Mechanical Luxury: 10 Automatic Watches Women Will Love

The “Quartz Crisis” upended traditional watchmaking, forcing a transformation in the way mechanical watches were marketed.

Terrified by this simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive tech, watchmakers chose to emphasize the careful engineering, hand-assembled craftsmanship, and miniaturized precision of mechanical movements, pitching them predominantly to men. 

Women, they thought, just weren’t as drawn to these aspects of timepieces, and they reasoned that the reliability and simplicity of quartz movements, paired with jewelry-inspired pop and flash, was a better approach.

That was and is as short-sighted as it is sexist.

Women aren’t any less engaged by careful design, elegant artistry, or mechanical precision than men, and the watch world is coming around to this realization. Today, women enjoy a wealth of mechanical options, ranging from the truly luxurious to the relatively affordable.

What is a mechanical watch? What does “automatic” mean?

The quartz revolution was spearheaded by the discovery that inducing tiny electrical impulses to quartz crystal resulted in precise vibrations that can be used to keep track of time. Eminently reliable, simple to manufacture, and remarkably durable, quartz technology really is pretty amazing.

By contrast, mechanical watches are driven by a spring that delivers power to a mechanism that’s entirely composed of miniaturized cogs and tiny parts that tick away at a known rate.

Instead of a battery, these watches are either manually wound or include a pendulum that winds the mainspring as it swings to and fro, powered entirely by the movement of your wrist.

Mechanical watches that are self-winding are called “automatic.” Some can also be hand-wound, but typically don’t need to be unless they’re unworn for more than 40 hours (or longer, depending on the exact specifications of the movement in question).

To achieve meaningful accuracy, precision, innovation, and craftsmanship are critical. And of course, those moving parts just beg for decoration in the hands of true artisans.

I’ve curated a short list of some of my favorite automatic watches for women. And while I assume that most women will have smaller wrists than men, meaning that these watches are appropriately sized for slender wrists and smaller hands, I don’t assume that every woman wants a diamond-encrusted jewelry piece.

Without further ado, let’s take a close look!

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Ref. Q2608140

The Art Deco influence of Jaeger LeCoultre’s Reverso Classic Monoface lends it a timeless appeal, emphasizing clean, almost architectural lines. As popular with watch enthusiasts as it is with casual admirers, the Reverso Classic Monoface’s classic styling never looks out of date.

The silvered-gray dial features details like vertical brushing and a central rectangle that’s guillochéd to enhance its restrained elegance.

Paired with a striking bracelet that plays with the light, and it’s easy to see why the classic beauty of the Reverso has stood the test of time.

Jaeger LeCoultre equips this watch with an in-house Caliber 846/1 movement, a mechanical heart specifically designed for this ultra-slim watch.

And though only your dealer may ever see the inside of the case, the 846/1 has been modestly decorated with perlage, striping, and polished screws.

The Caliber 846/1 is hand wound rather than automatic, meaning that you’ll need to wind it regularly if it’s a daily wearer.

Personally, I find that charming: I find that I’m more connected to a manually-wound watch than I am to one that just ticks away on its own.

For women desirous of a dress watch that combines legendary horological provenance and classically elegant lines, the Reverso Classic Monoface is a perfect fit.

This watch retails for $8,750.

Longines Dolcevita Ref. l57574716

Longines’s Dolcevita shares aesthetic cues with the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface, emphasizing clean, Art Deco lines and similarly restrained good looks. Avoiding the flashy and pretentious, it’s a watch for women who value sophistication and substance.

Elegance demands obedience to the rule that “less is more.” And the Dolcevita’s refined case design really highlights the flinqué texture of the dial.

Eye-catching without surrendering good taste, its Roman numerals and blue hands play beautifully with almost-architectural detailing. The result is a dial that’s classic, clean, and legible at a glance.

The stainless steel bracelet is similarly styled, avoiding ostentation while signalling reserve and taste – precisely what you want to be wearing in professional environments in which trust and confidence hinge on first impressions.

Slightly longer and more substantial than the Reverso Classic, the Dolcevita is an outstanding alternative for women with larger wrists or heavier frames.

Balancing case size can be tricky, and if typical women’s watches look too diminutive on you, take a close look at this Longines. 

It’s available in two sizes: one measuring 28.2mm x 47mm, and a smaller size measuring 27.7mm x 43.8. One will be sure to fit you like a glove.

Longines has chosen the Caliber L592 for this watch, basing it on the well-respected ETA A20.L01, and modifying parts like the rotor, adding decorations, and improving performance.

Keeping a mechanical movement svelte enough for a thin, elegant case is no easy task, and the L592 – despite its thin proportions – is quite capable, offering exceptional reliability and easy service, world-wide.

Affordably priced at $1,850, the Longines Dolcevita is a fantastic alternative to the Reverso Classic Monoface.

Omega De Ville Prestige Ref. 434.10.34.20.03.002

Omega is one of the most storied brands in horology, and the De Ville Prestige perfectly illustrates why. Simple, refined, and understated, it represents luxury that has nothing to prove.

Its elegantly proportioned case and bracelet are highly polished to catch and play with ambient light, and the deep stormy-blue dial with its sun-kissed vertical lines shifts to gray spending on the light, pairing effortlessly with the combination of Roman numerals, cabochon hour markers, and rhodium-plated hands.

Omega’s horological expertise is such that, despite the petit dimensions of this case, it’s equipped with the remarkable Omega 8800 movement, a METAS-certified Master Chronometer. In plain English, this indicates incredible accuracy and the very highest standards of precision, regulation, and engineering. 

Through the case back, you’ll see Omega’s signature Arabesque wave pattern, a subtle, subdued nod to refinement that exceeds mere mechanical function.

If you dress smartly at work, or need a stunning accessory to compliment your style, the De Ville Prestige is a perfect choice. Expect to pay $4,900 for this timepiece.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades

The trend toward increasingly casual fashion shows no sign of ending anytime soon, and a formal dress watch may be too much for too many. Enter the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades collection.

These watches share a 34mm case, matching bracelet, dial design, and movement, differing only in the color of the dial, case, and bracelet or the addition of diamonds to the bezel.

A wide range of stunning hues are available, each with a sun-brushed and lacquered dial. Expect options like Sea Blue, Shell Pink, Lagoon Green, Sandstone, and Lavender.

Stainless steel and 18k gold — both rose and yellow — expand your options. You can match the case to your jewelry, or add subtle contrast; the choice is yours.

As you’d expect from Omega, they’ve incorporated the capable 8800 Master Co-Axial Chronometer of the De Ville Prestige, offering uncompromising performance.

And given the sportier, more casual design of this timepiece, Omega protects this masterpiece of a movement with full 150-meter water resistance. 

In practice, this means that rain or shine, work or play, you needn’t worry that a quick dip in the pool or sudden shower will ruin your watch. To my mind, that makes this one of the best daily wearer watches on today’s list.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades collection starts at roughly $5,600.

Cartier Tank Ref. WGTA0011

First introduced in 1917, the Cartier Tank has secured its place in horological history one wrist at a time.

Cartier understands refinement and class: the Tank is designed with a rectangular 18k rose-gold case measuring just 33.7 mm x 25.5 mm, with a svelte profile of 6.6 mm.

If your wrists are delicate, and many watches seem overbearingly present there, the Tank will be a pleasantly diminutive surprise.

Exceptionally clean lines, Art Deco-inspired aesthetics, and details like a blue cabochon-topped crown provide pop without pomp.

Blue hour and minute hands carry this color over to the dial, where clean Roman numerals and “railroad” minute markers enhance its stylish legibility. 

Powered by Cartier’s Calibre 8971 MC, an upgraded and decorated Piaget 430P movement that’s slim enough for this elegant case, you can expect excellent time keeping.

This movement is uncomplicatedly dressy: no second hand or subdials, no date or day window to clutter its flawless dial.

It’s also manually wound rather than automatic, giving you the excuse you need to wind its stunning crown.

For tiny wrists and dressy occasions, Cartier’s mechanical Tank is exquisite perfection, retailing for $13,500.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm Ref. T137.207.11.091.00

If sleek, sporty sophistication matches your style, Tissot’s PRX Powermatic 80 is an excellent choice.

Designed with an integrated bracelet that’s as understated as it is gorgeous, the PRX Powermatic 80’s clean case, smart details, and tapisserie-style textured green dial are instantly recognizable to enthusiasts.

Sharing aesthetic cues with Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, but to my eye remaining more restrained and self-confident, this Tissot demonstrates perfectly why sports watches are so universally popular.

Measuring 35mm, this watch is a perfect size for most women and a perfect companion for busy lives, outdoor games, and active vacations.

Tasteful luminous applique allows perfect legibility in low light, and the uncluttered dial delivers at-a-glance legibility when time counts.

Tissot delivers this watch with its Powermatic 80.111 movement, a heavily-modified ETA C07.111 that sips power from its mainspring.

Some pretty advanced technology results in roughly 80- hours of power reserve as well as surprisingly accuracy despite not being chronometer certified.

Expect to see subtle decoration on the rotor and bridges through the case back, and an overall feel that’s far more luxurious than you’d expect at this price point. 

This Tissot retails far below its competitors at $725.

Glashütte Original Lady Serenade Ref. 1-39-22-20-22-04

German horology is every bit on par with Swiss craftsmanship, and Glashütte’s Lady Serenade is in every respect a worthy competitor for names like Rolex, Tudor, and Omega.

Evening gowns and formal attire demand a watch that can blend seamlessly with your style, disappearing on your wrist so as not to draw attention away from your hair, your face, and your clothing. Indeed, an ideal timepiece for such occasions should balance impeccable taste and refinement with subtle luxury.

The Lady Serenade, especially in stainless, makes the most of its sunray-finished dial, and the addition of 52 brilliant-cut diamonds adds sparkle and shimmer where it matters most.

Roman numerals and simple hour markers are set off by the dark dial, offering a classically-stylish juxtaposition. Always on trend, Glashütte has designed this watch to be a foundational accessory that never goes out of fashion.

Inside, you’ll find the in-house Caliber 39‑22, a Glashütte original. Teutonic watchmakers prize rugged dependability as much as decorative finishing, and the three-quarters plate adds rigidity and durability that few luxury brands can match.

That, in itself, is remarkable, but the artisans at Glashütte add Rhodium plating, ribbing, perlage, polished screw heads, hand engraving, and a skeletonized, “double-G” rotor.

These embellishments aren’t typically available at this price, and it’s fair to say that among enthusiasts and experts, the Glashütte Original Lady Serenade is considered a remarkable buy.

Expect to pay roughly $11,600 for this watch.

Breguet Classique 8068

No more storied name exists in haute horologie than Breguet, than their Classique 8068 in yellow gold with diamonds is nothing less than a masterpiece of watchmaking.

Just 30mm in diameter and 7.7mm thick, the dimensions of the Classique 8068 are graceful, discreet, and feminine. Women with small wrists and delicate hands will find that this watch never threatens to overpower that delicacy, but rather enhances their beauty.

The mother-of-pearl dial is treated to a hand-guillochéd finish in the Clous-de-Paris style, with hobnail details near the bezel, setting off both the minute markers and Roman numerals.

These aren’t stamped or machined – these are hand-engraved by master artisans. The addition of 64 brilliant-cut diamonds and a blue cabochon to the crown add fire and catch the eye without surrendering to the gauche. 

The result is a watch that could grace the wrist of a queen.

Breguet’s movements are legendary, and the Caliber 537/3 is no exception. Exceptionally thin, it’s based on the Frédéric Piguet 1150, with additional refinements such as Geneva striping, anglage, and a gold rotor engraved with Breguet’s guilloché motif.

In contrast to many women’s watches that hew closely to jewelry, Breguet’s Classique 8068 represents high horology and the pinnacle of the watchmaking art.

This watch commands a price of $28,000.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Ref. SRP839

A beautiful watch needn’t demand a second mortgage, and Seiko’s Cocktail Time offers a very affordable alternative to the watches I’ve been reviewing.

I own and wear a Cocktail Time of my own, and I’ve been nothing but impressed with its playful, sophisticated mid-century vibe.

The round, 38.5mm case should fit most women well, and that’s a classic size for a reason. The round, exquisitely polished case outlines a soft pink dial that has some of the most beautiful texturing you’ll see for under $1,000. 

In person, this watch dazzles, and the domed crystal – an intentional design choice – subtle bends light and creates mesmering color changes and patterns.

Simple hands and delicate hour markers provide legibility without clutter, and the polished stainless bracelet looks fantastic wherever and whatever you’re doing.

Seiko’s manufacturing is on par with Rolex, and though the Caliber 4R35 is no competitor for the Breguet 537/3 or Omega 8800, it is nevertheless a robust, reliable, and easily-serviced movement.

Automatic, though it can also be manually wound, I’ve found that the 4R35 can take whatever I dish out and then some, making this an excellent no-fuss daily wearer.

If smart casual is your go-to style, Seiko’s Presage Cocktail Time will meet you where you are for just $450.

Rolex Datejust 36

The final watch on my list today, Rolex’s Datejust 36, was introduced in 1940 as part of the brand’s celebration of its 40th year in watchmaking.

Now an icon that’s instantly recognizable, it’s available in a remarkable range of dial colors and with embellishment opportunities aplenty.

Rolex offers the Datejust 36 in a wide array of dynamic colors, ranging from silver and black to green, pink, and blue.

Each of these choices is sharply executed, offering a variety of dial textures, the inclusion of diamonds, fluted bezels, and other hallmarks of distinction.

The Datejust has set the standard of luxury for nearly a century now, and its refined and tasteful combinations never leave the dial cluttered.

Rolex equips the Datejust 36 with its in-house Caliber 3235, a Superlative Chronometer capable of split-second accuracy.

An automatic with exceptional power reserve, its quality and innovation embody what Rolex means in horological circles, namely, mechanical excellence.

Rolex guarantees accuracy within plus or minus two seconds daily, not something you’ll find common at any price.

Indeed, part of what makes Rolex special is this absolute mastery of precision craftsmanship, and while the mechanism is subtly decorated with sunray brushing, polished screw heads, and their signature crown motif, they’re not chasing Breguet’s expertise in hand-finished luxury.

Rather, it’s the mechanism itself that sets this brand apart, as well as its status as the standard against which all other luxury watches are judged.

This watch starts at roughly $8,319, but rare metals and precious stones increase the price quickly.

Conclusion

While the wrist watch was first invented for women, combining a bracelet and a timepiece in an innovation pioneered by Breguet, the Quartz Crisis pushed mechanical horology toward men. 

That was an error that’s slowly being corrected.

Why?

Delicate engineering and meticulous precision are things that everyone can appreciate, and whatever your taste in watches, whatever your personal style, one – or more – of the timepieces I’ve discussed today will be a perfect addition to your lifestyle.