We frequently lament the fact that many watch companies tend to ignore or downplay the importance of a well-designed ladies’ watch — one with a considered design that betrays a sophisticated understanding of what women would like in a timepiece. “Shrink it and pink it,” after all, can only take one so far in the horological realm! Thankfully, provided one knows where to look, there are actually plenty of beautiful, elegant, and highly wearable ladies’ watches out there on the market. Some of these are vintage, some are pre-owned, and some are brand-new designs stemming from the minds of some of the most talented watchmakers in the world. Here, with the holidays just around the corner, we’re going to focus on some of our favorite vintage and pre-owned models that should prove perfect gifts for that special someone in your life. And as always, if you’re looking for something specific or prefer to simply peruse our wide selection of timepieces, you’re welcome to reach out to us and visit our Manhattan showroom.
Elegant Dress Watches
Simple, thin cocktail watches and precious-metal classics never go out of style — especially when paired with black-tie attire!
IWC Gold Dress Watch ($1,750)
IWC Gold Dress Watch - IN THE SHOP
While it may be best known for its masculine pilot’s watches and heavy-duty chronographs, I.W.C. was also capable of svelte cocktail watches in precious metals such as this diminutive, hand-wound piece from the ‘70s. It’s perfect for flying — under the radar, that is!
Piaget Protocole 'Lapis Lazuli' Dress Watch ($4,850)
Piaget Protocole 'Lapis Lazuli' Dress Watch - IN THE SHOP
Piaget’s stone-dial watches are the hottest thing on the market this year. Take this stunning Protocole from the ‘70s, for example: Its rectangular, yellow-gold case with pinstripe texturing, stunning lapis lazuli dial, and beautiful yellow gold ‘feuille’ handset is timeless and beautiful.
Franck Muller Cintree Curvex ($6,250)
Franck Muller Ciintree Curvex - IN THE SHOP
A tonneau-shaped. precious-metal case, a hand-wound movement, a guilloché dial…you’d be forgiven for thinking we’re talking about Cartier, but we’re actually referencing this deeply cool, modern Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex. A timeless design, it’s elegance embodied.
Bold Timepieces
Sometimes you want a watch that isn’t shy about asking for attention — and that’s OK! These standout designs should do the trick.
Chopard 'Seashell' Cocktail Watch ($6,950)
Chopard 'Seashell' Cocktail Watch - IN THE SHOP
Shaped watches are some of the most fun and adventurous timepieces on the market, but this ‘Seashell’ watch from Chopard is on a horological plane all its own. Crafted from yellow gold, its exquisite scalloped bezel and matching, integrated gold bracelet will surely make you smile.
Gerald Genta Octagonal Dress Watch ($9,500)
Gerald Genta Octagonal Dress Watch - IN THE SHOP
The world’s most famed watch designer is responsible for thousands upon thousands of timepieces beyond the Royal Oak and the Nautilus. One can draw a throughline from this unusual yellow gold, octagonal dress watch from the 1990s directly to Bulgari’s Octo collection.
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ($59,500)
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar - IN THE SHOP
It’s tough to argue with a diamond-covered, complicated calendar watch from the world’s best watchmaker! Measuring 37mm in rose gold, it features date, day, month, and moonphase displays set against a mother-of-pearl dial, plus an automatic movement from Patek.
Sporty Everyday Watches
Need something you can wear day-in, day-out without putting in too much thought? Then these sporty watches are for you.
Tudor Glamour Date ($3,185)
Tudor Glamour Date - IN THE SHOP
Tudor, Rolex’s sister company, provides some of the best value across all its collections of any watch brand in the world. This Glamour Date, for example, features a sturdy steel 36mm case, a diamond-set bezel, diamond indices, a silvered dial, and signed, matching bracelet.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique ($6,250)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique - IN THE SHOP
We know — the Reverso looks like a dress watch. But it was actually designed for polo players! (The case actually flips over to protect the dial and a solid, engravable caseback is revealed.) This two-tone steel and gold model from the ‘90s is simultaneously dressy and casual.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ladies ($86,950)
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ladies - IN THE SHOP
And here we have the pièce de résistance, a Patek Philippe Aquanaut. This beautiful ladies’ model has a diamond-studded bezel and a white dial embossed with the collection’s signature motif. Thankfully, the Aquanaut is a watch that looks beautiful in any configuration!
