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In markets across the Middle East, like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Egypt, “eastern Arabic” dials are immensely popular. Instead of the usual simple hour markers, and in place of the common Roman or western Arabic numerals, you’ll find the eastern-Arabic equivalents (١,٢,٣,٤,٥,٦,٧,٨,٩,٠) on the dial.

This makes them easy to read for Arabic speakers, and the unique dial design draws the attention of collectors the world over.

Unfortunately, the market for eastern-Arabic dials is underserved. Though brands like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin occasionally produce limited editions with these numbers, they sell almost immediately and typically must be special ordered from a regional boutique.

That said, there are a number of eastern-Arabic-dialled watches that are easier to find and more or less in constant production.

Let’s take a closer look.

Seiko 5 SNK REF. SNK063J5

Seiko’s commitment to quality is second to none, and the amazingly popular Seiko 5 SNK series benefits tremendously from the brand’s century of experience.

Designed in an era when watches were still used to tell the time, the SNK series reflects a winning combination of utility and style. Marrying form and function into a sleek 34mm case with a small crown tucked away at 4 o’clock, it wears comfortably no matter the occasion. Slim enough to slip under your shirt cuff without catching, and offering 30m/3ATM water resistance, you don’t need to worry about washing your hands or a sudden rain shower ruining your watch.

In short, this Seiko 5 is meant to be worn.

As you’d expect, the black dial highlights starkly-white eastern-Arabic numerals marking the hours. The day/date window, too, features Arabic day designations as well as English equivalents, with only the typical Seiko markings and date in an exclusively western font.

The luminous hour and minute hands, as well as a simple seconds hand, keep the dial immediately legible, a gesture toward the utility this watch was designed around.

Inside, you’ll find the time-tested Seiko 7S26 automatic movement, a solid, dependable choice that’s easy to service or repair pretty much anywhere in the world. Expect good accuracy, typically within –20 to +40 seconds per day – though in my experience, many SNKs run far better than that.

If you’re looking for a watch that balances slender wrists and smaller hands, the Seiko 5 SNK is a great choice. And if you need a watch with an eastern-Arabic dial that’s readable, reliable, and understated, you simply can’t go wrong with it.

Expect to pay roughly $200 for this timepiece.

Rolex Day-Date 40 REF. 228206-0048

No name in luxury horology carries more weight than Rolex, and perhaps no eastern-Arabic watch is more highly prized than their Day-Date 40. And while there are many models to choose from, spanning a wide range of dial colors, materials, and embellishments, my choice would be the exclusive REF. 228206-0048.

The solid 950 platinum case, measuring 40mm without the crown, creates a radiant platform for a soft sage/olive green dial. Eastern-Arabic numerals mark the hours, and baton-style hands, as well as an unadorned seconds hand, leave the dial free from clutter and mess. An Arabic day window at the 12, combined with the cyclops-style magnifying lens over the eastern-Arabic date window, are iconic dial details of the Day-Date 40, here customized for the Middle-Eastern market.

Rolex supplies this masterpiece with the in-house Rolex Caliber 3255, a flagship movement that offers, among other things, superb accuracy. A Certified Superlative Chronometer, the Caliber 3255 keeps time to within +2/-2 seconds per day, and features innovative design details like its Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring, offering enhanced energy efficiency and durability, respectively.

An elegant statement on any wrist, this Rolex functions as much as a symbol of status and wealth as a timepiece. Meticulously crafted and exquisitely machined, from the movement to the dial, Rolex demonstrates why it’s at the top of its game.

Given the exceedingly high demand for these watches, expect to pay upward of $100,000 for the Rolex Day-Date 40 with eastern-Arabic numerals.

Cartier Santos REF. WSSA0055

Cartier’s unmistakable style sets it apart from its rivals, and this Santos’s distinctive sunburst green dial and black DLC coating set a new bar for casual chic.

Its 39.8mm case offers soft, sinuous curves that frame a square dial. Beautifully applied eastern-Arabic numerals, sword-style hands, and an eastern-Arabic date window at the 6 lend this watch an uncluttered look. And careful attention to details like the exposed screws, matching green alligator-leather strap, and faceted crown add visual interest while keeping the overall look sophisticated.

Inside, Cartier has chosen the in-house 1847 MC, an automatic-winding mechanical movement that is easy to service and uncommonly reliable. In my opinion, that takes this Santos to the next level by replacing Sellita- or ETA-based calibers with Cartier’s own design, reflecting the 

brand’s push for manufacturing autonomy.

For collectors or enthusiasts searching for an eastern-Arabic dial, the Cartier Santos is a tempting option. Perhaps no alternative on our shortlist today has numerals that are as stunningly applied or designed, and if you can’t resist a dark green dial, the look they create together is unforgettable.

When new, these timepieces retail for roughly $14,000.

Shinola “Habibi Edition”

To create the “Habibi Edition,” Shinola collaborated with Dan Elhosni, “The Big Habibi,” to honor his Lebanese heritage and the Arab community in Detroit. The result is an American-made timepiece with unmistakable charm and eastern-inspired good looks.

A large 45mm polished stainless case sets off a royal blue dial with applied eastern-Arabic numerals to mark the hours. The small seconds complication at the 6 also features these numerals, as does the date window at the 3. And a fluted, pumpkin-style crown reminiscent of pilot’s watches adds flair without detracting from the understated elegance of this watch.

To me, the result is simply gorgeous, and the generous proportions work especially well for larger men and thicker wrists that can balance this watch’s large case size.

Shinola equips the Habibi Edition with the Swiss-made Sellita SW260-1, a reliable and accurate workhorse that ticks away relentlessly, making it ideal for daily wear. Capable of real-world accuracy in the range of ±12 to ±30 seconds per day, the SW260-1 is easy to service and as hassle free as they come.

I can’t get enough of this Shinola, and if you feel the same way, be willing to spend $2,800 for an example of this limited-edition watch.

Paul Rich Star Dust II Shadow Oasis

Paul Rich is known for dials made from aventurine, creating a deep black background bespecked with shimmeringly bright stars. And for enthusiasts and collectors seduced by eastern-Arabic dials, the Star Dust II Shadow Oasis is a daily wearer with more than its share of panache.

Black aventurine glass isn’t particularly easy to manufacture, and Paul Rich leans into the look it creates on the dial. To keep the design simple and legible, only “Swiss Movement” and the Paul Rich logo and signature decorate the dial, accompanied by simple, elegant hands and eastern-Arabic numerals to mark the hours. Paired with a polished stainless-steel case with an angular, geometric bezel, this Paul Rich is on point with current style.

Though sharing design cues with the likes of Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Paul Rich isn’t challenging haute horologie or offering an homage to a much more expensive timepiece. Instead, it’s offering a watch that’s distinctive in its own right.

Powered by a Swiss Ronda 763 quartz movement, exceptional accuracy and the occasional battery change are what to expect from the Star Dust II Shadow Oasis.

Priced at just $349, this Paul Rich is intended as a show-stopping daily wearer.

Conclusion

Eastern-Arabic dials can be hard to find outside regional-specific boutiques and small runs. But if you know where to look, there are excellent options for collectors and casual wearers at virtually every price point.

Whether you’re shopping with a caviar budget or have more modest amounts to spend, one of these beautiful timepieces is sure to be perfect for you.

When Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather debuted in 1972, it quickly cemented its place in cinematic history. And from the acting to the direction, the set decoration to the costuming, no detail was too small to demand careful attention.

That’s part of what makes it a masterpiece of modern film-making.

In fact, the prop team collaborated closely with Coppola to shape each character’s personality through wardrobe choices, including wrist watches. Thus, we can learn something about each of the important members of the Corleone family, and their trusted associates, by looking at what they wear on their wrist.

That said, The Godfather series isn’t a vehicle for product placement, and many of the watches featured in the films just peek out from a cuff, get just seconds on screen, or are largely invisible due to the accompanying wardrobe.

For instance, Vito Corleone, the original Don, wears a wristwatch, probably on a leather strap, but it’s impossible to identify on film. Speculatively, it might be the Hamilton Electric, but it’s really impossible to say.

Similarly, Tom Hagen’s reserved but rich gold dress watch, like those of many of the rival Dons and Cappos, was chosen to symbolize power, position, and judgment, but the make and model of each watch is impossible to discern. 

In short, only one watch is identifiable on screen, Michael’s Omega Constellation.

The Omega Constellation “Pie Pan” Ref. 168.005

The rightly famous wedding scenes that open The Godfather find Michael in his Marine dress uniform, wearing what looks to be a field watch from a brand like Hamilton.

Michael is clearly juxtaposed to his brother Sonny, and indeed the entire Corleone family, as an outsider charting his own course in life. By contrast, by The Godfather II, Michael is now the Don, and his wardrobe and watch reflect his ultimate-insider status.

There are plenty of fan theories about the watches Michael wears prior to taking control of the family business. What’s sure is that only one can be positively identified: the Omega Constellation he wears as Don.

When it comes to wearing wristwatches, women were first.

From the late 19^th century on into the 20th, there was an explosion in interest in watches from women whose attire didn’t usually allow the use of pocket watches. As a result, women of all socioeconomic levels began to wear watches as necklaces, brooches, and, eventually, on their wrists.

Wristwatches became such a fashion statement and status symbol for women that men at first balked at wearing them. Soldiers fighting in World War I and civilians as well had to be convinced by watch companies that wristwatches were both practical and “masculine” enough for gents to wear as well!

As a result of this head start, many vintage women’s watches from that era became fashion icons. Vintage styles included smaller, delicate watches and rectangular Art Deco-inspired pieces, precious metals and steel, and bejeweled cases, dials, and bracelets that exuded sophistication and charm.

Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in vintage watches which often possess character, craftsmanship, and stories that set them apart from many modern offerings. Women attracted to classical styling and the charm of a bygone era are taking vintage and vintage-inspired pieces and pairing them with modern fashion to produce a striking juxtaposition that blends the best of old and new.

In this article, I’ll highlight some important considerations to keep in mind when shopping the vintage market and 10 popular women’s vintage watches that have endured the test of time.

Things to Know Before Buying Vintage

First, what age qualifies as vintage? While opinions vary, a watch that is 30 years old is generally considered vintage while one 20-30 years old usually falls more into the “neovintage” category. Interestingly, if a watch is 20 years old but has been discontinued, many collectors classify it as vintage.

Also, a vintage piece that is unpolished and has all its original parts (especially dials) is considered more valuable than one that has a freshly-polished gleam and/or has been restored with parts from other watches which are not true to the original reference (aka, “Frankenstein” watches).  Along that same line, it helps to have a reputable dealer to buy from, and it’s always advisable to seek the help of enthusiasts with experience in buying and collecting vintage pieces.

Remember, too, that a vintage piece is probably not going to be a “daily driver” but instead one worn more sparingly or for special occasions. Assuming that your vintage Rolex Submariner is going to be as water-resistant as it was when new is a recipe for disappointment and a hefty service and repair bill.

10 Popular Women’s Vintage Watches

The following are 10 popular women’s vintage watches which have aged gracefully through the decades.

1. Cartier Tank, any reference, 1919-onward

It’s ironic that the Cartier Tank, originally produced for soldiers and designed with lugs that resembled the tracks (“brancards”) of the Renault FT-17  tank, would become one of the most desirable women’s vintage watches, but here we are.

The Cartier Tank’s rectangular shape launched the Art Deco style trend, and its smaller case sizes, iconic white dial, Roman numeral indices, “tank tread” minute track, blue sword-shaped handset, and signature blue cabochon-cut sapphire crown have made it a highly sought after vintage watch among women, as well as many men.

There were more precious metals than steel models produced over the years. A vintage solid gold Tank can be had in the 5K-10K range, but steel ones are available in the 2K and up range.

2. Must de Cartier Tank, ref. 1613, 1970s-1980s

While we’re on the subject of Cartier, we should also consider the massed-produced Must de Cartier Tank which was intended as a more affordable entry-level option than the luxury model and a response to the Quartz Crisis of the time.

Instead of precious metals, cases were made of “vermeil”, or 18K gold-plated sterling silver, and in place of a mechanical movement, the less expensive Caliber 057 quartz was used. The classic Art Deco style case persisted, but the dial design ranged from the classic Roman numerals to variations that used lacquered, bold colors and designs. Instead of sapphire, a synthetic spinel cabochon was used on the crown.

A vintage ref. 1613 will run in the 2K-3K range.

3. Rolex Datejust, ref. 6917, 1970s-1990s

Of course, no women’s vintage watch list would be complete without a representative from “The Crown”. While the smallest case diameter of a modern Rolex Datejust is 31mm, there was a time when it came in 26mm, making it ideal for many women looking for a more elegant and refined look. The fact that the ref. 6917 had both all 18K yellow gold and two-toned, steel/gold versions helped make it an instant classic.

Dial variations included gemstone-set mother-of-pearl and also stones, such as lapis lazuli, malachite, and onyx, which produced one-of-a-kind patterns. Bezels were typically fluted, but also included some diamond-set references. Indices included batons, as well as Roman numerals and gemstones. Both President and Jubilee bracelets were common.

These days, this reference brings between 3K-10K, depending on the amount of precious metals and gemstones used.

4. Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) Caliber 101, 1929-onward

While Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) is probably best known for its Reverso, the company’s  Caliber 101, introduced in 1929 and still made today, is the world’s smallest watch movement (14mm x 4.8mm x 3.4mm) and represents just as powerful a horological breakthrough.

The miniature size of the Caliber 101 allowed JLC to produce pieces that deemphasized the watch by embedding it within delicate, precious metal and gemstone-set pieces of jewelry, typically bracelets, and sometimes even rings. Among the designs were “secret” cocktail watches with hidden dials concealed by elegant bracelets but viewable discreetly to the wearer. The Caliber 101 was also the beating heart of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation watch worn in 1953.

Vintage Caliber 101 pieces were not standard production, but instead bespoke, so prices fall in the “If you have to ask, then . . .” range seen at exclusive auctions.

5. Piaget Polo, ref. 761 (27mm, round) and ref. 8131 (20mm, square), 1979-1990

The Piaget Polo, worn by celebrities such as Andy Warhol, Robert DeNiro, Brooke Shields, and Sylvester Stallone, is arguably in the same ranks of the Cartier Tank as a cultural and fashion icon.

The Piaget Polo is ultra-integrated, with a bracelet and case so blended that if it weren’t for the handset, it would be hard to tell where the bracelet ends and the case starts (especially with the square ref. 8131). Adding to this effect was a crown hidden on the caseback that added to the symmetry. Cases and bracelets are solid, 18K satin-finished yellow gold with polished gadroons between the links. The watch is powered by svelte quartz caliber 7P, considered revolutionary at the time, which enhanced Piaget’s reputation for producing ultra-thin timepieces.

When released, the Polo was considered so chic and exclusive that it retailed for $20,000 ($70,000 in today’s dollars). Today, the main value is in the gold, and on the vintage market they command 15K-20K.

6. Omega Ladymatic (1955-1970s)

In 1955, Omega cut against the gender-stereotyped grain of the time by producing a ladies watch acknowledging that women, too, were perfectly capable of appreciating accuracy, technology, and “how mechanical things work”.

The Ladymatic featured the Caliber 455 which had a rotor and was the smallest automatic movement made at the time. Not only was it self-winding, but the Caliber 455 was also a certified (COSC) chronometer. The Ladymatic was small and elegant and came in a variety of materials such as gold, steel, and gold-filled. Some were made into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry by famous designers of the time. Leather straps or cords and bracelets gave the watch enough versatility for both evening cocktails and “daily driving”.

In 2010, Omega relaunched the Ladymatic with both a retro vibe and modern specs. If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive vintage one, they will run about $500.

7. Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, ref. 3548, 1968-1976

Women are often spotted wearing vintage Patek’s signature models such as the Calatrava and the Nautilus. But an often overlooked one is the Golden Ellipse released in 1968.

Created by Patek’s head of design at the time, Jean-Daniel Rubeli, the Golden Ellipse featured an elliptical case which has a longer side that is approximately 1.618 times the length of the shorter one, aka, the “Golden Ratio”, which is associated with aesthetic harmony and “pleasing proportions” present in nature and often used in art and design.

The first 3548 had a striking blue dial and was 18K gold with a matching mesh bracelet. While the watch met with a muted response, it gained favor over the years as Patek went on to launch similarly shaped popular accessories such as cufflinks and keychains. The ref. 3548 retailed for $1,700 in 1968 ($15,727 in 2025 dollars). Ironically, that’s about the average cost of a vintage one today.

8. Hamilton Ventura, 1957 onward

The triangular, shield-shaped Ventura was Hamilton’s futuristic vision of a “watch of tomorrow” and the world’s first with an electronic movement. It is also strongly associated with men in movies, namely Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii, and the alien-chasing agents in the Men in Black.

But I have a sneaky suspicion that designer Richard Arbib knew it would be a hit with women, too, and sure enough it is regarded as “unisex” today. Case in point, my wife picked out a new one last year at the Hamilton boutique in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, birthplace of the brand.

Venturas are readily available on the preowned and vintage marketplace, and prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on age, condition, materials, and provenance.

9. Bulova Rubaiyat, 1917 onward

It’s fitting in 2025, Bulova’s 150^th anniversary, to highlight a brand that was ahead of its time in recognizing the importance of creating timepieces for women. A well-known one is the Art Deco design “Lady Lindy”, launched in 1928 launched to honor Amelia Earhart’s solo flight across the Atlantic, which was the ladies counterpart to the Charles Lindbergh-inspired “Lone Eagle”.

But Bulova had already launched its first line of women-focused watches in 1917, the classic Rubaiyat, named after a 12^th-century book of Persian poetry.  In contrast to the popular boxy, Art Deco-themed women’s watches of the early 20^th century, early Rubaiyats were oval or around, but they still retained the popular options in materials, dials, gemstones, straps, and bracelets that allowed for versatility across a variety of occasions.

Bulova relaunched the modern Rubaiyat in 2017, 100 years after its introduction. There are vintage Rubaiyat references in good working condition available for under $500.

10. Ernest Borel Cocktail Watch, 1953 onward

We’ll finish our list with a fun and quirky example of an iconic vintage women’s timepiece, the Ernest Borel cocktail watch. Small, dainty watches with funky geometric dial designs have been around since the 1920s, inspired by that decade’s high-fashion emphasis and reputation for lavish parties and risqué jazz clubs.

But in 1953, Ernest Borel upped the ante by adding motion to the picture. Using two transparent, patterned discs, one containing the handset that stays stationary, and the other a rotating disc, the watch produced a constantly changing “kaleidoscope” effect. Initially launched as a women’s watch, men soon wanted their own version as well. In the 1960s, these models, along with accompanying rings, desk clocks, and pendants, were very popular among “hippies” and “flower children” who perhaps enhanced the watches’ psychedelic effects with a few, um, “mind altering substances” of their own.

Ernest Borel closed during the 1970s Quartz Crisis but was relaunched in 1997 and continues to produce their famous cocktail watch today. There are many vintage ones still available for as little as a few hundred dollars to over a thousand for ones in excellent condition.

Conclusion

Vintage ladies’ watches are a reminder of a past era when companies gave women the kind of decorative and dainty timepieces they thought they wanted. The modern watchscape, however, is much different.  

While women still want the option of small and elegant watches with orthodox feminine design cues, the modern vibe is one of increasing numbers of unisex designs and size, along with growing numbers of men and women wearing the watches of “the other”.

This trend extends to traditionally women’s vintage watches as well. Case in point: Consider actor Timothée Chalamet in a New York Yankees baseball jersey, eating pizza, while rocking his tiny Cartier Panthère!

Some years ago, the idea of wearing a finely crafted luxury timepiece when diving or swimming was practically unheard of and a risk that very few would dare to take. Watches have never been cheap, and the thought of damaging a beloved timepiece whilst underwater would have been too much for even the wealthiest of collectors, given their meticulous design and the hours of painstaking craftsmanship involved in making one.

As the years have gone on, water resistance in watches has improved significantly. Today’s best watches for swimming are more than just water-resistant watches. They blend the art of watchmaking with state-of-the-art engineering. Plus, if you pay a decent price for one, it’s likely to be a watch you’ll want to wear for boardroom meetings, catching flights, family celebrations, and everything in between.

The swimming watches we’ve rounded up in this guide vary from sporty dive tools to more elegant-looking timepieces. Most designs, however, have the class and style to transition from something casual and playful in the day to something more sophisticated by the evening. Check out these top picks our team here at Exquisite Timepieces has curated for keen swimmers and those who regularly partake in water sports. 

Garmin MARQ Athlete Gen 2

This wouldn’t be a guide to the best watches for swimming without mentioning a smartwatch first and foremost. Not a watch in the traditional sense, but if you didn’t want the restriction of a sports-specific smartwatch that’s exclusive to swimming endeavours, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the package offered by the Garmin MARQ Athlete Gen 2 watch.

Even though it’s not tailored solely for swimming, its features for underwater activities are perfectly balanced with everyday health and fitness metrics, enabling you to keep on track of your daily goals and stats hour by hour, all without missing out on special swim-specific features. The Garmin MARQ Athlete Gen 2 smartwatch has a water-resistant rating of 100 meters, so it’s more than capable of handling surface swimming whilst on vacation.

Whether you’re doing laps around a pool or taking part in a spot of water sports on your holiday, this watch is developed for surface swimming, even though you won’t be able to delve deep underwater with it. The Garmin MARQ Athlete Gen 2 has pre-loaded swimming profiles that you can make good use of, whether you’re swimming indoors or enjoying the elements. If you’re swimming in a leisure centre pool, for example, you can input your pool size, so that you can accurately track your distance and count your completed lengths as you go. It can also track rest periods and intervals. For open water swimming, you can use Garmin’s built-in GPS technology to track your distance. This is a convenient feature if you’re swimming in a large body of water like a river or lake.

To assist with these features, the Garmin MARQ Athlete Gen 2 makes for a great watch to swim with because it also provides you with a wealth of data that assists with your distance tracking, such as your SWOLF score, which measures your swimming efficiency, and your heart rate, and can track these stats while in the water itself. In addition to this, it comes complete with a suite of additional health and wellness apps that track stress, calories, and sleep, etc, not to mention several sports apps for those who like to fill their lifestyle with a multitude of activities and sports. To top it off, the MAQRQ Athlete Gen 2 is also forged from high-grade materials for resisting the outdoor elements, such as a lightweight titanium case and a tough, scratch-resistant glass front. 

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015 12B40 NAOA

Forget owning a watch that’s good for swimming and nothing else; the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch is arguably one of the most historically significant dive watches in the industry, so it has stacks of collectability and appeal. In fact, I would go as far as to say it once set a very important benchmark for dive watches to follow, epitomising what a modern dive tool should be, thanks to its unidirectional bezel developed to keep divers safe.

The Fifty Fathoms watch was born out of a real, genuine need for reliability and water resistance. Commissioned by the French Combat Diving Corps during the 1950s, the watch was a collaborative effort with Blancpain and could effectively withstand the rigors of military life, eventually garnering the respect it deserved for its use as a professional instrument, not just a fashion accessory. 

Today, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch comes in a myriad of different styles and dial colours. The ref. 5015 12B40 NAOA carries some of the features that were added as an update in 2007 and 2008, including a date feature between 4 and 5 o’clock. Its case is crafted from sun-brushed and polished titanium for a lightweight finish on the wrist, while its deep and alluring blue dial colour captures the rich blue colour of the ocean.

Its large 45mm diameter gives it plenty of wrist presence, yet somehow, it doesn’t appear weighty and clunky like so many dive watches do. This blue Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch could easily accompany a smart shirt and jacket for occasions where you might need to attend a more sophisticated event. Yet, there is no need to change the watch over during your daily pursuits either. The watch is equipped with a water-resistant rating of 300 meters, making it perfect for sports, swimming, and day-to-day eventualities.

Additional features of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch include a scratch-proof domed sapphire insert, an in-house movement with a five-day power reserve, and an exhibition caseback to view the movement and its many beautifully finished facets.

DOXA SUB 200 Divingstar 796.10.361.31

We couldn’t create a guide to the best watches you can swim with without including a model from DOXA. This brand specialises in dive watches and offers a vibrant array of colourful dials, bezels, and watch straps that look incredibly sporty.

DOXA embarked on a mission to create the ultimate underwater tool back in the 1960s, soaring to success with its distinctive orange dial that became a recognisable signature of the brand. Legendary oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau forged a powerful connection with this brand, wearing DOXA watches on his wrist during his team’s important history-making expeditions.

Today, DOXA watches are recognised for their cushion-shaped cases, their beads-of-rice bracelets and their innate ability to look incredibly cool over the top of a dive suit. The DOXA SUB 200 Divingstar 796.10.361.31 isn’t overly adventurous with its water-resistant capability. It offers a suitable 200M water resistance, which is more than enough for a spot of swimming or recreational water sports. It features a vibrant yellow dial that DOXA names the Divingstar and a quick-drying rubber band in the same colour – an alternative to DOXA’s retro mesh-style steel bracelet, which looks equally as eye-catching but slightly dressier.

The watch embraces a modern expression of the archetypal retro dive watch and features a unidirectional rotating bezel in brushed steel. Although it preserves the heritage of the brand’s success in creating expert dive watches, this model is visually slimmer and more refined. It features a 42.5mm steel case, a sapphire box front, and modernises the watch’s brilliance and lightness with legible Super-LumiNova-coated indexes and hands.

Whether you plan to wear this watch in the city on weekends or utilise it during your everyday active life, the DOXA SUB 200 is going to garner the attention that any bold, disruptive dive watch should.

Seiko Prospex SPB383 1968 Diver’s Modern Reinterpretation GMT

Seiko is an expert at manufacturing dive watches. Its Prospex line is where you’ll find examples of professional-grade tool watch engineering and an unmistakable style that became a global phenomenon. The Seiko Prospex SPB383 seems to sum up everything important and special about the Prospex line, plus more, since it comes with a handy GMT function for those who like to combine water-based recreation with travel.

Dive watches from the Prospex line all adhere to the stringent ISO 6425 standards, delivering on legibility, water resistance, and anti-magnetism, along with other features. What this guarantees is a watch that is legible, reliable, and accurate, but at an affordable price point.

The Seiko Prospex SPB383 is a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic 1968 Seiko diver’s watch, which made history and marked a significant leap forward for Seiko’s design language and capability in the realm of crafting dive watches. It is fitted with a Hi-Beat movement that operates at a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (10 beats per second) and 300 meters of water resistance.

Its distinct design language includes a large, rugged case, a signature 4 o’clock crown, chunky luminous hands across its rich black dial, and a knurled unidirectional bezel attached to its sturdy steel case – all of which were present in the original ref. 6159-7001 that it takes inspiration from, which ran only for a short production time during the 1960s. Today, this Seiko Prospex watch is cool and stylish enough to wear daily, but it certainly won’t let you down if your aquatic curiosity gets the better of you.

Casio G-Shock 2100 Series GM2110D-2A

If you’re torn between the retro appeal of a digital Casio watch but want the classic look of an analogue watch, the Casio G-Shock 2100 Series GM2110D-2A is an excellent option. Based on the wildly popular GA-2100 “Casio Oak”, its ice blue dial is stunning, accentuated by an octagonal-shaped bezel that gives the watch a subtle Royal Oak look. Make no mistake, this watch carries all the robust anti-shock and impact-resistant features you would expect of any G-Shock watch, but it’s also great for taking into the water and looks super cool, too.

With a 200-meter water resistance, this Casio G-Shock watch from the 2100 Series features a steel bezel, which gives it a more substantial and sophisticated appeal compared to the all-resin G-Shocks. What’s more, it’s suitable for a wide range of occasions. It combines analogue hands with a digital display, not to mention a world time function, a timer, a stopwatch, and multiple alarms.

Despite featuring a steel bezel, this watch still comprises a case made from a glass fibre-reinforced resin, so it has the same feel and weight as a traditional G-Shock when worn on the wrist. Modern and sophisticated in style, the Casio G-Shock 2100 Series GM2110D-2A is perfect for those looking to keep to a budget, making it an ideal choice for everyday life and active pursuits, including those that incorporate lots of swimming.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

If you’re looking to push the boat out entirely and want a watch that screams luxury but can also hold its own in water, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is a titanium and bronze masterpiece that looks incredibly cool on the wrist, whether you’re pairing it with swimming trunks or a tux.

Since 1993, the Seamaster 300M has been enjoying a legendary following. Some watches from this range not only made it onto the wrist of Mr Cool himself (James Bond) but have become a symbol of adventure, debonair style, and suave style ever since.

This Omega Seamaster 300M Diver features a stunning green anodised aluminium bezel ring that matches the dial, giving the watch a strong dose of nostalgia and retro charm, not to mention vintage Super-LumiNova details to pair with bronze golden hands and blackened indexes. Indeed, this is not just a watch for the recreational swimmer, but also someone who adores the look of the classic dive watch.

Omega equips this watch with a stylish mesh-type metal bracelet for added vintage character and equips the watch with one of its Master Co-Axial movements. The Calibre 8806 is a tried and tested movement that is used throughout the manufacturer’s catalogue, providing 55 hours of power reserve and boasting beautiful finishes, such as a rhodium-plated rotor and bridges that are put on display through a sapphire exhibition caseback.

The Omega Seamaster 300M Diver is proof that you can look good at 300 meters deep without compromising on performance or quality. This is a faultless design, crafted from some of the industry’s best materials. The bronze elements in its design not only add to the Seamaster’s vintage-esque look but also serve a practical purpose, since bronze is a particularly hardy and saltwater-resistant material to use for underwater instruments.

Favre Leuba Deep Raider Renaissance 

Favre Lueba has always been about pushing boundaries. It’s the watch brand associated with feats like the first mechanical watch to feature an aneroid barometer and the first mechanical watch fitted with a depth gauge (the Bathy). 

One look at the Deep Raider Renaissance and it’s clear to see that it takes strong inspirational cues from the brand’s 1964 Deep Blue dive watch, but is shrouded in rich emerald green colours for this model. This faithful revival is geared towards a modern audience with its slightly larger 40mm steel case and green fume dial with a smoked finish around the periphery. As well as affording the watch a sense of visual depth, it adds a tasteful touch of colour to your everyday attire and features a green ceramic insert on the bezel that will resist scratches and knocks incurred as part of daily life.

The Favre Leuba Deep Raider has a 300-meter water-resistant case that’s going to keep its high-end movement well protected underwater. The Calibre FLD02 is an automatic engine that is based on the La Joux Perret G100 Calibre – a movement with an astounding reputation and a flawless track record for delivering precision alongside a useful 68-hour power reserve.

The Deep Raider Renaissance is a compelling choice for any keen swimmer. Its ability to blend vintage charm with pure purpose underwater is special in itself. Still, with a vibrant and modern aesthetic that fits right into place on the wrist of the young collector, it has to be one of the best value propositions for inexperienced and beginner collectors right now.

TUDOR Black Bay 68

We couldn’t complete this guide to the best swimming watches without mentioning a watch from the TUDOR Black Bay range. The iconic model is loved the world over for its distinctive neo-vintage aesthetics and its ability to look cool and stylish on the wrist, whether you take to water with it or not. If you’re a keen swimmer, however, you’ll be wanting to use the watch for the underwater tool that it is. 

TUDOR experts equip models like the newly released Black Bay 68 with 200-meter water resistance, but house these water-ready features inside a slightly larger case size than the rest of the range. This model is a beefy 43mm model for those looking for a little extra wrist presence. It still features the emblematic snowflake hands, paying homage to the year 1968 when TUDOR experts originally designed them. 

The TUDOR Black Bay 68 also features the “TUDOR Blue” dial colour and demands industry standard accuracy in the form of its Calibre MT5601-U – a METAS-certified engine tested by the Federal Institute of Metrology. With a 70-hour power reserve, magnetic field resistance, and a strong steel bracelet for facing the elements whilst underwater, the Black Bay 68 was born to swim.

Conclusion

Whether you’re tracking your laps around a lake with unerring accuracy or taking a quick dip in the pool on vacation, water resistance is a feature you’re going to want to make top priority. The models we’ve shown you in this guide prove that true luxury isn’t about being untouchable, but about being ready for anything and offering the best materials for this very purpose. These models are all suitable for swimming and beyond, with superior water-resistant qualities, robust cases, and impeccable movements that all come together in a perfect balance to guarantee uncompromised accuracy and reliability.

These options are all at home underwater but perfectly suitable for wearing on dry land too, whether you plan to wear your swim watch each weekend or make it a part of your daily life. 

Many have managed to eradicate the word “office” from their working life after COVID. But for those who still have to attend boring morning hubs, the dreaded performance reviews, and monthly meetings, there is still a need to make co-workers envious of the watch you wear on your wrist. The second most important thing, of course, is that it needs to be practical and stylish.

Don’t get me wrong, you don’t want your work watch to make your colleagues feel too intimidated to even speak to you or ask you to join them for drinks at the bar later. Moreover, you want a watch that’s going to convey authority and status, so much so that they won’t yawn when you’re delivering a presentation, or get their phone out under the table when you have the floor and want to come forward with a new business idea.

Indeed, a watch can sometimes communicate what you struggle to convey in your everyday life. They can be worn as an extension of your personality. Basically, a good watch will set the tenor for how your colleagues see you in and outside of work, so finding the perfect work watch is more important than you think.

What Should You Look for in a Watch for Work?

Of course, watches come in all shapes and sizes and serve different purposes depending on your needs in a timepiece and your line of work. But for the purpose of this guide, we’ll keep things simple and look at the popular office watch.

The office watch category is a fairly broad one, since these models tend to sit under the “dress watch” umbrella. A good office watch should be void of any unnecessary clutter and should be elegant. Its dial should be easy to read and direct, just like the demeanour you want to convey in and around your working environment. Indeed, you want to show your colleagues you know what you’re talking about when it comes to a quality timepiece.

Pared back and straightforward is the way to go with this kind of work watch. The classier the timepiece, the longer you’ll want to wear it and the harder you’ll fall for it. Office work can be quite a solitary endeavour, and you’ll be spending a lot of time with your watch. Really, the most important person to impress first and foremost is yourself. You’ll find yourself glancing at your timepiece for more reasons than just reading the time. You’ll want to admire it for its craftsmanship and finishing, and generally enjoy it as part of your EDC (everyday carry).

A classic and elegant office watch will garner a fan club in no time. You want a watch that’s going to do the talking for you. Your watch should reinforce the reason for the pay rise you need or the long-awaited promotion. Above all, it needs to tell your work family you have excellent taste in luxury timepieces.

To summarise, there are several factors to consider before purchasing your ultimate work watch. You need to think about your work attire, such as whether to opt for a leather strap or a bracelet. You also need to think about case materials and what other metals you wear with your daily work attire. Lastly, any additional complications to a three-handed watch should be carefully considered and shouldn’t hinder the simplicity and practicality of a straightforward office tool.

Should you need some inspiration, take a look at this selection of office watches we’ve chosen in this guide. They cover various prices, styles, materials, and dial colours, so there’s a little something for everyone.

Junghans Max Bill

An office watch is always going to be different from your weekender watch. The bottom rule for finding a good office watch, however, is to dress to impress without being too flashy. No watch adheres to this brief better than a Max Bill watch from Junghans. These watches are wearable forms of art, embodying the clean, understated simplicity of the Bauhaus movement. This elegant typography whispers rather than shouts, avoiding any flashiness and ostentatiousness. This Junghans Max Bill watch is a statement of sophistication and has remained visually unchanged since its inception in the 1960s.

Wearing a Junghans Max Bill watch for the office is about valuing and appreciating the appeal of German craftsmanship. This model is perfect for pairing with tan leather shoes in the office, since it features a light brown leather strap to complement its silver dial.

The details on this Max Bill dial are simple and discreet. The double-digit markers on the outer scale depict five-minute intervals on the minute track, while the hours lie on an inner scale. The central second hand is needle-fine and complements a set of slim hour and minute hands, all of which are protected under a lens of sapphire crystal.

Keeping the cost of the watch down, this Max Bill watch is powered by a quartz movement and sits inside a 50-meter water-resistant steel case measuring a diameter of 38mm – a compact size for those with smaller wrists.

Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer

The latest Club Sport Neomatik watches released by Nomos sport some really unusual colour combinations, but the office calls for something altogether more subdued and disciplined. The ref 791 has a silver brushed dial that makes pairing it with work attire super easy, yet the odd splash of colour doesn’t hurt either. The model features blue and red accents on the 24-hour sub-dial at 3 o’clock to differentiate day and night hours, while a deep blue city disc enables the easy tracking of time wherever you are in the world. Indeed, this is the ultimate work watch for those who often travel for business.

The Nomos Glashutte Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer watch measures a Goldilocks size of 40mm and comes fitted on an integrated steel bracelet that can handle any activity. With an ergonomically developed push piece at 2 o’clock for adjusting the time zones, you can always be sure to keep aligned with family life back home, choosing the perfect time to call home and speak to the children before bedtime. When doing so, you’re treated to superb nighttime legibility, thanks to generously inlaid blue-emission Super-LumiNova on the Arabic numerals to denote the hours.

Above all, what makes this Nomos watch so perfect for taking you from the office to the airport is its slim profile, even though it houses a quality automatic movement inside. Sitting at only 9.9mm in height, it slips under the sleeve of a shirt perfectly.

Longines Spirit

To those who aren’t part of the watch-collecting sphere, a watch is just a watch. But to someone who appreciates fine watches, subtle beauty, and quiet luxury are wonderful things. The Longines Spirit is the exact reason why watches for the office are still such a necessity today.

This Longines Spirit watch oozes understated pilot watch “cool”, yet it still looks simple and stylish enough to wear with a casual jeans and jumper ensemble on the weekend or some relaxed-smart office clothing. It’s also one of the most affordable watches for the office on this list. It looks almost Terra Nova-like, though the Longines Spirit was reaching heights of success several years before the birth of Bremont’s popular field watch.

The Longines Spirit watch is crafted from lightweight titanium. It boasts soft lines and smooth, flowing curves that align nicely with the Arabic numerals in the hour track, coated in a Super-LumiNova material, which is beige in colour to give it an aged patina. The second hand is tipped in a vibrant red colour, giving the Spirit watch a sporty vibe.

If you’re looking for a watch that you don’t have to wear in the office exclusively, the Longines Spirit watch is perfect. The five stars above the 6 o’clock location on the model’s matte black dial represent the chronometer status of the fitted Calibre L888.4 fitted within. The engine beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 72 hours for those occasions where you may want to alternate the watch with something more refined for evening wear, or sportier for the weekend.

Breguet Classique 5177 Grand Feu Blue Enamel

If you’re meeting people for the very first time, I can’t think of a watch that gives a better first impression than the Breguet Classique. And yes, the proof is in the name. This really is a classic watch through and through.

It’s more than at home in a professional setting, paying homage to the neoclassical tones that Abraham-Louis Breguet once favoured. This Classique watch has a clean and legible dial with delicate Arabic numeral hour markers in the traditional Breguet font and, of course, the distinctive Breguet handset. These features, along with the date feature at 3 o’clock, are all dressed against a deep blue dial framed by a slim bezel.

A sapphire caseback exposes the delicate finishes and traditional decoration of an in-house movement designed and constructed by the skilled hands of a Breguet artisan. Capturing the enviable heritage of Breguet, the Classique 5177 watch features a Grand Feu enamel dial – a high-grade fired display that incorporates ceramic on the metal base before any enamel is even applied. The result is a glossy glass-like pool of blue upon which the hands and indexes can take centre stage.

Inside this elegant 38mm office watch crafted from 18ct white gold, complete with fluted caseband, is the Calibre 777Q movement with côtes de Genève, perlage, bevelling and mirror-polished screws, all on display. Even the bridges are gilded, offering a stunning glimpse into Breguet’s most painstaking processes. The watch is finished on a deep blue alligator leather strap to match the tone of the dial and secures to the wrist with a white gold folding deployant buckle.

Czapek Antarctique Flying Diamonds 40.5

Ideally, when searching for the best watch for work, you want a timepiece that’s going to keep you entertained for 9 or 10 hours of the day. Not because it’s digitally programmed with tons of touchscreen technology and apps, but because it’s a traditional instrument that looks so good and classic on the wrist. Czapek continues to be the connoisseur’s pick for these very reasons.

These are not cheap watches by any stretch of the imagination, but what they represent is complete, unadulterated quality through and through. The dial of the Czapek Antarctique Flying Diamond is super special, featuring a glossy aventurine glass dial that evokes the cosmos within its surface. Almost galactic and with a subtly futuristic edge, this watch has layers and layers of depth to get lost in.

Though sporty in architecture (the watch features a tapering tonneau stainless steel case and robust C-link stainless steel bracelet), it’s most definitely a watch for wearing to more formal occasions, so if your work wardrobe includes a full office suit, this is a superb choice.

Czapek has worked with specialists at GT Cadrans to create the tapering diamond indices that add light and brilliance to this dial. Each one is able to interact with the light in a unique way, begging light to enter their crisply carved facets for an exceptional play on light and texture. The baguette-cut diamonds amount to 0.585ct and sit on the inside of a polished bezel. Even if you aren’t usually a fan of iced-out watches, you can undoubtedly appreciate Czapek’s subtle approach to panache and splendour in this watch.

The Antarctique Flying Diamonds watch is also 40.5mm in size, 120-meter water resistant, and features a micro-adjustment system that lets you open the first link for added comfort.

H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Cosmic Green

Dress for success, always. And do it with a watch from a brand like Moser & Cie. This independent, family-run watch manufacturer is a special jewel in the treasure trove of luxury watch brands on the market, since it focuses solely on in-house manufacturing and technical ingenuity.

H. Moser & Cie designs and produces all its own movements, even the more complex mechanisms like the hairsprings, applying its own hand finishes and traditional techniques to its movements as decoration. The brand is also known for its concept watches, some of which exercise radical minimalism, featuring no logos, indices, or markings. This H. Moser & Cie watch, however, is perfect for slipping under the cuff of a smart office shirt and jacket.

Its captivating green fume dial is a unique blend of modern and classic. Leaf-shaped hands glide over the surface of the transitioning shades of the dial, while faceted indexes sit against the display’s lacquered surface, treated with luminous material.

 The Moser & Cie Pioneer Center Seconds Cosmic Green watch was designed to impress. Its rubber strap is an unusual choice for a dress watch, but that’s the whole point. This is not just a dress watch. This 120-meter water-resistant Pioneer watch is an all-terrain companion that can handle the rigors of daily life with its rugged steel case and sapphire crystal front.

For added allure and interest, this Moser & Cie watch is adorned with a skeletonised oscillating weight that reveals itself through an open-heart detail on the dial, serving as a constant reminder that the beauty of the Pioneer watch is more than surface deep.

Grand Seiko SBGA415 “Taisetsu”

Hand-crafted dials are the soul of a Grand Seiko watch. Each timepiece tells a story, making them much more than a timekeeping instrument and perfect as a talking point in the office. Each dial undergoes a series of meticulous steps to achieve its unique finish, like this Grand Seiko SBGA415 “Taisetsu”.

“Taisetsu” refers to Japan’s 24 Sekki, meaning seasons, and is executed in a subtle shade of grey to mimic the feeling of freshly fallen snow that blankets the landscape surrounding Grand Seiko’s workshops, where each innovation comes to life. Light travels over the surface of this dial uniquely, interacting with pockets of texture and shadow, while underneath the display is a hybrid movement.

The Calibre 9R65 is a Spring Drive movement, the brand’s most technically impressive movement ever. It combines the best of both worlds – the accuracy of the quartz and the mechanical complexity of an automatic, providing power to the watch with an astonishing accuracy of +1 second per day. The beautiful Grand Seiko SBGA415 “Taisetsu” has a power reserve indicator between 7 and 8 o’clock, a blue-coated seconds hand, and a date window at 3 o’clock, not to mention superior Zaratsu polishing on its lightweight titanium case.

In essence, a Grand Seiko doesn’t rely on flashiness; it captivates with its meticulous hand-applied techniques, connecting to nature with its unmatched level of finishing and appealing price point. A perfect watch for smart work attire.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect watch for work isn’t about the brand, the price tag, or the complication. All the recommendations I’ve shared in this guide are sure to get you through your 9-5 day with a smile. They all represent superb craftsmanship and uncompromised performance. From affordable quartz-powered watches to sumptuous gold cases and exposed mechanics through openworked dials – this list covers a little something for everything.

All these watches make for the perfect type of companions for completing your spreadsheets late at night or fitting in a quick power lunch. At the end of the day, your time at work shouldn’t just be about counting down the hours until you leave. Moreover, an elegant work watch will remind you to enjoy the smaller things to pass the time a little more easily. The great cosmic swirl of corporate life must go on, and with never-ending to-do lists and thousands of unread emails to get through, looming deadlines are certainly made easier with one of these quality timepieces strapped to your wrist.