate in nature and evoking the essence of high jewellery, these are styles that are considerably more dramatic when compared to slightly larger and softer shapes. Yet at a time where purveyors of the arts and trips to cultural institutions like ballets, galleries, galas and theatres are dwindling, these delicate pieces are actually resonating outside of these arenas.

In fact, smaller watches, like the Cartier Santos Dumont, which Taylor Swift wore during her engagement to Travis Kelce, are on the rise and speak to a trend of practicality over pompousness. Speaking to me about her first investment watch, the Cartier Tank Francaise, Wallner tells me that she gravitated towards this style because of its ease of wear and versatility. “I wanted something daintier that I could stack and would go with every outfit without being such a statement, especially for my first watch,” she says. “I think that this new wave of female enthusiasts are oftentimes looking for their first watch, and I think it's just a safer bet not to buy a huge one.”

“We are seeing a rise in more jewellery-forward pieces; gem sets, cocktail watches, for instance,” she continues. “If you can't afford the high jewellery or the iced-out watch, it is an exciting category to look at on the secondary market because, for a long time, those watches have been really undervalued.

“Part of the reason why we've been seeing a rise in small watches for men and women is because they're kind of different from what's on the primary market, so you see people going to thrift stores and scouring The Real Real to find these really edgy and individualistic pieces.

"If you open your mind and your heart to more creative, design-forward pieces, and if you have the patience to really look online, there are deals to be had."

What to Consider When Buying a Luxury Watch?

When it comes to actually making your first luxury watch purchase, it can often feel like you’re weighed down by decision fatigue, which isn’t the most ideal mindset to be in when making a decision that will set you back hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Therefore, it’s imperative that you factor every element in—metal, size, weight, quality, heritage, everything!

“You should also think about what metal you wear. If you’re more of a white metal person, you would go with steel or yellow gold,” Wallner says. “Size does factor in, too,” she continues. “It might be nice to buy a really, really huge watch, but practically, you should consider how it sits on your wrist. You want to buy something that feels comfortable, so you need to strike the right balance. I always tell people to just stay within their means and not like go crazy."

What are the Best Brands for Luxury Women's Watches?

When it comes to luxury watches, it’s really important to note that the best brands are the best simply because of the history and legacy that supports their creations. The crux of the industry are the Swiss majors, including Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.

Cartier and Bulgari are also incredible names, but they have made a name for themselves for the way they combine their jewellery knowledge with innovative horological practices. To me, however, the most exciting brands are the disruptive fashion maisons that are emerging as worthy contenders. Applying the craftsmanship of their ateliers to this category, these are brands who are shaking things up and ensuring the more established labels stay nimble and competitive, which in turn delivers the most impactful and original devices. Wallner agrees with me, citing Louis Vuitton as an example of a maison that is doing this well. “It’s really exciting because it's introducing new players as more creative and design-minded fashion houses start taking their watch programmes seriously”

“I think it's opening the eyes of more standard and heritage watch brands,” she adds. “It's just kind of like a cradle of innovation going on, and it's not just innovation focused on the movement and what's inside, but also design coming from the expertise of the fashion houses. I think it's bringing more women, too, because fashion brands get women. The customer base is already there, they're already switched on and engaged.”

Authentic. Credible. Boundary pushing. These are words I heard in flux during the three days I spent in Boston, where I was immersed in the worlds of two brands that had just done something no one had ever done before. On the morning after we arrived, New Balance, the Boston-based sportswear brand founded in 1906, and TAG Heuer, the Swiss watchmaker founded in 1860, announced a partnership—and not the kind that just slaps two logos on a product and calls it a day. As Brian Lynn, New Balance's global vice president of lifestyle and basketball, told the media from a stage next to the brand's famed indoor track, this collaboration has been in the works for three years—three years full of endless trials and back-and-forth to ensure that it was, at its core, authentic, credible, and boundary pushing. After both wear-testing the resulting pieces and hearing directly from the team members who made them, I can say with certainty that it was all worth it.

Both TAG Heuer and New Balance prioritize craft over all else, a trait that became clear to their individual teams when they began work on two products: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 40MM x New Balance Edition watch and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 sneakers. "Both brands obsess over details most people will never see, but that precision is what creates real performance," Lynn told us. "It's a true partnership," he continued. "Something that we've been building over time together."

As a result of this obsession with precision and perfection, they were able to create a foolproof way to get into and stay into running—no fears or anxieties necessary—by fusing TAG Heuer's watchmaking expertise with New Balance's profound understanding of running movement and athletic performance.

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First, let's dive into the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 sneakers, which are featherlight, with a PEBA midsole and carbon plate that genuinely projects you forward, ensuring increased speed on race day. They're not for the day-one runner—these were built for breaking records—but they give you something to work toward. New Balance created a running shoe for the day you do the thing you've been training so hard for. (I have run in them recreationally once to try it, and while it's not recommended, I will say they feel great: bouncy but stable and fast as hell.) Like the accompanying connected TAG Heuer watch, this sneaker's mesh outer is painted a deep shade of violet with vibrant green accents.

It was an intentional palette, and one that the two brands had gone back and forth on extensively over the three years of preparation for this moment. They could have opted for a more minimal color palette, and according to members of the design team, they heavily considered it. "We had three directions, and definitely one of them was leaning more quiet and lifestyle," said one of New Balance's shoe designers. But since the FuelCell SuperComp Elite V5 sneakers were designed for competition, it felt right to go bold. It's not, after all, a shoe for every day. It's for winning.

The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5 40MM x New Balance Edition watch, though equally race-day ready, was also designed for the lead-up to that highly charged moment. The watch is one of five newly released Connected Calibre E5 watches, the fifth luxury smartwatch TAG Heuer has released over the last decade, a time frame that has seen many of its competitors join and exit the genre. What makes this version especially exciting in that journey is its proprietary TAG Heuer OS, an interface that, because it was developed in-house, gave the Swiss team complete control over the watch's digital experience. They created everything, from the customizable running programs that come with the $2050 timepiece (and can then be connected to an app on your smartphone) to the digital golf features that allow you to connect to over 40,000 courses and use GPS tracking to map your day on the green (and record your strokes).

The running programs are especially exciting and different from any available to runners right now. The personalized programs are designed to help people stay consistent, with features that gamify the system of running to make it enjoyable rather than something you want to check out of on a rainy day or after a long night. The watch's sensors will also monitor your heart rate, GPS, and altitude, and show the effects of the results. Soon (coming this winter), wearers will have access to wellness features like sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and heart rate variability. It really is the ultimate running companion, whether you're new to the practice or one of the fastest women in the world, like this collaboration's face, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

"It's a beautiful combination of performance and incredible, uncompromising design," George Ciz, CMO of TAG Heuer, said of the limited-edition connected watch. "This watch is something that you can look amazing in while running, but just as easily, you can wear it to a business meeting." This sentiment rings especially true when you consider the other Connected Calibre E5 options, of which there are five, including a rose-gold version, 45-millimeter alternatives, and one with a metal bracelet that provides you with the same look as a traditional mechanical timepiece. Plus, TAG Heuer made sure the straps were easy to change using a quick-release system—I timed one of its designers, and it took him exactly 12.9 seconds—and you can choose between any of the brand's most popular dials, from the Carrera to the Formula 1, as well as limited-edition colorways. "It's a chameleon," Ciz said.

Shop more versions of the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E5:

McLaughlin-Levrone, a longtime ambassador for both TAG Heuer and New Balance, knows what will make her faster and what will slow her down. As a four-time Olympic champion, five-time World Champion, and the current world record holder of the 400-meter hurdles, she has to. That's why she exclusively wears New Balance and TAG Heuer. "Time is everything, both for me and for them," McLaughlin-Levrone said during a panel alongside Chris Davis, New Balance's president and CMO, and Antoine Pin, the CEO of TAG Heuer, at the track on launch day, alluding to her brand partners. For her, every single second—milliseconds, even—counts, and New Balance and TAG Heuer are the two companies she counts on most to help her ensure that none are wasted. Her reasoning is simple: "Both brands just exude excellence."

That's what makes this collaboration so special and unlike the hundreds of others we see released each year. "What stands out about working with TAG Heuer is the shared respect for craft," Lynn said at the event. "Both brands obsess over details most people will never see, but that precision is what creates real performance." He also referred to one of New Balance's iconic tag lines, which referred to the brand as "The Intelligent Choice," noting that it's more than just a marketing slogan. "That's really our North Star when we make a decision of what we do and what we're going to do, and that's why this campaign feels so right—it's the intelligent choice."

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. However, if you look attentively at the most prolific watch and jewellery designs, you’ll notice that these creations weren’t spurred on by obligation. Instead, these iconic silhouettes derive inspiration from everyday objects that might go unnoticed to the untrained eye.

The Cartier Baignoire watch is one such icon that starts with this rudimentary pretence. Translating to "bathtub"| in English, the recognisable oval outline takes influence from the curved contours of these soaking hotspots, transforming this regular space of respite into something far more sophisticated. Because who amongst us doesn’t believe that the ultimate form of luxury isn’t an act of self-indulgence?

But the Baignoire isn’t necessarily about pampering oneself. There are plenty of other Cartier pieces that express this notion better. (The screw-sealed Love is amongst this set, though someone like Dakota Johnson, who is known for her passion for bathing, might certainly see it this way. As she told the Wall Street Journal, "I will get in a bathtub at any moment, any time of the day.")

Instead, like the vessel it mimics the shape of, it’s a masterclass in passing time. Quite an apt description for a chronometer, no? Or, as Brynn Wallner puts it, a "proof of concept of watching and eyeing off what people are talking about and intentionally creating something specific from it."

What Is the Cartier Baignoire Watch?

The Cartier Baignoire watch is a style that dates back over a century, yet it really only found its place in the annals of horology over the past few years. The watch itself boasts soft curves, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, a silvered dial and a quartz movement.

With a smaller model and delicate finish, the discrete elegance inherent to the shape makes it a ripe choice for stylish dressers interested in something both conspicuous and contemporary.

Yet, when compared to the Cartier Panthère or Tank, it's a style that certainly flew under the radar for decades.

Wallner is a writer and watch expert who serves as a "femme-forward resource", as she says herself, under the name Dimepiece. Launched in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, Wallner disrupted the industry through her insightful, approachable and colloquial commentary at a time when horology wasn’t necessarily pandering to female consumers. This scarcity left space for Wallner to fill, which she did with wit, humour and an eagle eye for celebrity watch-spotting and identifying the next most covetable style.

Despite never owning a watch while running the account—a blight she swiftly corrected with the purchase of a Cartier Tank Française to commemorate the platform’s first anniversary and her 31st birthday—Wallner tells me over Zoom from her apartment in New York that it was the infrequently discussed Baignoire that piqued her interest.

The History of the Cartier Baignoire Watch

Created in 1912, the Cartier Baignoire was born into obscurity after Louis Cartier, the grandson of the brand’s founder Louis-François Cartier, designed the shape for Russian Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna. The rounded edges and petite face were quite revolutionary for the time, and in 1958, it went into production before being officially baptised as the Baignoire in 1974, earning the support of early adopters like French New Wave actress Jeanne Moreau by direct consequence. These endorsements certainly helped the Baignoire remain as Cartier's best-kept secret—a reputation that followed it through to the 2020s.

"A year and a half before starting Dimepiece, a friend of mine who I worked with at Sotheby's introduced me to Alan Bedwell, a professional watch dealer who goes by Foundwell," Wallner explains.

"He’s been in the business for 20 years, and on our first watch 'date', he came with a little pouch of ladies' watches to do a show and tell. Amongst those watches was the Cartier Baignoire, which I had never seen or heard of before, even though I had done a lot of research. I was like, 'What is this watch? It's so cute. I'm obsessed.' He explained it was a Cartier Baignoire and that it was named after a bathtub. I looked into it and was so surprised by the fact that, despite Catherine Deneuve wearing it and having this cool '60s design, nobody was talking about it.

"So, I started posting about it being like, 'Oh my god, the Cartier Baignoire is so cute, how come nobody told me!' Other people started to notice it, too, after I started calling it out. At the time, those watches were so undervalued on the secondary market. Nobody really cared about them or wanted them, which is why Alan had his collection for, like, ever."

Wallner’s publicity for the Baignoire certainly bolstered its desirability in the space, and it was a little over a year later that Cartier cemented this online fervour with a splashy release.

"Cartier was kind of watching what was unfolding online, and so in 2023 at Watches and Wonders [an annual trade event held in Geneva], their big release that year was the Baignoire on the bangle. It was also like the reintroduction of the Baignoire into the Cartier stable. That watch just took off after that. The Baignoire got the wait-list treatment a lot of popular men's watches get. It became really hard to purchase. You couldn’t just go into the Cartier store and buy the watch because it's sold out, so all these people were like, 'How do I get this watch?'

"That moment was the first time in recent history when a lady's watch was so coveted. The Baignoire bangle has all these elements that nod to Cartier’s history as a jewellery maker, and when [it was unveiling] it, the brand explained that it was designed to be stacked, which was surprising to hear because stacking is almost a taboo subject in the watch industry. So I thought, 'Oh, they really thought about women and how women like to wear watches when they were creating this."

Is the Cartier Baignoire Considered a Dress Watch?

To that point, one of the most impressive elements about the Cartier Baignoire is the way in which the watch exercises constraint. The design is considered a dress watch, which comes down to the slimmer profile and minimalist appearance. But as with so many things in the watch world, the rules about who, where and when someone can wear a timepiece are constantly being rewritten.

Given the cult following the Baignoire has received, the exclusive few who are fortunate enough to call themselves owners of this style aren’t just restricting themselves to wearing the watch during formal occasions; they're wearing it peeking out from the cuff of a polished top or stacked with another Cartier signature.

Which Celebrities Wear the Cartier Baignoire?

Cartier’s most ostensible promoters have been those at the forefront of style, and the Baignoire is no different. However, as this watch is a quieter display of taste and elegance, the celebrity sightings require a little more deft to identify. For instance, French actress and musician Lou Doillon has tactfully been wearing one since receiving a Baignoire as an 18th birthday present from her mother, Jane Birkin.

Kendall Jenner has often accessorised her "stealth wealth" ensembles with the design too, eschewing the oft louder and more showy approach to fashion taken by her famous sisters.

Elle Fanning, who recently became an ambassador for the Parisian House, has also made the Baignoire an indispensable part of her press-tour wardrobe for her latest project, Sentimental Value. Whilst promoting the movie at the Cannes Film Festival on the Côte d'Azur and the London Film Festival in the English capital, Fanning showed us that choosing between an accessory that doubles as both a timepiece and a piece of jewellery is actually the most opulent thing you could wear.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Cartier Baignoire has also garnered a fanbase with men interested in participating in Cartier mania without wearing something as easily identifiable. Paul Mescal wore one to the global premiere of Gladiator II in Australia, whilst The Beatles' rhythm guitarist, George Harrison, was famously gifted one by the band’s manager, Brian Epstein. (Given this connection, there’s no doubt that the Cartier Baignoire will make an appearance in Sam Mendes’ upcoming quartet of biopics on the legendary Liverpudlian musicians.)

How Much Is the Cartier Baignoire Watch?

This detail, in particular, is perhaps the most appealing thing about the Cartier Baignoire. It’s neither just a singular watch nor a bracelet, but miraculously both, making it better than the sum of its parts. So, how much would a Cartier Baignoire watch set you back?

Prices for the style begin at £7000 for a mini model with a black varnished calfskin strap, and can reach £98,000 for a style set on a rhodium-finish white gold with 1026 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 6.39 carats. On the resale market, however, styles start at £5000 for vintage and pre-loved iterations.

Is The Cartier Baignoire Watch Worth It?

It might seem that Cartier Baignoire pandemonium has reached fever pitch, but according to the experts, the desire for this style shows no sign of dissipating. "I think that it's just gotten more popular, and because it is a vintage design, it has that staying power," says Wallner. As she puts it, "I don't think it's just a trend—it's going to be one of the 'canon' watches."

Without further ado, keep scrolling below to shop the Cartier Biagnoire.

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We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

If you're familiar with my byline and social media accounts, you know I discuss a wide range of topics, from runway reports to travel guides. This year, however, I've been significantly ramping up my coverage of women's watches. I traveled to Geneva for the watchmaking industry's biggest event, interviewed experts about the celebrity-fueled obsession with vintage timepieces, and reported on the latest luxury launches, just to name a few examples. Armed with this experience, I'm confident in my 2026 watch trend predictions.

My newest obsession? Raindrop-shaped cases like the ones seen on the new Citizen L Rainell. Sure, you could buy another circular or rectangular watch, but the raindrop silhouette feels so much fresher and more exciting for 2026. "Rooted in over a century of horological excellence and inspired by the brand’s Tokyo design archives, Rainell captures the evolution of femininity through bold form, refined artistry, and intentional detail," Citizen explained in a press release. Scroll down to shop the trend.

Shop the Raindrop Watch Trend

When it comes to accessories that can instantly elevate an outfit, watches are a category I return to time (no pun intended) and again. And lately, I've been looking for the best affordable watch brands for women.

There are plenty of perks to working in fashion. For me, the first is that I have an excuse (and often a reason) to spend hours scrolling through new-in sections of our favourite brands in the name of "research." The second is that I get a front-row seat to watch trends evolve, not just on the runways, but also in real life. And the third, which is perhaps the most enjoyable of all, is discovering the small styling details that make someone look impossibly put-together. I think this always comes back to accessories. Handbags and shoes often get the most attention, but I'd argue there are few pieces as enduring—or as conversation-starting—as a really good watch.

Unlike other accessory trends that come and go, watches have remained. Traditionally, they were viewed through a more practical lens, and for much of the 20th century, the world of watchmaking was dominated by men. Collectors would often wax lyrical about mechanical movements, Swiss craftsmanship and the allure of heritage brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe.

But as women's wardrobes and the way we use fashion to express ourselves have evolved, so too has our relationship with timepieces. I'd go as far as to say that women now lead the conversation when it comes to watches as accessories. They're not just about telling the time anymore—they're a huge signaller of personal style.

Of course, this doesn't mean you have to invest in Cartier's Panthère or a Rolex Oyster Perpetual to be part of this world; some of the most complimented affordable watches for women I've seen in fashion circles haven't come with five-figure price tags. Friends of mine love their vintage finds discovered in tucked-away shops abroad, whilst others lean into high-street brands that have expanded into jewellery and watches with surprising finesse.

And if, like me, you remember the frenzy around Daniel Wellington back in the 2010s, you'll know how a simple design can take off overnight. The reason? The brand's watches looked far more expensive than they actually were: slim leather straps, minimalist dials, and were styled in ways that showed they worked just as easily with an office look as it did with jeans and a T-shirt.

That's the beauty of affordable watch brands for women today. They offer the polish of a designer accessory without the financial sting, and in some cases, they even nod to runway trends. Think of oversized faces that echo the masculine tailoring we've seen at Saint Laurent, delicate bracelet straps reminiscent of the chains at Chloé, or playful colour combinations that feel straight out of Miu Miu’s Y2K-inspired mood board. "What makes a truly great watch stand out," says Elizabeth von der Goltz, former jewellery and watch buyer at Farfetch and Browns, “is not only the craftsmanship but also an identifiable aesthetic that feels unique yet timeless.” That balance between design and accessibility is exactly what makes today's affordable brands so appealing.

And if you're shopping on a budget, Von der Goltz advises looking closely at materials and feel. "The weight in your hand, the smoothness of the strap, and details like stainless steel or sapphire crystal over plastic all signal a watch that will last," she tells me. It's thoughtful cues like these that elevate a purchase and ensure you're not just buying something seasonal but something you'll want to wear for years.

Below, I've rounded up five brands that prove affordability doesn't have to mean compromising on style. From Olivia Burton's whimsical details to Tissot's Swiss-made classics, these are the names I (and many fashion editors I know) happily recommend.

Shop My Favourite Chic, Affordable Watches for Women:

1. Abbott Lyon

Style Notes: Abbott Lyon is relatively new compared to the other brands on this list, but it has quickly become a favourite thanks to its customisable designs. The brand leans into the personalisation trend; you can add initials, choose interchangeable straps and even match your watch to other accessories like bracelets. The aesthetic is clean and modern, often with subtle detailing that makes the pieces feel special. Prices generally fall between £100 and £200.

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2. Tissot

Style Notes: Tissot is one of Switzerland's oldest watchmakers (established in 1853), and whilst it's firmly rooted in heritage, its accessible pricing makes it stand out. The brand is known for creating reliable, Swiss-made quartz and mechanical watches that often start from around £200. What I like most about Tissot is that its designs range from sportier chronographs to slim, dressier models, making it a go-to, whether you want something for everyday wear or more occasion-worthy.

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3. Olivia Burton

Style Notes: London-based Olivia Burton has a knack for creating "feminine", trend-led timepieces without tipping into novelty. The brand rose to prominence with its floral dials, which felt like an antidote to the overtly minimal watches that were everywhere a decade ago. Since then, it has expanded into more refined styles, often taking inspiration from jewellery design. Think chain-link straps, rose-gold finishes and classic Roman numeral faces. The pieces sit mostly under the £150 mark, making them an easy entry point into watch collecting.

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4. Daniel Wellington

Style Notes: No list of affordable watch brands for women would feel complete without Daniel Wellington. The Swedish brand's clean aesthetic was everywhere in the mid-2010s, and whilst the craze has cooled slightly, its pieces still deliver on quality and style. What keeps it relevant today is how versatile the designs are; you can swap out straps, mix metal with leather or opt for newer mesh finishes. Starting from around £100, it's a brand that still holds weight in the fashion community.

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5. Swatch

Style Notes: Swatch has always been playful. Founded in the 1980s, the Swiss brand made watch collecting fun, with bright colours and bold graphics. What's interesting now is how it has reinvented itself for a new generation; collaborations with brands like Omega and artists from around the world have put Swatch back on the radar. Prices often start under £100, and the lightweight, durable materials make them perfect for everyday wear.

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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have just welcomed their third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers. They announced the exciting news on Instagram, where they also revealed her birthdate: September 13, 2025. The photo of mother and child is incredibly sweet, but I couldn't help but notice one striking accessory: Rihanna's glistening watch.

Rihanna wore an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that's currently on the resale market for $100,000. "The standout feature is the pink dial, adorned with the iconic 'Grande Tapisserie' pattern, adding depth and texture to its feminine yet contemporary aesthetic," Chrono24 explained in its product description. The bracelet is made from 18-carat pink gold. With Taylor Swift getting engaged in a Cartier watch and Rihanna giving birth in an AP timepiece, I sense a new trend in the world of celeb announcements. Rihanna also wore a Renato Cipullo Splendente Letter R Pendant ($7950). Scroll down to get a close-up look.

On Rihanna: Renato Cipullo Splendente Letter R Pendant ($7950); Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ($99,900)

Rihanna's Exact Watch

Shop Other Watches With Pink Dials

If you've been following Taylor Swift's personal style for a long time, you might have noticed a new obsession of hers: watches. Swift rarely, if ever, wore timepieces prior to the last few years. Maybe Travis Kelce is the one who sparked her interest in the accessory? After all, the gold Cartier watch she wore in her engagement photos was reportedly gifted to her by Kelce, and he's a known collector of Rolex pieces.

In a new promotional video for her upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, Swift debuted a stunning new watch: the Versace Hera Black Sunray Dial & Leather Strap Watch, which is currently on sale for $748. She styled it with chunky, lug-sole loafers, which are a fall shoe trend currently cosigned by brands like Zara, Steve Madden, H&M, and more. She also completed her look with a Reformation cashmere sweater, Versace skirt, Ralph Lauren socks, and a Foundrae necklace. Scroll down to shop pieces to re-create her outfit.

Re-Create Taylor Swift's New Outfit

Movado Icons Ludacris, Jessica Alba, Christian McCaffrey, Julianne Moore, and Tyrese Haliburton reunite for the Swiss brand’s second installment of its campaign “Always in Motion. Since 1881.”

Renewing its cast of actors, entertainers, and athletes, Movado reignites its messaging from last year’s campaign, focusing on the practicality of a Movado watch in everyday motion.

“In our second year, we continue to deepen our storytelling by celebrating Movado’s heritage and Swiss craftsmanship,” said Margot Grinberg, President of Movado, in a press release. “Building on last year’s campaign, we remain true to our DNA with a concept inspired by the meaning of Movado ‘always in motion’—in Esperanto," Grinberg continued in the press release.

The legacy brand takes a cinematic approach in its recent campaign. Stuart Winecoff directs and photographs Ludacris, Alba, McCaffrey, and Moore, producing cinematic films and portraits.

Winecoff intimately captures the tastemakers in motion with the latest Movado watches inside the L.A. landmark, the Harvey House. The midcentury modern home, designed by architect John Lautner, beautifully complements Movado’s Swiss craftsmanship. “Paired with a piece from our latest collection, they reflect how our Icons move, create, live, and how Movado is included in these moments,” said Grinbeg in the press release.

Shop the Museum Imperiale

Winecoff documents the movement and motivation of the Movado Icons within the satinwood walls and cognac interior of the L.A. residence. The sunlit space mimics the gold tone of Alba and Moore’s Museum Bangle, spotted flipping through scripts.

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Movado’s Bold Quest captures Ludacris’s rhythm. McCaffery's athletic showcase unveils how his Movado Museum Imperiale moves with him.

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Jennifer Livingston photographs Haliburton in Indianapolis, inside a mid-century home designed by Evan Woolen III, embodying a similar architectural warmth as the L.A. setting. The Pacers’ point guard sports the Heritage 1917 collection.

Shop Movado’s latest collection to witness this cinematic storytelling for the newest chapter of “Always in Motion. Since 1881.”

Shop the Heritage Series 1917

If you’ve been following the U.S. Open the past few years, you know this is an event that is about way more than tennis. It doubles as a runway for the most covetable watches in the world, especially amongst the impeccably dressed celebrity guests. Between the courtside selfies, luxury 'fits, and surprise cameos, celebrities used their wristwear to quietly (or not so quietly) flex some of the coolest timepieces around the world. I found myself zooming in on nearly every photo, trying to spot which classics and new releases made it into the stands, and there was quite a lot to see.

From bold Louis Vuitton statements to vintage Cartier gems, the lineup was a mix of timeless icons and unexpected twists. Something is fascinating about how a watch can instantly shift the mood of an outfit, and these stars proved that the right one can make a courtside look feel effortless and elevated at the same time. I asked watch expert, Allon Zohar of Iconic Timepieces, for his take on why these watches hold such an impact, and he didn’t disappoint. Consider this your cheat sheet to the styles that stole the show—every single one worthy of a spot on your vision board.

Ciara opted for one of Rolex’s most adored signatures in the watch world, the Day Date 40. “The Rolex Day Date is such a classic, but still a beautiful watch. I like how it comes with different dial colors, like a light blue or a dark blue that really change the feel of each one,” Zohar shares. The piece is styled in the perfect happy medium between powerful and polished—exactly the look Ciara is known for.

Lindsay Lohan leaned into timeless elegance with the crowd favorite Panthère de Cartier on her wrist. “The Panthères are everywhere right now, especially the vintage ones. They’re a big trend and always popular in our showroom,” Zohar says. The versatile design has endless variations, making it both collectible and easy to personalize—an iconic choice that perfectly matched Lohan’s comeback moment.

A Ralph Lauren sweater and a timeless watch might just be the perfect combination. Simone Ashley kept things sleek and understated with her IWC Ingenieur Automatic 36. “This is an easy and great everyday watch. It’s sharp and luxurious without being over the top,” Zohar notes. The Ingenieur has always been about modern precision, and Ashley’s choice emphasized effortless versatility—an everyday timepiece that still reads high fashion when snapped courtside.

Jeremy Allen White’s courtside style came with a bold twist thanks to his Louis Vuitton Tambour Automatic. “The Louis Vuitton definitely has a bold, unique look that stands out, but it’s still easy to wear day to day. It has a fun, different vibe to it,” explains Allon Zohar. The platinum case and gem-set details gave his laid-back outfit an unexpected hit of personality—exactly the kind of risk that pays off at the U.S. Open.

Simone Biles made a strong case for the Royal Oak Mini, a downsized take on Audemars Piguet’s legendary design. “The smaller sizes of the Royal Oak are really sharp. They have that classy, luxurious look, but the smaller size makes them feel a little more fun and easy to wear,” says Zohar. For someone as dynamic as Biles, the playful yet refined proportions of this watch couldn’t be a better fit.

Shop more U.S. Open–worthy watches:

Vintage watches have quietly transitioned from niche collector's pieces into must-have items for fashion insiders craving something more personal than the latest It bag. As with so many trends, women are leading the charge. Instead of opting for contemporary designs that dominate the market, women are scouring auctions, vintage dealers, and even their grandparents' jewelry boxes for unique timepieces that tell a story. The appeal lies in the details: the patina on an old dial, the weight of a solid-gold case, and the sense of owning a piece of history. It's not just about telling time anymore; it's about signaling taste, sophistication, and a willingness to embrace the kind of craftsmanship that never goes out of style.

Driving this trend is a larger movement toward timeless fashion (pun intended). Just as we've seen with quiet luxury bags and minimalist jewelry, the focus is on investment pieces that outlast seasonal trends. Celebrities have only accelerated the craze, flaunting everything from delicate Art Deco pieces to '70s watches with bold colors. For many women, buying vintage also taps into sustainability, offering an eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced modern options. And let's be honest: There's something undeniably chic about slipping on a watch that feels one-of-a-kind, especially when it pairs as effortlessly with a tailored blazer as it does with a silk slip dress.

If you're still wearing only your smartwatch, consider this your cue to explore the world of vintage—it's the ultimate finishing touch that everyone's talking about. Ahead, read about some of the trend's famous fans, learn experts' best tips and tricks for sourcing pieces, and shop my favorite vintage women's watches on the market right now.

Who's Wearing What

As the first big event of the year, the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet set a high fashion bar. The colorful gowns and dramatic capes were undoubtedly stunning, but my favorite element was decidedly smaller in scope: Nicole Kidman's dainty vintage watch by Omega. The rare Art Nouveau piece from 1920 was "crafted with the curves and arabesque decoration of the period," Omega explained in a press release. "The fantasy platinum case is set with 24 brilliant-cut diamonds and is worn on a black fabric bracelet." The 105-year-old watch is proof that elegance knows no expiration date.

Vintage watches also stole the show at this year's Met Gala, both on the red carpet and at the after-parties. Hailey Bieber, for instance, eschewed new jewels in favor of an Audemars Piguet 1975 archival timepiece in white gold with an opal dial. As unique as fingerprints, precious opals "exhibit a brilliant play of colors that change with the viewing angle—a property known as iridescence," according to the Oxford Museum of Natural History. "[Precious opals have] internal three-dimensional structure arising from the regular packing of sub-microscopic spheres of silica. This structure diffracts light, causing the spectacular iridescence."

For the 2025 Met Gala after-parties, Jenna Ortega went pantsless in a Balmain bodysuit adorned with a curious accessory: a vintage Heuer pocket watch circa 1914. To get the scoop on this ingenious look, I went straight to the source and spoke with Taylor Stoddard, who connected Ortega with the timepiece. "For Jenna Ortega's Met Gala look, I had the privilege of collaborating with [PR executive] Alessandra de Tomaso to define the perfect pocket watch through a mood board and sketch, considering style, dimension, weight, and chain," Stoddard told me. "When it came time to source, I turned to my friend and brilliant collector Jeff Stein, who has always entertained my most ambitious requests even with limited lead time. From his personal archive, he generously offered three museum-worthy options, including the gold rattrapante chronograph that ultimately became the actress's final choice."

"For [Ortega's] tuxedo-inspired bodysuit," Stoddard continued, "the chain was artfully looped around one of the buttons with the watch fastened at her right hip, which was an epic expression of the evening's tailored theme. And I have to emphasize this wasn't a mere prop! It was a fully functioning timepiece freshly serviced just weeks prior. Plus, it had never been worn before in this capacity, so it was an exciting, first-of-its-kind moment for Jenna and the brand. Bringing this to life meant leading nonstop communication with global teams, overseeing intricate shipments, and mobilizing an extraordinary number of resources, but once that first photo came through, it felt like pure magic and worth every ounce of chaos."

Sourcing Vintage Watches 101

For insights on sourcing your next heirloom-worthy vintage watch, I tapped Stoddard plus two additional experts: Georgia Benjamin, a watch collector and content creator, and Julia Rabinowitsch, founder of The Millennial Decorator. Benjamin and Rabinowitsch emphasized that trying watches on in person is invaluable. "Try, try, try. You really don't know your style until you've tried pieces on," Benjamin told Who What Wear. They also agreed that finding a piece you truly connect with is more important than following trends. As Benjamin put it, "Don't buy a vintage watch because it's 'in' right now, as it might be 'out' tomorrow. Go for something timeless that you really connect with." Rabinowitsch echoed this sentiment: "Watch buying is truly such a personal process," she told me. "Take your time and ensure it's a piece you really love—one that you can see yourself passing down."

When evaluating quality, they pointed to key red flags to watch out for. "Personally, I stay away from gold-plated/vermeil pieces," Rabinowitsch told me. "Unfortunately, in the vintage watch space, the vermeil pieces just don't have the longevity or durability of solid gold, platinum, or stainless steel." For Benjamin, aftermarket diamonds are a red flag. "If a watch has diamonds added later by a jeweler and not the brand, it's usually a no from me," she said. "It changes the integrity of the piece."

As for green flags, Benjamin explained that recent servicing by a good watchmaker is a "huge plus" because it "saves you both time and money." She also values a great story. "Vintage watches often come with incredible lore," Benjamin said. "I love reverse image searching the watch and digging into who designed it and even wore it. That history makes owning it feel even more special."

The experts also stressed the value of trusted sellers. "Noah Noah Noah Shop has one of the best vintage curations of watches and fine jewelry," Stoddard told me. "While I'd love to gatekeep her, she has been sourcing watches for Hailey Bieber, including the vintage mini Piaget Polo she's been wearing, and she is the vintage arm for Reformation at its pop-ups. Noah has grown her business from a passion project, and it's been so exciting to see how she keeps taking it to the next level."

If you're in New York City, Rabinowitsch highly recommends buying from Grand Central Watch. Rabinowitsch and Benjamin both love eBay, but they approach their shopping slightly differently. Rabinowitsch is a fan of eBay's Authenticity Guarantee service, while Benjamin prefers local verification. "I always double-check the seller's return policy and take the watch to a local service center to get it authenticated when it arrives," Benjamin said.

Aside from her own site, The Millennial Decorator, where she offers limited-edition Cartier drops, Rabinowitsch also pointed to Chrono24 as a favorite online retailer and Wanna Buy a Watch? as a top brick-and-mortar boutique in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Benjamin called out Loupe This as her auction site of choice. "You can get really lucky on rare or obscure pieces, and their 10% buyer's premium is so much better than the usual 20–30% at other auction houses," she told me. Benjamin's list of trusted retailers also includes Analog Shift, which she describes as "Cartier heaven," The Keystone, Swiss Watch Expo, The RealReal, Wind Vintage, and "the Rolex guy," Tropical Watch.

Shop My Picks

Now that you're armed with expert advice, you might be ready to purchase a vintage watch of your very own. If so, Benjamin has another tip to keep in mind: "Definitely do not stress about boxes and papers," she told Who What Wear. "Think about it. Who's honestly keeping receipts from the '70s? Most 'vintage' boxes today are sourced separately. There’s a saying: 'You’re buying the seller, not the watch.' If the seller knows their stuff and comes from a trusted source, they're not going to inflate the price just because it has a box and papers. Repeat after me: You don't need them."

Below, I curated some personal favorite luxury vintage watches by Cartier, Longines, Chopard, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and more. One piece comes with a dial made from a mesmerizing gemstone called tiger's eye. Another is an antique, made-in-Switzerland piece circa 1900. A stunning timepiece that also made my list comes complete with dozens of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Scroll down to shop my selections.

We have to wait about two more months until Jennifer Lawrence's next movie, Die, My Love, comes out in theaters, but she has an exceptionally stylish project that should tide you over in the meantime: a new Longines campaign highlighting the redesigned PrimaLuna watch. "Longines is an exciting brand to work with," Lawrence said in a press release. "It has an incredible history, and everyone I’ve met has been lovely. The new PrimaLuna watch feels timeless. It has the kind of classic elegance that can easily go from day to night, casual to formal."

I can't decide what I'm looking forward to more: Lawrence's sure-to-be-chic press tour, or the movie itself. "Die, My Love is about a woman, Grace, who slowly unravels while confronting the contradictions of love, lust, motherhood, and madness," Lawrence explained. "My producing partner and I brought this film to life, and I’m so looking forward to the world seeing it."

While we wait with bated breath for the November 7 release date, scroll down to see Lawrence's new watch campaign and read the rest of her media Q&A, which includes details about a special wedding gift she received after marrying Cooke Maroney in 2019.

As an ambassador of Elegance for Longines, when do you feel the most elegant?

I feel most elegant when I can get ready quickly; a little effort can go a long way. Longines watches possess a quiet luxury that feels effortless. They are not just a piece of jewelry. Longines timepieces are the kind of accessory that can elevate daytime casual to black-tie and formal.

What do you value Longines for?

I love the aesthetics of their watches. Whether it's the Mini DolceVita or the new PrimaLuna, there's such a rich history, and none of their styles ever seem outdated. I have developed a collection over the last couple of years, and I love pairing their timeless pieces with what I'm wearing—from a walk down the street to a film premiere on the Cannes red carpet.

What do you like the most about the new PrimaLuna?

The design is beautiful. I like that it's sleek, understated, and precise. You can really feel the Swiss watchmaking excellence in the automatic movement.

Were watches just part of your life growing up, or was it something that developed over time?

It has definitely developed over time. When my husband and I got married, my brother-in-law gave me a watch that his father had given him when he was younger, which was such a meaningful gesture that changed my perspective on watches, and ever since then, my love for watches has grown.

What does a watch represent for you? Is it more of a functional piece or a stylish accessory?

I think a watch gives you a more polished, professional look, and it is also something really beautiful. I love the fact that it can be functional jewelry.

Do you remember your first watch?

When I was in elementary school, I had a digital watch. But I consider the gift my brother-in-law gave me before my wedding as my first real watch.

What is your favorite time of the day and why?

My favorite time of the day is in the morning, between 7 and 8 a.m., when my husband and I can be together for coffee, and I'm getting my family up and moving for the day.

What is the best way to spend time, according to you?

The best way to spend time is being appreciative of whatever it is you are doing. Appreciating the small everyday pleasures in life.

What was it like to wear Longines on the Cannes red carpet?

This was my first Cannes Film Festival as an actress! There is so much attention to detail that goes into the final red carpet look, and my watch was the perfect accessory to bring the whole look together.

Shop the New Longines PrimaLuna Watch

It's the day all Taylor Swift fans have been waiting for. Today, we learned that Travis Kelce popped the question after more than two years together. Surrounded by hundreds of romantic roses, the setting was worthy of a fairytale. While fans were quick to zoom in on Swift's engagement ring and her striped dress, those with a keen eye for luxury accessories caught another major detail: a gold Cartier Santos Demoiselle Watch encrusted with diamonds. It's the kind of piece that makes a statement without detracting from her spectacular ring. Perhaps it was even a gift from Kelce. I'm just speculating, but it aligns well with Swift's penchant for intentional details.

The luxury watch is sadly discontinued, but you can find it on the resale market for a cool $17,000. The Cartier Santos is an icon in its own right with a legacy that dates back over a century, and the diamond-studded Demoiselle variation takes that heritage to new heights. (That's a reference to Swift's record-breaking appearance on the Kelce brothers' podcast, New Heights, ICYMI.) It's safe to say this watch will never go out of style. Scroll down to get a close-up look at the stunner.

Shop More Cartier Watches

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, exploring cult items from heritage brands, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space, and doing deep dives into the investment pieces that are worth it.

This August, Rolex opened its latest boutique with London Jewelers in the heart of East Hampton, NY. When visiting the store for the grand opening, London Jewelers CEO Mark Udell shared a story about the earliest days of working with Rolex. After two years of persistent calls to Rolex, he secured business with a line of President watches. Udell's first sale was the men's gold President—which was priced at $2700 in 1976—beginning the close partnership that has spanned nearly 50 years.

After exploring the beautiful boutique, I naturally took the chance to try on some of the Rolex timepieces. The store houses a vast collection of watches, including the buzziest models of 2025. In the display cases, I discovered pieces such as the new Land-Dweller, which debuted to much acclaim at Watches and Wonders in Geneva this year, as well as cult classics such as the GMT-Master II and Datejust. Here, get a look inside the stunning new Rolex boutique in East Hampton and a close-up of the brand's latest and most iconic watches.

Inside the East Hampton Store

The 4800-square-foot space located at 28 Newtown Lane is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a historical landmark built in 1897. After undergoing extensive renovations, it has been designed with elegant finishes, including gray cedar shake siding, American walnut wall panels, and Verdi Alpi marble in Rolex's signature green. Throughout the building, there are spaces to meet with sales associates and try on timepieces, including private rooms for discreet clients.

The Rolex Land-Dweller

Easily one of the buzziest watches of 2025, the Rolex Land-Dweller debuted at this year's Watches and Wonders—the culmination of over seven years of development. It has been touted as the Crown's most significant watch in a generation, bringing together references from decades past with an entirely modern design.

The Rolex GMT-Master II

Originally developed for pilots, the GMT-Master II enables the simultaneous tracking of two time zones thanks to its 24-hour rotatable bezel and an additional GMT hand. It's known for its signature bezel color combinations, including insider favorites with monikers such as the blue-and-red Pepsi, black-and-blue Batman, and black-and-gray Bruce Wayne.

The Rolex Datejust

The Datejust is arguably one of the most timeless and classic Rolex models and was first introduced in 1945. It features a date display that automatically changes at midnight, and its elegant design and versatility make it a popular choice for both formal and everyday wear.

There are very few items that the majority of fashion people can agree on. No one's saying no to an Hermès Kelly if they can get their hands on one for a good price. Tom Ford's white lace minidress for Gucci (worn by Kate Moss in his spring 1996 show and later by Sabrina Carpenter at the MTV VMAs after-party in 2024) is equally beloved by all. Chanel's classic Flap Bag, Dior's Bar Jacket, and The Row's Margaux tote follow suit. When it comes to watches, one specific timepiece comes to mind: a yellow-gold Rolex. And while there are plenty of style icons who have one, none is as influential as Chloë Sevigny, who's been wearing her vintage Oyster Perpetual from the 1970s for over a decade.

Most recently, the Monsters star was seen walking through Midtown Manhattan near Penn Station with her husband, Siniša Mačković, her Rolex sitting slightly loose on her wrist. With it, she wore a navy-and-white J.Crew The New Yorker rugby shirt, Prada paper-bag shorts, and knee-high Margiela boots. She finished off the easy, summer-ready ensemble with a brown suede Phoebe Philo shoulder bag attached to another NYC ode, a New York Knicks cap.

On Chloë Sevigny: The New Yorker x J.Crew Limited-Edition Mariner Cotton Relaxed Rugby T-Shirt ($98); Prada Light Mohair Shorts ($1450); Rolex watch; Maison Margiela boots; Phoebe Philo Small Gig Bag ($2700)

"It's a 34mm, which in the '70s or before that, would be a normal size for a man to wear," Brynn Wallner, journalist and founder of Dimepiece, a platform dedicated to women and watches, tells Who What Wear about Sevigny's watch. Today, Wallner says, the scale for men has increased, while women are more often than not choosing smaller watch styles. "It has a very 'borrowed from the boys' look to it," she continues. "I feel like she got it from her Connecticut dad, who had it sitting in a drawer for years … and she took it one day." The loose way she wears it, with an extra link or two than what's probably necessary for her wrist size, adds to this narrative. In reality, according to a Vogue interview from 2015, Sevigny's watch was a gift she bought herself after Big Love wrapped, the HBO series she starred in that ran from 2006 until 2011. It's been spotted on her wrist for years, at the Venice Film Festival in 2017 and movie premieres in Los Angeles.

Shop a similar Rolex Oyster Perpetual model:

Recently, however, Wallner says that Sevigny's been spotted more often in a smaller gold Cartier Panthère, so her returning to her bigger Oyster Perpetual signals that perhaps "she's fatigued by the small watch trend" that's been taking over the world of women's timepieces of late—think cocktail watches and teeny-tiny models of classic designs. She is Chloë Sevigny, after all. She's never been one to wear what everyone else is wearing. She's the person who makes everyone want to wear what she's wearing, and that's a larger gold watch like her classic Oyster Perpetual.

If you too have been on the hunt for a bigger gold watch, whether they're "trendy" right now or not, keep scrolling. Below, you'll find a curation of vintage and new gold timepieces that, when worn loosely and casually for a day roaming around NYC, will make you feel as effortlessly cool as Sevigny.

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If you're after the best chic watches, then you, my friend, have stumbled upon the right article.

There are accessories you throw on without thinking, and then there are those that finish a look—shoes that change your stance, earrings that catch the light beautifully and watches that somehow make even the simplest outfit feel thought-through. For me, it's the latter that always grabs my attention. There's something incredibly intentional about someone who wears a watch. A watch is no longer worn solely for the sake of telling the time, but rather for the quiet confidence it adds to the wearer's wrist. As such, the best chic watches have always stood out to me.

My mum, a lifelong luxury jewellery and watch fanatic, introduced me to the world of timepieces at an early age. I vividly remember her slipping on a classic Cartier watch before heading out for dinner, the metal links subtly shifting against her wrist as she picked up her glass or fastened her coat. It was never showy, but it always made an impact. That fascination stayed with me, and as an editor who now spends most of my days combing through runway images, new-in sections and street style galleries, watches are still the accessory I zero in on first.

Historically, women's watches were treated more like decorative jewellery—tiny, almost impractical, dainty things that adorned the wrist more like a charm than a tool. But that perception has shifted dramatically. Over time, watches became statements of autonomy and style—a symbol of taste, sophistication and sometimes, power; and through time, each generation has worn them differently.

Now, millennials tend to gravitate towards chic investment-worthy designs, whilst Gen Z is taking a more eclectic approach. The younger generation's current obsession with "cosplaying" wealth (a trend that romanticises old-money aesthetics) has seen them adopt watches traditionally worn by older generations, flipping the narrative. Think a sleek gold bracelet-watch worn with a vintage rugby shirt and DIY beaded jewellery. It's ironic, it's fun and it makes the best chic watches feel relevant again.

We also saw a strong focus on watches on the spring/summer 2025 runways. At Saint Laurent, boxy gold timepieces peeked out from under sharply tailored suits, whilst at Miu Miu, playful coloured straps added unexpected contrast to preppy pleated skirts. Even Off-White, known for its streetwear roots, embraced classic silhouettes in silver and steel. Whether worn solo or stacked with bracelets (as seen at Chanel), there was no missing the message: watches are very much back—and they're being styled in increasingly modern, unexpected ways.

Of course, Cartier and Rolex are icons for a reason, but more accessible brands are catching up fast. I've spotted polished, square-faced styles at Tissot and refined leather straps at La Californienne that wouldn't look out of place in a luxury boutique. The key? Knowing what to look for. And if you're on the hunt for the best chic watches right now, the five styles below are the ones I keep seeing on editors, fashion friends and stylish, in-the-know people. Whether you're building your first grown-up wardrobe or want to invest in a piece that will carry you from work meetings to weekend markets, these watches are more than just accessories.

Shop The Best Chic Watches:

1. Cartier Panthère

Style Notes: There's a reason the Cartier Panthère has remained iconic since the '80s. It's quietly powerful, unmistakably elegant and carries a kind of fashion clout that doesn't scream for attention. It's also the first luxury watch I ever noticed on someone, specifically how it elevated their outfit. These days, I spot it on women who aren't just stylish but considered; the sort of women who live in pressed white shirts and have their tailor on speed dial.

The beauty of the Panthère is how wearable it is across generations. You'll see it on a grandmother who has worn it every day for decades and keeps it pristine, and on a 25-year-old who stacks hers with beaded friendship bracelets. Whether you go for yellow gold or a steel-and-gold mix, it's one of the chicest and most timeless watches money can buy, and its jewellery-like quality makes it the perfect finishing touch.

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2. Chunky Watches

Style Notes: For a long time, chunky watches were considered overtly "masculine" or sporty, but lately, they've become part of the cool-girl uniform, especially when styled with something unexpected, like ballet flats or a frilly blouse—there's something about the contrast that feels current.

I'm seeing oversized watches everywhere, from the Paris shows to the Pret A Manger queue near the office. It's that deliberate nod to the Y2K revival, with a bit of "my dad had one like this in the '90s" energy. Whether you're leaning into a Casio digital or a statement metal cuff version, these are the best bold watches for those who want their accessories to talk a little louder.

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3. Leather-Strap Watches

Style Notes: There's something about a leather-strap watch that always feels smart. I think of them as the analogue of fashion—slightly slower, more thoughtful, always timeless. This style dominated the "clean girl" aesthetic and has stayed strong because it works with literally everything. Whether you're heading into the office or dressing up your Sunday coffee-date outfit, it adds just the right amount of structure. It's also worth noting that a lot of these styles come in beautifully soft leathers that age so well—they tell a story the longer you wear them.

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4. Silver Watches

Style Notes: Silver watches have quietly taken the lead in recent seasons. Whilst gold feels richer and more decorative, silver has a graphic clarity that's hard to beat. I think of it like the white shirt of watches—crisp, clean and able to tie an outfit together instantly. I've noticed more and more editors switching to silver styles, especially worn with black tailoring or cream denim. Plus, they pick up on the silver hardware trend we've been seeing across bags and belts on the runways. If you're drawn to a more neutral or monochrome colour palette, this is likely where your best chic watch lives.

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5. Coloured Watches

Style Notes: Coloured watches are a bit of a wild card, but that's what makes them great. Whether pastel pink or electric green, they bring a bit of joy to your wrist. I've seen them worn in unexpectedly grown-up ways too: with beige linen trousers and a white tee, or tucked under the cuff of a cashmere jumper. This season, runways have embraced bold hues again (see Ferragamo's rust tones and Bottega's rich greens), and accessories are following suit. These aren't novelty pieces; they're the best chic watches for injecting personality without going full maximalist.

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Of all the fashion-related purchases we make, fine jewelry might be some of the most considered choices. Much like shopping for a designer handbag or investing in a watch, a piece of fine jewelry isn't a decision that comes lightly. In fact, it's deeply personal. More often than not, we make jewelry investments that signify a major life moment like a wedding, birthday, or graduation. Jewelry is emotional, no other way about it. That being said, it's also an extension of your wardrobe, in my opinion. Though you might not always think of it as such, the pieces you invest in (or have on your wish list to one day invest in) say just as much about who you are as those designer heels or the luxury handbag you've been eyeing.

Since we're always reporting on what celebs and fashion insiders are carrying and wearing, we thought it was only right that we report on the jewels they're accessorizing with, too. Just like with the rest of their wardrobes, there are several cult-loved fine jewelry pieces that they've unofficially crowned the It pieces to know. Whether that be as timeless as a diamond tennis bracelet, as buzzy as a Hailey Bieber-inspired initial pendant necklace, or as cult-loved as a Spinelli Kilcollin ring, discover the fine jewelry pieces that have reached hero status among insiders.

Fashion fans have Paris, and watch enthusiasts have Geneva. As the epicenter of the watchmaking industry, the Swiss city plays host to the annual Watches and Wonders event, which I was lucky enough to attend this year. The world's most prestigious brands were on hand to show off their newest creations, including Rolex, Cartier, Bulgari, Chopard, Piaget, TAG Heuer, Chanel, Hermès, IWC, and others. My mission? Try on as many timepieces as humanly possible and report my findings to our Who What Wear readers. First, I put together an Instagram Reel showcasing my top five favorite timepieces, and now I'm breaking down the recurring trends I spotted at the event.

I was far from the only person to roam the event's hallowed halls in 2025. In seven days, Watches and Wonders welcomed a total of over 55,000 visitors, a 12% increase from last year. Cyrille Vigneron, President of the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation, reflected on the event's success in a statement: "Watches and Wonders has established itself not only as a must-attend inter-professional event, but also as a platform for expression for the watchmaking maisons. The event gives each of them the opportunity to visually express their own universe, to see and wear beautiful creations, and to share a common passion."

Focusing largely (but not entirely) on women's watches, I was excited to view the new releases through the lens of a fashion person, as opposed to a watch expert with an encyclopedic knowledge of the industry. Even if you don't know your tourbillons from your tachymeters, there's a place for you in the wild world of watches. Read on to learn about my favorite watch trends from the 2025 edition of Watches and Wonders.

Sure, watches with white dials and black leather straps will never go out of style, but if you're ready to expand your horizons, might I suggest a pretty pastel version? Many of the biggest brands at the 2025 edition of Watches and Wonders presented pieces in shades of lavender, mint, baby pink, and sky blue. Chopard and Hublot went monochrome, using the same color on both the dial and the strap, while TAG Heuer and Rolex contrasted their dainty pastel dials with sleek steel bracelets.

One day before Watches and Wonders began, Roger Federer posted a seemingly innocuous carousel of Instagram photos. Watch fanatics, however, immediately recognized one picture's significance: It offered the first look at Rolex's new Land-Dweller, complete with a honeycomb dial. Other brands that showcased patterned dials this year included Grand Seiko, Chopard, Cartier, Zenith, and IWC. One particularly striking piece was Bulgari's new Serpenti Aeterna crafted with an arrowhead-shaped dial paved with diamonds.

Expert skiers go off-piste, while watch buffs go off-wrist. Hermès presented a spectacularly innovative timepiece that can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant necklace. Piaget and Chanel also showcased watch necklaces, while the latter went a step further by hiding a miniature dial atop a gold ring.

Six weeks ago, I sat down with Franziska Gsell, the CMO of IWC Schaffhausen, a Swiss watchmaker under Richemont's umbrella (Cartier, Panerai, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Vacheron Constantin), in a bright-white showroom on the second floor of 10 Corso Como, one of Milan's premier shopping destinations. I, along with watch experts from around the world, was there to preview IWC's 2025 offerings, essentially getting an early look at what was just unveiled during Watches and Wonders in Geneva.

Unlike most of my fellow attendees, I don't come from a watch background. I don't know the anatomy of a timepiece by heart, and aspects of luxury watches, including buying one, are just as intimidating to me as they are to any horological newcomer. I do know, however, what watches I like—and Gsell's colleague, IWC's CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr, had just introduced one: the 35 Automatic Ingenieur.

A year and a half ago, when I traveled to Las Vegas with IWC for an event surrounding the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, the brand generously lent me its then-smallest (and only) size of the Ingenieur, a 40 mm, which stood out to me because of its sharp elegance and modern, yet timeless design. I wore it every day for a week, discovering how seamlessly what I considered a men's watch could be integrated into my wardrobe, styled alongside everything from slip dresses to velvet. Up until that trip, I, like many women, had only really considered investing in smaller timepieces with simpler designs—watches that looked and acted more like jewelry than a living, breathing device designed for utility (and, of course, impressive exteriors). I own two luxury watches, one a rectangular style that measures 33.7 mm by 25.5 mm, and the other, an even tinier round model with a 26 mm case. It wasn't until I actually wore a larger, heavier, and more durable watch that I discovered the benefits, both stylistically and practically. I only really had one qualm. I needed the Ingenieur to be the tiniest bit more compact to fit my wrist size, a desire that, according to Gsell, many of IWC's customers also hold.

Today, the watch brand from Schaffhausen delivered, presenting at Watches and Wonders a 35 mm Ingenieur designed for the shopper who wants everything the Ingenieur Automatic 40 currently has to offer—a sleek and sporty appearance, elite craftsmanship, water resistance, and versatility—just in a slightly shrunken version, creating a more comfortable and wearable piece for people with smaller wrists. It's not a women's watch (or a men's watch for that matter), but rather a solution for fans of the Ingenieur. "Who am I to tell someone which size he or she has to pick?" questions Gsell. "But to have an offer for more slender wrists that ergonomically sits really well—that is just what we were missing in this collection," she says.

Although the Ingenieur (like all of IWC's timepieces) is unisex, Gsell and the IWC team still need to be tapped into the growing interest in the women's market. "Women are really interested now in mechanical movements [and] in complications," she tells me. According to her, mechanical timepieces are a conversation starter, and in her experience, women interested in one want to educate themselves on the engineering behind them. "A watch is your companion," she says. "It tells a story about you and is normally [associated with] a milestone you celebrate." It's not just any other accessory in your jewelry box, or the case of smart watches, a way to read emails and track steps. A mechanical watch is a future heirloom. "It's really emotional," Gsell says. "The mechanical watch is beautiful, and there's a lot of craftsmanship going into one." Women are thoughtful consumers, and if they're going to purchase something as significant as a luxury mechanical timepiece, they want to learn about its intricacies and capabilities and care for it, setting their desired piece up to be passed down for generations to come.

If IWC was looking for proof that tackling the extremely difficult and technical process of sizing the Ingenieur down from a 40 mm case to 35 mm was worth the work, I'm it. After speaking at length with Gsell about the brand's decision to move forward with the task, I headed straight toward a testing room where the new, scaled-down model was waiting to be tried on and photographed at length. I picked up the steel version with a white/silver dial first, slipping it onto my wrist and immediately noticing how much better of a fit the 35 mm size was compared to its larger iteration (and as I already noted, I was an instant fan of the 40 mm when I test-drove it in 2023). It has all the elegance and sleekness of the original Ingenieur Automatic 40, just with a balanced look on smaller wrists like mine. Particularly, I noticed how the new, smaller size allowed the Ingenieur to fully embrace its understated roots. "It's not a watch that should be seen across the table," Grainger-Herr said of the Ingenieur in a speech earlier in the day. "It's not a watch that screams." For me, the 35 mm produced a more natural look, a trait that's been in the Ingenieur's DNA since Swiss designer Gérald Genta worked his magic on the timepiece in the 1970s.

Having styled the Ingenieur multiple times in the past, I knew I didn't have to think too hard about putting together an outfit for IWC's preview, even though I was well aware that I'd be shooting some content in its new iterations. I ended up pairing the white/silver version of the Ingenieur Automatic 35 on a steel bracelet with a simple pastel-blue button-down shirt tucked into a red velvet column skirt, adding black, round-toe pumps and a '90s-inspired Prada handbag. Though it's a sportier timepiece than I'm used to wearing, I personally still don't feel the need to combine it with other jewelry, feeling that the detail work on the Ingenieur does enough to fill any gaps on the accessories front. All of the colors and textures came together, dare I say, perfectly, with the white dial popping against my outfit's otherwise bolder color palette.

Even so, I could have just as easily paired the same Ingenieur with a white T-shirt and jeans or a black suit as tailored to me as this new watch is for my left wrist. Going with a simple color scheme for an investment like this allows your watch to become an extension of you, by your side all day, every day, no matter what you're wearing. And if white and silver aren't for you, the other color options are just as versatile: A black dial on a steel bracelet and an 18-carat 5N gold version with a matching dial. (According to Gsell, 5N gold looks similar to rose gold but has a higher level of pure gold in it: "It's an escalation," she says.) Whichever model you choose, the brand promises it'll offer the same enhanced ergonomics and highly detailed finishing as the original 40 mm option, just in a slightly more compact frame.

Suffice to say, when I walked out of IWC's 2025 pre-Watches and Wonders preview in Milan, I knew exactly which watch to set my sights on this year. And trust me, I saw a lot of beautiful timepieces that day (including the watch IWC made custom for Brad Pitt's character, Sonny Hayes, in the forthcoming F1 movie). The new 35 mm Ingenieur is cool and instantly recognizable yet timeless and understated. Practically speaking, it can withstand just about anything, all while maintaining an elegant exterior aesthetic that's guaranteed to impress in any sort of outfit at any sort of occasion. On my wrist, at least, it felt just right.

IWC's Ingenieur Automatic 35 is available in stores and online starting on April 1, 2025.

You only need to look at the wrists of the most influential dressers in the industry and you'll notice the one unsung element that makes their outfits more alluring is the addition of a chic watch. Be it Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Omega or Longines, timepieces have been elevating minimalist outfits for decades, cementing them as a timeless (no pun intended) investment that will instantly upgrade any look. But what of the key 2025 watch trends?

As Who What Wear UK's Fashion Editor, I take great pride in finding you new in buys and exciting looks that will update your wardrobe, but just as important is spotlighting the classic items and luxury shopping pieces that will truly last you a lifetime, too.

Ready-to-wear trends may come and go quicker than you can say "mob wife", but we will always have an appetite for the accessories we wear time and time again, and nothing is more special than fine jewellery and watches. Don't believe me? Just take a look back at the evolution of the watch from chronometer to smart device, and you'll see just how much value and importance we place on our arm candy as the ultimate accessory.

From Tiffany's cocktail watches to Rolex's designs that have become a household name, watches are a status symbols in their own right. And, as the luxury watch market continues to rise and rise, the resale market grows too, with savvy shoppers looking for quality watches at even better prices. Not since the Hermés Birkin bag or Cartier Love bracelet have the style-conscious wanted to invest in iconic pieces that have the longevity to span generations.

With the quiet-luxury and old-money aesthetics bringing watches back to the forefront yet again, our feeds are suddenly full of editors and influencers who have made the watch an integral part of their signature style, but there are plenty of watch styles that channel high luxury in 2025, even if you're working with a tighter budget.

We spoke to Jack Stephens, in-house watch expert at pre-owed watch specialist Watchfinder & Co. to find out which watch trends are about to surface in 2025 in order to help you get one step ahead of the fashion crowd. So, from new colours to old favourites, keep scrolling to the top five 2025 watch trends that made the final list.

The 5 Key Watch Trends of 2025

1. Vintage Appeal

Looking for a piece that will stand the test of time? Our advice is to start shopping around vintage, antique and secondhand sellers. “Vintage watches have had a resurgence in 2024, and continue to grow in popularity into 2025," notes Stephens. "Brands such as TAG-Heuer are finding huge success in re-releasing watches from their archives, and smaller, independent brands without the rich back catalogue to draw from also have found huge popularity in drawing inspiration from popular watchmaking eras like the '60s and '70s."

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2. Bold Colour and Texture

Sorry, wallflowers. According to the experts, 2025 is all about statement pieces that are impossible to ignore. “In 2025, more vibrant colours and unique textures in new models have been prominent," explains Stephens. "This trend is already being championed by brands like Tudor, TAG Heuer, and H. Moser & Cie., who have demonstrated that there is a strong market for bold and innovative colourways, moving away from the standard offerings of blue, black, or silver dials. With this trend, we can expect to see new innovations including watches with dials made from materials like wood or stone, as well as those featuring vibrant and eye-catching colours.”

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3. The Cartier Reign

If there's one name synonymous with luxury watches, it has to be Cartier, and despite its 120-year legacy, these French designs are still just as sought after as they were when they were first released. “By continuously innovating while staying true to its heritage, Cartier is poised to maintain its dominance within not only the women’s watch market but the industry as a whole,' adds Stephens. The luxury brand's ability to anticipate and respond to the desires of its clientele, paired with its timeless, elegant, iconic designs and strategic use of social media to engage with a global audience, has solidified Cartier’s position as a leader in the luxury watch sector.”

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4. Genderless Styles

Supersized or slimmed-down? However you prefer your watches, you needn't worry about what category they fall under. According to Stephens, fluid, unisex styles are crossing over to watchmaking too. “Over the past year, the gender gap within the watch industry has noticeably narrowed, and I predict this trend will continue. Women are gravitating towards larger cases, appreciating the bold and substantial presence they offer. Simultaneously, men are showing a preference for smaller, more understated designs driven by the resurgence of vintage pieces. As a result of this I think we will see more brands producing watches closer to 40 MM, watches everyone can enjoy regardless of gender."

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5. Quality and Value

It goes without saying that you can find stunning watches for four figures and above, but what about those working with a more conservative budget? The answer is in smaller, up and coming brands says Stephens.“Watch lovers are increasingly looking for brands who offer strong value for money, not just a big name. Seiko and Christopher Ward, along with innovative microbrands such as Studio Underdog, are setting high standards in this area. It’s becoming essential for larger watch brands to consider how they can offer the best possible product for the best price."

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Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

I tend to use the term "investment buy" a bit too loosely. As someone who loves a bargain and often shops secondhand, spending three figures on a single item—even one of exceptional quality—always feels like an investment to me. That said, I do appreciate that some pieces are genuinely worth spending more on, particularly when they blend style and function.

Watches fall squarely into this category. Beyond their practical and aesthetic appeal, they hold a deeper significance as cherished heirlooms and foundational accessories in a well-curated fashion collection, elevating them to a truly unique status.

But navigating the world of luxury watches is tricky unless you know what to look for. After all, it's not just about the beauty of a watch—the mechanism and materials matter too, and if you're investing a significant chunk of money, you want each of these elements to stand the test of time.

Then there's your lifestyle to consider. You might be drawn to the striking appearance of an oversized watch face, but it could become more of a hindrance if you have an active routine or work with your hands. Similarly, if your tastes change frequently, consider opting for a simpler, more classic style than a glitzy diamond-encrusted design. Will a leather band be more comfortable than stainless steel? Is it worth spending more for a water-resistant style? These are the kinds of questions to consider when doing your research.

Eager to better understand the world of watches, I spoke to Beth Hannaway, director of buying for fine jewellery and watches at Harrods, home to one of the most impressive timepiece collections in the UK. Read her expert insights below, then discover our edit of the best watches for a range of budgets, starting at just £260.

An Expert's Guide to Buying a Watch and How Much to Spend on a Watch

What are the most important considerations for first-time luxury watch buyers seeking lasting value?

"It’s worth considering more than just the price tag. A truly exceptional timepiece is more than an accessory—it's an investment in quality that embodies style, craftsmanship and enduring value. I'm dedicated to helping clients find pieces that will be part of their collection forever, rather than simply sourcing the 'hottest' or most sought-after watch of the moment.

"In an uncertain world, there’s something uniquely reassuring about investing in finely crafted watches or jewellery. Not only does a quality timepiece retain value, but it also allows the wearer to enjoy their investment daily. My recommendation? Approach a watch as an investment in a future heirloom, rather than a commodity to 'flip'."

Which brands tend to hold their value best?

"If your goal is a watch you’ll cherish for years, choose something you genuinely love, rather than the latest 'It' model. Some timeless classics I love include the Cartier Tank or Panthère, the Rolex Datejust or Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso, all of which remain design icons."

Is it worth paying a premium for certain materials?

"When it comes to choosing the material, such as full gold, lightweight titanium and carbon or stainless steel, it's really down to personal preference. A precious metal case and bracelet brings the benefit of intrinsic value in the material itself, however, a classic steel watch is always a safe and stylish choice."

Do you have a personal favourite you always recommend?

"My favourite from my own collection is the Tudor Black Bay Harrods Exclusive Stainless Steel Automatic Watch 41mm (£3550)—a piece exclusive to Harrods that merges iconic design with versatility. Its stainless-steel structure can be styled with a steel bracelet or a fabric NATO strap, making it perfect for different occasions."

Are there affordable, high-quality alternatives to luxury watches that offer good craftspersonship and reliability?

"Brands leading the way in Swiss-made mechanical watches at accessible prices include Tudor and TAG Heuer, with IWC and Panerai’s iconic tool watches offering elevated options without losing accessibility. Bamford, too, has strong options starting around the £1500 mark for those looking to enter the market."

What advice do you give all of your clients, regardless of their budget or watch choice?

"Once you've chosen your watch, remember that it’s made to be worn and enjoyed. At Harrods, we also remind our clients of the importance of proper care, including regular servicing to keep your watch in perfect condition. After all, a great watch is meant to be part of your everyday life for years to come."

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Never overlook the power that good accessories hold. A strong additional piece is something that can take a good outfit to a whole other level. Sometimes, all it takes it just one thing. Whether it's a handbag in a certain shape, a pair of statement shoes, or an above-average belt, we rely on accessories to transform the clothing we already own and transition our wardrobe mainstays from season to season. When it comes to this holiday season, the accoutrements on offer are so strong that calling them an afterthought would honestly be a crime.

There are the belts, a typically boring piece that designers have been innovating on all year. Saint Laurent is undoubtedly at the forefront of the cool belt era we're in with sleek metal buckles that place them more in the camp of outfit-defining items than functional pieces to loop around your trousers. Next are hats. They infiltrated the streets in New York and Paris during fashion week and are now hitting the market in the form of pillbox hats that ooze elegance. In essence, the accessories this season are a way to convey a feeling and add a healthy of dose of personality to all your occasion looks. Ahead, we're outlining the six It pieces set to have the most impact on the holiday season.

As cool style in 2024 is increasingly defined by elegant dressing, more and more accessories are emerging to satiate our collective need for beautiful, polished pieces. One such trend is the rise of sophisticated clutches that lend such an aura of retro glamour with their structured top-handle shape, not least of which is Bottega Veneta's Andiamo Clutch. With its sleek east-west shape and beautiful gold knot closure, it isn't just part of this trend—it *is* the trend.

The moment Tory Burch's Pierced Pumps graced the F/W 24 runway, editors were abuzz about the soon-to-be It shoes. They come as the latest in the designer's series of pierced shoes—including round-toe mules and slingback flats—that feature hardware giving off the illusion of being pierced with a segment ring. The shoes have come to define the language of "new Tory," and the bold sculptural metal piece instantly takes this pair from an everyday shoe to a one-of-a-kind statement.

In case we haven't spelled it out clearly enough by now, 2024 is the year of the belt. Belts have dominated all year as a key piece, but this season is ushering in a new era of the elevated belt with the arrival of Saint Laurent's Charniere Buckle Belt. Featuring a sleek push clasp at the center and glossy leather in both classic black and black cherry hues, it's a piece that demands to be front and center, whether you cinch it over a pencil skirt per the styling on the runway or thread it through the loops of jeans.

Roman jeweler Bvlgari created its Serpenti Watch in 1948, and since then, the storied timepiece has become part of the fabric of fashion history, counting A-list adoration from Elizabeth Taylor, who wore one on-screen in Cleopatra, to present-day ambassadors like Anne Hathaway and Zendaya. The age of elegance is infiltrating the watch world, and with jewelry-like cocktail watches continually on the rise, it's placing a renewed focus on the striking Serpenti Tubogas Watch.

There's no question that understated elegance is the mood of the moment, and the number one way to get in on the look is through the addition of a pillbox hat. The must-have silhouette comes courtesy of New York–based milliner Gigi Burris, whose celebrated Sharina Hat is a favorite among tastemakers from Billy Porter to Jalil Johnson and our own editors. It comes in 10 wool colorways and a raffia iteration, making it the ultimate personality piece and a guaranteed conversation starter.

Did someone say office siren? Miuccia Prada envision for the modern-day woman on the go includes everything from overstuffed handbags with an extra pair of shoes falling out, frazzled hair, and geek-chic opticals. Prescription or not, the oval-shaped tortoiseshell frames have quickly become the hot-ticket accessory that's lighting our feeds on fire.