I've Asked Around—Every Stylish Woman Has One of These Watches in Their Collection

If you’re after the best chic watches, then you my friend have stumbled upon the right article.

There are accessories you throw on without thinking, and then there are those that finish a look entirely—shoes that change your stance, earrings that catch the light in exactly the right way, and watches that somehow make even the simplest outfit feel thought-through. For me, it’s the latter that always grabs my attention. There’s something incredibly intentional about someone who wears a watch. Not just for the sake of telling time (who really needs that anymore with a phone always at hand?), but for the quiet confidence it adds to a wrist. And while I’ve been lucky enough to build a career around spotting good accessories, watches—specifically, the best chic watches—have always held a special place in my style vocabulary.

My mum, a lifelong luxury jewellery and watch fanatic, introduced me to the world of timepieces early. Some kids grew up in toy shops—I grew up in jewellers. I vividly remember her slipping on a classic Cartier before heading out for dinner, and the way the metal links would subtly shift against her wrist as she picked up her glass or zipped up a coat. It was never showy, but it always made an impact. That fascination stayed with me, and as an editor who now spends most of my days combing through runway shows, showroom appointments and street-style galleries, watches are still the accessory I zero in on first.

Historically, women’s watches were treated more like decorative jewellery—tiny, almost impractical, dainty things that sat on the wrist more like a charm than a tool. But that perception has shifted dramatically. Over time, watches became statements of autonomy and style—a symbol of taste, sophistication, and sometimes, subtle power. Each generation has worn them differently. Millennials tend to gravitate towards classic, investment-worthy designs (the Cartier Tank, the Daniel Wellington moment—we all had one). Gen Z, on the other hand, are taking a far more eclectic approach. Their current obsession with ‘cosplaying wealth’—a trend that romanticises old money aesthetics—has seen them adopt watches traditionally worn by older generations and flip the narrative. Think: a sleek gold bracelet watch worn with a vintage rugby shirt and DIY beaded jewellery. It’s ironic, it’s fun, and it’s made the best chic watches feel relevant again.