Editor's Pick: Our Favorite Women's Watches

Did you know that the first wristwatches were actually made for women? While there is debate about the origins of the singular first wristwatch, one thing is for sure: It was made for a woman. Although large wristwatches have come to semaphore status and taste for men over the past couple of centuries, men largely wore pocket watches throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. As the three-piece suit fell out of style and waistcoats became less common, however, men did not have as much of a convenient place to store these accessories.

Women had already been dealing with the no pockets problem for nearly 100 years. While men’s suiting fashions left plenty of room for tucking away a pocket watch, women’s formalwear was typically not designed with pockets. Thus, if a woman wanted a portable clock, she would likely wear it on her wrist. The earliest women’s watches were designed by some horological heavy hitters (think Patek Philippe, Breguet, and Cartier), and they were highly decorative, resembling jewelry. Sometimes, the watch’s face would even be hidden under a flap.

A few centuries down the line, we have arrived in 2026, and women’s wristwatches are just as popular as they were in the days of Napoleon. While jeweled styles remain popular, there has also been a surge in more androgynous styles for women, including the “boyfriend watch” trend. If you prefer more petite looks, do not fret. The miniature watch movement is still going strong, for both men and women wearers.

Today, we are going to highlight some of our favorite women’s watches of 2026. We will showcase timepieces from heritage brands and world-renowned artisans that exemplify the very best of watchmaking. From delicate feminine styles to more robust, substantial pieces, we have a wide range of women’s watches in stock here at Avi & Co. So, which one will you choose?

Trends in women’s watches come and go, but there are some particularly interesting focal points on the horizon right now when it comes to feminine wristwear. Here at Avi & Co., we like to focus on trends that go above and beyond fleeting styles. Instead, we will call your attention to a few key movements that we expect to influence watch culture for years to come, making any piece you purchase a timeless investment that you can pass down for generations.

Two-Tone Finishes
The two-tone trend is carrying over from 2025, and we suspect it will be sticking around long after this year winds to a close. Two-tone watches are perfect for ladies’ wristwear, as they can go with any jewelry you prefer. For this reason, they also make perfect gifts if you are shopping for someone who alternates between silver and gold (or if you do not know her metal of choice). Stainless steel and rose gold is an especially popular combination this year.

Vintage-Inspired Finds
Timepieces that have a certain vintage je ne sais quoi are all the rage right now. Intricate details, smaller faces, and unusual shapes can make a watch feel like an heirloom even if you just bought it a few weeks ago. Plus, these watches tend to evoke sophistication and charm that knocks more contemporary trends out of the water.

Pops of Color
A little bit of color and vibrancy on your wrist never did any harm. You can show off a splash of personality when you pick a timepiece that is infused with bright, bold hues. Whether you opt for a colorful dial or a watch that is completely decked out in saturation, you are sure to end up with a memorable timepiece that is the envy of all of your friends.

Gender-Neutral Looks
Although this article is focused on women’s watches, we encourage you not to feel boxed in by stereotypical gendered labels. In 2026, any person can wear any watch, and experimenting with larger-than-life looks or so-called men’s watches can be an excellent way to discover pieces you might not have otherwise stumbled upon.

Without further ado, here are the top five women’s watches that you simply must take for a spin in 2026. Explore our entire collection online, or shop with us in store in New York City, Aspen, or Miami. We cannot wait to welcome you into the Avi & Co. family!

The French brand Cartier has long been a favorite of European aristocracy, and it is even loved by the posh English royal family. This petite yet chic Cartier Baignoire watch checks many boxes when it comes to contemporary trends in women’s accessories. Its small size, with a diameter of just 19 mm, makes it perfect for the current fascination with miniature watches. Additionally, its unusual oval-shaped case (baignoire translates to “bathtub,” a name inspired by this shape) gives it a unique vintage feel that you cannot find anywhere else. Of course, the Roman numeral dial and blue sword-shaped hands are Cartier through and through. This designer timepiece is the perfect addition to any sophisticated urbanite’s watch collection, and she is sure to become a staple of your wardrobe, from black-tie events to brunch with friends.

We would be remiss to write an article about women’s watches in 2026 and not touch on everyone’s favorite timepiece right now. This rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini is the perfect balance of eye-catching yet understated. Its 23 mm case is ideal for a small wrist, and its unique “frosted” finish is achieved through proprietary tooling methods. Still, it retains the key features that distinguish the Royal Oak line: an integrated bracelet, an octagonal bezel, and exposed lugs. These rugged, even masculine features combined with the rosy pink gold and petite silhouette of this watch make it a surprising accessory that demands to be noticed. The mini Royal Oak watches have been celebrity favorites ever since Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles showed off her white gold Royal Oak Mini at the 2025 Met Gala.

The 32 mm size of this Patek Philippe Nautilus makes it one of the larger women’s watches on this list, but it is certainly not going to wear too large on your wrist. If you are searching for a luxury watch with a pop of color, this might just be the one for you. We love the luscious combination of warm and inviting 18K rose gold and rich, eggplant purple. The diamond-set bezel adds some extra flair, and the date window at the 3 o’clock position confirms that this watch is not just for show. With precision timekeeping and aesthetic appeal, this exquisite and unusual Nautilus watch is definitely one for the books.

The Rolex Datejust 28 is typically considered the “Lady Datejust” model, but we love the proportions of this 34 mm Datejust Pearlmaster. The smooth, polished bezel and unique Pearlmaster bracelet help it stand out from the overall Rolex lineup. The rosy pink Roman numeral dial is complete with a date window at the 3 o’clock position, and the applied hour markers give it a certain vintage touch. The pink hue adds the perfect amount of femininity and romance to the equation. With 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance and the impressive Caliber 2235, this truly special watch is sure to elevate your everyday style.

Since its debut in 2023, our Iced Collection lineup has been a favorite of celebrities across the globe. These diamond-studded watches make a statement from every angle, catching the light as you go about your day. The 37 mm watch is ideal for women wearers, as it is more petite than the 40 mm and 44 mm versions that we also have available. You can choose from 18K white gold or 18K rose gold to personalize your Iced Collection watch and make it truly yours.

Here at Avi & Co., our mission is helping you build a watch collection that can take you through every season of life. We are a trusted provider of prestigious luxury watch brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille. Plus, we have launched three of our very own Avi & Co. watch lines that take horological sparkle to the next level. And do not forget our recent addition, Diamonds by Avi & Co., which showcases fine diamond jewelry that is crafted to impress.

Make an appointment to shop in store with us today at any of our three locations. See you soon!