Gender Bending Watch Styles: Men’s Diamond Watches

In the past, many watches have been branded as specifically for men or specifically for women – but these days, those labels have little to no impact on who is actually wearing which watches. For men, diamond-studded watches that may have traditionally been reserved for women are skyrocketing in popularity. For women, oversize watches aligned with the “boyfriend” watch trend are being spotted on celebrity and influencer wrists across the world.

Today, we will touch on the history of men’s watches vs. women's watches and follow the trends into the present day. Of course, we will also recommend some of the best styles to keep up with current moves toward androgynous wrist wear that transcends the boundaries of gender.

One of the first – and most famous – womens watches premiered in 1868. This watch was created by heritage watchmaker Patek Philippe, a Swiss brand that noticed the demand for wearable, jewelry-esque wrist watches for women. This came in contrast to the pocket watches that were popular for men in the Victorian era.

In the mid 19th century, Patek Philippe produced an ornate wrist watch for the Hungarian Countess of Koscowicz. England’s Queen Victoria also owned two Patek Philippe watches. Take a look at the photo of the Countess of Koscowicz’s watch, and you will see that even in its earliest stages, women’s wrist wear tended toward bejeweled and decorative.

In the early 1900s, women’s wrist watches were beginning to go mass market – but luxury watches by premier watchmakers like Patek Philippe would remain exclusive symbols of wealth and class for years to come. Even as modern-day ladies watches like the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection have garnered a broad audience, extravagant details like diamond bezels and ornate faces still reign supreme.

Nowadays, you might have noticed that diamond faces and gemstones are becoming more and more popular with men who have a taste for luxurious watches. For instance, consider some of the elite watches spotted on men at the 2024 Met Gala and beyond.

American musician and rapper Usher, for instance, was spotted at the Met Gala in a $5 Million Jacob & Co. Billionaire III “Rubies” watch, which features nearly 150 carats of precious stones. And he was not the only one. Recognizable faces like Sebastian Stan, Lil Nas X, and others also walked the red carpet in dazzling pieces that are certainly a departure from the old school understated class of men’s watches.

There are countless other celebrities and athletes who have a taste for fine watches and like to up the ante by adding on striking gemstones like the stones on Usher’s ruby-studded watch or icy clear diamonds. For instance, take DJ Khaled, famed for his watch collection almost as much as his legendary music.

Luckily, these diamond-studded watches are not only reserved for celebrities. Any savvy watch collector can get their hands on a trending Rolex watch with a diamond bezel – that is, if they know where to look. Choosing a reputable watch distributor like Avi & Co. is the key to ensuring that you receive 100% functional, authentic pieces each and every time.

For instance, consider this striking Rolex Day-Date 40, which boasts an 18K yellow gold case and bracelet and a black onyx dial with a diamond pave bezel. The 40mm bracelet makes for the perfect piece that is wearable by any gender. This watch will look just as stylish on men as it will on women who are embracing the oversize watch trend.

What are some of the best available watches for men who want to embrace the trend of adding some flair to their wrists? Let’s explore some of the most exciting pieces available from renowned watchmakers like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe.

Patek Philippe watches are renowned worldwide for their heritage construction and place among the upper echelons of the horological sphere. The Patek Philippe Nautilus watch collection, which launched in 1976, is renowned for its versatility and wearability as both a sport watch and a dress watch.

While its original profile was more of a sleek and understated look – although it was still one of the most expensive watches in the world at the time – these days, the Patek Philippe Nautilus watch is available in numerous different styles and finishes, with details to suit each individual wearer perfectly. For instance, consider this gender bending Patek Philippe:

This rose gold watch combines masculine heft with the delicate addition of over 30 baguette diamonds on the bezel as well as diamond indices on the face. It is a rare find in the watch market as a watch with a larger profile – the 42mm case size makes this perfect for bridging the gap between menswear and diamond-studded sparkle. Check it out here.

Like Patek Philippe watches, Audemars Piguet watches are renowned throughout the watchmaking industry for their world-class construction and their timeless nature. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the brand’s lasting collections. Like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Royal Oak was premiered in the 1970s and was one of the first popular stainless steel watches.

In keeping with current trends, Audemars Piguet has released Royal Oak watches that align with the market’s desire for diamond-encrusted pieces that are certain to catch the light. For example, take the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26625BC with a perpetual calendar, skeleton dial, and diamond detailing in 18K white gold:

With a 41mm case, this watch certainly falls into the category of what might be traditionally branded as a “masculine” watch – however, the addition of diamond detailing and the complexity of the dial truly transcends gendered boundaries and exudes luxury at every turn. With exquisite artistry and precision craftsmanship, this Swiss-made timepiece is embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds on its case and baguette-cut diamonds on its bezel.

The striking skeleton dial is reminiscent of Richard Mille watches and their commitment to transparency and flawless, intricate design. The picture of modern elegance, this Audemars Piguet watch is the perfect example of a gender-bending piece that will never go out of style.

As any luxury watch collector knows, Rolex watches are a staple of the horological scene. While Rolex might be best known for its understated dress watches, true Rolex aficionados will attest that the brand is so much more than the traditional Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

Take the Rolex Daytona watch, for instance, which offers a range of styles and details that will appeal to just about anyone. These watches offer simpler designs as well as more standout looks, such as the Rolex Daytona 116595RBOW:

This rose gold watch boasts a 40mm case size and uses a dazzling array of rainbow gems to achieve a truly captivating design that you will not be able to tear your eyes away from. This pre-owned Rolex Daytona watch comes with the original factory box and papers and is in incredible condition for anyone who is lucky to snag this piece before it disappears from our inventory and goes home with one savvy watch investor.

With a water resistance of up to 330 feet, a diamond baguette dial, brilliant cut diamonds along the sides of the case, and a beautiful jubilee bracelet with a fold-over clasp, this Rolex epitomizes the flexibility of gender when it comes to today’s watch designs. The heft of this watch combined with colorful, eye-catching detail is truly a gender-bending combination – but trust us, you can pull it off.

While trends in wrist wear may fluctuate, any smart watch collector knows that heritage pieces from brands like Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe will never go out of style. These diamond, dazzling pieces are here to stay – and as the meaning of “menswear” changes over time, there is never a bad moment to make a statement with a luxury watch that will certainly turn heads.

When you are ready to expand your style into today’s modern world, join us at one of our three showrooms in New York, Miami, or Aspen. Our talented curators and horological experts will assist you in finding the perfect watch for your tastes and your wrist. So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment to visit us today.