Few accessories offer as strong a proposition of elegance matched with utility as the watch. When done right, a woman’s watch tells more than the time — it tells a story of style, grace and strong personality. But what makes a good women’s watch design? A strong design, smart proportions and that unquantifiable X factor all play their part. But, as these six watches prove, there’s no single look for a ladies watch — they run the gamut from sporty-but-stylish to pretty-and-practical.

Gucci Grip

Given that Gucci is one of the biggest, most forward-thinking names in fashion, it should come as no surprise that their latest collection – the Gucci Grip, is equally fashionable and design-forward.

While most watch designs take for inspiration some esteemed Swiss history or the like, Gucci looked to 1970s Los Angeles, and the city’s thriving skate culture.

As you might expect from a watch that takes its name from the grip tape on skateboards, it looks quite distinctive — the monogrammed, cushion-shaped gold-tone case and matching metal bracelet reminds us (in the chicest way possible) of early digital watches — a theme that’s also present on the dial. Rather than the typical assortment of hands, the Gucci Grip instead offers a closed face with three apertures, which display the time thanks to a clever arrangement of discs. The largest shows the hours, the second minutes, and the smallest the date. Cool. Unusual. Gucci. (Model YA157403 Recommend Retail Price $2565)

Image courtesy of Gucci

Available at the following Gregory Boutiques: Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Liverpool, Miranda, Parramatta, Penrith & Gucci Timepieces and Jewellery Miranda

TAG Heuer Carrera Quartz

TAG Heuer’s Carrera is one of the brands most famous lines, born out of the high-octane needs of motorsports; the name ‘Carrera’ is taken from the historic Carrera Panamericana race. The Carrera’s sporty roots are clearly on show here — with the lean lines of the 36mm polished steel case and powerful bracelet. But there’s refinement too – the centre links of the bracelet are highly polished to give a mirror finish, and the dial is gorgeous, soft mother-of-pearl, which shimmers in the light and is full of subtle colour and texture. (Model WBK1311.BA0652 Recommended Retail Price $2950)

This is a perfect everyday watch: reliable, classic and just a little bit poetic.

Image courtesy of Tag Heuer

Available at the following Gregory Boutiques: Bankstown, Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Brookvale, Burwood, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Chatswood, Hornsby, Liverpool, Miranda, Parramatta, Penrith.

Longines Primaluna

For Longines, elegance is an attitude, and this Primaluna has attitude (and elegance) to spare.

 

The stainless steel case on this automatic watch comes in at a discreet 25.5mm, but don’t be worried about it not standing out. Not only does the bold, fluid design of the bracelet give it instant wrist appeal, but the mother of-pearl-dial, blued-steel hands and diamond hour markers ensure this piece will impress at any hour. (Model L8.111.4.87.6 Recommended Retail Price $2,825)

Image courtesy of Longines

Available at the following Gregory Boutique: Chatswood.

Tissot Carson Premium Automatic Lady

There’s a lot to be said for the simpler things in life. That’s a philosophy Tissot has clearly embraced with their Carson. This is an example of timeless style in the truest sense. The gold-tone case measures 30mm across and is distinguished, thanks to its rounded shape and double bezel. The subtle silver dial and ‘leaf’ shapes hand only add to the aura of sophistication, as does the brown leather strap. The automatic movement is reliability itself, and visible through the clear caseback. (Model T1222073603100 Recommend Retail Price $1,125)

The Tissot Carson is one distinguished watch.

Image courtesy of Tissot

Available at the following Gregory Boutiques: Bankstown, Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Hornsby, Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith. 

Tudor 1926 39mm

The Tudor 1926 is (as you might suspect given the name) a watch inspired by the past.

And that’s clear as soon as you look at the dial. Rather than a simple plain dial, this Tudor 1926 comes with a richly detailed embossed pattern, resembling fabric or even honeycomb. On top of that contrast and a flash of glamour is provided by the gold-tone hands and hour markers — the alternation between applied numerals and arrowhead style markers is a particularly nice touch. There’s nothing old-fashioned about the 39mm steel case and matching bracelet though. It houses an automatic movement, and is water-resistant to up to 100m, meaning it can handle whatever modern life can through at it, no matter its vintage looks. (Model 91550-67050-m91550-0001 Recommend Retail Price $2,580)

Image courtesy of TUDOR

Available at the following Gregory Boutiques: Bondi Junction, Brookvale, Burwood, Chatswood, Chadstone, Miranda, Parramatta.

Raymond Weil Parsifal

The Raymond Weil Parsifal is a watch the rewards close inspection. At first glance, you might note the mother-of-pearl dial or the diamonds that grace the bezel and the hour markers (56 in total). Look again and take in the yellow gold circlet on the bezel, gold details on the crown and the bracelet.

And once these details are clear, you can take in the overall picture — a smart, sinuous and subtle take on a two-tone sports watch, one that looks lovely on the wrist. (Model 5180-SPS-00995 Recommend Retail Price $3,000)

Image courtesy of Raymond Weil

Available at the following Gregory Boutiques: Blacktown, Bondi Junction, Hornsby and Parramatta.