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Updated: Sep 14, 2023 187 Comments · by

Professional Watches for Women

Career· Jewelry· Networking· Status Symbols

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Which are the best watches for professional women? Is it still worth investing in a quality watch, even though everyone uses their cell phone or computer to check time? Reader L wrote in to ask about watches:

I searched your site and found the post on digital watches, but I would love your (and your readers’) opinions on non-digital wrist watches. It would be useful to hear suggestions at various price points.

Cartier watch

This is a great question. I’ve written before about how I think watches are still status symbols. Not only do men’s magazines all still advise men to go out and spend money on a watch, but I’ve often been at a lunch with high-achieving women, looked around, and noticed that 8 of the 10 women there were wearing Cartier watches.

In New York — at least among the legal and banking set — Cartier is kind of the first and last word, at least in my experience. My 30th birthday gift to myself was a Cartier Tank Francaise watch, though, so perhaps my perception is a bit biased! (It was a huuuuge splurge for this Midwestern girl.)

Hunting for great jewelry for the office? As of 2023, we’re long been fans of affordable brands like Kendra Scott and Gorjana, as well as mid-tier brands like Monica Vinader, David Yurman, and Stephen Dweck. For our $.02: spend money on things like a good watch (or watch strap), gold or diamond earrings, a pearl necklace, and more.

What to Look For in a Watch to Wear to Work

If you’re spending money on something, I think you absolutely have to love it. So first and foremost, look for something you really love.

Other considerations: look for a watch that will wear well with your daily activities — if you’re a chef and washing your hands every two seconds, for example, you want a fairly waterproof watch.

Consider how the watch keeps time, also — for example, if you may not wear the watch daily, you may want to avoid a “perpetual motion” watch that stays wound through your body’s motions. The word on the street is you can wear gold jewelry with a stainless steel watch — but if that will make you feel awkward (like I always do!) then consider getting a watch with both gold and silver elements.

Finally, diamonds and other jewels: I think this is more of a “know your region” kind of thing. Here in New York, I would think that a watch with diamonds on it was only for going out — but I have another friend in Miami who wears her bejeweled watch everywhere, including to court.

How to Buy A Classic Watch

I started noticing Cartier watches (and really wanting one) sometime in my late 20s. So I started thinking of it as, “every time I see one and want one, I’m mentally putting $5 into my “watch fund jar,” which helped mitigate the purchase a bit when I plunked down the money.

The other thing to know is that you can often haggle, especially at good watch stores. I bought my Cartier at Tourneau, and got somewhere between 15%-20% off the list price.

(I don’t remember exactly how much it was now, but I remember that it was a very quick purchase because I had done so much legwork before I decided to actually purchase the watch, so I think it helped that the salesperson knew she had a fast and easy commission.) 

These days, you frequently see Cartier and other watches on flash sale sites like Rue La La — a quick web search even shows Cartier watches for sale on Overstock!

(Whenever you buy a watch from a secondary retailer, though, be very careful, and know what little things to look for. For example, on a real Cartier watch, the one of the bars on the V in the “VII” is actually the word “Cartier.”)

I know one good friend who confided in me that her parents bought her graduation watch — a Michele — at Costco.

Looking at some previous reader discussions (including this great comment from a reader who has a ton of great advice and confesses that “watches are my thing,”) readers have also mentioned these brands: Omega, Baume & Mercier, Tag Hauer, and Movado. FabSugar also recently did a roundup of 10 watches to wear forever.

Do I really have to buy a $3000-$5000 watch to have a “professional watch”?

Nope. Not at all. Before I got my Cartier, I wore a variety of watches — most often, though, I wore my digital Timex. Learn from my mistakes, ladies — a digital sports watch almost never looks good with a suit.

{related: here are all our posts on wearable tech, including how to find the best strap for your smartwatch}

Beyond that, though, I don’t think people notice what watch you’re wearing. (To clarify:  Watch people will notice if it’s a Rolex or a Cartier or whatever they have, but I don’t think they’ll mentally “ding” you for having a less expensive watch or even notice the absence of a “good” watch.) 

So for my money, at least, I would stick with inexpensive watches unless and until you were ready to make a “big” purchase. (But if you fall in love with a $500 watch, go for it!)

Readers, do you wear a watch — and if so, what kind is it? How much did you spend on it? Do you notice which watches men and women at your office are wearing (or if they’re wearing one)? What are your best tips on professional watches for women?

Social media picture via Stencil.

Stay tuned for some of our latest favorite watches!

About Kat

Kat Griffin is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Corporette. You can read more about her here.

Comments

  1. MissJackson

    Not in the same realm as a Cartier, but I have 3 watches: (1) An orange Polar HRM watch that I wear for athletic stuff and sometimes on the weekend that was probably $100ish, (2) a gold tone Burberry bracelet watch that I think is really pretty but is also extremely impractical because it’s hard to tell time on that I bought, refurbished, for roughly $200, and (3) a Michael Kors oversized tortoise shell and gold watch that is my “every day” watch that I got during the Saks friends and family event for $250 or so.

    I wear a watch at all times unless I’m sleeping, so I guess I would consider buying an expensive watch at some point. For now, I completely love what I’ve got so there isn’t much motivation to spend more. I love the MK watch so much that I’ve considered buying another color.

  2. emcsquared

    I have been wondering whether I *should* invest in a nicer watch – I currently wear a big, chunky bangle watch that I got at Target for less than $20. The problem is that I love it, get compliments on it (likely from non-watch people, admittedly) and have not seen anything similar to it anywhere else. It has a long rectangular face, a big white rectangle around the face that covers the top of my wrist, and chunky hinged “silver” arms that don’t quite meet underneath my wrist.

    I may cry when it finally dies. Does anyone know if there is a jeweler or other source that could help me design a high-end version?

    • ChristinaMD

      David Yurman has (or had) bangle watches with a rectangular face that sits on the top of your wrist. I can’t remember if it completely clasped in the back or there was a gap, it’s on a hinge, I do know. My mother got one from my father for Christmas 2010? 2009? So, if they are currently not offering – might be worth looking for a resale.

  3. Elysian

    Swatch. (A classic looking one, not a shiny plastic one.)
    Was given to me as a gift. Has stuck around because it has a neat little compartment that makes changing the battery super easy. I would buy another for the ease of changing the battery alone.

  4. TBK

    I have my grandfather’s 1940s Waltham watch. It’s beautiful. I often wear it with my grandmother’s gold bangle (which my grandfather gave her for their 10th wedding anniversary, also in the 1940s). They were SO proud to have a lawyer in the family so I always wear the watch and bracelet for any big lawyer days (hearings, interviews, etc.) and it’s like they’re still with me. (Can you tell I miss them?)

  5. long time lurker

    No watch for me. I just don’t need one. During the day at work I’m looking at my computer, which has the time on the screen, and the rest of the time I’m toting around my phone, so I just look at it. Maybe I’m weird, my husband doesn’t wear one either. To me it is just another thing to catch on my clothing or get in the way. Not a big fan of bracelets for the same reason, although I am a big necklace person.

    • Hel-lo

      This. I recognize the need for watch-as-an-accessory, but I don’t see a need at all for watch-as-a-functional-tool.

  6. Dr. Juris

    I wear a small gold-tone Seiko that ran me about $150. Even in a world of digital timekeepers, sometimes your phone dies, your judge tells you to lose the technology, or you forget it at home. A watch is both stylish and useful.

  7. Cb

    I have a lovely stainless citizen that was purchased in a going out of business sale for $50. It’s a bit banged up (I have really poor depth perception and am constantly banging into doors) but when I look for replacements, I keep picking out the same watch. I’d like this style but maybe slightly bigger?

  8. Anonymous

    I have a Burberry that I love – classic, simple….it was a huge splurge for me, and I kept “checking on it” the first night I had it and admiring it. Link in reply.

  9. k-t

    I’ve worn a watch almost every day of my life since I learned to tell time. First watch was a Cookie Monster watch, which suffered water damage in the blizzard of 1979 (gosh, I’m OLD!). I don’t always have my phone with me, and there are some rooms of our house without visible clocks. I like having a watch. And I think people look more grown up and professional when wearing one.

    My watch wardrobe:
    Timex Ironman: wear for sailing and other athletic adventures
    Timex windup: wear for house paining and other messy tasks (fabric band, inexpensive purchase to replace a broken watch when I was a kid)
    Santa watch: gift from aunt
    bangle bracelet watch w/ Italian “glass”: gift from aunt
    Dive watch: self-explanatory
    Seiko gold and stainless: bought after college to replace the one that was stolen from my dorm room
    Tiffany tank watch with stainless band: gift from husband ~10 years ago
    Tissot gold and stainless: gift from husband that is really too similar to my Seiko
    Orient leather band watch: gift from husband, self-winding
    Gold Rolex dress watch with diamond bezel: was my great-grandmother’s and dates from the 1930s

    That is a ridiculous number of watches, isn’t it? DH loves watches and seems to think I want more of them, when I’d be happy wearing the same one most of the time. If I had a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, I could limit myself to just two watches; that one and an Ironman (need the countdown timer).

  10. Cb

    Now I’m watch shopping. Why don’t they show watches on wrists? I need a sense of scale!

  11. Judithesl

    I bought a hot pink Furla watch–my nod to the trend– on RueLaLa for about $70. I, too, can’t imagine spending thousands on a watch when I could fly somewhere amazing and stay for a week for the same price.

  12. Alanna of Trebond

    I have a nice Fossil watch that my boyfriend gave me a few years ago, and a Kate Spade watch I just got for law school graduation from the same! I too lust after the Cartier watches, but today on Rue La La I saw the Patek Philippes and they are SO beautiful. So maybe once my loans are paid off!

    • SoCalAtty

      I hadn’t seen the Rue La La site…and now I’m shopping for shoes! Not good. I like the Patek Philippes and I have a good friend that loves his, but that price is a pretty darn good vacation!

      Maybe when I’m debt free and can afford both….so by that time I’ll be too blind to read the thing :) hehe

    • Allie

      Patek Philippes are pretty. And timeless and classic, and watch people will be really impressed.

      I mostly made that comment to tell you I love your name, though. Tamora Pierce is a favorite of mine. :)

      • Alanna of Trebond

        Thanks! I have been trying not to comment or read very much recently since I really should be studying for the bar. If I don’t pass that, I’ll never be able to afford the lovely Patek Philippes.

        Also, @ SoCalAtty, obviously then you’ll have to get a really giant one or something, and then your old friends can see it too, since it is a “status symbol”.

  14. Roeslein

    I have a Raymond Weil Maestro watch that my parents gave me for my 25th birthday. About $3000 I think. It’s beautiful. Before that, as a teenager and student, I had a Longines. In my mind an “adult” watch must be an automatic. I do pay attention to people’s watches, particularly the lesser known brands – it says something about a person’s appreciation of craftsmanship, aesthetics, and tradition beyond the “status symbol” that is the brand. I could never take anyone with a digital seriously, but thankfully around here you don’t see those on anyone older than 6 or 7 (at which age you get your first Flik Flak.)

  15. 2/3 attorney

    So I was reading through Spotted: DC in horror this afternoon (please God, don’t let that be me) and one of the posters said jersey is not an appropriate fabric for work. Is this a real thing, no jersey for the office? I mean, of course I’d wear the appropriate underthings (a slip, duh).

    • Bluejay

      I think it depends on the jersey. Clingy jersey can be quite revealing. Thicker jersey is totally appropriate. It also, of course, depends on the cut of the dress.

    • Dr. Juris

      Depends on the dress, the style, and the location in which you live. I tend to think of jersey as an “after five” material, but I have several gorgeous dresses that are jersey and look appropriate for work. I’d honestly say it depends.

  16. R.C.

    After law school, I used my Westlaw points for a Swiss Army watch. Seven years later, it’s still serving me well.

  17. anon

    I have gold Raymond Weil with diamond markers that I inherited from my grandmother. I love it (and otherwise can’t afford to spend much money on a watch). I’m only 25 though, BigLaw in NYC. I’ve never thought twice about wearing it until Kat’s comment about diamonds–is it an appropriate watch for work?

    • Allie

      In my personal opinion (and I’m not yet working in the corporate world, but I do look at watches a lot) diamond markers are generally fine. It’s more the diamond bezels, faces, or even bands (yup, they exist) that are an issue. I generally really like the looks of Raymond Weil watches, and I’m sure yours is lovely. :)

  18. Ann

    I recently picked out a stainless steel Skagen watch to wear for my new office job. In my price range (about $100), looks good with anything from suit to bus. casual (though a stretch to wear with jeans). I’m in the same boat as those who cannot visualize breaking the thousand-dollar mark on a watch, especially at this time. Most of my jewelry is silver, so it blends nicely. My wedding ring is gold, but I am left-handed so wear my watch on my right wrist and ring on left finger. I am very happy with it, and with the lifetime guarantee.

  19. Former Parisian

    I wear a simple steel Tissot, which cost around 400 USD and was purchased as a souvenir in Geneva.

  20. Allie

    My current watch is actually a stainless steel men’s Tissot that used to belong to my boyfriend before he upgraded. (He is definitely a watch person, and as a result I’m slowly becoming one.) I had briefly the Tag Hauer Formula One in the stainless steel/white ceramic with diamonds (“the Maria Sharapova watch” if that helps) but ultimately I decided it looked too fashion-forward to be a watch I would still be wearing in 5+ years (I’m about to start law school, so maybe I’m going overboard in looking for classic “attorney” pieces…)

    I LOVE my Tissot though. It’s a smaller men’s watch, so it doesn’t overwhelm my wrist, but still stands out and is a great accessory. I also love that it’s automatic, and I feel like as a result now I’m going to have a seriously hard time buying a quartz watch in the future, which severely limits options in women’s watches. It’s also not very expensive for an automatic movement, which I really like, because I don’t have to worry constantly about scratching it up like I do if I borrow one of my boyfriend’s Omega or Tag watches.

  21. onehsancare

    Love my Skagen with the stainless face and the leather black band. Looks like a grownup’s watch, is proportionate on my small wrist, is consistent with the white gold and diamonds of my wedding set.

  22. AngelaEsq

    New in house position for an international company found me struggling to remember international time differences. I saw a Phillip Stein on a billboard and fell in love, not knowing the price tag–just wanting to set it to EST and Netherlands time…. My husband actually bought it for me for Christmas and I felt awfuly guilty. But, I love it and I use it everyday.

  23. Carly

    I wear a Lacoste watch I bought at Century 21 a few years ago. It was about 300 dollars full price and I got it on sale. It is a tank style with gold and silver and I get compliments on it all the time. I notice really expensive watches on people and think they look great but I don’t think anyone judges people for having normally priced, classy, professional looking watches. Kate Spade has some really cute ones right now for about 250 dollars. I go to court in the outer boroughs a lot and I don’t like to have anything so expensive that it would invite theft. My rule is that I pretty much don’t wear anything I can’t afford to lose. That goes for bags too.

  24. Lisa

    I wear a men’s Rolex Cellini. Nobody knows what it is but me. And the size feels really authoritative. I love it to death.

  25. Anon

    I like to wear a big Flava Flav clock ’round my neck so it’s easy to tell what time it is.

  26. Molly

    I also have the Cartier Tank Francaise, and I love it – it’s understated and classic, and for the most part it doesn’t stand out unless whoever is eyeing it happens to know about watches. Before that I owned a Movado, and was always happy with the look and feel.

    One note on watches for less than retail prices: pawn shops often carry luxury watches (vintage or more contemporary) for a fraction of the original retail price. Like Kat said, with any secondary retailer you want to be careful that you are getting the real thing, but once you find a pawn shop you trust (one with reputable jewelers and/or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) graduate employees) you’d be shocked at the good finds you can uncover.

  27. Kanye East

    This is probably too late for anyone to read, but please for the love of baby cheeses, ladies:

    (1) adult up and insure your Rolex/Cartier/Omega/Whatever for the full replacement value, and
    (2) if you go to the gym straight from work, remember that your wrist is actually a lot more secure than a locker. Those suckers are, apparently, really easy to open.

    Just sayin’

    This has been a Public Service Announcement.

    //drops microphone//

    • Lisa

      This is so true. Someone stole my – inherited – 1930s step-grandfather’s watch out of a New York gym locker in 1980. Boo. It was the coolest of the cool.

  29. Bulova Rocks

    I love the looks of Cartier. I really don’t think anyone needs a watch of that price for personal or professional reasons, but I totally get splurging for a Cartier as a lifetime watch if you love the style.

    One issue that I have had with watches is how they look with my wedding and engagement band. Like many professional ladies I have an eternity band with pave diamonds and I also have pave diamonds on my engagement ring (halo and band). Personally, I love Bulova and think they make timeless, affordable styles, plus you can get them less than half off on Ebay and Amazon.com. I think that less than $200 for an investment watch for a professional woman is a really great deal. In hopes of finding a watch that works with my rings I just purchased the Bulova 96R107, which has an elegant square mother of pearl face and diamonds. http://www.amazon.com/Bulova-Womens-96R107-Diamond-Accented/dp/B001QTW96W My great-grandmother wore a diamond Bulova and I think this more modern version still has some of the same timeless appeal. I am not a very bling-y person and I don’t wear much jewelry, but as I already have a similar look to the watch with my rings I think a diamond watch is a fine choice for work and daytime.

    If you like the looks of Bulova but want something higher end I recommend Raymond Weil. I have never owned one, but I think they are gorgeous and less main-stream than Rolex or Cartier.

  30. Anon

    This is kind of tacky, but what about selling watches? An ex gave me an absolutely hideous watch that cost nearly as much as a Cartier, and I’d love to exchange it or trade it in for something I actually like. Literally never worn it, and never will. There are all kinds of sketchy “cash for gold” websites but are there places in NYC who will actually give you something close to the original value for a nice brand-new watch? I couldn’t justify spending on myself like that but feel like since this was already a gift, it would be better to turn it into a watch I’ll actually wear than just selling it to pay a month’s rent or whatever.

  31. Bulova Rocks

    I am not sure if this would give you the best return, but I have sold Tiffany’s jewelry from an ex on Ebay before. It was used, though. I wasn’t going for the top price, just getting rid of it!

    • Anon

      I’m too scared of scams – can’t anyone just claim you sent them an empty box or something fake if you sell on eBay?

  32. Peg

    I wear a two-tone (steel and 18K) Rolex everyday. I’ve owned it for 14 years but didn’t start wearing it everyday until I started practicing. I love it. It is a nice expensive watch, which people periodically notice, but it’s also unassuming (no diamonds) and practical (sturdy, reliable, water proof, classic). I get it serviced every few years when it starts losing a little time.

  33. Hdm

    A good sized purchase at independent jewelry stores should provide you with the discount of 10% at least.

    I have my grandfathers gold tank watch, a Longienes. When I wanted a nice silver watch I went with the same brand. They both will be handed down some day. It is beautiful, I think of family every time I look at it, and as it was my first major jewelry purchase only own, it makes me smile every time I wear it.

  34. Santa Maria

    I have a Rolex – one of the flashy, blingy ones. It was a gift from my parents. I love it; in addition to being an excellent timepiece, the look of it suits my personality and style. I can often forgo any other jewelry.

  35. Rado Watch Prices USA

    It’s going to be end of mine day, but before ending I am reading this impressive paragraph to improve my experience.

  36. Linda Green

    Ebel 1911 two-tone, articulated sports band. Purchased new in1989 for around $2,100. Worn it almost every day, work or play (water proof), since then and it’s never missed a beat…..

  37. Johnny Ling

    I need a little help. I hope some of you have some advice for me. I need to buy a watch for my girlfriend and I don’t know watch brands at all, total newbie. I found this site http://www.squidoo.com/best-womens-watches-for-the-money and I’m considering the michael kors mk5145 model and that’s about my price limit. I’ve heard of michael kors but I don’t know how it stacks up against other brands. any help or suggestions would be great, thanks.

  39. Dr. M

    I LOVE watch collecting… it is one of my passions! (…..I know, it does sound a little weird).
    Anyway, one of my favourite things is to pick the right watch with the right outfits :)

    I have a variety of both metal & leather strapped watches; sports and dress watches. I.e. the right watch for each occasion is very important.

    My favs – Top 5 – I’ve collected from around the globe include:
    1) Cartier (leather strap) – both great in dressy occasions as well as work clinics/consults/seeing patients.
    2) IWC portofino (leather strap) – another great subtle watch for work and doubles as a dressy watch. Most people may not have heard of this type of watch – it takes the true enthusiasts to know this brand.
    3) Breitling Superocean Chronograph – good diving watch to 800ft; great for everyday wear (especially with its bright blue face being quite eye-catching) and helps add the extra IT factor to the outfit.
    4) Tag Heuer Aquaracer – a good diving watch all the way to 1000ft ; subtle; can be worn everyday, while playing tennis/golf/water sports; but also nice enough to wear into the office/consults/clinics. Very versatile.
    5) Tag Heuer Formula One – very similar to the other Tags in its versatility.

    I have a many others; but for now, these are my favourite 5 to wear on rotation.
    I have a few other chronograph watches; but they do look a little too ‘blingy’ to wear to work; perhaps just now and then when I go out with friends.

    Watches are a great talking point with strangers – most people may not understand the beauty and art within watches; but a true watch enthusiast will understand the intricacies involved, the type, the limited editions etc – makes for great talks :)

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