Author: William Boyd

When people think of products made in China, the word “cheap” often comes to mind… sometimes fairly, sometimes not. It’s true that China has long been known for its fast, large-scale manufacturing.

But in recent years, the country has been carefully rewriting that narrative, especially in the world of watchmaking.

Most of us know China as a global leader in technology, design, and innovation. They’re miles ahead from the rest of us, which means they can mass-produce a smartwatch for under $50 and at the same time, handcraft a mechanical masterpiece that rivals even some of the biggest known Swiss icons.

Yes, you’ll always find low-cost options on the market but if you look hard enough, you can also find several Chinese made timepieces that are beautifully engineered, created with high levels of precision, creativity, and surprising levels of luxury.

In this blog, we’re looking at 20 China brand watches that prove this, from smaller microbrands to larger watchmakers you might have already heard of.

Are Chinese Watches Any Good?

Like most things, it really comes down to what you’re looking at. The reality is, there are plenty of watches floating around the internet that, to put it gently, aren’t all that great and they’re often made in China. I’m talking about those watches that are so cheap, they almost feel too good to be true. Which is often the case.

They’re typically made from low-grade materials, powered by movements that barely function and more often than not, feature designs that are just knockoffs of bigger-name brands. And look, no shame if you’ve ever wanted something that looks like a Rolex Day-Date without the painful price tag.

I can’t afford a Rolex either. But in my opinion, you’re much better off choosing a watch that’s actually a watch. One that can keep the time, handle more than a few hours of daily wear and actually comes from people who genuinely care about what they’re making.

Because the truth is, while some Chinese watches are clearly made to be sold fast and forgotten faster, there’s also a growing number that are designed with real passion.

The brands listed below are doing exactly that, making watches that are stylish, functional, and built with surprising levels of care.

They’re proof that Chinese watchmaking isn’t just about affordability, but about creativity, quality and craftsmanship. These are the Chinese made watches worth your time, attention and wrist real estate.

The Best China Brand Watches

With all that in mind, let’s get into it. Below are 20 of the best China brand watches that are doing it right. Some you might have heard of already, while others will no doubt be completely new to you. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than finding a new hidden gem in the world of watches.

Addiesdive

If you’re looking for an affordable dive watch, then Addiesdive is a Chinese watchmaker worth knowing. Despite having shockingly low retail prices, they’ve built a solid reputation for creating rugged, well-specced timepieces that punch well above their price point.

Many of the designs feel familiar, with several reminding me of classic Seiko dive watches and some even named after iconic Seiko nicknames like “Monster” and “Turtle”. And to their credit, they don’t just copy the look but come surprisingly close in feel too.

Most Addiesdive watches are powered by reliable Japanese automatic movements like the NH35A and are fitted with sapphire crystals, ceramic bezels, and 316L stainless steel cases, features you’d normally expect from watches costing much more.

Water resistance ranges from 200 meters to 1000 meters, making them perfectly capable for casual diving and daily wear alike. The one downside that many report on is the metal bracelets, so that’s something to keep in mind. But thankfully, it’s an easy part of the watch to swap out.

Prices start from $42.99

Atelier Wen

So, from surprisingly affordable to a little more elevated, we now have Atelier Wen. Founded by two young entrepreneurs with roots in both French and Chinese culture, this company wanted to create a brand that celebrated Chinese craftsmanship not as a cost-saving shortcut, but as a point of pride.

The name itself says it all, Atelier (French for workshop) and Wén (文, Chinese for culture), is a nod to the fusion of design, heritage, and artistry that defines each timepiece.

While many brands shy away from showcasing their Chinese production, Atelier Wen leans all the way in, collaborating with local artisans and proudly spotlighting traditional techniques like hand-engraved guilloché dials and intricate case finishing.

Their best-known model, the Perception, has become a cult favorite, thanks to its beautifully executed integrated bracelet design and genuinely hand-crafted details, yet it still clocks in under $4,000.

Prices start from $3,320

Behrens

Now, stepping fully into the world of modern innovation, we have Behrens. Founded in 2012 in Shenzhen, a city quickly becoming China’s horological hotspot, Behrens is one of the most exciting names in independent watchmaking today.

This isn’t about homages or minimal tweaks on classic designs. Instead, Behrens builds its own lane entirely, creating futuristic, sculptural timepieces that rethink how time can be displayed.

The brand was started by Lin Bingqiang and is powered by a young, forward-thinking team of engineers and watchmakers who love pushing boundaries.

Think satellite displays, orbital indicators, and architectural dial layouts that look more like kinetic art than traditional watches. Despite the avant-garde styling, the technical chops are real.

Behrens has in-house R&D, production capabilities, and even earned a GPHG nomination in 2020 which is no small feat for a relatively young brand.

Prices start from $1,395

Benyar

Another Chinese watchmaker that sharply avoids any steep price tag is Benyar. Known for its ultra-affordable timepieces that don’t skimp on design, Benyar has carved out a niche for offering watches that look far more premium than their price suggests.

Whether you’re into classic chronographs, sporty divers, or sleek dress watches, there’s likely a Benyar model that’ll catch your eye.

Founded with a love for traditional watchmaking and a focus on accessible luxury, Benyar blends modern design with respectable specs like stainless steel cases, automatic movements (or quartz in some models), and reliable build quality.

The Benyar 5177, for example, is a personal favourite of mine. It sports a bold 41mm case, a 50 meter water resistance rating, and a scratch-resistant hardlex crystal.

Prices start from $34.90

Boderry

Guided by the motto “Be Distinctive. Be Limitless,” Boderry is a relatively new Chinese brand that has quickly gained a reputation for making high-quality, feature-packed watches that again impress with low price points.

Makes sense, since the company’s goal was to create affordable timepieces that look sharp, perform reliably, and give wearers a sense of identity.

I’ve heard great things about the Boderry Voyager, a model that many enthusiasts argue is the best sub-$100 automatic field watch on the market.

It features a lightweight but durable titanium case, sapphire crystal, and the ever-trusty Seiko NH35A automatic movement.

Prices start from $79

Celadon

Shifting gears once again, we come to Celadon, a brand that doesn’t just embrace its Chinese heritage but elevates it. Founded in 2012, Celadon is unapologetically proud to stamp “Made in China” on its watches, and for good reason.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, mass-produced pieces. This is haute horlogerie, reimagined through the lens of Chinese artistry and history.

Led by Singaporean collector Benjamin Chee, Celadon HH (Haute Horlogerie) is part of a larger mission to restore pride in Chinese watchmaking.

Every model is a deeply considered work of art, often featuring cloisonné dials, hand-engraved case backs, and traditional Chinese motifs.

You’ll even find custom mechanical movements developed with master watchmakers like Lin Yong Hua. These watches are easily some of the most beautiful timepieces I’ve ever seen.

Prices start from $3,900

CIGA

CIGA Design is another Chinese watchmaker where they’ve cleverly combined avant-garde artistry with prices that feel almost too good to be true.

And it’s a brand that isn’t just respected in China but has become an international award magnet, winning nine Red Dot Design Awards (including two “Best of the Best” titles), two iF Gold Awards, and even the prestigious GPHG Challenge Prize.

Probably their most iconic piece so far is the CIGA Blue Planet, a domed, rotating miniature Earth that tells time with a compass rose and challenges everything you thought a watch could be.

It’s bold, poetic, and genuinely moving, intended to evoke the “overview effect” astronauts describe when seeing our planet from space.

Prices start from €129

Lin Yong Hua

One of China’s most gifted independent watchmakers, Lin Yong Hua began his horological journey in 1991 at just 18 years old, working in quartz production.

Over the next two decades, his fascination with high-complication mechanical watches led him to master some of the most complex movements in the craft like tourbillons, minute repeaters, jump hours, and perpetual calendars.

So in 2009, Lin opened his own restoration workshop in Shenzhen, eventually launching his independent brand LYH Watches in 2016.

His first creation, the Vinyl Record, was a poetic tribute to the analog music era, fitting for a man who sees art and mechanics as inseparable.

To this day, LYH’s work blends technical virtuosity with deeply personal artistic vision whether it’s the LYH-6 or his stunning mother-of-pearl dials.

Prices start from HKD $27,800

Neo Kung

Neo Kung may be a new name in independent watchmaking, but his debut piece, the Orienta, speaks with the depth and confidence of a seasoned artist.

Formerly the Chief Product Officer at both Seagull and Shanghai Watch, two of China’s most storied brands (that are coming up shortly) Neo has spent years immersed in the mechanics and meaning of horology.

At first glance, the Orienta feels like a time capsule with its sleek platinum case, hand-finished chronograph dial and vintage soul. But it’s so much more than that.

Its movement, the Cal. NK-01, traces its roots to the Venus 175, the same architecture that formed the foundation of China’s first chronograph six decades ago. It’s a beautiful watch with an equally beautiful story behind it.

Prices start from $40,000

Octopus Kraken

Octopus Kraken is a brand born from a deep love of mechanical timekeeping and a passion for design. Since 2017, the team behind Octopus has specialized in crafting vintage and dive-inspired timepieces, watches that evoke adventure, heritage, and the romance of flight and the sea.

They focus mainly on using high-quality materials like CuSn8 bronze, titanium, and stainless steel, paired with components like Swiss Super-LumiNova, domed sapphire crystals, and reliable automatic movements.

One of my personal favorites is the Octopus Kraken OCT005 Retro Bronze. Made from solid CuSn8 bronze, it ages gracefully with a unique patina, making every piece one of a kind.

With its domed crystal and pilot-style charm, it reminds me of the Oris Big Crown but at under $300, it offers a level of value rarely seen in automatic watches, let alone bronze ones.

Prices start from $190

Pagani

Pagani Design is refreshingly upfront about what they do: crafting stylish watches inspired by the big names in luxury horology.

Established in Guangzhou in 2012, this independent brand focuses on delivering high-quality timepieces that echo the iconic aesthetics of brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet but at a fraction of the price.

There are watches that will appeal to adventure-seekers as well as sophisticated jet-setters and everything in between, just so long as you want the look and feel of luxury without the luxury price tag.

Their watches bring precision and passion to wrists worldwide, making stylish, accessible horology a reality. It’s a brand unafraid to embrace homage, with a clear focus on quality and value.

Prices start from $80

Proxima

If you’re into well-built tool watches with a strong sense of identity, Proxima is a brand worth knowing. Founded in 2016, this independent Chinese watchmaker has carved out a loyal following by combining serious materials, reliable mechanical movements, and a direct, no-fluff approach to watchmaking.

From day one, Proxima focused on crafting timepieces that felt purposeful, drawing from the DNA of iconic dive watches like the Seiko 62MAS and Marine Master, but never just copying them outright.

They keep production small and hands-on, using premium calibres like SW200 and NH35 automatic movements, double-domed sapphire crystals, and high-grade materials including CuSn8 bronze, Grade 5 titanium, and marine-grade stainless steel. Even their black cases use advanced IPS coating rather than traditional PVD for better durability.

Prices start from $99

Qin Gan

Independent Chinese watchmaker Qin Gan is another brand redefining what “Made in China” really means in the world of haute horlogerie.

Based in Chongqing, Qin’s journey began in his father’s repair shop, where he developed a hands-on love for mechanical watchmaking.

After years working as both a designer and a restorer, most notably for Poly Hong Kong, he launched his first fully hand-finished watch in 2014.

But it was the release of the Pastorale in 2021 that truly put him on the map. Now in its second generation, the Pastorale II is a refined, gold-cased dress watch that highlights Qin’s obsessive attention to detail.

Every component, from the enamel-filled dial and heat-blued hands to the meticulously beveled bridges of the in-house caliber 1810, is finished by hand in his workshop. He produces just 15 pieces per year, making each one a rare reflection of his craft.

Price starts from $46,000

San Martin

San Martin may have started out building homage watches, but it has quickly earned a reputation as one of China’s most respected value-driven microbrands.

Founded in 2016 by Mr. Liao JiaMing, a veteran and watch enthusiast, San Martin’s early days were hands-on and gritty, learning from factory floors, experimenting with bronze dive cases, and building everything from scratch.

But what that means, is you now have a Chinese watch brand that understands watchmaking from the inside out.

Now headquartered in Dongguan, close to many of China’s best manufacturing hubs, San Martin has grown into a company known for original designs, robust construction, and exceptional finishing, often punching far above its price point.

Their watches use proven movements like the Seiko NH34 GMT, and feature enthusiast-friendly touches like toolless micro-adjust clasps and high-spec lume.

Prices start from $138

Seagull

Probably the best-known Chinese watchmaker out there, Seagull is a name most watch enthusiasts are already familiar with, and for good reason. 

Founded in 1955 as part of a government initiative to jumpstart China’s domestic watchmaking industry, Seagull has since grown into the world’s largest producer of mechanical movements, reportedly responsible for around 25% of global output.

Based in Tianjin, Seagull doesn’t just power hundreds of other microbrands; it also produces watches under its own name, from tourbillons to dive watches to pilot’s instruments and classic dress pieces.

But none are more revered than the Seagull 1963. Originally developed for the Chinese Air Force and powered by the ST19 movement (based on the Venus 175 column-wheel chronograph), the 1963 offers a slice of vintage military charm with real horological significance.

Prices start from $109

Seestern

Seestern is a Chinese microbrand that’s built a reputation for crafting high-quality homage dive watches, some so faithful to their inspirations, it’s hard not to do a double take.

The brand operates under Sugess, a company with over a decade of experience in mechanical watchmaking, particularly in complications like chronographs and tourbillons. Seestern, however, represents their focused plunge into the world of dive watches.

At the helm is Coco, a watchmaker and enthusiast with deep industry experience. While Seestern doesn’t operate as a factory, its small-scale, microbrand status allows for more meticulous attention to detail during assembly, something often lost in mass production.

This approach helps deliver impressive value for money. Their now-iconic 300T model is perhaps the boldest homage in their catalog, taking obvious cues from the classic Doxa diver.

Prices start from $179 

Steeldive

Steeldive is a relatively young brand, but one that’s quickly made a name for itself in the world of affordable dive watch homages.

Founded in 2018, Steeldive initially gained attention by producing watches for other companies but soon pivoted to launching its own line, focusing on retro-inspired dive watches with serious bang for buck.

Powered almost exclusively by reliable Seiko NH35 movements, Steeldive’s pieces often channel iconic models from brands like Seiko, Blancpain, and Rolex, with designs that lean heavily into vintage military and tool watch territory.

Their “50-Fathoms” model, for example, isn’t trying to hide its inspiration and instead is a clear nod to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, right down to the bezel and dial layout.

Prices start from $89

Sugess

Sugess is the parent company behind Seestern, and while Seestern focuses on dive and homage watches, Sugess leans into technical watchmaking, especially complications like chronographs and tourbillons.

They’re best known for affordable ST19 chronograph watches, using a respected column-wheel movement derived from the Swiss Venus 175.

But their boldest and most impressive move, in my option, is their Tourbillon Master collection. Yes, this really is a fully functioning mechanical tourbillon watch for under $500.Built around the Chinese-made Seagull ST8230 calibre, it offers what used to be an ultra-luxury complication at a fraction of the price. That alone makes them one of the most fascinating players in Chinese watchmaking today.

Prices start from $229

Tan Zehua

Tan Zehua is one of China’s most accomplished independent watchmakers and a full member of the prestigious AHCI since 2019.

Trained under his father in the 1960s and later running his own workshop, Tan spent decades restoring antique timepieces before turning to full-scale independent watchmaking.

His focus is pure horological craft, so hand-built movements, traditional finishing, and an obsession with escapement innovation.

He has developed four in-house calibres, including a 10-day movement and the impressive Work No. 3, featuring a constant-force mechanism via a third barrel.

But probably his most exciting development is the Di-Axial escapement, a next-gen take on George Daniels’ Co-Axial, designed for lower friction and no lubrication. Sadly, Tan’s watches are ultra-limited so they’re not easy to obtain, but it’s definitely worth trying.

Prices start from HKD $100,000

Thorn

Finally, we arrive at the last of today’s featured Chinese watch brands: Thorn. A lesser-known name even within microbrand circles, Thorn quietly produces handsome, classically styled mechanical watches powered by the reliable Japanese NH35 movement.

While their designs may echo vintage greats, the value proposition is all their own with high-spec builds, tasteful finishing, and unbeatable pricing.

Though still relatively niche, Thorn takes its mission seriously, to create high-quality, low-cost mechanical watches that punch well above their weight.

Every piece is crafted with an attention to detail that aims to win over discerning collectors, not just casual buyers. If you’re after an accessible daily mechanical that delivers sharp looks without cutting corners, Thorn is worth a closer look.

Prices start from $69

Conclusion

It’s clear the world of watchmaking is no longer the exclusive playground of Switzerland. From the artistic mastery of Celadon to the futuristic engineering of Behrens, Chinese watchmakers are proving they have both the skill and the soul to compete on a global stage.

Yes, not every brand hits the bullseye every time, but many are creating genuinely remarkable timepieces that combine craftsmanship, innovation, and value in ways few others can.

Even the more affordable homage brands deserve credit for delivering solid watches to everyday enthusiasts. Hopefully we’ve proved that China’s growing watch scene offers something for everyone, no matter the tastes of your wrist.

Without this article veering head-on into a catastrophic car-crash-debate about controversial topics surrounding gender-defining terminology, and who believes what (and before I get accused of being narrowminded with my rather traditional views on the matter!), let me say that, on this occasion, women can actually wear men’s watches without making a gender claim.

It has nothing to do with social acceptance, or discrimination, or a need to have the option made available to us purely out of principle. I’m a girl and I like to wear men’s watches. It’s that simple. I own a Mr Jones Golden Hour (yes, the one with the bee).

It’s a behemoth of a timepiece – 45mm in diameter, to be precise. It’s not intended as a lady’s watch as such, nor is it a men’s watch. I wear it because it makes me smile and I’m a sucker for boyfriend jeans, boyfriend shirts, and the beloved boyfriend watch.

For far too long, there has been an unspoken narrative that women’s watches need to be dainty, delicate, diamond-festooned things. And while there is nothing wrong with the latter, these characteristics don’t define a woman’s watch (now I’m sounding woke!).

The Appeal of the Large Watch Face

If you’re a female and you’re becoming increasingly drawn towards watches with larger diameters, you’re not alone. Maybe you want to rebel against the “dainty” constraints you once believed you had to adhere to. Perhaps a larger watch with a bigger presence aligns with your new role at work.

Or perhaps you love gender-neutral styles, or prefer the masculine undertones that a broader diameter naturally brings to the wrist.

As I mentioned earlier, there are numerous advantages to a larger watch face. For starters, watches with larger faces are easier to read the time from.

This enhanced legibility often accompanies additional features and high-end complications. A larger case means a larger crown and push-pieces and, generally speaking, a watch that is easier to manipulate.

All that aside, larger watches create great visual balance and double up as a status symbol, reflecting one’s success and sometimes marking a significant milestone in life.

If you’ve come to this guide for some inspiration, I’ll cut to the chase. Here are some of the best large watch faces for women currently dominating the market.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Calibre 403

There are no prizes for guessing why this Oris watch automatically passes the “feminine” test. Its sumptuous terracotta dial verges on pink territory, adding a zingy splash of color to the wrist.

Fundamentally, the Oris Big Crown Pointer watch is a pilot’s watch. Many models from the collection feature crisp Arabic numerals around the hour track and Oris’s stylish jet turbine-inspired fluted bezel, adding an extra touch of aviation detail.

Yet, the recent batch of Big Crown Pointer Date watches released by Oris post 2021 look different. They feature polished bezels, straight pencil-style hands (that replace the traditional-looking syringe hands that the series was once synonymous with), and convey an overall aesthetic that is more aligned with the everyday dress watch.

If you’re a lady looking for a timepiece to wear with smart attire, but one that gently carries some subtle touches of nostalgia, this 40mm Oris Big Crown Pointer Date, with its in-house Calibre 403, packs a whole load of “big watch” character into its design, and secures to the wrist with a practical H-link bracelet for a snug fit.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante Verzasca

Yes, this is a large watch for a female wrist (40mm), and it does feature a unique Verzasca Green dial, which is sure to turn some heads. However, the real star of the show is the Tonda PF’s Split GMT complication, which Parmigiani Fleurier utilizes to display two time zones simultaneously.

Two superimposed hands sit against this textured teal-like dial in different metallic finishes. One is rhodium-plated in gold and displays the local time, while the other is rose gold and displays home time.

But how does it work, you ask? Well, if you look over to the 8 o’clock location on the case, you’ll see a pusher that moves both the local and home time forward in one-hour increments.

The rose gold hand, however, remains in position until you activate it with the 3 o’clock pusher, where it will spring back or “fly back” to the home time hand when you need it to.

The clever complication allows you to align the hands when you don’t need to track a second time zone. All in all, it’s a GMT watch, but only when you want it to be. Now, let’s discuss the captivating Grain d’orge dial guilloche dial pattern….

Full of depth, the textured dial adds a rich and creamy layer to an already well-layered cake. A mesmerising display of light comes into play at certain angles, allowing this large dial to reinvent itself depending on where and how you wear the watch.

This large women’s watch features a brushed and polished steel bracelet and is powered by the Caliber PF051, which provides a 48-hour power reserve once fully wound.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept                    

If you’re a fan of a concept watch, the Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Pop is worth some consideration. It goes without saying that the brand’s choice of colour will appeal to both genders with an attractive green and pink palette spanning a diameter of 40mm.

The Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Pop is one of those watches that’s going to garner lots of attention wherever you wear it, purely for the fact that it looks like nothing else on the market.

The simplicity of its minimalist dial, in shades of “Burmese jade and pink opal,” achieves both futuristic and retro vibes simultaneously, with just the central hour and minute hands pulling the time together.

The flying tourbillon, exposed through the dial’s surface, also showcases some of Moser & Cie’s finest work and will appeal to female horophiles who have a genuine appreciation for top-tier engineering.  

MeisterSinger Kaenos Sunburst Ice Blue

The Meistersinger KS914 Kaenos Sunburst Ice Blue watch features a sandwich dial, comprising an upper layer with cut-out Arabic numerals and hour markers, revealing a bottom luminous layer that pierces through the upper surface to display the time at night.

The German watchmaker is renowned for making watches that tell the time using a single hand. And although the concept sounds confusing, Meistersinger watches like this actually promote a more relaxed approach to timekeeping.

This watch wears larger than it suggests on paper, and if you ask me, it’s all due to the unconventional dial layout.

Elements are more spaced out across this dial, and with only one hand to tell the time, this 40mm steel model, featuring a captivating blue dial, takes Meistersinger watches in a whole new, elegant, and sporty direction. 

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Concept Purple Enamel

Another Moser & Cie watch, this time the Endeavour Concept on a hypnotic purple dial. The watch is equipped with a purple central seconds hand that seamlessly blends into the texture of its enamel dial, leaving only the hour and minute hands to take center stage.

The watch unites the ancestral art of enamelling, which (if you know anything about coloured enamel dials) is no mean feat. The margins between a perfect dial and a complete fail are unforgivingly thin, and when watches cost this much to manufacture, there is no room for error.

With a 40mm stainless steel case and a matching purple leather strap to echo the intense colour of the dial, this is a large watch by women’s standards but one that leans more into technical depth than an ornamental style, with the automatic Calibre HMC 201 comprising a double hairspring for improved efficiency and accuracy.

Glashutte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phases

The Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase is another watch that provides a fascinating insight into a finely crafted and finished movement.

This watch supports the notion that women don’t need fancy gemstones and decadent diamond decoration to appreciate a well-made wristwatch.

The Glashütte Original Senator Excellence watch features a large date window in the unusual location of 4 o’clock, dressed against a deep blue background to match the blued feuille hands and, of course, a beautifully decorated moon phase indicator at 11 o’clock.

I love the watch’s informal layout. Glashütte Original abides by no rules to make this watch work, yet it somehow does. The dial still feels balanced, despite being housed within a vast 40mm diameter.

The use of a copper-frosted dial hints at femininity in a very unofficial way. This watch features an innovative bayonet mount, which secures the movement into position, affixing it to the case as a means of shock resistance.

Additionally, the copper-frosted dial is inspired by the Ore Mountains, which were mined for their mineral resources. The Panorama date, of course, is no stranger to a Glashütte Original watch.

If you like a watch with traditional elements, you’d be hard-pressed to find one with more subtle nods to its maker’s heritage, and for a similar price, than the Senator Excellence. 

DOXA SUB 250T GMT Divingstar

Big into dive watches? You don’t have to exhaust the market looking for one small enough and discreet enough to pass as a “lady’s diver”. You have the entire range of men’s dive watches to explore.

The truth is, dive watches are meant to look big and chunky, so you can really go to town with an oversized watch here.

The DOXA Sub 250T GMT Divingstar pays homage to the brand’s legendary role in crafting professional watches for divers. The brand is associated with ocean conservation, having been the choice of watch for underwater adventurer Jacques Cousteau during the 1960s.

If you know anything about DOXA, you’ll be familiar with its signature orange diver dial. However, over recent years, DOXA has expanded its colour options and now features models in Caribbean, Aquamarine, White Pearl, and Sea Emerald, to name just a few examples.

This model, presented in a “Divingstar” yellow, is going to get you noticed. Its sporty, supple yellow rubber band is perfect for sports as well as swimming and water sports. What’s more, DOXA watches even come on a beads-of-rice stainless steel bracelet for those who prefer the look of the vintage dive watch.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatic Pink

Just to prove that feminine shades can also take the form of rugged and ready sports watches, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is dedicated to women.

It’s still a broad companion, measuring 38mm in diameter, but combines an athletic profile and large, chunky luminescent dial appliques with a touch of pink.

This stainless steel model is water resistant to 300 meters and features no diamonds. It’s ready for action. A sapphire unidirectional rotating bezel will allow you to track elapsed time underwater without any difficulty, while the white mother-of-pearl dial features pink indexes that have been treated with Super-LumiNova for exceptional legibility underwater.

Fitted with all the features needed in any dive watch, including the sapphire crystal glass, a screw-down crown, and a rugged three-link stainless steel bracelet, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch will take you from the beach to a mountain hike without you even needing to think about it.

The watch is powered by one of Blancpain’s in-house automatic movements – the Calibre 1153, which will keep accurate time for 100 hours without relying on the movement of your wrist.

Finally, although this watch looks as though ot weighs a substantial amount on the wrist, Blancpain experts have chosen a lightweight titanium case for this Fifty Fathoms design, making it even more ideal for runs, hikes, swims, and general day-to-day wear throughout the week.

Omega Aqua Terra 150M Turquoise

If there is one brand that masters the art of catering to both male and female audiences with its universally appealing designs, it’s Omega.

In particular, the brand’s Seamaster range is not only one of the world’s largest dive watch collections by any single brand, but it’s also a treasure trove of unisex designs that resonate with women who choose quality craftsmanship over everything else.

The Aqua Terra 150M watch, as its name suggests, is a 150-meter water-resistant model, but doesn’t necessarily feel like a bold tool watch. If you don’t like the generic bulky look of a dive watch, something like this Aqua Terra 150M could be just the ticket.

It features this stunning teal dial colour with the familiar shard-like hour markers and faceted hands delivering legibility in every environment. The dial boasts a black gradient effect around the edge and features a clear trapezoid date window at 6 o’clock.

This is certainly a large watch face for a female wrist, measuring 41 mm in diameter. Still, thanks to its symmetrical case and integrated metal bracelet, it wears surprisingly small on the wrist. One advantage of any Omega watch is its promise of reliability.

The brand commits to kitting its watches out with METAS-certified movements that feature the Co-Axial escapement, which Omega acquired the rights to in the 1990s. Since then, every Omega watch has been able to promise superior accuracy of the very highest kind.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic

If oversized and unconventional is your thing, Hublot watches are worth checking out. These watches are inherently masculine, and women who seek them out are naturally drawn to timepieces that are more than just an accessory.

Hublot watches, such as the Big Bang Unico, evoke confidence and power, conveying a sense of contemporary luxury. This model is packaged in mint green ceramic, offering a unisex design that showcases the inner workings of the watch through the dial side.

A small seconds sub-dial is situated at 3 o’clock in the same mint green, while the smooth ceramic bezel features the signature H-shaped screws that all Big Bang watches are recognised for.

This sporty chronograph features Arabic numeral hour markers that glow with luminous material at night, as well as a mint green minute scale on the flange and luminous-treated central hands.

Under the hood is the in-house UNICO movement. It’s a flyback chronograph function, meaning that the stopwatch features of this watch are much easier to activate than in a standard chronograph.

While the 2 o’clock pusher begins a stopwatch timing in the traditional way, the 4 o’clock pusher can stop a timing, reset the hands back to base, and begin a new timing with one fell swoop.

The movement also features a column wheel mechanism, providing an overall smoother mechanical performance and a power reserve of 72 hours once fully wound.

Bremont Terra Nova 38 Turquoise

This would be no Exquisite Timepieces guide without mention of one of our proudest collaborative efforts to date. Henley-on-Thames watchmaker Bremont and we here at Exquisite Timepieces teamed up to create a Terra Nova watch a couple of months ago, resulting in this 38mm field watch with a striking turquoise dial.

Since the Terra Nova arrived, marking a significant overhaul of the Bremont catalogue as we knew it, its distinctive 904L steel barrel-shaped case and oversized crown have been whispered on the lips of hardcore female fans eager to expand their collection with an attractive proposition built for the slender proportions of their wrist.

The Bremont Terra Nova 38 Turquoise is our answer to the woman’s field watch. Its striking green-blue dial is a revitalising and refreshing colour to sport over the summer months.

It features Super-LumiNova-treated Arabic numerals and pencil-shaped hands, which enhance legibility and clarity. This is a no-date watch, powered by a beautifully engineered automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve.

Though not exactly a lady’s size, the watch has the slim profile and tapered lugs needed to make it more wearable on the female wrist. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, it’s a unique collector’s item that truly distils the essence of the ruggedly elegant women’s field watch.

Flip the watch over, and you’ll find an engraved caseback depicting a map of the world. This decorative element perfectly captures the bold and adventurous spirit of Bremont and our proud, ongoing partnership with the British brand.

Nomos Glashütte Tangomat GMT

Don’t get me wrong, there are more aptly sized Nomos watches for women’s wrists. Take the 36mm Club Campus, for example, which comes in an array of crazy beautiful dial colours.

But we’re talking watches with large faces, and if there is one brand that masters the art of a vast, spacious dial, it’s Nomos with its broad range of Bauhaus-inspired watches.

The Nomos Tangomat is a minimalist design that promotes timekeeping in a very straightforward fashion. Everything about these watches is clean and pure, underscored by a distinct German flair.

This model just so happens to be a GMT, making it an even more practical companion than the standard time-only model and proving itself useful to frequent travelers.

The 24 time zones are presented in airport codes through an aperture at 9 o’clock, while the hour features on the opposite side of the dial, achieving great balance.

The Tangomat takes on a clear and angular form on the wrist, stripping things back to basics and achieving additional presence through its slightly taller profile.

Overall, the Tangomat promotes clarity, making it the perfect companion for a day in the office or when travelling on business. It comes fitted on a comfortable Horween Shell Cordovan black strap for a subtle injection of masculinity.  

Doing Away with the Narrative

Look around. Women all over the world are embracing the large watch face. There has been a seismic shift over the last few years from fashion-forward thinking to larger, bolder, more robust watches that not only look good but also deliver on a practical level.

More women are wearing larger watches because they no longer feel the need to conform to a particular social standard. It’s a compelling reflection of where society is today.

Women are choosing watches based on their personal preferences and what works best for their lifestyle. No longer are genders being defined by the historical and traditional notions of what was once the social norm.

Women like to wear large-face watches because they look good and serve a practical purpose. With more options to choose from than ever before, now is the perfect time to embrace the trend and roll with it.

There was once a time when people believed that ‘his and hers’ watches masked individuality and felt a little dated. After all, why should a couple feel compelled to look the same or dress the same when everyone is entitled to their own interests and tastes?

While I do agree that two people’s uniformity in wristwear does not measure the strength of a relationship, there is an argument for wearing watches that look like a pair but aren’t necessarily the same.

Likewise, there is nothing written in any book to say that mixed or same-sex couples can’t like the same thing, either.

Couple watches don’t have to be identical; instead, they reflect a mature understanding of the shared interests and tastes between two people rather than a loss of identity. In fact, wearing watches that match can be one of the most deep and meaningful ways to express your partnership.

The Best His and Hers Watches

Prepare to be amazed at the sheer amount of choice out there if you’re just about to start shopping for couple watches. You’ll be pleased to know you have a lot of options, whether you’re keeping to a strict budget or going all out with a dual investment to celebrate a milestone.

Here are some options to get you started. These chosen picks coordinate class, allowing you and your partner to synchronize your style in a non-clichéd way.

Cartier Ballon Bleu His and Hers

Curves aren’t just for ladies. In fact, the simple, rounded, pebble-smooth silhouette of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier has been appealing to men for years. The concept of the Ballon Bleu centers around the idea of a floating balloon or bubble above the wrist.

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is designed to feel timelessly familiar, though there is nothing else quite like it on the market.

Whether you’re enjoying it from a male or female perspective, its ethereal grace, tied to examples of top-quality craftsmanship, is a testament to Cartier’s commitment to reaching excellence in all that it does.

Let’s start with the differences. The men’s Ballon Bleu watch measures 41mm and features an independently crafted automatic movement housed within its 30-meter water-resistant case.

The lady’s version, measuring a more discreet 28mm diameter, is powered by a quartz movement, allowing for a more compact and slimmer case design that won’t overpower the wrist or look “blocky.”

Both the men’s version of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch and the women’s version feature a silver-colored dial with blued steel hands, crisp black Roman numeral hour markers, and a blue synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel. The 41mm model, however, features a guilloche effect on its dial, adding a touch of detail.

The versatility of the Ballon Bleu watch by Cartier impresses beyond measure since it is equipped with an interchangeable strap system, allowing you and your partner to switch things up whenever you fancy a change.

Suffice to say, the Ballon Bleu is one of those timeless gems that always seem to adapt to any scenario, making it one of the most easy-to-wear dress watches to enjoy as a matching pair.

Tissot PRX POWERMATIC 80 His and Hers

If you know a lot about luxury, you’ll already be familiar with the name Tiffany & Co. Furthermore, you’ll have seen the robin’s egg blue dial color that the company became so synonymous with during the late 1990s.

It’s names like Rolex and Patek Philippe that have enjoyed an exclusive partnership with Tiffany & Co. over the years. The 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Turquoise Blue, for example, shares a close resemblance to the original blue color of Tiffany & Co’s beautiful trademark blue packaging and was superseded by the Nautilus 5711/1A-018 by Patek Philippe just a year later. It supercharged a trend that still very much creates a buzz today.

Now, more affordable Tiffany blue dial watches are dominating the market. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 watch collection offers an iteration in a pale turquoise blue.

And guess what? You can get the women’s version too! The lady’s Tissot PRX is a nice compact 35mm size and echoes the precise shade of its male counterpart perfectly.

The matching pair belongs to the brand’s much larger series of sports watches, which have become a go-to for anyone seeking more affordable alternatives to icons like the Nautilus and Royal Oak.

Personally, what I’ve always loved most about the Tissot PRX collection is the brand’s commitment to detail. Tissot adds a stamped waffle pattern to the surface of these PRX watches, giving them great visual appeal and an enhanced level of depth and three-dimensional value.

The waffle pattern invites light to dance across the upraised levels of the display and cascade into the deeper pockets of the dial, creating an interesting interplay between light and shade.

The integrated bracelet of the Tissot PRX forces the case ends to taper, giving it a subtle tonneau shape and allowing it to be worn more compactly on the wrist.

Indeed, both the male and female iterations of this affordable sports watch promote balanced proportions and rugged elegance. Of course, the inaugural POWERMATIC 80 movement fitted within provides a full 80 hours of power reserve once fully wound, too.Piaget Polo His and Hers

Some brands don’t prioritize matching watch sets for couples. Sometimes, you have to do the donkey work yourself and find two compatible models that complement one another, even if they’re not intended to be sold as a pair. Other brands, however, go the extra mile.

Piaget is one of the latter. The brand taps into those who want to express a bit of synchronization in their choice of watch and even produced this special 150th anniversary ‘his and hers’ Polo watch last year for that very reason.

Both models are limited to just 300 pieces worldwide and won’t come cheap. However, if you’re looking for a truly exquisite pair of matching ‘his and hers’ watches that tease a subtle dose of flamboyancy, you’d have to admit Piaget really scores a home run here.  

This special blend of sumptuous materials, chocolate-latte-rose tones, and even the odd scintillating diamond personifies the “sports luxe” aesthetic for the modern-day collector.

The 42mm men’s model features a steel case, a soft brown dial, and a sapphire caseback that exposes circular Côtes de Genève decoration, a circular-grained plate, beveled bridges, blued screws, and an engraved Piaget Coat of Arms oscillating weight via the in-house Calibre 1110P.

The lady’s version of the Piaget Polo is daintier and more exuberant, measuring 26mm in diameter and featuring a grey dial, with 32 brilliant-cut diamonds on the hour markers, as well as a 60-diamond set bezel.

The soft, golden hues of both dials feature the iconic gadroons that have made the Polo so recognizable, and they boast ribbed rubber bands in colors of chocolate brown (for men) and latte brown (for women).

Both straps, however, are interchangeable, so if you want to dial up your matchy-matchy efforts, you could opt for the same-colored rubber strap or dress things up with two steel bracelets.  

Rolex Datejust His and Hers

The Rolex Datejust was the first ever self-winding waterproof chronometer with a date function. It arrived in 1945 and has since been a symbol of enduring style and timeless beauty.

The Datejust watch boasts several key characteristics that give it an instantly recognizable look, including a fluted bezel, a Cyclops date feature, and a 5-link Jubilee bracelet – all of which are also available in the female variety.

These two Rolex Datejust watches one for him and one for her, are a perfect way to express the bond shared between two people with very similar tastes.

The set unites a shared love of undulating style and quality craftsmanship, bearing the most influential name in the watch industry across their respective Rose and chocolate-colored dials.

The Datejust watch doesn’t just offer legibility and quality but marks a historical moment in the brand’s story, where our relationship with time began to change.

Watches became precious instruments and were worn as status symbols. Not much has changed since then. The Rolex Datejust remains as iconic today as it was back then.

While the men’s Rolex Datejust reference 126301 is a 41mm size, the women’s Datejust 279171 is a much more compact 28mm. Both are crafted from Oystersteel and Everose and bear the fluted bezel as a mark of distinction.

Meanwhile, the Jubilee bracelet on the lady’s Datejust is designed for comfort and is expertly engineered to curve and conform to the shape of the wrist, providing a dressy finish.

The 41mm Datejust, however, is more classic and features a three-link Oyster bracelet with an EasyLink 5mm extension system, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments.

Omega Seamaster His and Hers

The Omega Seamaster is a watch associated with travel, exploration, and adventure. It’s a mainstay in the Swiss marque’s catalog and boasts a vast range of different designs that you can really get creative with.

Those who embrace a sporty lifestyle will appreciate the Seamaster’s balance of durability and sophistication. Take, for example, this ‘his and hers’ Omega Seamaster duo.

Both models belong to a sub-collection from the Seamaster range named the Aqua Terra Shades. As you’ll have guessed, the series is all about dial colors, giving collectors some alternative options to the mundane blue and black dive watch offerings.

Although robust, these models are perfect for combining with both casual attire on the weekend and something dressier by evening.

The lady’s Omega Aqua Terra Shades watches come in a variety of different colors. I particularly like the ‘sandstone’ version, a shimmery purple-grey hue that Omega experts accompany with shard-shaped hour markers and faceted sword-shaped hands, treated with lashings of luminous material for nighttime legibility. The famous minute hand features the arrow tip, while the date function sits inside a tapering rectangular frame at 6 o’clock.

For men, the Aqua Shades 38mm in a matching dial color balances neutral tones with the contemporary luster of stainless steel. Both models are fitted with a stainless steel bracelet incorporating roll-like links that give the watch a more softened, modern silhouette.

You certainly get a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to Omega Seamaster watches. Both models are fitted with an in-house, METAS-certified movement and feature the Co-Axial escapement, which Omega acquired the rights to in the 1990s.

A chance to admire the movements at work is granted through the caseback on each watch, which Omega fits with a see-through sapphire exhibition window.

If you’re looking for a matching pair of ‘his and hers’ watches that balance sportiness with dressiness, these Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades watches tick every box needed for outdoor adventure and sophisticated outings.

Cartier Tank His and Hers

Considering the prestige and allure surrounding one of the world’s most famous classics, the Cartier Tank watch is relatively affordable by today’s standards.

It’s still an icon in its own right. Still, because it manages to transcend generations as a traditional dress watch, it remains one of the most universally appealing designs to own.

Even better – the women’s versions appear totally aligned with the archetypal military-tank-inspired look of the men’s range.

The pairing of a rose gold case with a brown leather strap is a heavenly combination in any dress watch. Still, the male and female versions of the Tank Louis Cartier demonstrate how the difference between a light brown and dark brown strap can significantly alter the look of a classic timepiece.

The men’s Tank Louis Cartier watch measures 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm and has been fitted with a dark brown alligator leather strap, allowing the blued steel hands to pop against a guilloche silver dial.

On the other hand, the alligator leather strap chosen for the women’s variety is a lighter, toffee-brown, creating an altogether more natural and casual style.

The Tank Louis Cartier couple watches are powered by a traditional manual-winding movement, which is arguably the biggest draw if you both consider the ritual of connecting with your watch important.  

TUDOR Black Bay S&G His and Hers

The TUDOR Black Bay S&G appeals to young collectors seeking a watch with vintage charm. These neo-vintage watches meld the distinctive look of TUDOR’s first dive watches with modern materials, reimagining the rugged, adventurous spirit of the Big Bang with a touch of radiant gold.

The precious metal accents in these dive watches are not overbearing. Moreover, they sit in the background, enabling the signature features of the Black Bay watch, such as the iconic Snowflake hands and the domed dial, to take center stage.

The desire to own ‘his and hers’ sports watches, of course, stems from the need for practicality first and foremost. The two-tone Black Bay will take you straight through a day at work to an evening of drinks and roll with you into the weekend.

Both these 31mm and 39mm models feature an 18ct yellow gold and steel bracelet, a black dial, and a gold bezel to match a screw-down crown designed to uphold a water-resistant rating of 100 meters.  

Zenith Defy His and Hers

Couple watches don’t necessarily have to mirror one another. Sometimes, the coolest matching sets are those that show some versatility but still manage to look coordinated.

Zenith, master of the famous El Primero movement, offers a super cool range of Defy watches, including this women’s Midnight Borealis-inspired 36mm model with a gradient green-blue dial framed by a diamond-encrusted bezel.

You can’t directly match the men’s version to this stunning Northern Lights watch, complete with delicately glistening diamonds on the hour markers. But for something a little more technically sophisticated, you can opt for the Defy Skyline Tourbillon.

The 41mm steel model displays a piece of the automatic El Primero 3630 caliber through the surface of its blue sunray dial, adorned with a special star print.

The tourbillon cage is a work of art and a technical revelation all rolled into one, keeping the movement suspended and protected from the effects of gravity at 6 o’clock.

Both Zenith Defy watches, for him and her, complete their elegant, sporty look with an integrated bracelet, creating a seamless, unified appearance.

Closing Remarks

The idea of collecting and wearing couples watches is not an outdated one. It’s actually more relevant now than it has ever been before. The watch industry is abundant in unisex designs, and we now exist in a world where the lines between the two genders are blurring.

Men and women wear whatever they feel comfortable in, whether that be small case proportions, oversized boyfriend watches, or designs festooned with diamonds and gemstones.

The good news is that many brands offer a smaller-sized version of their most popular watch. The appreciation of a complex mechanical watch is no longer reserved for men alone.

In that same vein, smaller, more compact case sizes are also on the rise, which opens up a whole range of options for those with smaller wrists.

As women’s and men’s tastes in watches become more aligned, many couples are enjoying the opportunity to wear a pair of watches that serve as a matching statement piece.

Now, couples can share their appreciation for a hobby that they both enjoy and have access to, with more choices available than ever before. It means that ‘his and hers’ watches are no longer dictated by convention and are more governed by a shared appreciation for horology.