Category: Watch Reviews

Introduction

Whether you’re willing to admit it or not, luxury watches have accumulated a rather fine reputation over the years, as the public has more or less declared them one of the finest symbols of wealth and power. This, in some ways, is a very good thing.

It’s true that timepieces are some of the most elegant and wondrous creations that have ever touched the landscape of finer things, but the problem that comes with this esteemed reputation is that luxury watches are almost always associated with prices that are too outlandish for an entry-level fan to enjoy.

It’s a real shame that this turns so many people off, but I’m here to tell you that some of the finest pieces I have ever seen have cost less than $500. You see, in the watch world (in most cases), you pay for what you get, but that doesn’t mean that cheaper pieces are going to be any less incredible for an everyday wearer.

There are plenty of finer pieces suited for just about anything; it’s just a matter of knowing your priorities and knowing the market. 

To Narrow it Down…

Since dress watches seem to be the first-hand victim of the “it’s all too expensive, so why even try” mindset, that’s what we’re going to be looking at today.

I have gathered some of my absolute favorite pieces on the market, made with the exact amount of care as more traditionally priced pieces, and have lined them up in a way that will provide you with the most insight on why they are at least worth checking out. 

Fossil Women’s Hybrid Swartwatch Jacqueline Stainless Steel. 

This elegant woman’s design offers a lot more than meets the eye. It may not look like it, but the Jacqueline is a smart watch in disguise, posing as a dress watch while being equipped with all the technological features that so many deem necessary nowadays.

Taking a look at the aesthetic first, you will notice the chic appeal of Roman numeral indices resting on a snowy white background with a thin link of stainless steel tenderly fitting the wrist. Swart watch features include an alarm clock, app alerts, calendar alerts, multiple time zones, and much more. 

The Fossil Women’s Hybrid Swartwatch Jacqueline costs $140. 

Swatch Irony “Body & Soul” YAS100G

The unparalleled intricacy of this skeleton design will undoubtedly turn heads, and for good reason. It’s not every day that you see a skeleton piece in the wild, let alone one for this cheap.

The Swatch Irony is a classic example of a mechanical watch that has been pushed to its absolute limit, as the design is quite literally centered around the gorgeous 21-jewel Swiss Automatic movement that solemnly ticks away all under the view of the public eye.

I’m sucker for skeleton pieces, and when you through in a smooth 38mm of stainless steel, this watch is all the more appealing. 

The Swatch Irony costs $175. 

Seiko 5 SNK793 

Cheap Seikos all have one thing in common: they prioritize minimalist designs that bring out the most in basic features. You quite literally cannot go wrong choosing a piece like the SNK793.

The dial is a simple blue; the hands and indices are as straightforward as it gets, and the stainless steel case only serves to bring out as much of the aesthetic as possible.

There’s a certain appeal in the simplicity that Seiko has mastered, perhaps it’s the Japanese automatic movement that fuels it all, or the elegant appeal of the shape of the watch. Whatever the case, this is one of the most reliable dress pieces of all time and is worth anybody’s time. 

The Seiko 5 SNK793 costs $180. 

Timex Marlin Hand-Wound 34mm 

This is a true gentleman’s watch if I’ve ever seen one. The pure hand-wound movement is a testament to the glorious pieces of the olden days, a time when designs were much simpler and more refined.

As sleek and subtle as ever, the minuscule 34mm measurement may not be suited for every wrist, but the message it conveys on such a small frame is something that should be admired in and of itself.

The smooth polishing of the dial is what brings it all together in my opinion, as the glossy exterior fits the minimalist design in a way that brings the other pieces to life. 

The Timex Marlin Hand-Wound 34mm costs $209.

Orient 2nd Gen Bambino Automatic

The epitome of classic design, the Orient Bambino has been emulating the vintage appeal for decades as one of the most iconic homages to the watches of old.

The brilliance of the beige dial is only made so great by the blue hands that sharply contrast with the other colors of this piece, devising quite a unique formula.

The faint Roman-numeral indices create a clean-looking palette, reinforcing other elements of the design that feel well-rounded and complete. But what does it for me is the tremendously detailed leather strap that, in my opinion, brings the entire piece together.

I don’t think the design would carry half as much vintage appeal if any other strap option were used, as the leather blends so well with the rich colors to carry such a refined weight.

As far as the inside mechanics go, the watch uses a 22-jewel Japanese automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve. This watch simply checks all the boxes and ranks as one of my personal favorite pieces of all time. 

The Orient 2nd Gen Bambino Automatic costs $220. 

Nordgreen Philosopher

Nordgreen has found its niche: making some of the most minimalist designs while giving its pieces a fresh sense of identity. The Philosopher does just that.

With just enough detail to actually tell the time, the white dial is bright and snowy, with no blemishes or distractions, forging a subtle connection with the wearer with the way it seems to silently come alive on the wrist.

Now, it does have its fair share of customization if you want to add a little more spice, but this watch was made for efficiency and gets straight to the point.

With a 40mm diameter, there is plenty of watch to be enjoyed, and those of you who prefer the minimalist approach to watch making will go absolutely crazy for something like this. 

The Nordgreen Philosopher costs $229. 

Bulova Classic Silver Dial Black Leather

The rectangular case of this Bulova Classic instills within the wearer a sense of formality that is perhaps missing on other pieces.

Square dials have always been extremely hit or miss for me, but I must say, Bulova manages to do something special here by taking all of these classy elements that highlight a vintage design and graduating them to the modern-day stage, where they have a bigger opportunity to shine.

The black leather strap perfectly complements the shimmering aesthetic, and the Roman numerals on the square dial will always do wonders for a design, as they bring a certain amount of life to whatever piece they touch. 

The Bulova Classic Silver Dial Black Leather costs $258. 

Frederique Constant Slimline Silver

Often flying below the radar, Frederique’s pieces don’t often get the recognition they deserve. The Constant Silmline Silver combines classy elements that flash a vintage aesthetic with elements of the modern age that have been updated to better suit the watch enthusiast of today.

Taking a look at the dial, you will find that a very simplistic approach has been taken to ensure a minimalist design.

In my experience, these designs can often provide the most amount of insight into a watchmaker’s technique, and for this piece in particular, it is easy to tell how skilled the direction on this piece truly was.

Very slim as the name suggests, this Frerique masterpiece deserves far more recognition than it is currently getting. 

The Frederique Constant Slimline Silver costs $284. 

Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph

There is a lot to unpack on the Dan Henry 1937. At first, your eye will automatically be drawn to the excessive amount of detail on the dial, as the two chronograph subdials form a unique sense of symmetry to round out the design, and the many, many indices take up the empty space along the edges.

It’s important to mention that this is an Art Deco-inspired piece, updated to suit the modern needs of wearers today. I, for one, think it’s a welcome addition to the Dan Henry collection, as its old-timey elegance captures a unique look that is rare to emulate today. 

The Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph costs $290. 

Sternglas Naos White

The symmetrical appeal of the Naos White has placed it as a fan favorite out of watches that embody the Bauhaus design.

The clean, organized palette that the dial creates will turn anyone on to the geometric aesthetic, and the quartz movement that resides inside gives the piece a certain level of simplicity while maintaining a functional appeal.

This watch is suitable for any environment, though the dressy nature will obviously suit you best at an event worthy of elevated attire.

Versatility seems to be the name of the game; however, for a watch of this caliber to be priced like this, it’s hard not to appreciate everything that this piece is suited for. 

The Sternglas Naos White costs $299. 

Tissot Classic Dream

The shimmering stainless steel is what originally drove me to this piece, but the authentic Swissmatic movement and the vintage leather that subtly complements the simplistic dial are what kept my attention the most.

This watch is simply beautiful, and, better yet, the simplistic nature allows for it to be worn in any environment. Tissot has a way of combining top-of-the-line features with everyday attributes, leaving their fans satisfied on all fronts. And this watch, by all means, is no exception.

Another feature to note is the iconic sword-like hands that Tissot has mastered so well, sweeping elegantly along the dial to enchant the wearer with their movement. This watch is about as good as it gets. 

The Tissot Classic Dream costs $315. 

Citizen Tsuyosa 

This might just be the perfect watch for everyday wear. The simple yet exquisite design has the capability of appealing to just about anyone, and the sheer amount of technical prowess it carries can check any box for any wearer.

A perfect 40mm measurement, a very high-quality automatic movement for the price, and a design that is simply unmatched are what make the Tsuyosa shine as it exists in a realm of its own.

The Japanese watchmakers at Citizen prove once again why they are some of the most respected individuals in the industry.

The Citizen Tsuyosa costs $360. 

Tissot T-Classic PRX 

This modern dress watch comes with all the incredible Swiss features of your higher-end models, but with a price that makes owning one actually feasible.

The Swiss-made quartz movement of the PRX fits comfortably in the 39.5mm casing, and the subtle curves that blend seamlessly with the dark-blue exterior provide a rich coat of exquisite detail that any wearer will enjoy.

Not only that, but this watch is also a textbook dress watch, suitable for any occasion, with a style that complements any attire and fits in with any environment.

This is simplistic watchmaking at its finest, and I can’t help but commend Tissot for their commitment to deliver a taste of high-performing Swiss watchmaking at a far less dramatic price tag. 

The Tissot T-Classic PRX costs $375. 

Seiko 5 Sports GMT

This classic piece is almost certainly on every “most affordable luxury watch” list out there. The GMT feature has become a cult classic among Seiko watches, and when accompanied by the legendary 5 Sports series, this is a recipe for absolute success.

The dial is absolutely gorgeous with conflicting colors that somehow stand out and cause the entire piece to formulate its own shape. And of course, the GMT, multi-directional bezel is the obvious standout and the reason for the watch’s esteemed reputation.

This is perhaps one of the most functionally sound dress watches ever, and a blatant choice if you’re looking for a watch that is suitable for everyday wear. 

The Seiko 5 Sports GMT costs $475. 

Seiko SARB033 Men’s Wrist Watch

Sharing many traits with Seiko divers, the SARB033 is made to endure fairly tough environments while maintaining its classic appeal.

The smooth black and silver dance across the dial, instilling within the wearer a sense of personal refinement, and the exhibition caseback allows the wearer to view the intricate insides, as the 50-hour, 23-jewel Japanese automatic movement works tirelessly to deliver an impeccable performance.

This piece holds fast to the ideology that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to deliver a well-rounded, brilliantly designed performance, as the 100m water resistance perfectly embodies everything Seiko set out to do. 

The Seiko SARB033 costs $500. 

Conclusion

The amount of versatility on the market nowadays is truly astounding. The watch world is vast and seemingly never-ending, with millions of pieces out there to suit whatever preference you have. It takes a little deep-diving to find the piece that speaks to you.

The best part is that there are thousands of pieces that are within your price range right now, all without your knowledge. I hope that this list has provided some insight on how many options there are and that you were able to narrow down what exactly you’re looking for.

It’s always beneficial to appreciate all aspects of the market in order to develop a discerning taste for powerful watches that might otherwise go unnoticed, and to broaden your appreciation so that you can fully acknowledge the brilliance of these pieces.

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.