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The 25 Best Minimalist Watches for Women, Starting at Just $28

Tick-Tock: It's time you wore a watch

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We've come a long way from the sundial. In fact, it's not so much about telling the time anymore as it is simply reading the time on our digital clocks. And though you probably just glance at your iPhone to see how many minutes late you're running (because you just had to get that cold brew on the way), that definitely doesn't mean old-school wrist watches serve zero purpose.

A minimalist watch you love is the cherry on top of any outfit. It can take your look from sporty to sporty spice and from professional to total boss. Plus, the fact that you can literally have it on hand—well, wrist—at all times (perhaps even more so than your phone), makes an old school watch as convenient as it is cool. Whether you gravitate towards luxe gold styles (the Breda Jane watch, $195, is a crowd favorite) or sleek silvers (like this Timex mesh band watch, $99), you're guaranteed to find a timepiece worthy of your wardrobe—and befitting of your budget—in this list.

The Best Minimalist Watches at a Glance

1

Best Minimalist Gold Watch

Skagen Signatur Watch

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2

Best Minimalist Silver Watch

Anne Klein Octagonal Bracelet Watch

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3

Best Minimalist Leather Watch

Fossil Jacqueline Leather Band Watch

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4

Best Minimalist Automatic Watch

Fossil Carlie Mini Women's Watch

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5

Best Minimalist Bangle Watch

Tory Burch Reva Watch

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Meet the Expert

Ashlyn Greer is a professional stylist who studied luxury fashion management and marketing at the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta, and spent ten years working for Belk, Inc. She is now co-founder and owner of Fashivly, a virtual personal styling service. We spoke to Greer to discover her tips for choosing a staple timepiece.

What to Look for in a Minimalist Watch

  • Face: To keep with the sought-after minimalist aesthetic, it's best to opt for designs with only one or two elements. "For the watch face, look for time only or time and date to keep [it] a minimalist look. Any other details will start to look overly complicated for this style," shares Greer.
  • Analog vs. Digital: It's best to stay away from digital in this instance. "When it comes to minimalist style, always go for analog as it's the most classic look for a watch! If you have to have a smart watch for your lifestyle tracking and connectivity, go with the smallest Apple watch with a stainless-steel strap for the most minimal option."
  • Strap: "There are lots of options for straps for a minimalist watch," Greer says. "For a more dressed-up version, a classic stainless steel will always look great if you're wearing jeans or a suit or dress. For a more active lifestyle, a NATO strap is great and comes in lots of neutral colors. Lastly, a classic leather strap in black or brown will also work with a wide range of looks from casual everyday to the most formal." 
  • Water-Resistance: Nobody loves water damage. "Most watches have some level of shallow water resistance these days, like for a shower or a dip in the pool. However, dress watches have the least amount of water resistance so if you find yourself at the pool or beach a lot, opt for another style," explains Greer.  
  • Consider Your Inventory: "Think about what you're going to be wearing your watch with the most! If most of your jewelry is gold, a watch strap that has gold and silver or a plain leather strap might work better than a stainless steel one. If you find yourself in mostly casual clothing and do a lot of outdoor activities, a field watch with a canvas strap is going to be your best bet."

What Size Watch Looks Good on a Small Wrist?

It's definitely important to know what size case (aka watch face) is suitable for your wrist, especially if you want an understated look. "For a smaller wrist, a 36mm [case] is the perfect size! If you prefer a larger watch, you can push it up to a 38mm size but any larger than that will be too much if you're going for a minimal style," says Greer.

How We Chose the Best Minimalist Watches for Women

We took the advice of our expert and paired it with a selection of diverse styles with promising reviews. We looked for pieces with materials that last (stainless steel is a great one), and also with properties such as water-resistance and adjustability when possible. We also considered pricing, looking for high-quality watches that won't break the bank.

The 11 Best Running Watches for Every Type of Runner, According to Someone Who Tested Them All


Best Minimalist Gold Watch

1. Skagen Signatur Watch

Skagen

  • Pro: stainless-steel mesh strap
  • Con: might be difficult to change battery
  • Case Size: 30mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

Reviewers love the stainless-steel mesh strap on this clean-cut watch, the fold-over clasp closure for easy on/off and the refined gold hue. Its movement is powered by durable and precise Japanese quartz, while its design takes cues from the architecture of Denmark, including a numeral-free watch face that embraces modern minimalism.

Best Minimalist Silver Watch

Anne Klein

  • Pro: mineral crystal lens, mother-of-pearl dial
  • Con: can only withstand splashes of water
  • Case Size: 22mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

If you're a silver queen or love to mix your metals, this Anne Klein number is the perfect addition to your accessory collection. The shiny metallic band has the chain link look of a bracelet, while the pearly face and octagon-shaped case make it elegant and eye-catching. It has Japanese quartz movement and a minimalist, number-free dial.

Best Minimalist Leather Watch

3. Fossil Jacqueline Leather Band Watch

Fossil

  • Pro: genuine brown leather band, complimentary engraving at a local Fossil store
  • Con: can only withstand splashes of water
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

We think you'll love the comfortable, genuine leather strap on this number that has a buckle closure and pairs beautifully with its silver sunray dial. It has three hands for accurate timekeeping and a crystal lens that should be resistant to scratches. By the way, you can customize this beauty with complimentary engraving at a local your Fossil store.

Best Minimalist Automatic Watch

4. Fossil Carlie Mini Women's Watch

Fossil

  • Pro: self-winding, so no need for a battery
  • Con: may be difficult to adjust strap
  • Case Size: 28mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 165 feet

This sleek automatic watch boasts a stainless-steel mesh band and mother-of-pearl skeleton dial that provides a fascinating peek into its inner mechanics. Since it's automatic (i.e., self-wound), you won't have to worry about ever replacing the battery. Better yet, it's water-resistant up to 165 feet and should be suitable for showers and casual swimming.

Best Minimalist Bangle Watch

5. Tory Burch Reva Watch

Tory Burch

  • Pro: includes five colorful top rings,  adjustable length up to 162mm
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 29mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

A modern take on the vintage Gucci watch going viral on TikTok, this cabled gold-tone bangle watch comes with different colored top rings you can swap out depending on your mood or outfit. You can also wear it without a colorful ring if you want a classic monochrome gold look. The watch face is crafted from ivory with an enamel finish, and features the iconic Double T Tory Burch logo at the center.

Best Minimalist Rose Gold Watch

6. Kate Spade Metro Leather Band Watch

Kate Spade

Think pink with this swoon-worthy timepiece. The rosy nude leather band pairs perfectly with the rose gold and mother-of-pearl dial, making it glamorous but not flashy. Spruce up any outfit (casual or fancy) with this pretty number, which has a gold-plated stainless-steel case with scratch-resistant crystal glass ideal for everyday use.

  • Pro: genuine leather band, scratch-resistant glass face
  • Con: can only withstand splashes of water
  • Case Size: 34mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

Best Minimalist Square Watch

7. Breda Esther Bracelet Watch

Breda

  • Pro: mineral crystal face, can remove links from band
  • Con: may be smaller than expected
  • Case Size: 26mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: yes

With its refined look, this gold-plated stainless-steel timepiece will not only up the ante on any outfit thanks to its stylish square case, but it also features a mineral crystal face for ultimate durability. As a bonus, it's extra-adjustable; if you need a snugger fit, you can remove any of the band links at your local Nordstrom store.

Best Minimalist Sports Watch

8. Apple Watch SE

Apple

  • Pro: digital display, tons of capabilities
  • Con: on the larger side
  • Case Size: 40mm
  • Type: Digital
  • Water-Resistance: up to 164 feet

When it comes to minimalist sport watches, Apple is your best bet. Although the digital display screen is on the larger side, this high-tech timepiece has an altogether sleek and modern silhouette thanks to its monochrome coloring and smooth rubber band. Plus, it's swimproof and comes equipped with a ton of useful capabilities for the health and fitness queen, including activity tracker, heart rate monitor, sleep monitor and GPS.

Best Stackable Minimalist Watch

9. Tory Burch Mini Eleanor Watch

Tory Burch

  • Pro: two jewelry pieces in one
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 19 x 28mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

If you love stacking up your bracelets, this glamorous two-in-one will surely be a welcome addition to your wrist. Not only is the gilded stainless-steel watch unique in its square shape, it also comes with a matching chain-link bracelet that can be worn attached to the timepiece, forming a double band, or separately. Needless to say, this luxe style looks fab worn alongside other gold jewelry as it was literally made to be layered.

Best Vintage-Inspired Minimalist Watch

10. Mvmt Signature Square Watch

MVMT

  • Pro: made of hardened mineral crystal for durability, geometric concave dial
  • Con: cannot be taken swimming or bathing
  • Case Size: 24mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 164 feet

Inspired by '60s- and '90s-era square watches, with an added California flare, this gold-plated steel beauty is a timeless addition to your outfits. You'll notice that it has two dainty hands and no numbers on the dial, making it the ultimate in minimalism. The glass face is also made of hardened mineral crystal for enhanced durability.

Best Minimalist Roman Numeral Watch

11. Fossil Raquel Bracelet Watch

Fossil

  • Pro: pretty mother-of-pearl dial, features date window
  • Con: deployant clasp closure may be tricky
  • Case Size: 26mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 164 feet

Constructed with ionic-plated stainless-steel, this golden-hued number is dainty-yet-durable. The mother-of-pearl dial is dotted with sparkling cubic zirconia and features elongated Roman numeral markers for a bit of extra oomph. It also has a small date window to keep you organized.

Best Minimalist Two-Tone Watch

12. Kate Spade Holland Watch

Kate Spade

  • Pro: stainless steel bracelet, scratch-resistant mineral crystal
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 34mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

Mixing metals is an art, and Kate Spade has perfected it with the Holland watch. Made with silver- and gold-toned stainless steel, it will blend well with any jewelry collection. It's powered with quartz movement and the round dial is encased in scratch-resistant mineral crystal, so it can become a daily wardrobe staple.

Best Budget Minimalist Watch

13. Timex Easy Reader Watch

Timex

  • Pro: easy-to-read dial, natural leather strap
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 25mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

While this watch boasts a handsome polished brass case, genuine natural leather strap *and* crystal mineral face, it is surprisingly as budget-friendly as they come. We love the bolded numbers on the dial, which make it easy to read at a glance, along with the subtle date window.

Best Minimalist Wooden Watch

14. Hutaomu Wooden Watch

Hutaomu

  • Pro: olive wood-combined steel, comes with link removal tool
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 40mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

This earthy timepiece is made from olive wood combined with steel to give it a strong-but-smooth finish. It's also adjustable—each watch comes packed with a link removal tool that you learn how to use on the amazon product page. Meanwhile, the bold Roman numerals on the dial make it especially elegant.

Best Minimalist Thin Watch

15. Seiko Essential Watch

Seiko

  • Pro: slim design
  • Con: may be too tight on some wrists
  • Case Size: 15mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

If you're not into chunky jewelry, this petite pick is for you. It has an ultra-slim stainless-steel band and elongated rectangular face that will look especially fancy for special occasions. As far as its timekeeping, quartz keeps it ticking while a sunray dial keeps it chic.

Best Minimalist Monochrome Watch

16. Mvmt Dot Rose Gold Watch

Mvmt

  • Pro: sliding buckle closure
  • Con: not suitable for any water exposure
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: not water resistant

If you need all things to be cohesive in your life, this monochrome watch is the perfect choice. It has a deep rose gold-toned mesh band that matches the case and face of the watch. We also love that the numerals have been replaced with minimalist dots on the three-hand dial.

Best Minimalist Octagonal Watch

17. Rosefield Gemme Watch

Rosefield

  • Pro: 23K gold-plated stainless steel silver
  • Con: not adjustable
  • Case Size: 21.5 x 27.5mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

Cut to resemble a brilliant gemstone, with sparkling beveled glass on its face, this uniquely shaped timepiece is truly a treasure. It's crafted from 23K gold-plated stainless steel and brass and boasts a super sleek dial. Better yet, it's made specifically for smaller wrists.

Best Minimalist Gold-Plated Watch

18. Breda Jane Watch

Breda

  • Pro: 18k gold-plated stainless-steel case, mother-of-pearl dial
  • Con:  variances in texture on each dial
  • Case Size: 23mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

This oval-faced timepiece has gone viral on TikTok for a reason—it's effortlessly beautiful, lightweight and functional with its delicate 23mm oval case and midnight black mother-of-pearl dial. Not to mention, it's Japanese made with Miyota quartz movement.

Best Minimalist Light-Up Watch

19. Timex Fairfield Watch

Timex

  • Pro: adjustable, Indiglo light-up watch dial
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 37mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

We think you'll love the fluid stainless-steel mesh band on this Timex piece, but more so the fact that it will never leave you in the dark. The sleek dial, which features helpful markers for minutes, also comes equipped with Indiglo illumination, so you can light it up to read clearly in dim environments.

Best Minimalist White Watch

20. Mvmt Coronada Watch

MVMT

  • Pro: durable ceramic band and case
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

Whether you're going for a chic all-white-everything look or just want a pop of monochromatic cool on your arm, this stylish ivory timepiece has got you covered. Although it has a chunkier silhouette, it maintains a clean aesthetic thanks to its all-white band and case (crafted from hard ceramic), and dainty gold detailing on the dial.

Best Minimalist Embossed Leather Watch

21. Breda Virgil Watch

Breda

  • Pro: embossed leather band, adjustable buckle-closure
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 26mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

In addition to being easily adjustable with its simple buckle closure, the band on this watch is made with beautifully embossed leather, giving it a super luxurious, reptile-skin look that appears more expensive than it actually is. The square case, meanwhile, is crafted from matte stainless steel, complementing the champagne-colored dial within.

Best Minimalist Black Watch

22. Coach Cass Leather Watch

Coach

  • Pro: adjustable leather band, mineral crystal face
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 22m
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 164 feet

If you need a break from the overtly silver or gold watches, this number has a nice and subtle gold rim on it's square-shaped face with a minimalist black dial that's encased in durable mineral crystal glass. As one would expect from Coach, the band is fashioned from soft and smooth leather, and it's easily adjustable with plenty of buckle length options.

Best Minimalist Grey Dial Watch

23. Lanzoom Grey Watch

Lanzoom

  • Pro: contrasting colors, mineral glass dial
  • Con: not suitable for swimming
  • Case Size: 28mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

A grey dial is rare, and we're loving its contrast with the gold-tone stainless steel case and band of this watch. The color reflects light beautifully, while the dial window is made of durable mineral glass for long-lasting scratch protection.

Best Blank Dial Minimalist Watch

24. Bering Classic Watch

Bering

  • Pro: silver IP-plated stainless steel, flat sapphire crystal
  • Con: no time markers
  • Case Size: 34mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 100 feet

If you like a challenge or just want a really minimalist look, this watch is for you. Inspired by danish design, the white dial on this timepiece has no lines, circles or numbers at all—just two black hands ticking away with a quartz movement to keep them precise. While it may be more useful for providing *vibes* rather than the time, it's surely worth it for its scratch-resistant flat sapphire crystal and silver IP-plated stainless steel.

Best Modern Minimalist Watch

25. Calvin Klein Bracelet Watch

Calvin Klein

  • Pro: stylish, unique design
  • Con: no time markers
  • Case Size: 30mm
  • Type: Analog
  • Water-Resistance: up to 328 feet

It doesn't get much more minimalist than this Calvin Klein pick. With its sculptural silhouette, asymmetric case and truly sleek silver detailing, this bangle-style watch embodies refined, modern design. Although there are no time markers on the dial, the quartz movement should keep the silver hands accurate. In addition to being crafted from quality stainless steel with a mineral crystal glass cover on its case, this piece is also the most water-resistant watch on this list—you can even keep it on to go swimming!

The One Rule of Wearing a Watch Like a Grownup


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Freelance Writer

Avid coffee drinker, writer and dabbler in UX, Dagmara Cintron is an NYC native living in Los Angeles. She covers fashion, local LA stories, home decor and more for PureWow. She obtained her Fashion Marketing degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been a freelance copywriter in the fashion industry for more than two years as well as a freelance editorial writer. Her current obsessions outside of writing are Brazilian jiu-jitsu and good thrift finds.