I've Asked Around—Every Stylish Woman Has One of These Watches in Their Collection

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.

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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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