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Designer Bags Are Out, Statement Watches Are In—Here’s What Everyone’s Buying

Designer Bags Are Out, Statement Watches Are In—Here’s What Everyone’s Buying
  • PublishedAugust 4, 2025

For centuries, watches have been viewed as status symbols primarily within a male-dominated luxury world. However, in recent years, they have undergone a cultural transformation, welcoming anyone who wishes to express themselves through timepieces. Championed by a new generation of women watch collectors and leading fashion tastemakers, watches are now considered a vital part of the luxury accessories portfolio for women too.

In today’s fashion landscape, women’s watches have evolved beyond mere tools for telling time. They are now personal investments and everyday essentials that complement carefully curated jewelry stacks. Whether on the wrists of celebrities like Bella Hadid, Zendaya, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, or Kaia Gerber, you’ll find women wearing timepieces from historic and once male-dominated brands such as Cartier, Omega, and Rolex.

Beyond the spotlight of A-listers, an “if-you-know-you-know” appeal surrounds wearing luxury watches with subtle branding. A watch is one of the few luxury items worn solely for oneself—a piece that effortlessly transitions from tucked discreetly under a sweater sleeve at work to commanding attention on the red carpet. This versatility in both style and symbolic meaning forms a large part of the enduring allure of statement watches.

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Taylor Swift’s choice of a stunning gold Panthère de Cartier watch during her groundbreaking announcement about buying her masters perfectly illustrates the emotional and cultural weight a luxury watch can carry. Admittedly, luxury watches generally carry higher price tags than other accessories, but they often serve as meaningful, sentimental investments as much as financial ones. 

Brynn Wallner, founder of the watch platform Dimepiece, eloquently explains: “The relationship one forms with a watch is more intimate than any other luxury item, like a designer handbag or shoes. When worn regularly, a watch becomes a part of you—something you wear for life and then pass down to future generations.”

A new generation of style icons, often referred to as It-girls, are proving that watches are here to stay—and are truly wearable. Large, bold, statement-making watches define many looks today, exemplified by Taylor Swift’s current fashion era and Rihanna’s glamorous date-night ensembles, where luxury timepieces act as focal points. Meanwhile, Kaia Gerber favors more delicate and understated designs that reflect her minimalist style.

Kaia Gerber was recently seen wearing a dainty Omega watch at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of her film Shell, demonstrating how these pieces can reflect diverse aesthetics—from bold to subtle—while maintaining undeniable elegance.

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J.J. Owens, creator of the website Daily Grail Official, which focuses on watches, fashion, and celebrity culture, has observed a significant shift in women’s engagement with timepieces. Owens highlights that in recent years, the women’s watch market has grown not only in sales but also in passionate interest. “My girlfriends are more engaged than ever—not just from an aesthetic standpoint but with the same detailed, discerning approach they apply to any luxury or investment purchase,” they note.

Marie Claire shares the belief that watches are essential wardrobe investments. Recognizing that modern smartwatches often overwhelm users with functions like step-counting and message notifications, the publication recognizes a demand for classic watches that emphasize style over tech capabilities. Understanding not everyone can splurge on six-figure pieces, plenty of options exist under $200 that mirror the look and feel of luxury.

The curated guide includes the finest luxury timepieces as well as accessible, fashion-forward watches in materials ranging from sleek silicone and stainless steel to timeless solid gold. The list is thoughtfully divided into two categories—large statement watches and smaller, subtle styles—to suit various tastes and seasonal trends.

Why Statement Watches Are Now the Must-Have Accessory in 2025

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The dominance of designer bags is giving way to statement watches for several reasons:

  • Longevity & Sentiment: Unlike fast-fashion accessories or handbags that often cycle through trends, luxury watches represent enduring value. They can be worn daily for decades, with many pieces gaining sentimental significance and becoming heirlooms.
  • Versatility: A well-chosen watch can adapt to countless occasions, from professional settings to casual weekends to formal events. This duality is less common with handbags, which can be more style- or occasion-specific.
  • Investment Value: Many luxury watches retain or increase their financial value over time, providing both aesthetic and monetary worth for buyers. This makes them preferred by savvy fashion-forward women considering long-term returns on their purchases.
  • Cultural Shift: The resurgence of watch collecting and appreciation among women reflects a broader movement towards craftsmanship, heritage, and personal expression. As the industry becomes more inclusive, women and diverse collectors are setting new trends about what luxury means.

The Most Popular Watch Brands Women Are Investing in 2025

A blend of heritage brands and contemporary labels dominate the 2025 women’s watch market:

  • Cartier: Known for iconic collections like the Panthère and Tank, Cartier remains a favorite worn by leading figures, admired for timeless elegance.
  • Omega: Praised for its technical excellence and celebrity following, Omega offers pieces that combine sportiness with luxury.
  • Rolex: The classic Datejust remains highly sought after for its enduring style and value retention.
  • Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre: These ultra-luxury names represent peak investment pieces prized by serious collectors.
  • Michele, Shinola: These brands attract fashion-forward consumers seeking statement watches with both style and provenance, at more accessible price points.
  • Timex, Swatch: Affordable yet trendy options provide entry points for women eager to join the watch-wearing movement without heavy financial commitment.

Fashion-Forward Women Are Ditching Handbags for Luxury Watches

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Increasing numbers of fashionable women are consciously shifting their investment from designer bags to wristwatches. This subtle but meaningful pivot is driven by the desire for accessories that blend style, craftsmanship, and functionality seamlessly. The watch has become a personal signature piece, reflecting individual identity more intimately than a handbag.

J.J. Owens remarks that women today approach watch purchases with the same seriousness as any high-value investment, taking time to research, consider heritage, design, and potential appreciation. This trend signals a more mature consumer base recognizing watches as culturally and financially sound acquisitions.

Best Investment Watches for Women in 2025

Luxury watches can serve as both a style statement and a smart investment. For those looking to add to their collection or make a first major purchase, notable options in 2025 include:

  • Cartier Panthère: With its elegant gold-tone and iconic design, this remains a must-have for collectors.
  • Rolex Datejust: Timeless and versatile, the Datejust is known for its stability in value and classic look.
  • Omega De Ville and Aqua Terra: Offering technical sophistication with luxurious aesthetics.
  • Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus: Highly coveted for their rarity and craftsmanship.
  • Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso: Celebrated for its unique reversible case and Art Deco heritage.

Affordable Alternatives: Fashion Watches Under $200

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For style enthusiasts seeking statement watches without the luxury price, brands like Timex, Fossil, and Swatch provide versatile, stylish watches with quality craftsmanship that suit various tastes and budgets. These accessible options prove that embracing the statement watch trend is possible for all.

Statement watches are thus not only redefining fashion accessory standards for women in 2025 but are also becoming a symbol of empowerment, sophistication, and lasting value. Whether investing in a luxury heirloom or beginning with an affordable piece, women everywhere are making the watch the centerpiece of their accessory game.

Written By
The Women's Post

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