The 12 Best Women’s Watch Upgrades, According to Stylists and Watch Enthusiasts

Part timekeeping tool, part jewelry and part style statement, a classic analog watch won’t count your steps or display text messages, but that can be a good thing. “In the smartphone era, an analog watch might seem like a frivolous luxury,” says Brynn Wallner, a New York City-based creative consultant and the founder of the watch blog Dimepiece.co. “But as we all collectively become fatigued by our screens, an old-school timepiece may just be the antidote.”

Not only does an analog watch offer a break from the constant distractions of apps and social media, it also provides an elegant way to express your personal style, adds Dallas-based personal stylist Roxanne Carne. “Upgrading your watch is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your overall look while adding a touch of sophistication, professionalism and distinction to any outfit.” (These days women’s analog watches are so popular, male celebrities are sporting them.)

From storied Swiss brands to contemporary fashion houses, there are seemingly countless timepiece options. (There are also lots of jewelry insurance options you may want to consider to protect your purchase.) To help you find the right piece for you, we asked stylists and watch experts for their picks to suit every style, occasion and budget. (Experts also weigh in on watches designed for men.)

The everyday watch

The foundation of every watch collection is a sturdy and versatile timepiece that goes with everything from jeans and T-shirts to suits and blouses. The Longines DolceVita stands out as a timeless choice in this category, says Carne. “This is a classic timepiece that’s more than a watch—it’s a symbol of refinement that elevates any outfit.” For a more budget-friendly look that’s no less refined, Miami-based stylist Erika “Amerika” Brooks loves the versatility of the Shinola Vinton. “This classic spin on the boyfriend watch offers a two-tone color that will pair with all of the jewelry you own, and the mother-of-pearl face will complement your entire wardrobe,” she says.

Diamonds for any day

Gem-set watches offer a best-of-both-worlds combination of glamour and functionality that transitions effortlessly from workday to evening. “Many of my clients love the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200,” says Chicago-based celebrity and personal stylist Rachel Jimenez-Penca, who praises the watch’s sporty look and diamond-set bezel and dial. Carne’s bejeweled pick, the Swarovski crystal-studded Bulova Crystal Watch, “balances elegance and modern design flawlessly,” she says. “This is a piece that adds that special note of distinction and is an investment in the power of first impressions.”

Sporty-chic

“My watch tastes have always leaned on the sportier side—the watches you could bring on a camping trip or take traveling but also wear with jeans and a knit sweater,” says U.K.-based watch reviewer Britt Pearce. The budget-friendly Q Timex GMT is just that kind of watch, with a chunky 38-millimeter case size and a dual time zone function. Brooks likes the sporty-yet-feminine vibe of the Citizen Promaster Dive, which includes a solar-powered movement that promises to never need a new battery. “It’s water resistant up to scuba level, and the soft pink polyurethane strap can take you from a yoga class to surf lessons in a snap,” she says. “Durability and functionality at its best!”

Retro cool

The 1970s were a golden age for watch design, and the best creations from that decade look as stylish today as they did in the disco era. “The Cartier Tank is a perennial classic and the Must de Cartier is an even more elegant version,” says New York-based Kathleen McGivney, CEO of RedBar, an international club for watch enthusiasts, who is also a director at consulting group Gather. “The sleek form, the black lacquered dial and the jeweled cabochon on the crown make this a must-have dress watch for an evening out.” McGivney also loves the retro 1970s style of the Tissot PRX Powermatic, a Swiss-made watch with an automatic-winding mechanical movement. “This piece provides the classic look of a steel sports watch at a surprisingly great price,” she says. “It’s also versatile, looking equally at home under a blazer or paired with a T-shirt and jeans.”

Statement watch

“When buying a watch, one of the questions you must ask yourself is whether you want a timepiece or a ‘fashion watch,’” says Wallner. “The latter is made by a fashion house and is a little less ‘serious’ in the eyes of hard-core watch collectors, but also tends to be more affordable and fun.” She loves the chunky look and relaxed luxurious feel of the Missoni Gioiello watches; this one subtly features Missoni’s zigzag pattern on its dial. “The last time I wore this watch was in Miami, and it perfectly accessorized my strappy Manolo heels, my Pucci skirt and my tan,” she says. Slightly more understated but no less stylish is Brooks’ pick, the Coach Perry Gold-Plated Floral watch, which offers “vintage vibes with a floral, feminine touch,” and a “neutral-friendly look to pair with multiple items in your wardrobe.”

Minimalist design

In watches, as with every other element of your wardrobe, some pieces are designed to attract more attention than others. McGivney loves the low-key look of the Timex Giorgio Galli S2, which combines a minimalist design with a Swiss-made automatic movement. “It’s sleek, elegant, and says ‘quiet luxury’ without breaking the bank,” she says. With a similarly subtle look and an even more accessible price, Carne favors the Skagen Signatur. “This watch style truly defines ‘less is more,’” she says. “It’s an understated addition to any professional’s wardrobe and it can do double duty for casual looks, too!”

Apple Watch style boost

“Nine out of 10 of my clients wear an Apple Watch, and it has become so intertwined with their lives that they wear it everywhere, from workouts to weddings,” Jimenez-Penca says. If you want to keep on top of your activity rings while stepping up your look, she suggests swapping the standard rubber strap for a more polished option like the Michele Apple Watch Two-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet or the more budget-friendly (and blingier) Michael Kors Pavé Two-Tone Strap for Apple Watch. “If you are the person that wears your Apple Watch to a wedding, just flip the face to the inside of your wrist,” she adds. “An upgraded band will look like a bracelet for a more formal touch.” (To help decide if it’s time to upgrade your Apple Watch itself, see our detailed guide.)