Uncovering the Favorite Timepieces of Top Female Watch Collectors

The world of luxury watches might sometimes feel like a boys’ club, complete with smoke-filled cigar lounges and clinking glasses at whiskey bars. But there is a place in haute horlogerie for women as well, and here at Avi & Co., we are dedicated to helping everyone who loves precision engineering and masterful artistry discover the timepieces of their dreams.

High-end timepieces are not only for men hoping to show off their prowess and power in the boardroom. They can be equally savvy statements for women who want to demonstrate their taste, class, and elite status. From oversized “boyfriend” watches to the up-and-coming miniature watch trend, there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for success when it comes to watches made for women. Instead, there is an extensive variety of exclusive timepieces to choose from. Our inventory includes everything from diamond-set jewelry watches to sleek and sophisticated sports timepieces. We have watches you can wear in the school pickup line, to black-tie charity galas, and everywhere in between.

The only question remaining is, which one will you take home with you? If you are seeking inspiration in the world of women’s watches, we have compiled an extensive guide to female watch collectors, highlighting their buying strategies and some of their favorite models. Whose style do you love? Whose collection do you want to emulate? And how will you make it yours?

Uncover the most-loved timepieces from top female watch collectors around the world, and start adding watches to your wishlist now.

As early as 2020, The New York Times began to report on a notable change: The numbers of who collected watches was on the rise, and not just a little bit. This renowned paper’s reporting also touched on some important features that may have contributed to the male-dominated nature of luxury watch collecting for some time.

Take a look at the collections of major watch brands, and you will see some striking commonalities. There are many collections (primarily targeted at men) inspired by motorsports, racing, deep-sea diving, airplane flight, and more. Product images feature men in suits, attending important board meetings or dining out with friends in mahogany paneled bars. Behind all of this masculine signaling, you may find one category out of place: a link simply titled Women’s.

But, as The New York Times astutely observes, women (and their watches of choice) are not a monolith. How can there be countless categories of men’s watches, from diving watches to pilot’s watches to WWII watches, and just one category for women? Click into the women’s watch category, and you will see that variation does exist. We just have to work a little bit harder to find it, diving deeper into complex catalogs to uncover the timepieces that we truly desire.

The good news? There is a growing roster of female watch collectors doing some such legwork for us. We have explored the collections of some top collectors of women’s watches around the world, identifying standout timepieces and strategies for finding the best watches around. Take a closer look with us as we unravel the closely held secrets of women’s watch collecting.

There are a number of online influencers who have made a mark on the women’s watch world, providing inspiration and direction for ladies who want to collect luxury timepieces. Some of these influencers include:

• Jessica “JJ” Owens: Owens runs the account @jessicajjos shares her collection of gorgeous watches, which range from vintage to modern. Her favorite brands include Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. She also runs a blog, Daily Grail (@dailygrail), where she highlights celebrity watch sightings and important moments in the world of haute horlogerie.

• Cara Barrett: Known for her eclectic aesthetics, Barrett shows off a wide range of colorful, fun, and elegant timepieces on @its.cara.time.

• Giorgia Mondani: It is always fun to learn from someone with true industry expertise, and Mondani fits the pill. She is an Italian luxury watch expert and a member of the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve) organization.

• Vivi Shanks: Also known by her handle, @vivi.watches, Shanks is based in New York and highlights Swiss luxury watches on her account. She has a notable partnership with IWC Schaffhausen and shows off her timepieces in elite locations across the United States, from the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix to a helicopter flying over Manhattan.

• Brynn Wallner: Known for her Dimepiece account (@dimepiece.co), Wallner is a major advocate for more female representation in the watch world. She created her account with the goal of offering more inspiration and resources for women interested in luxury horology and watch collecting.

These are just a few of the women who are spearheading the movement to include more women in the world of luxury watches. There are many others out there to discover. The best standard for success? Following accounts whose style aligns with your own, so that you can see what watches might match your individual persona.

So, which timepieces are these influencers and other notable women in the watch world gravitating toward? Here are some of the women’s watches that are captivating fashionable women from Manhattan to Miami and beyond. Both celebrity favorites and collectors’ picks are excellent places from which to draw inspiration for your own collection.

Women’s watches do not have to adhere to the “shrink it and pink it” mentality that so much of marketing to women ascribes to. Instead, this Patek Philippe Nautilus watch showcases unparalleled elegance and glamour in a sized-down version of the classic men’s Nautilus watch. This timepiece retains the signature cushion-shaped bezel that the Nautilus line is known for but adds sparkle and extravagance with countless round-cut diamonds coating the bezel, bracelet, and dial. There is nothing quite like this timepiece, which is a favorite among celebrities and the world’s ultra-wealthy. In fact, known watch aficionado Victoria Beckham has been spotted wearing the white gold version of this prestigious timepiece.

Searching for vintage watches can be an underrated hack for female watch collectors who want to embrace traditionally masculine styles minus the overwhelming size factor of modern watches. Back in the early days of luxury watchmaking, smaller profiles were infinitely more popular, and this vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the perfect example. With stunning yellow gold and a striking brushed finish, this 35 mm watch shows off the line’s iconic octagonal bezel and exposed screws. The ivory dial and minimalist index hour markers come together in perfect synchronicity for a look that is both memorable and old-school. This is a watch that has a story, and many female watch collectors gravitate toward vintage pieces for both their approachable sizing and their lasting character and charm. Stars like Nicole Kidman and Jenna Ortega have both shown off their affinity for vintage watches on the red carpet.

If you are thinking that a 40 mm watch is a nontraditional pick for a list of women’s watches, you are absolutely right. But that is kind of the idea. All you need to do is take a look at the sprawling watch collection of comedian and TV host Ellen DeGeneres, and you will see plenty of traditionally “masculine” watches worn with style and ease. DeGeneres’s Rolex GMT-Master II is the perfect example, and one that the famous funny woman wears often. This GMT-Master II showcases a beloved red-and-black color palette reminiscent of Coca Cola branding, hence the nickname “Coke.” You will love the versatility and androgynous appeal of this stunning Rolex GMT-Master II “Coke” watch. Perhaps you will even add the “Pepsi” or “Sprite” editions to your collection as well. Why not possess the entire line?

Here at Avi & Co., we offer a collection of luxury timepieces that appeals to collectors far and wide, both those looking for a trendy accessory and those looking for an heirloom timepiece. We strive to curate an elite inventory of the world’s most beloved watch brands, from Rolex to Richard Mille and from Audemars Piguet to Patek Philippe.

In addition, we have created three of our very own Avi & Co. watch lines and an exciting new collection of bespoke fine diamond jewelry to choose from. Visit us at any one of our three boutique locations to get a true taste of opulence fastened around your very own wrist.

Make an appointment today to discover the Avi & Co. difference for yourself. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our close-knit family.